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Had a total of now 8 MINIs in my 11 years of driving. This is now my 5th 1st gen Cooper S (4 R53s and 1 R52 S).
Couldn't decide what to go for, then a Black Eyed Purple came up for sale, a colour I love so it was pretty much a done deal. The car has 128,000 miles on it and is in need of some TLC. The garage that sold it have just fitted a new radiator and a new clutch. The interior has seen better days and is showing its age, but I'm not bothered as most of it will be coming out anyway... 🤷♂️
So the plan is to get it in some fit state for track days. I'm going to have the engine rebuilt, with some upgraded parts that I can afford within my budget. I can already see my budget won't go too far once you factor in the engine, then brakes, coilovers, and all the other suspension bits, roll cage!
So the plan is focusing on the needs first, and then the wants later.
Updated now with what's been done so far.
Engine & Exhaust:
Drivetrain:
Suspension & Brakes
Exterior:
Aero Replica Front Bumper
Leap Omicron 2 Scoop
JC Wing
Halo Sidelights
Union Jack Rear Lights
Joey Modded Headlights
Cades Grill with Supercharged Badge
Dynamic Side Indicators and Supercharged Badged Scuttles
For now I'll use it as is as I can't afford the coilovers I want yet. I'll get it on track with the standard suspension and just upgrade as need be I think.
When I bought it and as it is now pics.





Couldn't decide what to go for, then a Black Eyed Purple came up for sale, a colour I love so it was pretty much a done deal. The car has 128,000 miles on it and is in need of some TLC. The garage that sold it have just fitted a new radiator and a new clutch. The interior has seen better days and is showing its age, but I'm not bothered as most of it will be coming out anyway... 🤷♂️
So the plan is to get it in some fit state for track days. I'm going to have the engine rebuilt, with some upgraded parts that I can afford within my budget. I can already see my budget won't go too far once you factor in the engine, then brakes, coilovers, and all the other suspension bits, roll cage!
So the plan is focusing on the needs first, and then the wants later.
Updated now with what's been done so far.
Engine & Exhaust:
- Lohen Big Valve Head with Shrick Inlet & Exhaust Valves
- Supertech Beehive Valve Springs
- Wossner +0.5mm Forged Pistons
- ZRP Forged Rods
- Mahle Motorsport Race Ends
- Newman PH3/4 Camshaft
- KAVS -13% Supercharger Pulley
- JCW Airbox with ITG Filter
- Janspeed Manifold with Tomcat
- Milltek Resonated Exhaust
- Pro Alloy Intercooler
- 550cc Injectors and 1320 Tune (12th November)
Drivetrain:
- Spec/Fidanza Alloy Flywheel
- Clutchmasters FX400 Clutch
- Quaife Differential
Suspension & Brakes
- Budweg Front Brakes (to be fitted)
- R56 S Rear Brakes (to be fitted)
- R56 Rear Trailing Arms (to be fitted)
Exterior:
Aero Replica Front Bumper
Leap Omicron 2 Scoop
JC Wing
Halo Sidelights
Union Jack Rear Lights
Joey Modded Headlights
Cades Grill with Supercharged Badge
Dynamic Side Indicators and Supercharged Badged Scuttles
For now I'll use it as is as I can't afford the coilovers I want yet. I'll get it on track with the standard suspension and just upgrade as need be I think.
When I bought it and as it is now pics.




