Hi all,

I had another thread here, but I figured this topic deserved its own. I am 95% convinced of switching from daily driving a R56 to having a boring daily and a dedicated track/autoX/weekend R53 Cooper S.

To make the build faster and cheaper, here's a list of what I currently have on my mini and also some R56 OEM parts that are available in my local Mini Cooper club:

JCW Calipers and Rotors (Fits Gen 1, correct me if I'm wrong please)
R56 S OEM Calipers and Rotors (Fits Gen 1, correct me if I'm wrong please)
R56 S OEM Coilovers
R56 S OEM Catback Exhaust
R56 S OEM Intercooler

Eibach 26mm Front Sway Bar
Eibach 20mm Rear Sway Bar (Fits Gen 1, correct me if I'm wrong please)
Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs
H-Sport Rear Control Arms (Fits Gen 1, correct me if I'm wrong please)
Milltek Downpipe
Power Flex Control Arm Purple Bushings (Fits Gen 1, correct me if I'm wrong please)


Please let me know if what I have stated is correct. Also if the OEM R56 S parts are considered upgrades or don't really make a significant difference from OEM R53.

Simple mods that will change the R53s performance that I know off is a 15% pulley and a Panel filter for the intake. Any other recommendations are welcomed!...this way I can also start a list to see what the budget will be!

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

As far as I know,
-OEM calipers and rotors should fit, for the JCW calipers, make sure your wheels clear them.
-I don't think the cat back would fit since the battery is in the way.
-Coilovers and springs should be straight forward, but you would need new front strut mounts. You can get the IE fixed camber plates or adjustable ones.
-F/R sway bars should also fit.

 

Thanks vIPk! for the JCW Brake kit I would probably have to get 17" rims and lose out on sticking with 15" rims. I know swapping the JCW brakes is a huge upgrade, but would it also be an upgrade to swap OEM R56 S brakes? This allow me to fit 15" inch rims I believe...

Also, if I have Eibach Prokit lowering springs on my R56 S OEM Coils, would I be able to get away with swapping the R56 s OEM coils w/ Eibachs on a R53? Or would I have to use OEM R56 S Springs? Does this swap have any benefits though over OEM R53 coils?

Thanks!

 

Gen2 springs are MUCH higher of a spring rate...
Car is heavier....
Just cause it fits doesn't mean you would want it...they are not right for the car unless you put 500 pounds of lead in it....
Exaust...nope.. downpipe, nope... intercooler...nope...nit sure why you are asking...lol... different motor.
The stock S gen2 brakes are gen 1 JCW...
The gen 2 jcw has a larger volume...and not such a good upgrade unless you change the master cylinder too...the jcw is pretty close to the volume limit for a bbk.
Like I said...just cause it fits doesn't mean you want it...

 

Excelente Zippy! That's why I posted this Yeah I felt that even though th JCW would be an excellente upgrade, it could jeopardize other components and make the car less efficient for track/autoX use.