New owner.......R53 checkmate.
 

Hi all.....proud new owner of a 2006 mini cooper s checkmate. 25k on the clock with the cockpit chrono option. No "shrooming"

Will take some photo's to post.

Based in Leeds UK.

Thinking about preventing strut tower deformation as a priority as planning on tracking it (occasionally) and the roads here are dreadful.

The options I am considering are
- JCW strut brace with Cravenspeed UTI's
- Cravenspeed Strut defenders + UTI's
- M7 strut brace with UTI's
- or just the UTI's / just the strut defenders / just the M7 strut brace

They all seem like compromises........ The UTI's raise the ride height by 3mm and it is unclear to me whether this has a significant effect on handling / suspension geometry etc.

It's interesting that M7 get slated generally and their brace seems like a flawed product. However I do know someone who has one fitted after a DIY shrooming repair and rates it.

The Cravenspeed defenders seem to be the best bet but I really wanted to fit a strut brace..... for the handling and aesthetics....hmmm......

Guess the other option would be the Cravenspeed defenders with a WMW cross brace. This is the front runner at the moment.

Second thing I'll be doing is ditching the run flats. Too good at the mo to justify forking out for 4 new boots. When I do it'll be Dunlop sport maxx.....I think!!

Looking forwards to being a regular poster.

Cheers