I've long lusted after MINIs, ever since I was in high school. The thing that really lit the fire was the movie 'The Italian Job.'

After a decade of mere lusting, fate finally shown in my favor about a year and a half ago. Right age, right mileage (2300 miles at time of purchase!), right price, and local! I'm now the proud owner of a 2012 R56 JCW!

I am in love with this car, and I've lurked on NAM countless times. I've got quite the wishlist going for the car but am trying to be as fiscally responsible as possible, so not diving in.

I've always done as much work on my vehicles as possible myself, and the MINI is no different. This thing is my baby. I've put about 15k miles on it since I've had it.

Mods done so far (in chronological order) are:
AEM intake
Alta hot side charge pipe
clutch pedal stop
blacked out all chrome trim
AEM front strut brace
and Swift Spec-R springs that I just installed this last weekend, and an alignment scheduled for tomorrow.

Short list of next upgrades (in order of priority) are:
ditch those f****** run flats (pilot super sport 215/45s)
dual OCC (Saikou Michi)
rear sway bar (tsw?)
ECU tune (Manic)
Short shift kit?
Aftermarket wheels?

I'm also in the process of custom fabricating a spare tire mount for inside the boot, which should be really slick if it works as planned. I require a spare before ditching the run flats, and I want it in the boot but able to be moved out of the way with the seats folded down.

I've dealt with ECS and Way already and have had nothing but good experiences. I have a plan laid out with Mr Saikou (who is fantastic) but have yet to pull the trigger.

I'm interested in trying my hand at autox, but I haven't made it to an event yet. I love my new springs and can't wait for a good alignment. My current thought is 1.75 front camber, 1.5 rear camber and zero toe all around. After the spring install alone I could tell a HUGE difference during a 'spirited' back road drive.

I'm not sure I can quite get there without aftermarket camber plates or control arms, I've read on here that camber adjustment is pretty limited. I did do the "hack" of removing the plastic alignment pin in the front top strut mounts, and pushed the top of the struts as far inward as the would go.

Anyways, that's who I am, what I have, what I've done, and what I'm planning. All feedback is welcomed and appreciated. I'll try to get some pics up soon. She's pepper white with red roof and mirrors and black wheels and trim.

 

Thanks for the orders and congrats on the MINI. You can do the front camber plates and rear control arms for adjustments if you want to really dial in for the track / autoX. Run the track maybe once or twice stock and get a feel for the car then dial in. Are u running sticky tires? ENKEI wheels are good in 15" or 16" dependent on what tire you want. Most do 15".

Sounds like you have a good list going.

 

I'm currently still on my stock Dunlop run flats, but am looking at getting Pilot Super Sports. My stock wheels are 17s, and I'll likely stick with that. I have been eyeing some Enkeis over on the classifieds.

My understanding is that anything smaller than 17 won't clear the JCW calipers... I considered 18s, but I think I want that little bit more sidewall from the 17s. The plan is 215/45r17, keep same (almost) height but a tad more width. I just hope I won't have any clearance issues, but sounds like I won't based on various posts around here.

 

Sorry just saw you have JCW brakes on the R56, yep , you are going to need 17"+. Sorry about that. Was just reading a thread with an R53 with possible JCW old school brakes. lol

We have a list of OEM wheels with the JCW brakes here as a template for the options. ENKEI 17" will be your best bet.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...w-brembos.html

 

Hi and welcome to the nam family.
I don't use a spare, as I carry an electric air pump and glue up and push in radial tire plugs. (I also carry a cutter to cut off the extra material, after installing it.)
Where's the Pics?

 

Not exactly a glamour shot...
Under the bonnet
Needs a bath, but here she is!

 

Verry nice looking JCW with areo body, with red and white colors. It is unusual and good looking. Congrats!

 

Welcome.


I recommend you give a HPDE a go as well as AutoX.


Motor On!