*** UPDATE: I am no longer searching since acquiring GP1489 in Apr '15. This thread continues as relating to GP1489***

I'm searching for one of these. I'm aware that most peeps searching for GP1's want an 'un-molested' car, but I would be using it for the above referenced purpose, so putting a feeler out.

Ideally it will have quality mods in this direction, be clean/presentable/well cared for, be street legal(or close), not high mileage, and preferably have spent most of its life as a week-end toy (as opposed to a year round daily driver).

Maybe someone's on the fence about selling due to assumptions of not recovering any of their modification "investment"? I can work with this. Seems there must be at least a few of these out there, but I don't see them come up for sale on e-bay or NAM. I'm in NJ, so preferably east coast.

If anyone would like to discuss what they have, please PM me or contact at 'ajf75@aol.com'. BTW, I'm posting here instead of marketplace because of the 'on the fence' GP1 owners I'm imaging exist who may not be actively selling.


thanks for reading,
AJ

 

A couple posts down GP #1563 is for sale in So Cal for $14,000 with a 110,000 miles.

Perfect Condition, and Hell of a Deal!

 

06BLKchrgd, thanks for pointing out GP1563. However, it doesn't meet my criteria very well. Now if it was fully sorted with half cage, harnesses, race seats, coilovers, etc, then I might consider it despite its location and mileage.


AJ

 

I'll tell your right now, finding one with a cage, coil-overs, seats etc....
Is going to be next to impossible, only 415 TOTAL here in the states.

I don't know what your budget is?
A high mileage GP is your best bet as I have seen them for about $14-18k
Then take about $3-5 grand and put the coil-overs you want on, pick your seats so on and so on....

Now if your budget is no issue, then I mean there are several GP's out there for $22-27k very low miles, mint condition!

The main issue is how much $$$$ you want to spend

 

Anyone here willing to 'out' the owner of a car that might reasonably well fit my criteria? I'm willing to discuss a finder's fee (really).


Thinking it would be good to chat with one of these guys in any event - in case I do end up going the "build-my-own" route.


AJ

 

There are more than a several owners within these forums that have track prepped GP's

Depends if they chime in or not

What are you trying to spend $$$ ?

I can help you look in the right direction, as I know several that are for sale, just depends what you want to spend on it....

 

Thanks for the reply again. Budget isn't my main concern, more like time. I've built competitive Street Prepared autocrossers in the past - it takes a lot of time (like years), extensive research, etc. This is all good fun and part of the hobby, but the sad reality for me is that I just don't have that kinda time these days. I'm not too worried about missing out on the modding & tuning aspect, as I know there'll still be plenty needed to become fully connected with the car - and the track fun doesn't really start until this is achieved.

I bought a Lotus Seven (elan twin cam powered) several years ago - and its been apart in garage for a few. Not exactly sure where that project will go but not giving up on it yet. In the meantime its been bothering me more lately that I'm missing the on track fun. And for fun, I'm fairly sure the GP1 is the right car. I realize that a "non GP" can accomplish similar or same results, but hey I want a GP.

Another reason for me going through this exercise, knowing there's only a slim chance, is my thinking - why 'violate' another stock GP1 if I can find one that's already been?


AJ

 

Why not just go with an R53 non GP with mods and build it how you want?

You won't want the 18inch wheels, and going to want to change the brakes. Seems like you can get a standard R53 much cheaper, and have all you need much easier.

 

I cant disagree with your logic here, the GP simply has intangible appeal to me because of the ideal it represents - despite that its not really an out of the box track car. The performance advantages the GP would retain after track prep I believe are limited to the aero package, the alli rear arms, and the reduced weight from less sound deadening insulation (not actually sure the weight value of this or what exactly was left out). Anyhow, having a track prepped GP1 is the vision I have, so I'm making the effort to determine if its feasible.

Researching and sourcing items such as "the best brake upgrade for track duty for not outrageous $$" are amongst the things I'm hoping to not deal with immediately by buying one that's built. And then over time, and after some track/autocross use, decide what still needs done for my driving style. Having multiple sets of wheels is a given for me.


If I don't find what I'm looking for then yes, I'll look at other options, starting with "regular" JCW R53's. OTOH, I'm aware of a bone stock GP1 on the east coast that is confirmed as available.

And really, I do appreciate the input - it just may get my brain thinking more clearly towards a solution.

btw, this whole thing started because I picked up an '05 MCS 6M as a fun car to hold me over, as I was btwn cars. After some minor attention, I was shocked by its nimble character and real sports car nature, plus BMW structural quality. Always been a fan of small lightweight sports cars, but honestly never saw the GP1 as a car I really wanted before this.

AJ

 

Your quest is admirable but, if you still have that '05 MCS, keep it and just make it into what you want. I did and it's been an incredibly reliable, fast and fun track car. Way did a tune on it a few years back and it's close to a stock GP in performance, weighs about the same after removing the rear seats and panels.

 

NC, your input here is much appreciated. But, I cant help but notice that your suggestion of not bothering with a GP1 doesn't quite match your own actions - your sig indicates you have twice as many GP1's as 'normal" R53's!! Maybe its time to let one of them go?? Can't imagine they are both stock (?).

My MCS wasn't bought with any sporting intentions, it has the big sunroof and no LSD and I don't even really like the color (Green/Black Roof). I did just enough research to conclude that I wanted an '05-'06 MCS with MT and then bought first decent one I found locally (needed before winter hit). So I need a better starting point either way.

Would you mind a discussion, either on line or off, that might help me determine if building a GP1 is a reasonable plan (presuming I don't find one that's done)? As mentioned, I know of a clean stock one and have corresponded with that owner. I have ideas of what should be done before first outing, but also plenty of issues I don't have clarity on.

AJ

 

I understand the want of a GP1, im sure a lot of us here would nearly kill to have one. they are rare in the states. if your really wanting the toy, I would start with the S, not even the JCW, cause all the S's can easily become the JCW/GP. also the trailing arms of the GP I believe are the 2nd gen trailing arms, people have done this mod as well. im not aware of the sound deadening. and youll need the 12% supercharger pulley and the GP intercooler, and you would replace the suspension anyways. then theres the brakes. being a track girl, im sure youll be changing those as well.


the GP being the highest end, im sure a lot of people just don't get them to track them. more like collectors. so im sure you may be hunting for a while unless you find that one guy who has one, and his wife wants him to get rid of it. good luck to ya looking for a GP! but you may have more luck finding the S and building it up, and have some more time to play

 

But I shouldn't want one?


Didn't know this, thanks!


Are you referring to me? I'm a 40something dude.


AJ

 

If you don't get a GP, you don't even need to go with a JCW. A standard S will be more cost effective as you will be able to make more power with the non JCW parts.
Plus you are going to want a real LSD like a quaife or OS Giken.

And yes the Aluminum trailing arms from the R56 can be put on the R53 as we've done it and it's really pretty easy.

I have a GP1 and love it. But if I was going to change it to a track car I would end up undoing 95% of the things that make it a GP or JCW.

 

What class/group did you plan on autocrossing in? Did you hope to be nationally competitive? Most SCCA Solo Mini drivers moved off the R53 platform.

 

Ok, this is interesting - can you expand a bit on why this would be?



Hmm If I didn't know better I would think your trying to tell me that making any Mini into a decent autocrosser or fun trackday car is more trouble than its worth.

Yea, if I go down this path I've read that I'll prob want the OS diff at some point.

Regarding that 95%. This will still be a streetable car, with interior mostly in place so maybe not a "track-car" the way you imagine. I plan to use max restraint in doing nothing to the engine before all else is sorted - and that could be a long time if I'm building it! Really trying to figure out how much of the car would need swapped out for autox which is where I'll start. Since I have significant past autox experience, I'll be expecting a lot of the car before it'll feel like fun for me. [Edit last sentence. Better said as "I'll be expecting the car to behave like a properly tuned performance car" and not that I'll be expecting a lot of trophies]

Thanks again, the comments are much appreciated.
AJ

 

I'd echo what others have said about what car to start with, but you also have to consider what class you want to be in. If you want to win, A GP1 might not be the best choice. I haven't looked for a couple of years, but last time I checked, the GP was in Street Prepared. If that's the case, the GP is going to get smoked.

 

Thanks, I wish I had time to make that kind of effort - though I did win the local NJ season years ago in ASP with a '94 MR2 turbo - beating out 911's that were in that class.

I'll be going to PCA, BMWCCA, or SCCA events depending on what fits my schedule - so primary goal is to leave a few peeps saying "damn I just got beat by a Mini!". (raw times)


AJ

 

Seems the scales are tipping against my brilliant plan...I will let this all simmer.

The R53 platform is one that I'd really like to work with simply because it has a feel that reminds me of an old skool sports car - and if I'm going that route then the GP would be the one I want. The successive performance cars I've had have each taken me a step further away from a pure experience. Also, any car I own will end up in at least SP because of my need to continuously tinker with the car. The class isn't really important because I wont have time to be in regular enough attendance for it matter. Lastly, if I'm going to also play around with track-days, I feel a tin top may be a little better choice than say a Miata.

But thanks, I needed the clarity I'm getting from this thread.
AJ

 

FWIW Minis end up in DSP last I knew. That's 3 series country. It might be better to just go for SMF and be done. That's what I did.

I get your desire to take "your choice" and run with it. That's what I did with my Coupe. I'm not nationally competitive, but I do make people go "damn a Mini can do that!"

I think what everyone is saying is if your goal was to have the fastest Mini possible for the lowest cost, there are better/different ways.

 

Get a stock-ish GP1 if you like the look, the exclusivity, and the almost-track car like idea of the car.

Add some KW Clubsport coilovers. Replace the front control arm bushings. Get some Helix rear lower control arms. Add some wheels you like in a decent size. Add a quality BBK that fits under the wheels. Add a roll bar and some nice seats with harnesses.

Then go drive your awesome MINI GP1 autocross/track car and enjoy.

The big questions are which coilovers and the KW Clubsports are a pretty good easy button for a track car if you can spend the $3k. Everything else is pretty straightforward and proven on these cars IMO. Heck, just bring your car to and/or call Way and tell him what you want. It's really not too much effort...just money.

You can do the same with a regular R53 if you want to save a bunch of money, but I get the appeal of a GP and it's unique aero.

- Andy

 

G*d damn - That's really all I wanted someone to say!! Thank You. Where were you at the beginning of this thread - woulda saved me lots of typing.

I will now proceed with this plan and close this thread....
j/k, the feedback has been very insightful. Any other comments are welcome.

And, yes if plan goes forward it seems KW clubsports are my 'only' choice.


AJ

 

Glad to help.

I work for a suspension company (mostly dealing with Subarus and lots of KW parts) and wouldn't say KW Clubsports are your only choice, just a very very good one that I would highly recommend for your uses. Get them and don't look back.

Only other things I can think of as a "must do" is the powerflex lower engine mount bushings and a 19mm rear adjustable swaybar. Some go bigger on the rear bar but since you'll actually be running a decent suspension with some decent camber (unlike most) you don't really need to do that.

I mostly listen to myself for suspension, but I do like Helix and WayMotorworks as they've been around these cars for a while.

- Andy

 

Andy, this is a bit premature for sure, but as long as I have your attention two related suspension q's come to mind...

1.) The KW clubsport kits say "optional racing top mount" - is this the adjustable camber plate I'd need, or is it that a less compliant race version of the adjustable camber plates that I thought came with all KW clubsport kits?

2.) Amongst the very first things I'm thinking that should be done are chassis bracing items (upper/lower, cabrio, mid brace), plus the half cage will likely be a weld in. These chassis stiffeners by all accounts result in more understeer - so thinking a 22mm rear bar even with the clubsports. Do you have a different idea on this?


thanks,
AJ

 

1. I believe that all MINI Clubsport kits come with camber plates (of which there is only 1 version). I would confirm with your suspension vendor though. I have a set in the shop right now for Impreza and the top mounts are pretty good pieces.

2. I think the cabrio brace, a front strut bar, and either the WMW X-brace or a trapezoid brace are all that's needed (plus the half cage). I would stick with the 19mm rear bar but I'm not as much as an oversteer junkie as some and also I have a decent alignment unlike most. The 22mm still might work better for you. Either way, it's basically the last piece of the puzzle and pretty straightforward to figure out. My 19mm Eibach bar was under 100 bucks new and it's great.

- Andy