GP Talk (2006) Discussion of the limited edition, MINI Cooper S (R53)-based, John Cooper Works GP.

First mod...

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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:16 AM
  #26  
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Euro Parcel Shelf was First

Couldn't get along without the Euro Parcel Shelf. Too bad BMW created a "black market" by eliminating them from the US dealer network.

Next was removing the factory cup holder, and replacing it with the MINI Fini version from the earlier models.

Replaced the stock H-7 bulbs with the PIAA Extreme Whites like Goodfinder did; and installed the JCW Strut Brace.

Also swapped the stock antenna for the Honda S2000 stubby; and replaced the GP carpet mats with rubber one for evedryday use.

Latest "mod is ditching the runflats for a set of Michelin Pilot PS-2's

Charlie
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Old Nov 26, 2006 | 09:52 AM
  #27  
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Charlie...

where are you hangin? I'm up by Alices above Woodside, and you should come on drives with Maverick Minis (Nikki Runs). There are a bunch of us around..... Anyway, if you're coming up here for lunch someday, PM me and I can stop by and say hi. I live a few houses away from Alices on a road that parallels Skyline.....

Matt
 
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Old Nov 27, 2006 | 01:43 AM
  #28  
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I had an 05 mcs before and had the borla exhaust and alta cai. I actually changed to the JCW exhaust (without cats) and the JCW airbox it has the secondary velocity. Gave me better response and hp. So guys just remember You guys have a JCW set up that most mini owners dream about (FOR FREE). Save your money and just do the pulley upgrade if so...Some things I would change are the brakes. they are stock bmw 320 brakes labelled with JCW to brembo or stoptech. , those ugly wheels ( I know you guys agree they are not the best looking). 17 or 18's and suspension to coilovers KW or PSS9.. there you go. BY the way have any of you guys tried to order or have the dealer install XENONS before delivery? That I think should be a must. Those factory xenon looks the best
 
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Old Nov 27, 2006 | 02:00 AM
  #29  
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I thought the GP was Minis finest expression of a "performance" Mini..... I am of the schoolto leave it alone..... Go buy an 05 and go nuts with it.... unlike the good Dr. (who I rarely disagree with) I would keep it stock and waxed up.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2006 | 08:04 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by SpiderX
I thought the GP was Minis finest expression of a "performance" Mini..... I am of the schoolto leave it alone..... Go buy an 05 and go nuts with it.... unlike the good Dr. (who I rarely disagree with) I would keep it stock and waxed up.
I agree to a point. There are two thousand of these beasties..gotta make them unique! small bolt ons will not take away from the GP...i dont think.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2006 | 10:00 AM
  #31  
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Is there an upgrade for the pulley on a GP? If so, is there a significant power increase? Are there any drawbacks to upgrading the pulley?
 
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Old Nov 27, 2006 | 12:22 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by hamann
I had an 05 mcs before and had the borla exhaust and alta cai. I actually changed to the JCW exhaust (without cats) and the JCW airbox it has the secondary velocity. Gave me better response and hp. So guys just remember You guys have a JCW set up that most mini owners dream about (FOR FREE). Save your money and just do the pulley upgrade if so...Some things I would change are the brakes. they are stock bmw 320 brakes labelled with JCW to brembo or stoptech. , those ugly wheels ( I know you guys agree they are not the best looking). 17 or 18's and suspension to coilovers KW or PSS9.. there you go. BY the way have any of you guys tried to order or have the dealer install XENONS before delivery? That I think should be a must. Those factory xenon looks the best
The wheels are one of the GP's strong points, me thinks.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2006 | 10:05 PM
  #33  
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Second mod was a FULL clearmask...Im talking hood, bumper, mirror caps, door edges, FULL length of the sideskirt, roofline above windshield, boot entrance and gas filler lip! Thanks 503motoring.com!!
 
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Old Nov 28, 2006 | 06:49 AM
  #34  
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If you have a 65 Shelby....

Originally Posted by SpiderX
I thought the GP was Minis finest expression of a "performance" Mini..... I am of the schoolto leave it alone..... Go buy an 05 and go nuts with it.... unlike the good Dr. (who I rarely disagree with) I would keep it stock and waxed up.
with nothing but bolt on mods and all the original parts in a box, it gets top dollar too. Only cutting them really hurts the value.......

But then, I get cars to drive them, not to save them!

Matt
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 06:43 AM
  #35  
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My MODS

I got my GP tinted (MD legal - trying to minimize the cost of my tickets when -and I know I will - get pulled over for speeding)
Working with a local clear bra installer about having GyPsy "cover" as much as possible... we are looking for the full bonet bra.

I bought - need to install- JWC strut bar ( will put one on the MCSC, too)

Looking to replace the antenna with a shark fin type - if I find a way I will mod the MCSC as well. I like the idea of the red antenna - I might copy this mod

The cup holder (one of the most stupid things MINI has come up with) was gone 1/2 hr. after delivery so was the stupid hook on the internal metal bar.

CG Lock (driver side)

I will install a permanent NAV system - I need a GPS to go to my autoX locations !!!!

Looking to replace the wheel and tires while autoXing.

Hopefully Santa will bring the GP cover and and another set of mats.

I don't buy cars for investment I buy to have fun and to look SEXY - and the MINIs - GP in particular- is perfect for both !!!

MD MINI GP
MD STREGA2
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 07:47 AM
  #36  
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Anyone that messes with the GP is just crazy. It's like buying a Lotus Elise, and messing with it. Just leave it man, the car is fine out of the box.

But things like tint, clear bra, club vinyls, well... that stuff is ok. :P

Speaking of the Clearbra, how do you guys clear bra your custom lower bumper?
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 04:02 PM
  #37  
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Anyone know what kind of performance gains can be had with a 2% crank pulley on a GP?
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 04:08 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by camelpilot
Anyone that messes with the GP is just crazy. It's like buying a Lotus Elise, and messing with it. Just leave it man, the car is fine out of the box.

But things like tint, clear bra, club vinyls, well... that stuff is ok. :P

Speaking of the Clearbra, how do you guys clear bra your custom lower bumper?

+1
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 09:14 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by camelpilot
Anyone that messes with the GP is just crazy. It's like buying a Lotus Elise, and messing with it. Just leave it man, the car is fine out of the box.

But things like tint, clear bra, club vinyls, well... that stuff is ok. :P

Speaking of the Clearbra, how do you guys clear bra your custom lower bumper?
My installer did it custom, one peice at a time
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 09:42 PM
  #40  
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Same here. Did an excellent job too. He also did GPOWNER's car.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:12 PM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by GPowner
The wheels are one of the GP's strong points, me thinks.
Yes, they are probably very strong, if nothing else...
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:17 PM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by camelpilot
Anyone that messes with the GP is just crazy. It's like buying a Lotus Elise, and messing with it. Just leave it man, the car is fine out of the box.
"Fine" if you're into crappy tires, heavy wheels, muted sound and terminal understeer. And please, the stock Elise blows away the GP on all these dimensions, but it can still benefit from mods.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:21 PM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by XAlfa
"Fine" if you're into crappy tires, heavy wheels, muted sound and terminal understeer. And please, the stock Elise blows away the GP on all these dimensions, but it can still benefit from mods.
Dude, what is your point here? - have you even driven a GP yourself yet?
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:25 PM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by UBeenMiniD
Right now I'm thinking wheels. I'm trying to see if I can fit some 15'' on there comfortably and improve the ride. I find it bone jarring on the poor streets / highways of Cali.
Consider 215/45 (non-runflat) on 17x7.5
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:34 PM
  #45  
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IF anyone wants to sell me there GP rims let me know!!!
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:35 PM
  #46  
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Originally Posted by SoCal_Mini
Dude, what is your point here? - have you even driven a GP yourself yet?
Just trying to be a *****. Sounds like I'm succeeding!
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:38 PM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by XAlfa
Just trying to be a *****. Sounds like I'm succeeding!
Wow!
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:55 PM
  #48  
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So to answer my question.. You have no idea how a GP drives.. yet you're bashing its handling.
Now, back to topic please.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:58 PM
  #49  
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Cant we all get along!? haha I think hes jealous that you all have Gp's and h doesnt.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 11:13 PM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by SoCal_Mini
So to answer my question.. You have no idea how a GP drives.. yet you're bashing its handling.
Now, back to topic please.
I am such a *****. Even though I drive a car with exactly the same suspension and brakes (and soon the very same engine) and have run on various wheel/tire combinations including light and heavy 18s and conventional and runflat tires... I guess I have no idea how a GP drives. I'm sure it's completely different. The cargo restraint bar radically alters the chassis. My bad.

Did I bash it's handling? It has some "safety" understeer built in from the factory, even with the JCW suspension. Some people think that's "fine" and it is, but others like to dial that out, lighten unsprung weight and swap the runflats out for some good rubber. That's fine, too. I was just speaking up in their defense. Back to topic.
 
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