ra2's GP
 

Well, I won't be posting as much as I used to. I really don't have much drama in the build process since I've been down this path several times now, so this build is essentially, a recreation of my final build from my old '10 Camden S.

So far:

ECS Tuning Kohlefaser Luft-Technik CAI
Wagner Competition Intercooler
M7 J-Brace
iPE Innotech Valvetronic Exhaust
AR Design 3" Catted DP
SPC Rear upper and lower control arms
CAE Ultrashifter
17x7.5 TE37v in Bronze
Bridgestone RE-71R 215/45/17

On order:
Stoptech Trophy
Ohlins R&T with Vorshlag Camber Plates

Why the Stoptechs? Lose the weight of the 6pot brakes, smaller, forged, rebuild is easier/cheaper than what BMW can offer. Plus, the offsets on my new TE37v are aggressive, so the 6pots require me to run 15mm spacers, which are ridiculous and I wouldn't be able to run them. So getting the Trophy brakes with the Ohlins will help clear with probably a 10mm spacer and about -2 camber.

The GP has been pretty sweet compared to my old Camden, outta the box, but I do more riding on my bike these days than driving the GP so the mileage will continue to stay pretty conservative.

Cheers.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...f29bef4e88.jpg

Congrats. What color are your TE37s? I have grey with polished lip and have thought about redoing them in all grey or black.

bronze. Waited a good 3 months for these to get in.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...94f9ef9f1b.jpg

Glad to see you back in a MINI. Loved you build threads.

I’m glad to see you’re back. Your build threads were amazing and are the only reason I ended up with CCWs lol. Can’t wait to see the progress on the GP.

They look Good

I just need them to fit now. lol

How are you liking the ECS Tuning Kohlefaser Luft-Technik CAI been thinking about it but not sure how worth it to is for a ~5 hp gain on a mcs. I guess it would be more after a tune and exaust?

I had it on my last MINI and liked it. I didn't do it for the gains, but more for the aesthetics, but the overall design is like a JCW intake with a cone, so I know it has that benefit. I hear the nice intake noise in the cabin which is nice. I ordered my Wagner from ECS so it came with a gift card so I just applied that value to the CAI and I think it dropped it down for less than what they list since they were having it at 10% off; add my gift card and it's reasonable. It's not for everyone obviously, but I know what I liked from my last MINI build, so it was a nobrainer to go in this direction again anyways.

MINI parts are cheap, relatively, compared to my Porsche, so one mod on the Porsche is like 3-4 mods on the MINI, the mental justification is there. lol

My Ohlins w/ Vorshlag camber plates have arrived....

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9fc1b25f51.jpg

You're going to love the Ohlins/Vorshlag setup!

Yup. Had them on the last MINI so it'll definitely be a nice ride.

Tarett 25mm comp swaybar and endlinks on order along with Stoptech Trophy on order.

I think that generally sums up my build. I don't really want to touch the engine besides a lite tune to negate the CEL, but other than that, it will be a quick build compared to the years it took for my old Camden.

Shoutout to Way Motor Works for getting me a 25mm Comp Tarett swaybar to me so quickly. I ordered it on Thurs and it was already at my house on Friday. Now it's on, along with my AR Design 3" catted downpipe.

Trophy kit is officially on. MUCH better feel compared to the 6pot brakes. Instead of being super grabby, these are silky smooth in braking and much more predictable.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...d6f31c4b04.jpg

Glad to see you're back in a MINI. It will be interesting to see how much you miss the LSD in your Camden. I'm not a specialist in GP's, but did you paint the fender flares, or are they gloss from the factory? Its a nice touch.

Have fun,
Mike

I miss it quite a bit actually. You can feel the difference what a mechanical diff does compared to the E-Diff that's in these N18s. I've considered putting a mechanical diff but I don't think anyone has attempted that so my research/attempt is not necessarily fruitful at this point.

I had a new set of pieces painted. I got the Euro wheel arches, so it was a reflector delete and gives it a better look. Happy with the outcome so far. But they'll likely get eaten up from the meaty tires because of how extremely aggressive these TE-37v's are compared to regular TE's. I'll post a photo when that's all said and done, but for now, I still need to get the corner balance and I'll be done. I've spent probably well over $10k in 2 months on this, so I need a break.

Looks great! Did you weight the old GP2 vs the new stoptechs side by side? I know when I picked up the GP2 caliper and OEM rotors they were pretty heavy coming from the 4 pot JCW brembos.

You know I didn't weigh them. I should have, but with my limited time with work and all, it didn't dawn on me to weigh them to get the difference.

I just know the feel is substantially different. Night and day difference. Heel and toe shifting is much smoother and predictable for smooth braking. The 6pots have really strong bite and they're great, no doubt, but I much prefer the Stoptechs for ease of swapping brake pads and more pad options with the STR-40 calipers.