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JCW GarageInterested in John Cooper Works (JCW) parts for your 1st Generation MINI? This is where JCW upgrades and accessories for the Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs are discussed.
I made these two caps for testing with the radiator out. This way I can see up and close, for any engine leaks up front and around the waterpump.
The radiator will also be tested on its own. I will stick it in water to see if any air leaks come out.
No sense to service the supercharger, as it was done last year.
Ok a rock or something hit the all aluminum radiator. I am not sure if it can be fixed, but I just put in the old JCW radiator it came with. It was a time thing. I already missed Mini takes the States and pretty bummed about that! I need my JCW daily running and driving, as I have not been cutting curves in weeks now and my need to thrash the roads are getting out of hand!
I checked the engine and other components that have coolant and no leaks anywhere, other than the radiator. I was going to change the thermostat and waterpump, but now that nothing is leaking and it was working fine, I will just skip the extra work for now.
The fan speed control has been replaced and the old radiator put back into the frame, so I will start buttoning it up for now. The front tires are worn out, as they spin pretty easy with the JCW horsepower and in a year, they are shot! The back ones have a little wear on the outside, but still look good!
old good radiator installed and new fan speed switch
broken radiator
Last edited by ItsmeWayne; Jul 21, 2018 at 05:16 PM.
Just bought an 06 R53 JCW with 205/45/17s and looking for the widest tires that will fit for autocross. Anyone had rubbing issues with 225/45/17s? Will be ordering RE71s. Thanks!
Just bought an 06 R53 JCW with 205/45/17s and looking for the widest tires that will fit for autocross. Anyone had rubbing issues with 225/45/17s? Will be ordering RE71s. Thanks!
I am not sure, but I run215/45/17s on mine with no issues at all.!
I have not been driving my Mini much lately, due to the forest fires almost at my door. I just can't see taking it out in all the ash and misery the fires are bringing. Sadly I am driving a VW Golf with a 5 speed! It feels like an old lady car to me, but I would rather punish that and not my Mini!
Finally, the air looks clean today 8/20/2018. I think a trip to the coast may be up for my day!
I am feeling a little down, as I am down to only three Mini Coopers and one is a gen 2 base ( I am stuck with it, as the dealer never sent me the title)
I need to search for another R53!
I have not been driving my Mini much lately, due to the forest fires almost at my door. I just can't see taking it out in all the ash and misery the fires are bringing. Sadly I am driving a VW Golf with a 5 speed! It feels like an old lady car to me, but I would rather punish that and not my Mini!
Finally, the air looks clean today 8/20/2018. I think a trip to the coast may be up for my day!
I am feeling a little down, as I am down to only three Mini Coopers and one is a gen 2 base ( I am stuck with it, as the dealer never sent me the title)
I need to search for another R53!
Every state has a process for titeling a vehicle with no title. Get that thing titled and sell it!
Just saying Hi to our gen 1 JCW folks!
I have been using my 06 MCS JCW daily and it is holding up well. I don't want to modify it, as I want to keep it stock as possible. It has been very reliable, except for a new radiator (all aluminum) leaking in a year and a new set of tires (lots of twisties here), which I push quite hard. I am still running 215/ 45 R17s on it and quite happy with them.
I am going to need a new rear sway bar soon, as I can tel this one has seen better days.
A front boot on the driver side axle split and I took it off, cleaned and checked the bearings, packed it with new grease and installed a new boot. It should be good to go, as it was in perfect shape.
I have 157K miles on it now and it seems tight still. I drive it like I stole it and it just seems to be happy to do it.
Going to the coast today, through the redwoods and stop for some fish and chips!
I hope everyone is getting some good road time with their JCW Mini!
Let us here how you are doing with your JCW Mini!
In the Redwoods:
It was another good ride!
Last edited by ItsmeWayne; Oct 27, 2018 at 10:26 PM.
Wayne, wish I could make a trip out there, beautiful scenery and those trees, just wonderful. My 04 MCS Monte Carlo 40th has been running great too. Replaced the water pump, O ring crank position, a major clean up around the engine engine bay. Looking good and running good now. Soon I'll have to get my headliner replaced and I have another broken front windshield. Oh, and I found out I have a Dinan throttle body, nice surprise.
I am thinking about putting my Mini in the my shop, to do some bushing replacements, a new rear sway bar and possibly struts and shocks. I drove it hard this year and noticed it is a bit looser than I want it. I think the factory struts have worn too much. I want to keep it stock, but I do not want the handling too compromised!
I have my 06 MCS JCW in the shop, but I am going in for right knee surgery, so I guess it will just need to sit for a while. I need my knees to match! Had right one done several years ago. Worn out motorcycle racing knees are done! Hopefully all will go well and I will be back better than ever!
I will miss driving my beast for a time!
Word to the wise: Don't get old!
I miss driving it already! I miss seat time already!
Hope you recover quickly. I’ve been following this thread and learning a lot. I’ve got some upcoming maintenance to do and I’ve been learning a lot from your work. Thanks and good luck!
Right knee replacement is a go for Tuesday Jan 22, 2019 10:30 AM. I have several issues Type 1 diabetes, pacemaker due to type1 complications, defective right kidney, left knee replacement, several other serious operations, but was OKed to have this knee replaced, thankfully!
Hope to see you on the other side!
Thank you all for your good thoughts!
I have a 2007 Justa, automatic, been sitting around here for over a year. I may take this down time to get it running and have a beater to drive, while I am fixing ,06 JCW!
You can see the 07 Justa in the right corner of this pic!
Hi Derek,
I got out of the hospital on Jan 25th. You can bet the knee really hurts and even hurt worse after the first physical therapy session! I feel like 100 years old with my walker! So sad!
I am doing as best as can be expected after this severe of an operation. I look forward into getting back with my Mini!
Hey Guys, The new knee is in!~ It all went well and I am walking with a walker (this sucks) I am getting physical therapy 3 times a week, at my home. I have lots of pain, but it is to be expected. Hopefully, It will not be long before I can jump into my Mini again. Getting in the passenger side of my truck is tough enough for now!
It hurts! Many stitches and staples but happy it is done now!
Hope all is going well with you!
