Lightly Modifying My F56
Finally went with Arma huh. Looks like a nice setup. Did you go with the adjustable unit or the standard. Runing helix intercooler as well and on the same boat as Vetsvette with the downpipe once warranty is done.
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
Originally ordered the variable unit, but after about three days I changed my order. It would have been a two to three week wait because they had to special order the intake since they don't keep it in stock in the states. I found they had the non variables in stock and figured I could use the extra cash with the holidays coming up. It was explained that I can upgrade at a later date by swapping filter elements and adding the needed control hardware.
That's a complete ripoff. We need to start hacking this ECU and stop paying these ridiculous fees.
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
IIRC I got my JCW Pro Tuning Kit for ~$1350 out the door. Worth every penny IMO. I still have 50K+ miles before my warranty runs out (or 9/2019) so ECU tune will have to wait. As it stands now, this thing runs like a scalded dog so I'm good until that time. My next addition will probably be coil overs, but I'm not in a big rush for that since the suspension combo I have now is working fine.
IIRC I got my JCW Pro Tuning Kit for ~$1350 out the door. Worth every penny IMO. I still have 50K+ miles before my warranty runs out (or 9/2019) so ECU tune will have to wait. As it stands now, this thing runs like a scalded dog so I'm good until that time. My next addition will probably be coil overs, but I'm not in a big rush for that since the suspension combo I have now is working fine.
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
My independent Mini tech is a certified BMW/Mini guy and has access to the needed factory computer for software upgrades. He also upgraded my software when he installed my JCW BBK. He's in Raleigh, NC.
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
Thanks. IIRC it stiffened it up some and made it feel more planted through the turns. Hard to remember exactly which component did what after all the suspension mods. IMO the "Big Pair" is worth the investment, especially when you remove the stock components and compare them with the BP.
Wow I really love the decals you've done, where did you find those mirror caps, I know they made them for the gen 1 and 2 mini but I can't find them for an F56S
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
The mirror caps and side scuttles are JCW Pro items that I bought at Flow Mini. They are OEM parts. I ordered some from china the same time I ordered the gas cap cover, but they were junk and I ended up trashing them. The gas cap cover ended up fading to white from the sun and that too was replaced with a black one when I de-chromed the car. It looks a little different now. I'm in Durham every month or so at the VA hospital, maybe we could meet for coffee.
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
Added another mod over the last week. Work was done by Sneed4Speed (S4S). My car was the test bed for their prototype F56 roll bar so I have a unique car for a little while, at least until they go into regular production. Also the rear seat delete looks perfect IMO. Both should be listed on their website soon. Workmanship, fit, and finish are topnotch. The bar is NASA and SCCA legal. Next up is probably a racing seat and 4 point harness.
During installation.

Finished, including the rear seat delete.
During installation.

Finished, including the rear seat delete.
Last edited by vetsvette; Feb 4, 2017 at 09:08 AM.
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
I don't even notice it when driving. Other than when I'm looking at it and grinning. 
I had a two hour drive home from the shop yesterday and it didn't bother me a bit.

I had a two hour drive home from the shop yesterday and it didn't bother me a bit.
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
Marco. You can see the cover in the second photo. The only one they have so far is made to fit the roll bar, but I'm sure they could make one for you. All it is is a thick plastic or polycarbonate sheet cut to fit. They covered mine for me with carpet that's a perfect match for the car. Cover includes stainless mounting hardware.
This is a link to their part for the R56. The F56 should be listed soon, but they're in the process of developing several F56 specific parts at this time. One that I saw was a great looking front splitter.
http://www.sneed4speed.com/mini-hard...-delete-panel/
This is a link to their part for the R56. The F56 should be listed soon, but they're in the process of developing several F56 specific parts at this time. One that I saw was a great looking front splitter.
http://www.sneed4speed.com/mini-hard...-delete-panel/
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
Finally sat down and listed my mods.These are all I can think of off hand. I'm probably missing a couple. Next month I'm hoping to get my Sparco seats installed.
EDIT: I'll keep this post updated as I have more work done.b
EXTERIOR
’15 Thunder Grey w/Chili Red top
Custom matte black/red racing stripes
S4S Splitter with Stanchions
S4S Side Splitters
S4S Carbon Fiber rear wing with adjustable AOA
Full Chrome Blackout
JCW Pro Mirror Caps and Side Scuttles
.50 Cal Stubby Antenna
OEM Mud Flaps
Tinted Windows
RaceSeng front license plate mount w/GoPro mount
RaceSeng reat tow ring w/GoPro mountUnion Jack Tail LightsBlacked Out LED Side Scuttle Lights
ENGINE
ArmaSpeed CAI
JCW Pro Tuning KitBytetronik Stage 1 OBD Tune
HELIX DDC Intercooler
Milltek Catless Downpipe
Chili Red engine cover, cause it's purdy
Powerflex Lower Motor mount (yellow w/black inserts)
CHASSIS
CravenSpeed Big Pair
NM Front strut brace
NM 25mm GT Rear Sway Bar
NM sway bar billet mounts w/grease fittings
NM End Links
NM Rear Control Arms
NM Stainless Brake lines
RMW Coil Overs W/Camber Plates
JCW Big Brake KitNM Wheel Studs and Lug nuts
NM/Neuspeed RSe05 wheels 17X7.5 et40
Goodyear Eagle F1 215/45X17
INTERIOR
Sparco Chrono Road seats w/Sparco sliders and bases
Sparco 4 Point Shoulder Harnesses
NAVDY HUD/NAV unit
ByteTronik integrated dash camera
CravenSpeed ScanGauge II mount
Cravenspeed Garmin Mount
Sneed4Speed (S4S) Billet Aluminium Billy Club Shift ****
Cravenspeed Adjustable Short Shifter
Cravenspeed Pro Shifter Retaining Clip (new style)
Cravenspeed Shift Well Cover
Cravenspeed Stainless Steel E-Brake handle
JCW Pro All Weather Mats
S4S Four Point Roll Bar, NASA and SCCA Compliant
S4S Rear Seat Delete
EDIT: I'll keep this post updated as I have more work done.b
EXTERIOR
’15 Thunder Grey w/Chili Red top
Custom matte black/red racing stripes
S4S Splitter with Stanchions
S4S Side Splitters
S4S Carbon Fiber rear wing with adjustable AOA
Full Chrome Blackout
JCW Pro Mirror Caps and Side Scuttles
.50 Cal Stubby Antenna
OEM Mud Flaps
Tinted Windows
RaceSeng front license plate mount w/GoPro mount
RaceSeng reat tow ring w/GoPro mountUnion Jack Tail LightsBlacked Out LED Side Scuttle Lights
ENGINE
ArmaSpeed CAI
JCW Pro Tuning KitBytetronik Stage 1 OBD Tune
HELIX DDC Intercooler
Milltek Catless Downpipe
Chili Red engine cover, cause it's purdy
Powerflex Lower Motor mount (yellow w/black inserts)
CHASSIS
CravenSpeed Big Pair
NM Front strut brace
NM 25mm GT Rear Sway Bar
NM sway bar billet mounts w/grease fittings
NM End Links
NM Rear Control Arms
NM Stainless Brake lines
RMW Coil Overs W/Camber Plates
JCW Big Brake KitNM Wheel Studs and Lug nuts
NM/Neuspeed RSe05 wheels 17X7.5 et40
Goodyear Eagle F1 215/45X17
INTERIOR
Sparco Chrono Road seats w/Sparco sliders and bases
Sparco 4 Point Shoulder Harnesses
NAVDY HUD/NAV unit
ByteTronik integrated dash camera
CravenSpeed ScanGauge II mount
Cravenspeed Garmin Mount
Sneed4Speed (S4S) Billet Aluminium Billy Club Shift ****
Cravenspeed Adjustable Short Shifter
Cravenspeed Pro Shifter Retaining Clip (new style)
Cravenspeed Shift Well Cover
Cravenspeed Stainless Steel E-Brake handle
JCW Pro All Weather Mats
S4S Four Point Roll Bar, NASA and SCCA Compliant
S4S Rear Seat Delete
Last edited by vetsvette; Sep 24, 2019 at 11:05 AM.
IIRC I got my JCW Pro Tuning Kit for ~$1350 out the door. Worth every penny IMO. I still have 50K+ miles before my warranty runs out (or 9/2019) so ECU tune will have to wait. As it stands now, this thing runs like a scalded dog so I'm good until that time. My next addition will probably be coil overs, but I'm not in a big rush for that since the suspension combo I have now is working fine.
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
I agree that the ECU tune would be preferable, but my warranty doesn't run out until 9/19 or another 52K miles. The Tuning Kit was a no brainer since I wanted to go with another exhaust system too.
F 56 not R 56, you are in the wrong section. Not many reasonably priced ECU tunes yet for F.
"I'm keeping the next car stock. Maybe one or 2 things and I'm done." Was my first plan for my F55. Then it escalated real fast. Lol.
Looks like your car is ready to hit some curves and tight corners at super high speed. Nicely done. Should handle Very well!
Looks like your car is ready to hit some curves and tight corners at super high speed. Nicely done. Should handle Very well!
Finally sat down and listed my mods.These are all I can think of off hand. I'm probably missing a couple. Next month I'm hoping to get my Sparco seats installed.
EXTERIOR
’15 Thunder Grey w/Chili Red top
Custom matte black/red racing stripes
AC Schnitzer Front Splitter
JCW Pro Rear Spoiler Extensions
Full Chrome Blackout
JCW Mirror Caps and Side Scuttles
Cravenspeed Stubby Antenna
OEM Mud Flaps
Tinted Windows
US Millworks QR front license mount
M7 Tow Hook
ENGINE
NM Power Module
ArmaSpeed CAI
JCW Pro Tuning Kit
HELIX DDC Intercooler
CHASSSIS
CravenSpeed Big Pair
NM Front strut brace
NM 22mm Rear Sway Bar
NM sway bar mounts w/grease fittings
NM End Links
NM Rear Control Arms
NM Springs
NM Stainless Brake lines
JCW Big Brake Kit
NM/Neuspeed RSe05 wheels 17X7.5 et40
Goodyear Eagle F1 215/45X17
INTERIOR
CravenSpeed ScanGauge II mount
Cravenspeed Garmin Mount
Sneed4Speed (S4S) Billy Club Shift ****
Cravenspeed Adjustable Short Shifter
Cravenspeed Pro Shifter Retaining Clip
JCW Pro All Weather Mats
S4S Four Point Roll Bar, NASA and SCCA Compliant
S4S Rear Seat Delete
EXTERIOR
’15 Thunder Grey w/Chili Red top
Custom matte black/red racing stripes
AC Schnitzer Front Splitter
JCW Pro Rear Spoiler Extensions
Full Chrome Blackout
JCW Mirror Caps and Side Scuttles
Cravenspeed Stubby Antenna
OEM Mud Flaps
Tinted Windows
US Millworks QR front license mount
M7 Tow Hook
ENGINE
NM Power Module
ArmaSpeed CAI
JCW Pro Tuning Kit
HELIX DDC Intercooler
CHASSSIS
CravenSpeed Big Pair
NM Front strut brace
NM 22mm Rear Sway Bar
NM sway bar mounts w/grease fittings
NM End Links
NM Rear Control Arms
NM Springs
NM Stainless Brake lines
JCW Big Brake Kit
NM/Neuspeed RSe05 wheels 17X7.5 et40
Goodyear Eagle F1 215/45X17
INTERIOR
CravenSpeed ScanGauge II mount
Cravenspeed Garmin Mount
Sneed4Speed (S4S) Billy Club Shift ****
Cravenspeed Adjustable Short Shifter
Cravenspeed Pro Shifter Retaining Clip
JCW Pro All Weather Mats
S4S Four Point Roll Bar, NASA and SCCA Compliant
S4S Rear Seat Delete
I know it has to handle like it's on rails.... Well Done Brother






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