Wheel weight is always interesting information

 

I'm kicking myself for buying these. I did a good amount of research prior to ordering them, but I've learned even more in the short amount of time since then and wish I'd have gone a little smaller on both the rim and tire.

For anyone interested in a inexpensive, lightweight wheel, the Circuit CP22 is a 15x6.5, +35 offset, 4x100 lug pattern, and according to the interwebs only weigh 13.15 lbs (or just under 6 kg). They can be had for less than $350 for a set of 4 in the US. Not sure on price and availability in other countries.

 

You win some, you lose some. Just make sure you learn from it !

 

I finally ordered the Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates from Way last night. The stock strut mounts are shot. I'm looking forward to seeing how it effects the handling. You
​​​​have to push this car crazy hard in a corner to get the understeer that everyone talks about with Minis. I've had vehicles in the past that gave you zero warning when they're about to lose traction. I haven't really figured out how it responds yet when your on the ragged edge and I don't really want to crash my DD. This car handles different than anything I've ever owned.
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The Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates I ordered from Way Motor Works were delivered. They look to be good quality. The plates are a gold color, I'm guessing zinc plated. The picture on their website shows them being all black. I don't personally care and I'm pretty sure I saw a picture online recently of someone installing a set that was a gold color. I figured I'd post a picture in case anyone cares.

 

Yes IE use to make them black so the pics are old, but now the zinc plate them as it holds up better.

 

Looks like a good quality item

 

Well I got the Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates in this morning. I haven't driven on them yet but the quality is great and so is the fit. They also have lots of thread left for a strut tower brace. It definitely added a noticeable amount of camber. Just eye balling it I'd dare say it has more camber in the front now than the factory rear. I mentioned before but I'll reiterate so anyone interested doesn't have to dig through the whole thread. I'm running Bilstein B4's with stock springs. I'm going to take more pictures of how the car sits but need my camera for that. My phone sucks.
The reason I'm taking more pictures is these plates do add ride height. Not a lot. But some. I read somewhere that you only gain 3/16 of an inch but I'd say its closer to 3/8. You can clearly see the difference in the side by side comparison. The car still has a little rake to it (lower in the front) so I'm ok with that.








And here are a couple shots of the OEM bearings. Both torn.

 

Looking good man

 

Thanks!
It drives very different now. Most of the squirming feeling is gone now. I think it messed up the toe a little though. It seems to get fidgety at higher speed. I was driving in the rain though so it may have been hydroplaning a little too.

I noticed when I was taking the wheels off that the control arm bushings move a LOT. There not torn but I wouldn't think they should flex that much. I know that's a common part to upgrade but has anyone noticed excessive play in those bushings while still in good condition?

 

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Marry her! Ow wait, you already did :P

 

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I replaced the ugly orange fender lights with smoked LED's. I also swapped out my cracked 3rd brake light with a smoked LED unit. Taillights are next.

 

Small update: I found some vinyl taillight blackout. $15. Easy to use and looks good. All that's left for lighting are the side marker lights, the red and orange ones on the corner of the fender flares. I'm replacing them with smoked lenses also.

 

Looks tight, unfortunately not really an option here in the Netherlands as it will fail MOT.

 

That's a bummer 👎. They hardly reduce the light output at all. I'm honestly not sure if it will pass here either lol. I don't know what the laws are on light tinting on taillights in North Carolina. They sell DOT approved tinted taillights so I'm hoping this won't be a problem. It peels right off with a heat gun though so if it fails I'm only out $15.

 

I will probably do the Joey mod on another set of taillights. The chrome looks weird on the backside of my R53, especially as almost everything has been dechromed

 

Looks like we did a couple of the same mods! Got this gem for $700!!! Went with yellow calipers.

 

Nice! Silk Green is a great looking and rare color... reminds me of Porsche Ice Green Metallic from the 70’s.

 

$700....god that's cheap!!! I think I paid $3600 for mine iirc?? Although mine was garage kept in beautiful condition with only 82k original miles on it. Hows it run/drive? Any known issues to sort out? Good color choice. If I'm not mistaken, they only made the silk green in 2003. Looks like yours has the nicer interior, mine is just awful.

 

It had been sitting and was overheating. I replaced the battery, left front panel, hinges on the hatch, gear shift leather, steering wheel, window regulators, speakers, windshield trim, heater core, every engine hose, thermostat, thermostat housing, belt, timing chain, guides, sprockets, valves, head gasket, spark plugs, water pump, radiator, AC condensor, fan relay, and motor mounts. Cleaned oil pickup and changed transmission filter. There's probably some I forgot! LOL

 

Daaaannnnggg soooonn!!!! lol you've been busy then! Are you new to Mini's or is this just your first R50?