Hey guys, had to get rid of my past toy of a quad because of 2 broken wrist on it, so now its time to make the 06 Mini Cooper S Checkmate into a fun driver instead. Its got 57,000 on it and is just in need of a couple tasteful mods. Thought I just start a build thread to see what you guys think and have suggestions for stuff. I just finished ordering a Miltec Catback w/res, a DDW Intake with samco intake tube, 17% craven speed pulley, Denso Idridium Spark plugs, a DDM diverter, and the parts to swap to vibrateck motor mounts. I plan on doing a R56 aero side skirt conversion, and possibly vented side panels from duell AG. While I'm doing all this i plan on doing a supercharger service and just a good general detailing of the entire outside of the car, possibly getting the lower blue repainted as there are issues with roughness in the bumpers and some clear pealing. I plan to keep the stock flame 17" rims and put Michelin Pilot Super Sports on them.

 

Got some pictures of my tear down progress today to service the super charger and clean under all the trim.

 

Sounds like a cool project. Personally really like the original Aero kit 51190146163. Comes with Aero rear wing also , not the JCW CF wing in the pic below.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51190146163/

Checkemate edition with factory Aero kit. Just to give you an idea.



Thanks and good luck with the project

 

Got an update, the supercharger oil is changed and the 17% pulley is now put on. while I had the supercharger off the motor I replaced all the gaskets on the front of the motor and the oil pan gasket to stop the leaking oil and slight coolant leak and replaced the water pump. I also have the engine mounts all replaced with Vibratecnics mounts and a set of gearbox proflex bushings. I picked up some r90 anthracite wheels to put on, and found rear GP bumper inserts I am going to install. I ordered my GTT chassis braces this week, and I also ordered a full set of Willwood 13"/11.75" brake kit from TCE. Here are pictures of the painted block and other progress currently.

 

Looking good so far, just make sure to have bare steel under the engine mount bracket on the passenger side, it is a major ground source. Without that ground the car will not want to start.

 

Very nice, no more rusty block. Looks like fun project.

 

Looks great to me. Need to save up for mods myself. Have an 06 checkmate with factory aero kit.

 

Got some more done again, the entire front of the motor bolted and torqued back on, replaced to valve cover gasket and flushed the valve system with fresh oil, got my first order of parts from GTT and installed the boot brace and catch can, and got all my oem parts and the r56 aero side skirts I am going to fit.

 

Nice box in the corner on the right hand side, just spotted it. Just to the right of the condenser.

 

Yea couldn't pass up the deal on R90 anthracites you guys had... will fit nicely with the red Wilwood DP6 BBK I got to put on.

 

R90 + Checkmate = nice . As much as the Flame spokes are to the checkmate the R90's BBS are so nice.

This build will be epic .

 

How much was the GTT strut tower bar?

 

They are 219 english pounds, plus the shipping to get it over here.

 

So am getting a lot of work done on the MINI this week as I have some extra time to work on it. I got it on jack stands so I could used the lift to lower the front subframe, and took the control arms off to change the ball joints and bushing, and am changing all the other front bushings to power flex at the same time. I am also going to powerdercoat the arms, sway bar, and subframe to protect more against rust. I will be putting on a new power steering pump also. I did some work in the rear pulling the rear shocks and brakes off prepping to put on the Koni FSD's and the Wilwood BBK.

 

I love builds like this. I am rebuilding my car too. But I don't have the luxury of leaving it apart per the fact that I need it the next day to drive to work.

 

yeah i drive a mercury sable as my "beater" car, it is nothing special it just gets from a to b when it needs to.

 

I need a beater. Been thinking about possibly picking up another r53 since I already know how and have the tools to repair. They are getting so cheap now.

 

Nice. Looks like like fun. More pics please .

 

wow im broke..

 

Kudos to you for taking things on then. I thankfully have the other car I can take to work, last second run for parts Etc... But I remember the days when I would wrench almost all weekend so that the car was ready for Monday...I also did most of my work at friends houses not having any garage space to work in...which meant the pressure was even greater to get it done and out of their driveways.

 

Are you going for a refresh / restoration. Better than new? I bet you can't wait to get it on the road. I rebuilt my suspension 4 months ago and the car took on a new life. From piece is S to oh yea this is what it was like 10 years ago when I bought it.

 

Yeah trying to make it last and add a little bite at the same time. Here is the update for this afternoon..... I got the the hubs painted with heat resistant paint, got the front subframe stripped of parts so it can go to powder next week, and got the rear Wilwood BBK out and started installing, the driver's side is shimmed now just have to do the passenger side.

 

Sorry for no posts to those who are following the thread, had to take a break from the mini as school projects pile up at the end of the semester, I have my subframe back from powder, so when I am done with my finals then its back to the mini every night.

 

No problem, but the subframe looks nice.

 

Where did you get the Wilwood BBK from?