Just picked up another R53. On my current R53 driver I have the R56 brakes, SS lines and X-lites.
On this new one, I've got stock brakes and R81's (aka Holey's)

I would like to swap the R56 brakes onto this car (They make that much of a difference!) as well AND keep the Holey's Of course they do not fit (I tried on the other car) - and I could swear someone did some sort of mod before to make it work. I cannot seem to locate the info.

Can anyone help me out? I really love the lightweight of the Holeys and would like to try and keep them if possible.

 

There are R56 brakes, and R56 S brakes. I’m assuming you have R56 S brakes on your car with X-lites. The difference between the two are rotor size and caliper carriers/brackets to fit the rotors. The actual calipers and pads are the same.

Maybe the “mod” you’re thinking of for the holies used the regular R56 brakes with 280mm rotors instead of 294mm S rotors. The rotors are slightly bigger than the 276mm R53 rotors, but will still benefit from the larger pads used for the R56.

Not positive on the fitment as I’ve never tried it, but I’m sure someone here will know if the regular R56 brakes will work with the holies or not.

 

Yes. R56 S brakes. With slightly bigger rotors.

I could swear I heard of someone either shaving down the caliper or using some spacer. Not sure about these mods. Wanted to get a little more info on what can be safely done.

 

If the fitment problem is with the width of the wheel rather than diameter, you might be thinking of a spacer. Something like this:
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-15...l-spacers.html

 

Not sure I understand the statement above ^. If I install an R56 Caliper and then attempt to install a 15" R81 wheel, the diameter is slightly too small. The width does not appear to have anything to do with it unless I was to radically move the wheel out. What am I missing here? Note how tight the x-lites are in the pic... (Maybe there is no bigger brake alternative in order to use the 15" rims? - What are the track guys doing?) If using spacers, are they swapping to extended studs? Please educate me.

 

I didn't see anywhere that you wrote that the diameter was the problem -- you wrote that they didn't fit. I provided a link to the spacer in case width was the problem and because you mentioned "using some spacer." I'm sorry that's not the case. I don't know what one does when diameter is the problem other than use smaller brakes or a bigger wheel.

 

I doubt any track guys are running R81s. They’re just so narrow.

 

If you are interested, I have a set of x-lites in the garage not being used… That would solve your problems

 

^^ Interested but I think with the shipping they would go over budget.

I understand what I am asking for is a tough proposition. Not sure it can work. I just really love those R81's - the lighter weight makes a HUGE difference.

 

The holies were still optional on the base R56, weren't they?

 

I think the R56 caliper is the same for both "S" and "non-S" versions. I think it is the carrier that is different? Not 100% on this. As you can see in the pic the piston is slightly bigger. Didn't think it would make that much difference. I was wrong.

I tried to fit the 15" Holey over the R56 brake upgrade in the pics above. I neglected to get a pic. Needless to say it was too tight. Thus I got rid of my holeys. Now I have a new R53 with holeys and the handling is markedly different with the significantly lighter wheels. I'd like to keep them if I can. Or buy something that is comparable in the weight dept. Everything I find is no where near the 12lb mark.

15" R81 = 12lbs each (no tire)
16" X-lite= 17.6lbs each (no tire)

I also have a set of 17" S-spoke (that have some curbage but might be used for winter beaters)- that I can sell.

 

According to Library of Motoring, yes...


R81 7-Holes Design Light Alloy Wheel
Silver
5.5J x 15
175/65 R15 Performance tire
Model Years 2002-2007, 2012-2014
Standard on the MINI Cooper Clubman, MINI Cooper Coupe

 

I stand corrected. Maybe the R56 non-S has a smaller set up after all?

 

It could have been more organized and written clearer, but post #2 had some of this info. The calipers and pad size are the same for the R56 and R56 S, but the carriers are different to fit the different sized rotors. The base R56 setup is smaller than the R56 S, but uses a bigger pad than the R53 and should still be an intermediate upgrade between an R53 and R56 S setup. The question is will the base R56 setup be enough for your needs or the upgrade cost.

 

The little interference you may get could EASILY be grinded off the calipers.. my buddies running 15s on his r56..