Just got a R55 JCW.
Came from a two R56 JCW. tracked one of them with suspension and some mods.

All N18 engines!

Just wondering what people have been doing to their R55 and which part is the best bang for the buck to add for track.

I know the basic, coilovers, sways, etc. just wondering if that made a huge difference since R55 handling is different from R56.

Thanks.

 

Would love to see some pix! Congrats on your new addition to the family.

Suspension mods on the R55 will result in similar improvement to the mods on the R56. However, balancing the car will be slightly different due to the different body and different weight distribution.

Here is a good performance upgrade tutorial. Though you've done much of this before, you can see how it relates to your R55:

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper..._for_your_Mini

Here are some key components:

http://new.minimania.com/Search_Resu...0upgrade/Parts

Plasma Upgrade:
http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NME3...-S-R55-R56-R57

Turbocharger Hi-Flow Upgrade:
http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NME2...e-Gen2-R55-r61

Intercooler Upgrade:
http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NME3...ts-2011r55-R61

Intercooler Swap Video!
http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper_Inter-cooler_Video

Hope these help! Please let us know if you have any questions. We have over 40 years with this brand on the street and track!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

In regards to bang for buck, this is the list I would recommend.

25mm Rear swaybar

Good set of sticky tires

More aggressive brake pads/rotors

Either springs/shocks or coilovers & corner balanced