Ok kids, I got rid of my Z4 and bought an '02 Cooper. I want to get it as competitive as possible for NT events and maybe even Nationals. Here's my list of questions people might be able to help with:

-What's the minimum offset for a set of 16x6.5" wheels? Looks like OEMs are 50, so my guess is 44 or greater? What's the absolute lightest wheel people at Nats are running? I'm looking at Slipstreams, but there has to be a sub 10lb wheel out there with the correct offset? My buddy has some SSR-C's for sale, but he thinks they're 38mm offset. No good I think.

-My car is a before 03/02 car. What all will I need to do to it to bring it up to the SS+ suspension package? If I find a set of SS+ springs and sway bars, and put them on Koni double adjustable shocks, will they fit in where the older style struts did? Or am I stuck with what I have?

-Looks like the "sport package" springs on a Mini are the normal springs for a MCS, so are the "sport package" springs on an MCS the SS+ springs for a non-S Mini? Any suggestions on how to hunt all of this stuff down??

-What size A6's do you suggest for the 6.5" wide wheels? With the longer gears, I'd like as wide and low profile as possible. Any suggestions?

-Any other tips or tricks I should know about? Alignment issues or anything??

Everyone's help is VERY much appreciated!!

 

Did you read the stock class FAQs post at the top of this section? I'll assume yes and answer what I can:

-What is your autocrossing background? Is this your first venture into it? First time on R-compound tires? Are you used to FWD? Give me a little background to go from.

-Wheels: Slipstreams are great wheels and what many people have. They are not, however, the lightest available. The SSR Comps are the lightest, but I don't know if they are still made in the correct offset for the MINIs. You may be able to find a used set for sale, but expect to pay close to $1000. The Rotas are available new for under $600 shipped. The difference in weight is about 2 pounds, with the Rota around 13 and the SSR around 11. Either is a great option compared to the stock 17 pound wheels.

-I'm not sure about the differences in shocks on the early cars, so I can't tell you if later parts fit the earlier cars. Your thinking on the springs for a MC vs. MCS regarding the SS+ springs is correct (the MC sport springs are standard on the MCS, and the SS+ springs for the MC are the upgrade on the MCS). The SS+ rear sway bar is standard on the MCS. The trick is that you have to know exactly which springs your car would have come with if it had been built with the SS+ package. There are a bunch of factory combinations depending on what equipment your car came with (sunroof, lots of convenience options, etc). It can be very intimidating and frustrating to hunt all of this down on your own, but it is VITAL to get the right ones for stock class, as you can easily be protested and be disqualified if they are not exactly correct. Send me a private message and I'll tell you how to get those parts easily.

-If you're going with A6s, you'll want to do the 205/45R16.

-Regarding alignment, you have an 02, so you're fairly limited. The 05+ cars have adjustable rear camber, and the 07+ cars have a hair more front camber adjustability. On the 02, you can mess with toe settings only. Set front and rear to about 1/8" toe out and adjust from there. I've heard that some people with the early cars go with even more rear toe out to compensate for the factory negative camber, which is about -1.5 degrees.

-The only other tip is to get as much weight off the car as possible. Get rid of all the spare tire stuff and try a lighter exhaust system. With so many MINIs out there, it comes down to car setup and driver ability to determine the winners.

I have been autocrossing for almost 15 years, although I have just recently started prepping a MINI for H Stock. I did LOTS of research before jumping in, so I do have a pretty good amount of reference material for advice.

Good luck!
Mike

 

the front struts on the early 02 cars are Not compatible with the rest of the cars. the rears are the same.

The SS+ springs are specific to your options, you can't just swap someones mcs springs. And I think the front springs are different on the early 02 cars.

 

Hey Mike, thanks a ton for the info. I'm not new to autocrossing. I've competed locally in Cincy for 3 years now with an AS BMW Z4. It did well around here, but an open diff and lower hp/weight makes it a turd compared to a true AS S2K or C4. So, I switched to something with a better shot at competing at National Tour events and even Nationals. I've driven just about everything from last year's 3rd place ASP Corvette to D-Mod Ford Festivas, FWD no weight lift=rotate cars. I do very well locally, usually right in line with a few of our guys who have won nats or come very close, so I figured its time to see how I could do.

I'll send you a PM on the springs stuff. It could get interesting with mine being a pre 03/02 car