Hello everyone,
I run the Lotus Club in St Louis. My wife and I run about 8 track days a year. She's tired of being passed by Minis ( especially in the rain ) so now she wants one. Any advice on which version to buy would be appreciated.
Can a roll bar be installed but still keep the back seat in? Is it worth the time and money to find a John Cooper ed. What performance parts would you suggest. I don't want to go too crazy here. We just want something that will perform well on the track but still be used daily. If anyone in St Louis has one for sell, ready for the track, let me know.



Thanks
Eric

 

Hi Eric,

I would suggest starting with an '05-'06 Cooper S. In '05 they changed the ECU to make a little more power, and they revised the gearing for better acceleration. They also had most of the small bugs worked out. I wouldn't look too hard for a JCW. You can easily add most of the parts from aftermarket vendors (cheaper too). The basics are a supercharger pulley, intake, exhaust, and rear sway bar. Add front camber plates, a BBK, good wheels and tires and you have a very compentant track car that will not kill you around town. Get a set of Scroth harnesses that snap in and out would probably be sufficient for HPDEs. That is how I have my car set up, and I was running at fast speeds at Autobahn last week in the rain. (I feel sorry for the Lotus that spun and got damaged) You might also consider a new '07 from the dealer. The new car has more refinements, and the new Turbo engine is a lot stronger.

If you have any questions, let me know.

brian @ stlmini . com

 

Thanks for the info.

That guy with the wrecked Elise had a bad day!

 

I might be looking to sell my 2005 Red (Red Roof - Red Dash) Mini S after Sept. I have been autocrossing it so I have Koni single adjustables on it, have 2 sets of spare light weight wheels and 1 extra set of OEM wheels for it. I also have a bolt on exhaust system for it (for that extra few hp you might want) and a trailer hitch on it. Has about 15,000 mi on it right now. Shroth harness set up is already installed also.
Sunroof, optional sound system, all options (except the ipod and blue tooth ones) on it.

Contact me if interested.

I am looking to possibly change classes so the MINI would be for sale.