Discussion
I've 'inherited' the wife's R53,MCS checkmate. Because I like that sort of thing, I've been looking at upgrades.
The car will be used for commuting short distances and fun days. Possibly very occasionally once/twice a year a trackday.
Is there anything better than JCW for this? Looking on forums the advice seems to be just "slam it on coilovers" I'm not sure that's suitable for rural roads and a decent set of coils seem to be a grand which is a 1/4 of the value of the car.
Brakes if I'm right are useless even with up rated discs and pads, r56 spec seems to be the best option.
That should be a decent starting spec?
Any thoughts?
The car will be used for commuting short distances and fun days. Possibly very occasionally once/twice a year a trackday.
Is there anything better than JCW for this? Looking on forums the advice seems to be just "slam it on coilovers" I'm not sure that's suitable for rural roads and a decent set of coils seem to be a grand which is a 1/4 of the value of the car.
Brakes if I'm right are useless even with up rated discs and pads, r56 spec seems to be the best option.
That should be a decent starting spec?
Any thoughts?
Checkmate is a great car, it was IIRC a run-out special edition just before the R56 was released.
Coilovers with a progressive spring rate, maybe, but Euro-style slamming is likely to make the ride far too harsh and compromised for road use. If you read Modern MINI magazine then that's the way most modders seem to go but I can't say I like the results.
Brakes are fine for road use if they're in decent condition. Read this thread for your options:
http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/brakes-tire...
Coilovers with a progressive spring rate, maybe, but Euro-style slamming is likely to make the ride far too harsh and compromised for road use. If you read Modern MINI magazine then that's the way most modders seem to go but I can't say I like the results.
Brakes are fine for road use if they're in decent condition. Read this thread for your options:
http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/brakes-tire...
Standard response seems to be.
Handling
1. Ditch runflats, 16inch wheels preferable.
2. Front strut brace
3. dampers and springs all-round
Braking
1.Best pads you can get
or JCW/R56 brakes
Power
1. 15% Pulley/plugs.
2. Orranje stealth/dave f intake
3. Top mount intercooler
4. Exhaust if you like
After that it starts getting really expensive.
Handling
1. Ditch runflats, 16inch wheels preferable.
2. Front strut brace
3. dampers and springs all-round
Braking
1.Best pads you can get
or JCW/R56 brakes
Power
1. 15% Pulley/plugs.
2. Orranje stealth/dave f intake
3. Top mount intercooler
4. Exhaust if you like
After that it starts getting really expensive.
jackh707 said:
Standard response seems to be.
Handling
1. Ditch runflats, 16inch wheels preferable.
2. Front strut brace
3. dampers and springs all-round
Braking
1.Best pads you can get
or JCW/R56 brakes
Power
1. 15% Pulley/plugs.KAZSLsAj
2. Orranje stealth/dave f intake
3. Top mount intercooler
4. Exhaust if you like
After that it starts getting really expensive.
Thanks: Handling
1. Ditch runflats, 16inch wheels preferable.
2. Front strut brace
3. dampers and springs all-round
Braking
1.Best pads you can get
or JCW/R56 brakes
Power
1. 15% Pulley/plugs.KAZSLsAj
2. Orranje stealth/dave f intake
3. Top mount intercooler
4. Exhaust if you like
After that it starts getting really expensive.
I've already ditched R/Fs ... The difference was amazing!
Re: springs/dampers. Any recommendations? SWMBO says I'm not allowed to sacrifice ride comfort for the very rare occasions she or the kids will be in the car. (maybe a tall ask I know)
I'll have a look at the other suggestions.
Sorry for the questions. It's almost a decade since I last did anything like this and last time was a 306gti so completely different.
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