R53 JCW - Modification & tuning advice

[stuiesav]

Hey - wonder if you could offer some advice?

I have a Mini Cooper S / JCW R53 and looking for some views and ideas on a few things...

1. Uprated brakes (discs / calipers / pads)- they are not the best - what kits would folks recommend (and from where) to get something that stops a bit better?
2. Suspension optiongs - im not sure what the JCW comes with as standard - is it any different from the standard cooper /s R53? If i wanted to lower slightley and make a little stiffer - what would i do - take a set of the 30mm lowering springs or something else?
3. Wheels / Spacers options - what are folks suggestion to take it upto a bigger wheel / rims / tyres - what works (And what looks good?)
4. Tuning to take it beyond the R53 JCW spec - what are some good options.

Hope you dont mind me asking - and hopefully the above makes sense - its my first delve into Mini tunining and modifying!

Cheers

Stu

[E-bmw]

Mine is an 06 S not JCW but I have taken mine to 233bhp.

550cc injectors
17% pulley
JCW exhaust & 200cell cat
CAI
BBTB - most say not required
Cooler plugs
Cam

Are the headline engine mods.

I have 56 brakes which I think are the same as yours & find them fantastic even on track days so something must be wrong with yours.

Quality coilovers will transform the car & allow you to drop it a bit, cheap ones will ruin it, these cars don't respond well to just lower springs due to the very small amount of suspension travel.

[john_1983]

I've got an R53 JCW, and this is some of what I've done to mine:

- R56 JCW Brembo brakes (not needed really, R56 brakes are enough). Check if you have the R53 JCW brakes or not, you won't necessarily have them. If you do, just uprate the pads
- Decent coilovers, uprated rear anti-roll bar, adjustable rear camber arms to bring the camber back in once lowered
- OZ 17s, much lighter than the stock wheels. Lots of choice of aftermarket wheels
- Newman cam, 550cc injectors, 1320 remap and Janspeed manifold. Kept the JCW pulley & exhaust, mine makes 230bhp which is enough IMO

[E-bmw]

john_1983 said:

mine makes 230bhp which is enough IMO

100% agree, mine was 220 & then after mapping was 233 + change & that is more than enough to have fun without getting into trouble either mechanically or lawfully.

[gr4eme]

Hi - Just my 2p worth

I also have a R53 JCW and as these are becoming more collectible and the prices are increasing just be mindful that standard seems to be king (or will be soon). If this is a key area of your ownership, just make sure that anything you do can be removed. Personally i'm not tinkering with my engine, but brakes and suspension as and when needed. Any pics?