Engine Drivetrain 2nd Gen Strange, But Good

Amen. I opted for a plain cooper because I didn't want to get involved with run flat tires, melting hood scoops and questionable fuel pumps. My last toy car was a forced induction Miata and it was fun but certainly not issue free. The justa is a solid platform that will not win any stoplight drag races but it suits me just fine. That said, if someone comes up with some interesting performance add-ons, I'll be glad to give them some business.

 

Don't worry

stuff will come. All the R50 owners complained (and some still do) about lack of stuff for thier cars. If you think there is a lot out there for the R50 compared to the R56 base car, really it's only because of the time the R50 has been out. It's neglected too.

But don't forget, all the suspension and chassis stuff for the turbo prince fits the base cooper too, so you're not as neglected as you think!

Matt

 

jbewly, what sorts of stuff are you looking for?

Most of the engine mods for the R53 are supercharger specific, since you don't have a supercharger, they don't apply.

Most all of the body mods, brake mods and suspension mods, wheels etc. are the same and will work if you choose.

If you're looking for louder exhaust, that's out there. There are CAI's if you're looking for a louder intake. Appearance stuff for the engine compartment should be the same, and there even used to be a JCW kit for the Justa R50, don't know if they did it for the 2nd gen cars tho.

There are also "chips", like the Unichip for the Justa, I know someone who has one.

However, I don't know how much of this stuff applies to the 2nd gen cars.

So, what are you looking for?

The biggest complaint I hear from Justa owners is the lack of go-faster stuff for the engine, but then the one thing all Justa owners are proud of is the exemplary mileage their cars get - so the first thing they want to do is ruin this?

Short of headwork/camshafts/headers and internal engine work, I don't think any of the go-faster bolt on stuff does help the Justa's performance much, and by the time you tote up your costs, you're in R53/R56 territory - but if it's sound or appearance you're looking for, it's all out there.

 

This should work for you guys needing more speed.




Notice...... it's a Cooper too!

 

And it won't hurt the mileage either!

 

It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast one slow. Lots of suspension parts available to make your Just really corner fast. Corners are where all the fun is.

 

Anything that fits an R56 body will fit the Justa Cooper, it's the same body. You might have to drill some holes or something, but the dimensions are the same.

And there definitely should be a cat-back out there for it. I know they made them for the R50's, cause a buddy had a MagnaFlow on his Justa, and changed to a Borla - or the other way round....

You can't put the factory GP wing on an R53 or R56 either, it takes a different back glass IIRC.

 

I love when I get the opportunity to track prep a non S. We had some good fun with Jason's Brownmini last year and when it was done he was passing well driven S's on the track. That's with an over 100K tired motor.
Needless to say it was not the best "daily driver" anymore. ;-)

 

There areR56 non-s exhausts available.

And if you didn't want to go with these, any exhaust shop would be able to create you a custom one. (probably much cheaper too)

Or you could put an R56 MCS exhaust on there and toss on an MCS bumper (or modify the MC bumper)

Supersprint who also have a header for the non-s:

Supersprint North America : Muffler w/ Round Tip<br>Tip Description: 90mm Round

OBX makes cheaper copies of the supersprint header:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UHZG4M/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001UYSN4K&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=09EMXR1N015P0FKP4VRJ"]Amazon.com: OBX Header 07-09 Mini Cooper Base Model 4-1 (2pc.): Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VKXo7aKhL.@@AMEPARAM@@41VKXo7aKhL[/ame]

In my opinion, modifying cars is about modifying cars....not buying parts. Things like a spoiler extension are a great excuse to get to working on your car. Browse the classifieds and ebay for a used spoiler, strip the paint, and get to work, make an extension of your own.

 

Or, if you don't want to fab your own, many companies make universal spoiler extensions. You just determine the width you need:

Universal wings

 

If only they made one short enough...shortest I saw listed was 45.3" and the R53 wing is like 38".....

 

They're usually made of ABS, so cutting a 7" section out of the center and fusing them together wouldn't be difficult. Working with ABS is simple (and a lot of fun)