[robbo mcs]

Hi,

I bought my Cooper S in May 2003. Originally I drove the car in stock standard condition, including track sessions. Over the last few months I have made extensive modifications.

I thought I would post a summary of the process I have gone through with the car, and the results. In particular, I thought it would be useful for other Aussies to share my experience, as the availability of various bits and pieces, prices, and the experience of workshops is a somewhat different here to the UK or USA.

Aims of the Modifications
I actually loved the car stock standard. In fact, there is no meed to modify the car at all! However, once I had driven Boo’s car with suspension modifications I was hooked. My aims were to achieve more power and a better overall handling. In particular, my modifications are tailored to the racetrack, as I track the car around every 3 weeks. I wanted to achieve the whole process on a budget of around $10K (ha ha!).

Modifications

Unless stated otherwise, all these modifications were done by Peak Performance at Parramatta. Overall I have been very impressed by there service. They have done a lot of research for me, exploring different options. Everything has been installed with no dramas. They have addressed any problems no questions asked. They even send someone out to the BMW club trackdays to help owners out. On the trackdays they have done things like take pyrometer readings, check tyres, change springs and suspension settings etc! Also, some of the costs are a guesstimate, as some things I have had free as a trial, others have been replaced and refunded etc, so it makes an accurate assessment difficult.

· Hartge Kit : Supercharger pulley upgrade, re-map ECU, modified cooper S exhaust. Also had cold air intake kit installed. Increases power to 210hp (approx), cost $5000
· Suspension modifications : larger rear bar (adjustable), coil overs with spring rates tailored for track use, adjustable camber front (-3 degrees) and rear (-4.5). The car is slightly lowered, with much stiffer springs. A mix of RPM and whiteline suspension components (Australian). Cost $2000
· Intercooler sprayer : cost $150
· Brakes : braided lines, Galfer track compound metallic pads front and rear. Installed by “Race Brakes” at Wetherill park. Upgraded brake fluid (I forget the type). Standard rotors and callipers. Cost $700
· Sabelt 3 inch 4 point removable harness : Cost $400
· Dunlop formula R D01J S compound track tyres. These were supplied through Garry’s Motorsport Tyres at Blacktown. Cost $1400
· Mini OEM 16inch rims for track tyres. Cost $1400

Total cost approx $11,000

Street Driving

There is a dramatic improvement in power with the Hartge kit, felt across the whole rev range. The sound is much more intense, with a loud induction supercharger whine. I have no real problems with grip for street driving. The brakes work fine but are very noisy and produce mountains of dust. The suspension feels a little stiff especially over speed bumps and potholes. However, there is definitely more grip, noticeable even at moderate cornering speeds. In particular the turn in is much better, and the rear feels more stable and planted to the road. However, the negative camber means the tyres wear excessively on the inside. The car is still fun to drive day to day. I still use the standard run flat tyres for street driving.

Racetrack Performance

The car feels greatly improved post modifications. The main improvement is the suspension which feels much more solid, and the car sits flatter in the corners. The brakes are much stronger with more bite. It is very hard getting power down exiting corners. If you are over aggressive with the accelerator you spin the wheels very easily. This has become more apparent with the extra power the car now has. The following are my best times at several tracks pre and post mods. However, note that I was using the track tyres for both. Also, I am not a great driver, and am somewhere “middle of the pack” at club meets. I am sure there are people going a lot faster in the mini. So ignore the absolute times. The improvement is the main thing.

Eastern Creek : 2.01:9 pre, 1.57:1 post
Oran Park GP : 1.30.8 pre, 1.27:6 post
Wakefield Park : 1.16:5 pre, 1.14:8 post

Likes and Dislikes

I love the sound of the car with the cold air intake and Hartge kit. There is a lot more power on tap in any situation. This is especially notable for in-gear acceleration from low to mid revs. The suspension is a huge improvement for both street and track. The brakes are great on the track but a pain in the … on the street. The acceleration out of corners is still a problem on the track. One think I really like is keeping up or overtaking supercars on the track!

Problems

As has been documented in several posts on this board I have persistent problems with very high engine / oil temperatures when running on the track. This has resulted in the failure of some exhaust components. This problem is ongoing, and I am currently looking at my options. This is not a problem for street driving.

Summary

I have been hugely impressed by the guys at Peak performance, and would have no hesitation in recommending them to any Sydney owners. I am very happy with the overall result, and I now have a car that is much faster on the track, and can still be driven everyday.

I hope this summary helps anyone thinking of modifying there car. I would be happy discuss things in more detail with anyone who is interested.

In the following few posts I will attach some pictures of the modifications.


The first pictures attached here show the cold air intake, intercooler sprayer and the harness.

Robbo

[robbo mcs]

Here are :

Front coil over suspension set up
The front strut tower with camber plate
Rear bar and suspension set up

Robbo

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

Here are profile shots of the front and rear showing the camber adjustments.

There is also a photo of a virgin track tyre next to a well worn example.

Robbo

[robbo mcs]

Hi,

Here are some photos on the track showing it is all worthwhile.

I absolutely love this car with a passion! I can't wait to get out on the track again.

Robbo

[warped]

Robbo

Nice write up ... sounds like you got bit by the tuning bug real bad You have to make it to the next drive day so we can admire your piece of track art in person. As a side note I would be interested to see the performance difference between the Hartge and JCW kits

Cheers
Steve

[robbo mcs]

Quote: Originally Posted by warped

Robbo

Nice write up ... sounds like you got bit by the tuning bug real bad You have to make it to the next drive day so we can admire your piece of track art in person. As a side note I would be interested to see the performance difference between the Hartge and JCW kits

Cheers
Steve

Yes, I have been bitten badly!

I should be attending the next drive day.

I am also itching to see my car next to a works car. Hopefully when Boo comes back he will get the kit fitted to SWORKS. He has similar suspension mods to me. Prior to either of our cars being modified we were doing virtually identical times on the track. Even better, we will be able to drive each others cars and compare notes.

One bonus of the works kit is the warranty. Also, I am sure it is better engineered, and probably more durable. With the problems I am having with temps etc this is preying on my mind.

By the way I saw your car in the process of getting the kit fitted at Parramatta. Looked great.

Robbo

[Boo]

Great write up Robbo.. 1:14:8 at Wakefield huh
Will definitely be getting the Works kit when i get back and will be revved for the next Burrows drive day after that...

PS. New York rocks

[kenhenry]

Boo,

Despite any power delivery differences between the JCW and the other tuners out there, you won't be disappointed with the Works Kit.

Robbo's right though. Getting power down around town isn't much of an issue, but on the track you've got to feather the throttle with milimetre accuracy.

I am still getting up to 50m of wheel spin entering pit straight on Queensland Raceway while trying to find out where that exact throttle point lies. That's on Yokohama ES-100s. Problem is, you get within a couple of metres of an S, ready to overtake on the front straight and end up giving 30m back to them while you get traction again. Then spend the rest of the straight catching up.

One problem Robbo didn't mention, and could be a MINI warranty issue, is bent aerial syndrome (see before and after pics). OK for you guys with SATNAV.

I will be following this thread very carefully. My next move is definitely a set of slicks/semi-slicks for the old 16" 5 spokes.

Also, could'nt agree more. New York is fantastic.
I never really had any desire to go there as a tourist destination in its own right. Just to pass through.
Fell in love with the place. Still wouldn't go to Harlem, Queens or Bronx at night by myself, but felt safer walking around Manhattan at 3am, than I do in Brisbane or Sydney at Midnight. Guiliani did a great job of cleaning up the streets, I hope it is still as good since he retired.

[CanberraCooperS]

1.14.8 at wakefields a good time... i heading up to wakefield on the 12th for a Closed event. Official timming is going to be provided so i have a target now.
BTW. Oil cooler and 800ml more oil will make a huge difference. I fitted this last week and even when pushing really hard Comming up the Clyde Mountain from Batemans Bay on a 25 deg day the oil never got over 100Deg. lines and fittings and the cooler fitted was about $250 well worth it as you would know as soon as the oil gets hot the ECU litterally pours Fuel into the engine to keep it cool. My last track day at Wakefeild the Onboard Fuel usage was up around the 40lt per 100klms average for my 5 lap stints. with just lowered springs and a CAI i was doing 1.15:17 so im hoping with the few mods i can get into the 13's or 12's on street rubber.

[robbo mcs]

Quote: Originally Posted by CanberraCooperS

1.14.8 at wakefields a good time... i heading up to wakefield on the 12th for a Closed event. Official timming is going to be provided so i have a target now.
BTW. Oil cooler and 800ml more oil will make a huge difference. I fitted this last week and even when pushing really hard Comming up the Clyde Mountain from Batemans Bay on a 25 deg day the oil never got over 100Deg. lines and fittings and the cooler fitted was about $250 well worth it as you would know as soon as the oil gets hot the ECU litterally pours Fuel into the engine to keep it cool. My last track day at Wakefeild the Onboard Fuel usage was up around the 40lt per 100klms average for my 5 lap stints. with just lowered springs and a CAI i was doing 1.15:17 so im hoping with the few mods i can get into the 13's or 12's on street rubber.

Hi,

Thanks for the info.

After reading various responses regarding the oil temp and exhaust problems I think I will have to look at getting an oil cooler, heavier duty cat, and dyno the car with sensors and adjust the air / fuel ratio under load. I will let you know how I get on.

Canberra Cooper, good luck at Wakefield. Actually out of all my track times times the Wakefield one is the softest. I did that before my mods were finished (I had the hartge kit CAI and brakes, but only minimal suspension changes). Also, the day we were there it was 4degrees C and I simply could not get heat into the tyres. That day it snowed in Cooma and the Brindabellas. Under better conditions I am sure I will be able to improve the times. I am going back there in November for a BMW club meet, and I will let you know how I go.

In contrast I think my times for Oran Park and Eastern Creek are more on the money. I will only improve those by developing my driving skills significantly!

I would love to go to Wakefield one day and follow you around to see braking points, lines etc. Keep me posted if there are any more drive days there.

Robbo

[CanberraCooperS]

If you interested in comming to wakefield on the 12th you can get an entry form from JRacing in Canberra. You can call them on 02 62807777 $150 entry fee and there are over 30 cars entered thus far. Only one Mini though :-(

[robbo mcs]

Quote: Originally Posted by CanberraCooperS

If you interested in comming to wakefield on the 12th you can get an entry form from JRacing in Canberra. You can call them on 02 62807777 $150 entry fee and there are over 30 cars entered thus far. Only one Mini though :-(

Hi,

Thanks for the invite!

Unfortunately, on the same day there is a NSW BMW club supersprint at Eastern Creek. I am not going to miss that for anything! It is my "home" track, and I feel I can seriously embarrass many M3's etc

However, I will return the favour, and invite you to the BMW event at Wakefield. It is on 16/11. The BMW days usually cost around $150. The day in November is different, as it is the end of year event. In the morning they have skills tests, including slaloms , plus motorkhana and hillclimb, and then have supersprints in the afternoon. Check out the website on www.bmwclubnsw.asn.au

It would be great to see more minis out on the track. I am feeling a little lonely since Boo left.

Robbo

[Boo]

I would love to be there at Eastern Creek with another fast Mini to compound the embarrassment of the expensive Bimmers I think i too would call Eastern Creek home, i love that track

Good luck, can't wait to hear the results... Y'all go get 'em (as they say here in Texas)

[robbo mcs]

Quote: Originally Posted by Boo

I would love to be there at Eastern Creek with another fast Mini to compound the embarrassment of the expensive Bimmers I think i too would call Eastern Creek home, i love that track

Good luck, can't wait to hear the results... Y'all go get 'em (as they say here in Texas)

Hi,

Yes hopefully I will get good times in at "the creek"

However, I feel from the weather forecast that it may be wet!

My car is back at the Peak workshop getting further modifications to address the engine / cat/ exhuast overheating problems. The impression seems to be that the engine is running hot on excessive prolonged boost (ie track), which is throwing excess fuel and hot gases under pressure into the exhuast, burning up the cat and exhaust. As a result there is backpressure building up which is compounding the engine heating problem. It looks like I am going to get a newer free flowing cat, headers and exhuast fitted, along with an oil cooler.However, Peak are still trying to work out the best solution.

Strangely enough at work today it was quiet, and I picked up an Evo magazine from the waiting room. It was from early 2003. They had a review of the JCW system. They were commenting on the upgraded head of the JCW system. I dont have the magazine at hand, but to paraphrase from memory "JCW decided to upgrade the entire head. On testing of a simple supercharger upgrade (as done by many aftermarket suppliers) there were several catastrophic engine failure in hot weather testing". Ouch!

Robbo

[CanberraCooperS]

yeah the weather for Wakefleild is looking like it might rain on sunday as well .... GOOODY.. hehehehhe

Yeah i have heard that a few unlucky people had head failures due to not upgrading there ecu at the same time as the pulley.
A good ECU update should provide a mild increase to the fuel when needed and not go overboard..
I guess with a good oil cooler and a oil catch can you should not have those problems as the radiator is ample and works well. So if the oil doesnt get hot and you dont have that silly pre-cat to deal with then all should be ok. Ive had a removable section made up so i take my Cat out when i race it. no chance of dammaging it then.
Takes 20 mins to change and you only need to let it cool for 40 mins at the end of the day and put it back in. Makes sense to me

[Boo]

Ouch, sounds like a oil cooler might be a must even with the JCW Kit.. and maybe Intercooler spray, headers and cat DOH!!!! I can see this upgrade getting very expensive at this point.. Did i mention i liked those seats also

[bkwalker]

robbo,
what mods to your exhaust did Peak do? is it included in the $5000 hartge kit? is it the Hartge exhaust??

one more thing, do you think if i were to get 200hp hartge kit, that the standard breaks would be good enough for street use?
(i dont think they are the greatest to start with to be honest)
cheers,
Just give me your opinion, thats all im interested in
thanks again

[robbo mcs]

Quote: Originally Posted by bkwalker

robbo,
what mods to your exhaust did Peak do? is it included in the $5000 hartge kit? is it the Hartge exhaust??

one more thing, do you think if i were to get 200hp hartge kit, that the standard breaks would be good enough for street use?
(i dont think they are the greatest to start with to be honest)
cheers,
Just give me your opinion, thats all im interested in
thanks again

Hi,

Peak have done many[i] modifications to my exhaust! I am currently on a a new straighter system with bigger pipes and less backpressure (manufactured locally at reasonable cost).

I would suggest you ring Nick at Peak and ask him for advice.

However, it depends what you want. If you are only driving on the street any of the products will work with no problems. It depends what you prefer, eg subtle approach with not much noise then keep with the standard exhaust. An excellent low cost option is to get the standard exhaust modified and cut so it only uses on of the 2 chambers. This is lighter, and free flowing, but still sounds pretty stock.

If you want a low end rumble, plus crackle on the over-run, then there are many aftermarket options.

If you are considering going on the track, then you need to get a more sturdy exhaust system.

I would suggest you give Nick Peak a ring and ask for advice. However, you need to have a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve.

Personally, I think the standard brakes are fine. I would not waste much money upgrading the brakes for street use. For the track I have upgraded the pads, and they are excellent.

Why are you not impressed with the brakes? Is it a soft or spongy feel? If so it might be something as simples as getting the fluid bled to fix it.

Robbo

[bkwalker]

thanks robbo,
i think when i get the funds together i will def give nick a call.. everyone says thats the best idea!
as for the brakes, i just have high expecations, i find i have to press them pretty hard, and if im going fast and press them hard then the brake distance is still pretty long, and its rough, not smooth.. i dunno, maybe what u suggest is right..
thanks anyway

[JugMan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Boo

Great write up Robbo.. 1:14:8 at Wakefield huh
Will definitely be getting the Works kit when i get back and will be revved for the next Burrows drive day after that...

PS. New York rocks

As long as it looks like this -