Evolution of my Hartge MCS (pic heavy!)

[Hartge220]

I've been on here quite a while so I thought I should post up a few () pics of how my 2003 MCS has evovled in the 6 & a half years of ownership

Bought it virtually standard apart from the Hartge tuning kit (200bhp), the Hartge kit includes 15% reduced pulley & a remap, the original owner also had a Milltek exhaust & manifold fitted


No real plans to mod the car any further, then I joined the various MINI forums......the modding started soon after

1st change of wheels, Fox RS multispoke


The modding bug had well truely hit by now, the wheels were changed for a set of rare Dare X4 rims, only 50 sets of these were made for a group buy many years ago here on MINI2. A full JCW Aerokit was fitted as well


A visit to Phil @ Mini-Pirate (sadly not trading any more) saw his 1st Union Jack Zipper roof decal fitted


The interior hasn't been neglected either, leather JCW Sparco seats have been fitted, along with a Carbon dash/trimrings/downtubes etc. 3 spoke steering wheel & some anthracite door cards from a MINI one,



The exterior has had a few mods too , lots of carbon added, bonnet scoop/belt line/ headlight rings (to be fitted)/ mirror caps/side indicators/door handle covers/ washer jet covers/fuel cap cover


Another quite rare addition is a Palo Uber rear wing extention in Carbon fibre (from the USA), haven't seen another one fitted to a car in this country


Another set of rims were bought as well, someone had made a good offer on the Dares, so a set of lightweight Rota Subzeros were fitted


The intention was always to take the car on track, & the power was upped a little more with A Dave F hybrid airbox, larger intercooler from GRS (painted black, along with the intercooler horns), that took power up to 220.8bhp, A Brembo big brake kit from an R56 JCW has added to stopping power along with a set of front brake ducts set into the front bumper. A set of Meister R europa adjustable coilovers were also fitted to help with the handling along with a GTT upper strutbrace.


On track at Brands Hatch, even the pasengers enjoyed the ride despite my driving


The car has been round the Top Gear track too, a charity track day, we weren't allowed to go flat out or overtake , but still had a good day
http://www.youtube.com/user/Hartge21.../9/rpZs1o0so80

Also done quite a few Run What You Brung days at Santa Pod, best time on the 1/4 mile of 15.02 at 94 mph
http://www.youtube.com/user/Hartge21...17/acFnVD2kgig

Latest photos taken last week, car is now running Rota Blitz wheels



Sorry it's such a long post guys, 6 years of ownership crammed into 1 thread, absolutely love the car & it still brings a smile to my face after all this time. Been one of the most reliable fun cars I've ever had, & being a 54 year old grandad I 've had a few.

Thanks for reading

John

[SUPERDJ]

That looks amazing mate very nice mini pal ;D

[muse2me]

Wow, quite a transformation! Looks fab. Electric Blue is such an eyecatching colour. Love the track photo!

[drozd]

looks great

[stapleton]

wow really nice car there mate what suspension have you gone for coilovers or springs?

[Hartge220]

Thanks matey

Was running on KW springs, but now I'm on Meister R europa coilovers.

[Hartge220]

Quick update...

Had the front wishbone bushes replaced with polybushes a few days ago, made such a difference to the handling, front end feels much tighter & not so loose. Very worthwile & recommended mod/replacement for anyone thinking of getting it done

At the same time I had my Carbon headlight rings fitted


Also got a bit of a good deal with another MINI mate who wanted to sell his re-trimmed Jcw Sparco seats, I just couldn't resist




Even the Mrs likes them

[minicore]

Those seats are so nice - awesome acquisition there!

[T23CJD]

That looks awesome!!! My MCS is going to be my track regular soon at brands. Are you from Kent area??

[Hartge220]

Quote: Originally Posted by T23CJD (original)

That looks awesome!!! My MCS is going to be my track regular soon at brands. Are you from Kent area??

Cheers matey ,

I'm in Epsom, Surrey, only half an hour door to door from Brands

[T23CJD]

Ah that's cool. How is the mini round brands?? I've only ever taken my type r around! Have you adjusted the rear camber or is that how it sits naturally on your coilies?

[Hartge220]

MINI was good around Brands , my 1st time on a real track day, after overcoming initial worries, relaxed & the old old girl took it in it's stride, 51 laps (in 10 laps stints) with no problems at all.

I'm running adjustable control arms on the rear (can't remember how much camber though).

Bit of an update too, had a Hayward & Scott (one ball) exhaust fitted today, sounds awesome , the larger tips fill up the hole in the rear bumper just right too

[T23CJD]

Yea I do remember the feeling of... Oh wait this is my pride and joy... I don't want you to break!! But once you get in to the swing of it, you know that car more then any other!!

Where did you source all of your carbon bits?

New exhaust looks quality.

[Hartge220]

Got the carbon bits from various forums, watching for sale threads like a hawk .

Cheers mate, the exhaust pops & burbles much more than the Milltek, I've just got to find the nearest tunnel for some proper noise

[harvey94]

Fantastic! Great post , so nice to see the before and after of all the work done.

Simply a stunning car

I really love those seats!!

Nice work indeed