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R53 or R56. (Cooper s or jcw)

7K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  Eat Custard 
#1 ·
Hello all I am currently saving up for either r53or a r56. Would you be able to give me a few pros and cons for each. I am a machanic so il do all repairs myself but would just like a little info on each.

I work next door to lohen mini specialists. Not sure if many of you will know them or been to them.

Costs of day to day driving
Reliability
Upgrade costs.
What mods are best for there money.

Much appreciated. Nick

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#2 ·
pros of the first gen cooper s.

1. much stronger motor

2. and in my opinion a little better looking::wink::

for the second gen the engine is very weak.

timing chain guide rails are notorious for wearing

excessive carbon build up

horrendous oil consumption

vanos solenoid failure :serious:


second gen cooper s cars really have no pros over the 1st gen.
 
#4 ·
what they most likely mean is that the N14 engine is the big issue in the Gen 2.

The issues with the Gen 1 is the power steering pump and with the R53 models, if the Super Charger is neglected and the PTO gears get worn, you have no working water pump with the inherent problems of a failed water pump. As all Gen 1's get older, the timing chain tensioner can start to stick and must be changed as soon as you hear any cold start rattle before the guides get damaged with the inherent problems of a jumped timing chain.

Also with a Gen 1, check under all door seal rubbers for corrosion inc the hatch and for the R53 the battery compartment (in the rear) for rust.

GTT tuning in the UK do complete Super Charger rebuilds if yours is suspect or worn out.
 
#10 ·
Many people like the r56 because it's more comfortable and an easier drive, it also has the torque advantage and better fuel consumption, and made better by certain mapping available. However I wouldn't want one. I drove a few locally and they felt bland, the power although there was not felt the same way as the r53, which is a more focused car, sharper handling, feels like it's lower and is smaller, made with a stronger engine the right way round in my opinion, with the inlet manifold at the front and exhaust at the rear.

Modifying the r53 will cost more, but more is available, and required.

I personally wouldn't use Lohen, some praise them, but I can do my own stuff, and as Lohen don't actually map the r53, or can't, maybe they're reluctant to send people t 1320 who can. Others can with generic maps made by other companies, just loaded on with their machine, and some may tailor a map with equipment like Dimsport master etc, but the best that allows the original ecu to be retained, is BytetroniK, an American software, which 1320 are the U.K. agents for, and largely why people use them. At the end of the day anyone can do the spanner work and be regarded good.

I used GTT for my pulley as they're the only ones I could find in the country that use the OE style of fitment, interference fit, rather than bolt on pulleys, which can and do have failures occasionally.

Users of these companies soon attracts followers and supporters, but all of them tend to play a part in slating other companies, which can be unhelpful. 1320 have a good reputation on the whole.

My advice would be to stick with one company for everything you can't do yourself, and one that has a rolling road that they use when tuning the car themselves. That way you won't get messed about as much or 'the other' company get blamed if stuff isn't right.

So.....for me, it was 1320, as they tuned it on their own rolling road, using the software they adapt themselves rather than loading someone else's map, plus they let you see whatever you want, and you can watch the map take shape with a degree of explanation on the way.

Just my 2p of course
 
#11 ·
Thank you. I've heard a lot of people say 1320 are brilliant but then like you say some people who say they won't use them for one reason or another. I've watched some videos on YouTube. I've been to look at a r53 today but it was a bit of a dog. Just didn't feel right somehow.

I think the r53 stands out more to me. It looks nicer and is the original.

That whine would get so additive lol

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