UKtom's OEM+ MINI Cooper S... almost there!

[UKtom]

After selling my car a couple of weeks ago and looking at several different cars including audi tt's, astra/corsa vxr's and audi a3's with a £5000 budget, came across this 2003 1.6 supercharged mini cooper s (let the banter begin).

I was completely against the idea of owning a mini at first, never really been a huge fan.. but insurance wise (as i'm only 19) and running cost wise, it seemed to be the "sensible" option.

Went across this morning to view it, top spec model including panoramic sunroof, leather seats, heated seats, colour coded bumpers, powdercoated wheels, xenon headlights, John Cooper Works side skirts and tinted windows. Full BMW Mini service history and every single receipt for repairs/upkeep since it left the factory.. literally fell in love with it!
Took it for a test drive and just fell in love with it even more - its such a nippy car, so impressed with its handling on the standard suspension set up.. couldn't resist it, so i took the plunge bought it :D £200 Deposit was taken and I am collecting it tomorrow evening.

anyway onto the pics - shit ones from the autotrader ad...

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/2.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/1.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/3.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/4.jpg

i know the banter will never stop owning a mini, but it put an even bigger smile on my face than the vtr did.. definitely onto a winner!

so... the plans.

*Stage 1 Remap (takes it up to 220bhp :fcuk:)
*BBS wheels? or maybe some Mini Cooper S GP wheels.. still unsure
*Coilovers (already quite low and scrapes on every speedbump, but gap on the rear arch is still too much!!)
*Black Bonnet Stripes
*John Cooper Works front grill
*New, clean numberplates
*De-wiper
*Replace Aerial with standard (Currently shitty halfrauds one)


thats about it really... will hopefully get some more pictures tomorrow night when I collect it, so excited I can't wait :D
cue banter...

[m11ler]

Fair play mate, thats quite an upgrade from a vtr lol!

[tichy]

I think one of these will be my next upgrade I think or a fabia vrs. I think you got one in the best colour aswell

[UKtom]

Fair play mate, thats quite an upgrade from a vtr lol!
just a slight upgrade haha! lets hope its more reliable :oops:

I think one of these will be my next upgrade I think or a fabia vrs. I think you got one in the best colour aswell
cheers mate! :hug: yeah definately the best colour haha, the fabia vrs didnt really appeal to me, unless theyre modded right they look too standard IMO..

[mlawlan69]

so so gay, all you need now is a man bag with a poodle in.

least its quick enough to get away from the laughter.

[sje00]

You reckon it'll make 220bhp? I think that's very optimistic.

[UKtom]

You reckon it'll make 220bhp? I think that's very optimistic.

whys that?
http://www.mini2.com/forum/second-generation-mini-tuning/157537-performance-torque-p-torque-stage-1-remap-review-cooper-s.html
troll.

[sje00]

Wind ya neck in. Take a day off from being a cunt!
I've seen a friends one with exhaust, mani, smaller pulley, bigger intercooler, induction kit, cam and remap and it made only a little more than that.

If you can't take the comments people make that contradict what you say then don't post, simple as.

[ky92]

the car in the in the link posted above is the newer cooper s with a turbo which respond better to a remap, rather than the supercharger in yours so to get 220 from it would be a little harder as said above. still a lovely car looking forward to watching your progress.

[sje00]

I was gonna say I like the cooper s. good fun car and good looks.

[UKtom]

the car in the in the link posted above is the newer cooper s with a turbo which respond better to a remap, rather than the supercharger in yours so to get 220 from it would be a little harder as said above. still a lovely car looking forward to watching your progress.

I was gonna say I like the cooper s. good fun car and good looks.

cheers lads. remap probably wont be for a while, dont see the point in doing it yet - may aswell wait until i get bored of the power :oops:
been looking through so many forums, considering some rotiforms instead of spending all that money on the remap - pic like so..

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5f1g6Ujt11qep75ho1_1280.jpg
:sweetheart:

[baker556]

so so gay, all you need now is a man bag with a poodle in.

least its quick enough to get away from the laughter.

Lol'ed better than a saxo any day.

You reckon it'll make 220bhp? I think that's very optimistic.

With a pulley and map they can get close to that not just a remap.

the car in the in the link posted above is the newer cooper s with a turbo which respond better to a remap, rather than the supercharger in yours so to get 220 from it would be a little harder as said above. still a lovely car looking forward to watching your progress.

No its not its the old style.


Looks nice pal, very capable cars, check out bushys thread.

http://www.saxperience.com/forum/showthread.php?t=401504

[mlawlan69]

Lol'ed better than a saxo any day.



With a pulley and map they can get close to that not just a remap.



No its not its the old style.


Looks nice pal, very capable cars, check out bushys thread.

http://www.saxperience.com/forum/showthread.php?t=401504

:bump:never said it wasn't better than a saxo, I agree if it wasn't for the following they have.

i said what I said in jest and he knows it.

however living in a city like Leeds all I see seems rich student birds driving round in a mini daddy bought them for their birthdays, that and the fact and old school mini is so much cooler!

[GTuff]

Get on minitorque mate loads off ppl doin same as you lots off ideas to get started

[wrighty89]

Cooper S' are awesome. Such good cars.

Won't seen 220bhp from a 'remap' though.

The supercharged Mini's gain their power by increasing the boost using a different sized supercharger pulley. A remap may gain a little more a long side the uprated pulley but not really worth doing unless you have more mods.

Also the link you posted to the Mini forum is about a 2nd Gen Cooper S which is turbocharged.

You will see 200bhp+ from a correctly spec'd supercharger pulley.

Otherwise, awesome car. Please don't ruin it with some gay 'euro' wheels and dropping it so low it won't handle.

[Lewis]

Cooper S bandwagon...

[CraigLovelock]

S/C Friends :y:

You know my love for this, wee photo shoot needed when i get mine on the road, and also have a mate with a charged 6n polo... :)

What chargers these got? eaton mp62?

[MR_N]

Can be made to look and go very well. Good luck with it mate. Still think you should of kept the saxo though

[OneTime_]

Gay. That is all.



Jokes. Nice upgrade, not my choice but still technically a BMW. Welcome to the club :)

[moxy89]

your have to drop it down ;)

[moxy89]

Wind ya neck in. Take a day off from being a cunt!
I've seen a friends one with exhaust, mani, smaller pulley, bigger intercooler, induction kit, cam and remap and it made only a little more than that.

If you can't take the comments people make that contradict what you say then don't post, simple as.

settle petal... i think you need a fucking week off

[UKtom]

Get on minitorque mate loads off ppl doin same as you lots off ideas to get started
never heard of that site before, signed up now though.. cheers man :D

Cooper S' are awesome. Such good cars.

Won't seen 220bhp from a 'remap' though.

The supercharged Mini's gain their power by increasing the boost using a different sized supercharger pulley. A remap may gain a little more a long side the uprated pulley but not really worth doing unless you have more mods.

Also the link you posted to the Mini forum is about a 2nd Gen Cooper S which is turbocharged.

You will see 200bhp+ from a correctly spec'd supercharger pulley.

Otherwise, awesome car. Please don't ruin it with some gay 'euro' wheels and dropping it so low it won't handle.
haha. it just needs my own touch to it.. few bits i dont like include the wheels, it has some clear LED style rear lights (not lexus, just not to my taste so will be replacing with standard) and some shitty chrome halfrauds aerial.. just changing them back to standard should tidy the car up immediately :A:


Cooper S bandwagon...
bandwagon?????! i personally don't see many young drivers driving them!

S/C Friends :y:

You know my love for this, wee photo shoot needed when i get mine on the road, and also have a mate with a charged 6n polo... :)

What chargers these got? eaton mp62?
:hug: a shoot is definitely on the cards!
i also have no idea what supercharger it has.. but it whines. lots :D

Can be made to look and go very well. Good luck with it mate. Still think you should of kept the saxo though
haha cheers sam, your love for saxo's is unreal! admittedly i do miss mine though :(

Gay. That is all.



Jokes. Nice upgrade, not my choice but still technically a BMW. Welcome to the club :)
cunt.
cheers mate! : )

your have to drop it down ;)
free detail? be over tomorrow mox!

[mattknight1984]

Great cars - sold mine earlier in the year. They drink fuel though for the engine size!
Epic fun otherwise :-)

[MR_N]

haha cheers sam, your love for saxo's is unreal! admittedly i do miss mine though :(


I just think for the money ive spent. Could i get a more 'fun' car? Probably not. And thats all i need from a car. If i needed a commuter car id buy a fiesta or a clio. But for now, and with my new lump, clios will be a thing of the past (sjeoo knows this too well) ;)

[moxy89]

ill grow some more product on my detailing tree ;)

[UKtom]

so, planned on picking the car up at 7pm tonight.. insurance was paid for, deposit paid and everything set to go.. thought i'd better do a hpi check JUST incase, and this was the result...

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/hpi.png

absolutely gutted! wasnt even a private seller, was a car garage selling the car who you'd expect to be pretty safe!
i rang them immediately and questioned why the failed to tell me, turns out theyre "in the process of paying it". so i refuse to hand over the money and register it in my name until the finance is cleared... which shall hopefully be asap.

now the waiting game until finance is cleared... better be asap!:wall:

[CraigLovelock]

Man that sucks. Better found out this way though and not later on...

[Ash_]

Gutted dude, that sucks major wang! :(

How much did that HPI set you back then?

[UKtom]

Man that sucks. Better found out this way though and not later on...
i know mate, wouldve been so gutted if i didnt do one - can never trust anyone nowadays.. the garage wouldve happily palmed off that finance onto me!

Gutted dude, that sucks major wang! :(

How much did that HPI set you back then?

i know, was literally fuming :(
it was only £14 mate as i had some RAC discount code.. probably the best £14 i've ever spent though - saved me having to pay £1000's back on finance which would have been passed over under my name!

[tichy]

Gutted for you mate, but least you found sooner rather than later

[mattknight1984]

They wouldn't transfer the finance, but could take the car off you.

I'd be just as concerned about the mileage discrepancy.

Forget this one and look for another!

[VexxedVTS]

Remember watching a program that it doesn't matter if you buy a car with outstanding finance, the debt belongs to the previous owners and the car legally cannot be taken off you.
But its better not to have the hassle I suppose.

[moxy89]

personally i wouldnt buy that car then Tom if there didnt tell you that what else havent they told you, sound like a bunch of cunts, there plenty out there i would go else where

[UKtom]

cheers for the comments people, today (well yesterday now) brought some good news! car garage paid off the remaining finance and I collected the car this evening - I know I shouldn't really trust them after not telling me about the finance owed, but this one just seemed like it was the one, especially with its high spec, top of the range gadgets :oops:
been shit weather here but got a couple of pics how it currently stands. some immediate mods that will need seeing to are:
1 - replace aerial with genuine mini copper one
2 - replace rear lights with standards (what's your opinions on the led ones??)
3 - smd led side lights
4 - new set of clean fresh plates

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/8b093781.jpg
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/089e645c.jpg

such an epic car to drive, can't wait to drive it to work tomorrow morning lol! :oops:
just needs some nice wheels (rotiforms yo) and a little drop and she'll be perfect :A:

[carlsaxosport90]

their are good reliable cars but sorry their dont deserve to be called mini there is nothing mini about them the old ones are the best the austin and rover minis their should of called them what their are and thats a bmw.

[Ryanoo]

Very nice mate, will look even better once those rear lights are burned lol!

[MR_N]

Ditch the rear lights. and get it properly cleaned ;)
Then come over and see what a real engine looks like lol

[moxy89]

yeah looks awesome... standard rear lights and a JCW ehuast then get it cleaned by a pro ;)

[tichy]

Reduced pully(17%), Dave f induction kit and a decent exhaust set up that should see you close to 200 bhp. that would be a nice reliable, comfy, quickish car

[moxy89]

but still look like a gay bloke ;)

[baker556]

but still look like a gay bloke ;)

He won't look gay when he dicks on most cars when its around 200bhp.

However that did sound slightly gay.

[bushy90]

Reduced pully(17%), Dave f induction kit and a decent exhaust set up that should see you close to 200 bhp. that would be a nice reliable, comfy, quickish car

PIus intercooler, otherwise those mods will more or less be pointless due to high IAT's.

[sje00]

Even then it won't dick most things. My cammed and bodied 8v used to deal with S Works comfortably.

[bushy90]

Even then it won't dick most things. My cammed and bodied 8v used to deal with S Works comfortably.

Take it you could Dick on an E46 M3 also then??

[sje00]

Take it you could Dick on an E46 M3 also then??

What makes ya say that?

I could hang into the coat tails, but tbh not a chance of keeping up over a distance really.

I have no problem now. Low boost and I go past them. :-)

[tichy]

PIus intercooler, otherwise those mods will more or less be pointless due to high IAT's.

My bad didn't realise I missed out the intercooler (just read this back to myself sounded like I was trying to funny but im not

[Hopcraft]

Nice upgrade. Very marmite cars, I've driven about ten S's now of all ages and still can't decide if I like them. They look great though.

[MR_N]

Even then it won't dick most things. My cammed and bodied 8v used to deal with S Works comfortably.

THIS!! :y:

[UKtom]

Even then it won't dick most things. My cammed and bodied 8v used to deal with S Works comfortably.

THIS!! :y:
...still a saxo mate!

[baker556]

Even then it won't dick most things. My cammed and bodied 8v used to deal with S Works comfortably.

It was probably similar, however it didn't dick on any M3.

Take it you could Dick on an E46 M3 also then??

Still don't think 200bhp in a cooper would take any M3 its a quick car, so i did some maths.

Standard M3 is 226bhp tonne
Mini @ 220bhp is 192bhp tonne
A 106 at 750kgs with 157bhp would be 209bhp per tonne so sje its still not as quick.

The fact is you would take the mini as its better build air con etc.

[sje00]

Don't know where this M3 shit has come about.

[sje00]

Thought you may find this an interesting read.
I been chatting to this chap about his mini he is running in Time Attack. He's gone from the S'charger set up to same Turbo I'm running for various reasons. Looks a mental car!

[sje00]

http://www.trackmini.com/index.php/topic/22-rooster-racing-turbocharged-race-car/

[MR_N]

I personally wouldnt have the mini. Mainyl because i dont require a daily driver. And i didnt really like the one we had as a family car last year.
Which is why i bought sje00's 8v lump :D

Everyone does know sje00 is running circa 380bhp now? Tom why is your thread turned into sonny bashing? If anyone actually met the guy they would find out he's a top bloke.
Anyway back to the mini.............

Like i said the other day, get a pipe on this! One of the best sounds ive heard from a car has come from a mini.

[baker556]

I personally wouldnt have the mini. Mainyl because i dont require a daily driver. And i didnt really like the one we had as a family car last year.
Which is why i bought sje00's 8v lump :D

Everyone does know sje00 is running circa 380bhp now? Tom why is your thread turned into sonny bashing? If anyone actually met the guy they would find out he's a top bloke.
Anyway back to the mini.............

Like i said the other day, get a pipe on this! One of the best sounds ive heard from a car has come from a mini.

Not sure about that have you heard a 350z :P

However bushy90 above had a miltek now has a JCM exhaust (not jcw) sounds awesome.

[CraigLovelock]

Glad its sorted man.

I only had one day insurance on my charged eunos but couldnt get enough of the whine.

Nice head turner ;) PTSSHHH is boring after a while haha.

Nice exhaust and intake should see a nicer whine :)

[UKtom]

thanks for all the comments people :hug: todays my first dat off since I bought the car.. did plan on giving it a good clean but it's now raining :S shall have to hope the weather clears up a bit later on..

Nice upgrade. Very marmite cars, I've driven about ten S's now of all ages and still can't decide if I like them. They look great though.
haha they are wicked cars, honestly mate! more fun than my vtr anyway :A:
only downside to them is that they're built so well, when you're cruising along in 6th gear it seems like a normal car, like the saxo doing 60mph.. then you look at the speedo and you're doing 90 :fcuk:
so much fun though, superchargers are the way forward yo

I personally wouldnt have the mini. Mainyl because i dont require a daily driver. And i didnt really like the one we had as a family car last year.
Which is why i bought sje00's 8v lump :D

Everyone does know sje00 is running circa 380bhp now? Tom why is your thread turned into sonny bashing? If anyone actually met the guy they would find out he's a top bloke.
Anyway back to the mini.............

Like i said the other day, get a pipe on this! One of the best sounds ive heard from a car has come from a mini.
it already burbles when you drop the revs in first gear, sometimes even a little pop :D
but I think a straight through it'll sound mental, gunna have to do some research lol.

Glad its sorted man.

I only had one day insurance on my charged eunos but couldnt get enough of the whine.

Nice head turner ;) PTSSHHH is boring after a while haha.

Nice exhaust and intake should see a nicer whine :)
haha craiggggg you need to get insured again, supercharger cruise is needed ;)
my birthday on the 11th July so will hopefully be getting car related presents then.. I'm wanting a personalised plate.. got a pretty decent one on the agenda it's just finding the £300 lol

[UKtom]

weather cleared up so got round to giving the car a quick clean.
pictures of the shiny cooper :D:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/8aa8a5a2.jpg
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/0a90d4ec.jpg
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/59f03ee1.jpg
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/ef8fc6d2.jpghttp://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/dabf9595.jpg
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/7f19e7e8.jpg

also got a video of the exhaust, still uploading to photobucket but shows a little burble.. will post up later :oops:

[UKtom]

don't know if this will work as never posted a vid up before.. but here's the video of the exhaust :)
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/2938575b.mp4

edit: not working on my iPhone so here's the direct link:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/2938575b.mp4

[OneTime_]

Vid sounds good. Sounded good the other night too :)
You should edit your sig lol

[UKtom]

Vid sounds good. Sounded good the other night too :)
You should edit your sig lol

thanks mate :A: glad it got your approval ;)
yeah I'd change my sig but always use my iPhone on here, never really at a pc haha.


update time!!

only a small update but got a couple of things for the car, and a couple more items due to arrive in the post very soon :D
got some new aero flat wiper blades (needed so badly!!), smd led sidelights to match xenons, engine bay sticker and my friend bought me some lovely eyelashes for my birthday... they lasted all of 5 minutes before they got removed haha.. onto the pics:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/70f90aed.jpg

new engine bay sticker and ultra bright white SMD led sidelights :oops:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/d66785a2.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/48d9cfd6.jpg

...and the eyelashes - the abuse will never stop for driving a girls car :(
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/d5e8d642.jpg

[Baz]

erm......

[UKtom]

erm......
erm what?!?! haha



bought some autoglym metal polish and polished my exhaust.. could only do 10 mins before it chucked down again so will hopefully get more done tomorrow :( but before and after pics!

before:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/ae528403.jpg

after:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/f0a973d2.jpg

also, new sticker on the rear :A: already caught someone in the car behind in my rear view mirror laughng at it haha :S
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/e0e53031.jpg


looking to pick some new wheels up this week as I have a week off work, but really cant make my mind up as to what I want...
either some mini GP wheels like:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-XAcgYvh8Pw/S-3CWUQ0vrI/AAAAAAAAAsc/8_mcMaqVfQM/s1600/112_0706_05z_2007_mini_cooper_s_jcw_gp_passenger_s ide.jpg

or, some BBS ones like:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1095/5105007946_a715067402.jpg

opinions?

[cloke]

Loving this mate, very nice! I'd definitely choose the bbs wheels out of them two, but I preferred the ones you posted earlier, rotiforms or something.

[UKtom]

Loving this mate, very nice! I'd definitely choose the bbs wheels out of them two, but I preferred the ones you posted earlier, rotiforms or something.

cheers mate! :hug::hug: and yeah man, gotta love rotiform's but they'd be costing me near enough £1100 when i put tyres on etcetc.. these seem the sensible option haha :A:

[tichy]

Who you insured with mate had a cheapish quote compared to my sax so defiantly getting one of these just want try a fee more companies to get a quote because Im tight lol pm me if u want

[UKtom]

Who you insured with mate had a cheapish quote compared to my sax so defiantly getting one of these just want try a fee more companies to get a quote because Im tight lol pm me if u want
pm'ed you mate :y:


right, update time :D
need pics but upgraded all interior lights to smd LED's..
also bought a new stubby aerial as the old one was some silver halfords shit :S

also, picking these up sometime over the next couple of days.. 4 hour drive away though :( can anyone guess what they are? :A: cant wait to get them and fit them!

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/wheels.jpg

cheers for looking

[MR_N]

Me and Ed saw you today mate, driving out past our fuel station

[UKtom]

Me and Ed saw you today mate, driving out past our fuel station

orly? i saw ed's new 3 series parked up haha! whenever i come to get petrol youre never in there though!! :detective:

[MR_N]

I'm there everyday mate. Usually in the back doing paperwork/facebook

[stonex]

these are the rear lights I mentioned in my pm

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs548.ash1/32018_394510178371_518313371_4417663_4342623_n.jpg

[CrouchyM]

Looking at your other choices you listed this would be the last car I would personally buy but saying that this looks like a great example. Looking forward to seeing what you do to it.

The GP wheels look so good, those bbs wheels on that blue mini look cheap IMO. No idea why.

[Gandi699]

Yeah keep it OEM. BBS wheels belong on an 80s car or not at all imo

[UKtom]

these are the rear lights I mentioned in my pm

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs548.ash1/32018_394510178371_518313371_4417663_4342623_n.jpg

top lad, look awesome! these are definitely on the agenda to do at a later date!

Looking at your other choices you listed this would be the last car I would personally buy but saying that this looks like a great example. Looking forward to seeing what you do

The GP wheels look so good, those bbs wheels on that blue mini look cheap IMO. No idea why.
haha cheers mate! only reason I went for the cooper s was because insurance - it so much cheaper than the others! although saying that, drinks more fuel than I do water.. 24mpg :S

Yeah keep it OEM. BBS wheels belong on an 80s car or not at all imo
cheers mate but you're gunna be sadly disappointed :(
after a 7 hour trip, an overdose of fox mints and £75 petrol.. I picked the new wheels up today! will be doing a test fit tomorrow to see if I need spacers or not!
a teaser pic for you.... :D

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/0510aa50.jpg

[stonex]

look good :) do me a favor and kick your front wheels on the tire - might have to turn them slightly so you can kick from front. Common problem that the bushings fail, just interested if yours is in the same mess as mine? - not a cheap problem as some might think.

[tichy]

It's going to look mint on those mate, what size are they ?

[stonex]

Oh and have fun getting them in the MINI? mine were a tight fit and ended up resting my face on the windscreen lol

[UKtom]

look good :) do me a favor and kick your front wheels on the tire - might have to turn them slightly so you can kick from front. Common problem that the bushings fail, just interested if yours is in the same mess as mine? - not a cheap problem as some might think.
cheers fella :D the bushes expensive are they? ill have a look later for you mate and let you know! :hug:

It's going to look mint on those mate, what size are they ?
thanks mate :hug: theyre 17 inch and 8j wide.... i think theyre gunna poke :S

Oh and have fun getting them in the MINI? mine were a tight fit and ended up resting my face on the windscreen lol
was literally like tetris... however i was well prepared and took the rear bench out on the way up haha.. made me want to strip and cage my car!

[moxy89]

your detailing cost has just doubled with those bad boys ;)

[UKtom]

your detailing cost has just doubled with those bad boys ;)
haha funny guy! you know ill end up getting it half price anyway ;)


right some news!
test fitted my wheels and they dont fit.

well, they do.. almost.
had to buy some spigger's (iirc) - fucking rip off for what they are, literally got raped... and theyre pink - i think the guy was taking the piss because i drive a mini.. anyway, here they are.. £16 (£4 each) later..
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/671bffee.jpg

also put the wheels on the car, looked absolutely mint untill i took it off the jack... 3 wheels had flat tyres (doh)
went to the garage, asked for them to be resealed (£15 per wheel :S) got to the third and final wheel only to find a huge gash in the tyre wall...
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/e819ab2c.jpg

have ordered another brand new tyre which shall be fitted this afternoon at 4pm along with all balancing etc done together.. then they should be ready to go! although, they may need 5mm spacers as they are verrrrrrrrry close to the inner arch... we shall see :A:

so... turns out the wheels I got weren't a bargain after all.. they were duff. lesson learnt... dont trust anyone with a brummy accent :detective:
/coolstorybro

[moxy89]

just need to drop it down now and let me get my hands on it...

[MR_N]

Spigot rings iirc Tom

[JRC1]

Jeeeeeeeeeeesus christ where you getting all this money from haha! I actually like it mate! I probably wouldn't own a mini unless it was the works one but its really nice and def the best colour! Is the supercharged one the one to get over the turbo'd one? Will have to have a meet soon!

[UKtom]

just need to drop it down now and let me get my hands on it...
next is new rear lights and numberplates, then I'll drop it ;) when i sell my other cooper S wheels I plan on getting the BBS refurbed.. maybe white to match roof and mirrors and then polished/silver lip :A:

Spigot rings iirc Tom
I stand corrected :oops:

Jeeeeeeeeeeesus christ where you getting all this money from haha! I actually like it mate! I probably wouldn't own a mini unless it was the works one but its really nice and def the best colour! Is the supercharged one the one to get over the turbo'd one? Will have to have a meet soon!
haha cheers James! yeah it's a lush car to drive! I went for the supercharged because the whine it makes is just out of this world, love it :D
I'm up for a meet soon!!



...
bbs? hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/ca9cb40c.jpg

thoughts? I love them :) just need to go 30-40mm lower!

[stonex]

next is new rear lights and numberplates

...
bbs? hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/ca9cb40c.jpg

thoughts? I love them :) just need to go 30-40mm lower!

What plates you getting? I have pressed ones on mine :)

and alloys look nice :) but you know where I am when you want to go low :)

[UKtom]

What plates you getting? I have pressed ones on mine :)

and alloys look nice :) but you know where I am when you want to go low :)

not sure yet mate, still waiting for my v5 to come through then ill probably go pressed through dubmiester :afro: yeah may take you up on it, just need to measure how low i can go because these wheels are so wide.. 235 tyres on them :S

got a few decent pics last night with a friend, heres one of how she sits atm :A:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/b04075f1.jpg

oh... and how wide it is at the back... this is without spacers :S
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/84ca26bb.jpg

just need standard rear lights and numberplates :)

[baker556]

Really really like that pal, ditch the rear lights!

[m11ler]

BBS ftw! Looks sick mate!

[stonex]

wow they are wide! :| look sweet tho. They are a 35mm drop so in between what you are after :)

[UKtom]

BBS ftw! Looks sick mate!
thanks mate :hug: can't wait to get them refurbed, still unsure what colour though!

Really really like that pal, ditch the rear lights!
thanks fella :A: means a lot, yeah rear lights shall hopefully be going sooner rather than later!

wow they are wide! :| look sweet tho. They are a 35mm drop so in between what you are after :)
haha, proper salesman you are! cheers mate :A:

took this pic after a clean earlier.. I'm tempted to buy white bonnet stripes, or would that look even more camp than it does already? :homme:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/c2d23eca.jpg

thanks for looking :)

[stonex]

dont do the stripes just lower it lol na seriously don't do stripes! naked is much better.

Need a different grille tho imo :)

by the way kris is active on 106 owners but not on here :/ maybe hes forgot

[UKtom]

haha, decided against the stripes now mate! grill is on the agenda but money is tight atm.. considering buying a 51 inch samsung tv and saving for my insurance (September) so no spare cash to spend out on the car :(

went out this evening as for once I had nothing to do, got a few decent shots of the car! heres my favourite:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/36c2978e-1.jpg

needs lowering lol! next on the agenda is pressed plates once i get my v5 through (still waiting for it) then perhaps a supersprint centre section or DaveF pulley (more whine and power = winwin :D)
thoughts?

[moxy89]

spray the wheels, dark grey then it will look porn

[UKtom]

ha, I like silver tbh mox!

small update, hated the rear Lexus lights an found some red tint spray left over from when I used it on my saxo.. so took the plunge..
it's removable, just want people's opinions! I quite like it.. thoughts??

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/d82b8425.jpg
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/bbfe2a42.jpg

[stonex]

looks good but why the line in the middle?

did you wanna buy my springs? i'm back home now so if you could tell me I can know what to do with them lol

[smiith]

Good looking car, one of my mates had one, a tuned one.. Like a Worx one or something, cant remember which it was.. Was lovely to drive!

This was his..

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/27858_390112207271_133713_n.jpg

[logic_guy]

Very nice mini.

My g/f has a Cooper s, in the same colour. She has got the interior plastic sprayed metallic black and looks the nuts. I'll try and get a photo for you. They handle lovely but I was a bit disappointed on the power up to about 4K then the Supercharger kicks in, still wasn't as quick as I initially thought.

[UKtom]

looks good but why the line in the middle?

did you wanna buy my springs? i'm back home now so if you could tell me I can know what to do with them lol
just wanted to be different haha - think i pulled it off though, the more i look at it the more i like it :)
i'm gunna have to give the springs a miss for the time being, got two holidays in the next month and i cant lower my car with the wheels it has on it - need a new set of 4 stretched tyres which is looking to set me back around £400, £100 a corner! :fcuk:

Good looking car, one of my mates had one, a tuned one.. Like a Worx one or something, cant remember which it was.. Was lovely to drive
haha thankyou mate :hug: they are brilliant cars to drive! so nippy, and love the handling so much :sweetheart:

Very nice mini.

My g/f has a Cooper s, in the same colour. She has got the interior plastic sprayed metallic black and looks the nuts. I'll try and get a photo for you. They handle lovely but I was a bit disappointed on the power up to about 4K then the Supercharger kicks in, still wasn't as quick as I initially thought.
ah nice!! yeah theyre little pocket rockets! love watching the speedo, just keeps going and going through the gears - because its BMW built aswell you don't realise just how fast youre going till you look at the speedo!!
yeah get some pics mate, i'd love to see it!


small update!!
finally got round to getting some new fresh plates... decided against pressed as I wasnt 100% keen.. but heres how she stands at the moment! just need to get the bottom right of the bumper resprayed which will hopefully be done early next week (backbox melted it away :S)

before:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/a5d85cf4.jpg

after:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/90b1c3f0.jpg

and a shot i got today, makes me want to go lower and keep the roofrack on!
euro!!
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/c51e3bb8.jpg

for those who havent seen, a photoshop of my car lowered... just need stretched tyres first otherwise the car will be sat on the wheels if i keep it as it is!! :afro:
http://i46.tinypic.com/2h52t91.jpg

[logic_guy]

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/90b1c3f0.jpg

*Screams* De-Wiper!

I'll try and get those photo's for you when I find my digital camera.

[MR_N]

Keep seeing this parked in town, do you work in Fareham mate? Personally dont like the roof rack though.

[UKtom]

*Screams* De-Wiper!

I'll try and get those photo's for you when I find my digital camera.
haha cheers mate! I love my rear wiper :( after de-wipering the saxo and going back to a car with a wiper, don't realise how much you miss it! and yeah, get those pictures ASAP :D

Keep seeing this parked in town, do you work in Fareham mate? Personally dont like the roof rack though.
yeah im a manager at GAME mate haha.. maybe not for much longer though, could be moving elsewhere! take it you saw my car yesterday then? :p roof racks were on ready for today, going away for the bank holiday weekend and need to put the surfboard on ;) haha

[MR_N]

Yeah i drive past where you park it to get to work, leave the saxo behind and take the other half's jap cannon instead.

[UKtom]

couple of updates! progress has been slow due to numerous reasons, but over the next few months should pick up a little again :D new supercharger pulley, stretched tyres, lowering and wheel refurb is on the agenda before Xmas!

for now, had some bodywork sorted.. my rear bumper had melted as the exhaust wasnt positioned correctly... so repositioned the exhaust and bumper got resprayed!
before and after:
before -
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/31C3F998-05A9-41A0-B774-46292FAA5A69-2687-000002E7416AB264.jpg

after (just need a new grill insert as that melted too :S) -
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/4154E5A5-4335-41D0-A237-399E9F14A9D9-2687-000002E47B6B6AF2.jpg

also got a few pics from a recent camping/surfing holiday :A:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/D4DDBEBA-9168-488B-A68B-6D5BDF51C847-2687-000002E73589621D.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/EB43EE57-683A-4686-B675-1215E0C26F36-2687-000002E73D9FB7E1.jpg

thoughts? :hug:

[Prickle]

No mate.

Mini looks cool though.

[Proffitt]

Looks great, I like :A:

[LSOfreak]

rear lights look much better!
just need them number plates gone now. Looks odd how the mini badge is on its side :S

is there a hole left behind the rear badge?

[wesley-saxo]

Nicee like alot

where in pompey u from mate??

[UKtom]

No mate.

Mini looks cool though.
cnut.
love ya really
Looks great, I like :A:
thankyou very much ;) hopefully lots more to come over the next few months!

rear lights look much better!
just need them number plates gone now. Looks odd how the mini badge is on its side :S

is there a hole left behind the rear badge?
not entirely sure whether it'll leave a hole.. quite like the mini badge there, cooper s badge was already debadged when I bought it. I've changed the plates now to fresh, clean ones :A: look ten times better!

Nicee like alot

where in pompey u from mate??
cheers fella! lee on solent if you're familiar to the local area? go up portsdown alot so keep an eye out!

[wesley-saxo]

cheers fella! lee on solent if you're familiar to the local area? go up portsdown alot so keep an eye out![/QUOTE]

yeah i live in waterlooville mate!

ill keep an eye out

[UKtom]

the plan..

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/9BE47B90-8FB9-431F-89B6-FBC407DD54B1-5215-0000050C1352EBC6.jpg

stretched tyres end of month, coilovers end of next month :A: you like?

[logic_guy]

No. Sounds gash. Especially on a Cooper S :P

[Baz]

As long as the rear doesn't have that much camber then yes, if not...no!

[UKtom]

haha cheers for the comments guys! euro look on a cooper s is good logic guy what ya chattin ;)

thoughts on my new front plates.. I'm still undecided..

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/5BD128D0-8DBF-42A1-A9C6-7C6AABCAF907-4577-0000044CC53C7150.jpg

[Jay_]

I'm a huge fan of cut down / small plates :y:

[DAMSK11]

Small plates ftw!

[chris205]

Plate looks good, needs aero grills now

[tichy]

I think it looks out of place tbh mate. It might grow on me though, everything else looks good, i realy like this car.

[UKtom]

parcel arrived today..

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/image_zpscfbd624c.jpg

top secret contents :A:

[baker556]

Looks mint!

Cheers for you address i can now spy you :bandit:

Im guessing its dashboard plastics, pulley, intercooler.

Box looks to small to be coilovers

[UKtom]

it's my fake address mate... or is it? double bluff... :detective:

cheers! payday Friday, hopefully gonna try and build a few goodies up before Christmas and then fit them all at the same time :) some good guesses though mate!

[Karlb1]

I'll save you opening it mate, it's a dog.

[Karlb1]

I actually rather like these at the moment...and i'm pretty shocked at how much the 02/03 plate ones go for!
I may have to invest in one in the coming months.
Any major/common isues to watch out for that you know of?

[UKtom]

I actually rather like these at the moment...and i'm pretty shocked at how much the 02/03 plate ones go for!
I may have to invest in one in the coming months.
Any major/common isues to watch out for that you know of?

cheers mate!

they're really decent, well built solid cars - pretty bulletproof!

main/common issues that I'm aware of are steering rack failure (£600 to replace but not too common thankfully) and clutches. as the clutch is buried away and the engine bay is so confined, a mechanic told me its like a 6 hour job as the whole front end of the car needs to be removed to get to it lol.

they're pretty sound cars though and the engine noise is so distinctive with the supercharger whine :sweetheart:

I'm selling this next year, wanna save and buy it? :oops:

[AlexB]

parcel arrived today..

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/image_zpscfbd624c.jpg

top secret contents :A:

hahahahahaha no i have your adress im now sending you abusive spam mail once a week

[UKtom]

hahahahahaha no i have your adress im now sending you abusive spam mail once a week

lmao! bellend :homme:

[Karlb1]

cheers mate!

they're really decent, well built solid cars - pretty bulletproof!

main/common issues that I'm aware of are steering rack failure (£600 to replace but not too common thankfully) and clutches. as the clutch is buried away and the engine bay is so confined, a mechanic told me its like a 6 hour job as the whole front end of the car needs to be removed to get to it lol.

they're pretty sound cars though and the engine noise is so distinctive with the supercharger whine :sweetheart:

I'm selling this next year, wanna save and buy it? :oops:

Well i was torn between these or a golf GT TDI..but these are winning it for me lol.

I may have to keep an eye out for when you sell it then, i'll be selling my MR2 in a few months down the line so as soon as that's advertised i'll be buying a new car!

[UKtom]

Well i was torn between these or a golf GT TDI..but these are winning it for me lol.

I may have to keep an eye out for when you sell it then, i'll be selling my MR2 in a few months down the line so as soon as that's advertised i'll be buying a new car!

funny you should say that, I love the mk4 golf gti's but after driving one its no fun at all, literally a boat!

go for a mini mate :oops:

[Karlb1]

funny you should say that, I love the mk4 golf gti's but after driving one its no fun at all, literally a boat!

go for a mini mate :oops:

Yeah i know most of the ones i can afford to insure are the canal boats lol.

The insurance is fairly cheap on a mini for what they are from the quotes i've got, so i'll most likely go for the exact model you have..and probably in that colour :oops:
Parts aren't too expensive either compared to parts for the MR2 :wall:

[UKtom]

Yeah i know most of the ones i can afford to insure are the canal boats lol.

The insurance is fairly cheap on a mini for what they are from the quotes i've got, so i'll most likely go for the exact model you have..and probably in that colour :oops:
Parts aren't too expensive either compared to parts for the MR2 :wall:

not sure if srs? all parts for this car are mad BMW prices!!

new mani is about £600 lol! coilovers around the same price, I had a new MAP sensor (size of a £2 coin) which cost me £200 alone (fitted)!

they are also heavy on fuel, I average around 24mpg.. pretty sure I spend double on fuel/upkeep than I ever did on the saxo haha :S

[Karlb1]

I was on about aftermarket parts lol, i guessed replacement oem parts would be a bit

[moxy89]

tom what you after now, why dont you get a proper car with turbo VXRRRRRRRR

[UKtom]

tom what you after now, why dont you get a proper car with turbo VXRRRRRRRR

haha mate Astra VXR is lush and definitely an option! for my budget and insurance wise as I'll be 21, it's currently a toss up between Astra VXR, Subaru impreza, 350z or s2000. too much choice, which changes on a daily basis anyway as you already know mate haha!

[Aly]

not sure if srs? all parts for this car are mad BMW prices!!

new mani is about £600 lol! coilovers around the same price, I had a new MAP sensor (size of a £2 coin) which cost me £200 alone (fitted)!

they are also heavy on fuel, I average around 24mpg.. pretty sure I spend double on fuel/upkeep than I ever did on the saxo haha :S

You must have a very heavy foot as I average between 35-37mpg through normal driving. I can get it up to 40mpg if i try really hard. If im going quickly it drops between 28-32mpg so its not bad really.

Do you run yours on vpower? Mine is always run on vpower so might be why.
Also if the standard mani cracks youd be silly to spend £600 on a replacement as the Janspeed is £200 new with the decat or £460 with the sports cat and is stainless steel.

I love my mini its the best all round car ive had and has never let me down.

[leeroybrown]

Didn't you say 47mpg in a previous thread Aly? I do find that mega hard to believe any mini ever gets thats!

You must have been going down hill with your foot off the pedal!

Anyway back to Tom's thread!

I aint a mini fan but that does look sweet on those wheels

[baker556]

it's my fake address mate... or is it? double bluff... :detective:

cheers! payday Friday, hopefully gonna try and build a few goodies up before Christmas and then fit them all at the same time :) some good guesses though mate!

Lolz some good guesses as my pal has a mini, running 220bhp you need a pulley makes a huge difference!

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t223/tezferguson/KM%20Trackday%20-%2029th%20Sept/tezferguson-7.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh168/baker556/DSCF0338.jpg

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k536/Bushy999/IMAG0149.jpg

http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k536/Bushy999/IMAG0147.jpg

He also gets around the 26mpg mark touches 30mpg.

[Ross]

Someone elses progress thread isn't the place for a personal slagging match gents, so take it to PM if you've got an issue with each other. Bitching posts deleted.

Tom, please carry on. :)

[Aly]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh168/baker556/DSCF0338.jpg

He also gets around the 26mpg mark touches 30mpg.

I <3 Indi Blue, it's the colour I would have had if I didn't have dark silver.
I really want Rota Boost's too but it seems like the wheel choice everyone has on Mini's

[moxy89]

if you not a fan of filling up stay away from the astra, i would want atleast 9k for a astra mate, to get a low miles decent spec on, as some with massive miles i would stay away from as they love to chew gearbox's

[axsaxoman]

If its of any interest i have a mini turbo engine complete with all ancillaries inc turbo+hp pumps except for alternator
18k out of a write off £900 --turbo alone cost more than that --

[UKtom]

woah whats happened here? too many keyboard warriors..

pretty shit day tbh, came out from work to find a big scratch on my car and back left tyre flat - seems that someone has reversed and swung round too early and clipped the rear end.. pissed off would be an understatement - no note left or anything :S!

the damage:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/photo.jpg

not too pissed off about the tyre, needed an excuse to replace them for some stretch :p tyres will be getting replaced tomorrow unless its a quick/simple valve change or puncture repair.

comments welcome as usual :hug::hug:

[Prickle]

Bit of a tiff thomas.. soon got delt with. Anyway;

Had someone do that to my car a month or so back in Vue carpark. Annoyed was a understatement.

[Karlb1]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh168/baker556/DSCF0338.jpg



yum yum yum.
I do love indi blue, i'm currently looking at minis in quite a serious sense as my car is being assessed for it's damage tomorrow and i'm guessing it will be written off due to the age.

Hope to get decent pay out for it and i can take off a few bits that owe me money and sell them on.

Then out comes the loan (if i can get one..) and along will come a mini cooper s.

Been looking at 53 plate ones since there's a few decent examples within 30 miles of me that are going for fairly decent prices.

Favourite colour is Indi blue, then i'd have to say it's the same colour as Tom's. there are a few lovely examples in red and light blue aroudn though..but the light blue looks very gay :homme:

[bushy90]

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh168/baker556/DSCF0338.jpg


It's a facelift so its hyper blue... Only used on the face lifted R53's.

I should know as the car is mine...

Sorry to hear about your car man. Annoys me when shit happens to your pride and joy!

Pulley coilovers and wishbone bushes and these are animals!

[Karlb1]

It's a facelift so its hyper blue... Only used on the face lifted R53's.

I should know as the car is mine...

Sorry to hear about your car man. Annoys me when shit happens to your pride and joy!

Pulley coilovers and wishbone bushes and these are animals!

Ah, well i must say it looks amazing :y: you on Mini2 or MiniTorque or anything like that?

Yeah the problem is i've literally just chucked money at it since i got it, all for one dick head to go and ruin it..on the way home from the MOT aswell :wall:

Whate year was the facelift for the r53?

[MR_N]

Is that defiantly a scratch to your car or is it paint from whoever hit it? I may be able to sort it for you.

[Aly]

That sucks Tom someone did this too my 206. You might be able to wet sand that out. Minis have very thick paint.

[UKtom]

Is that defiantly a scratch to your car or is it paint from whoever hit it? I may be able to sort it for you.

had a closer look today and attempted to polish out.. some of it came out but its scratched the paintwork so gunna need a respray :( may aswell wait until after winter though!

That sucks Tom someone did this too my 206. You might be able to wet sand that out. Minis have very thick paint.

i know aly :( dont think i can trust myself with sand paper on paint work.. then again, it can't get much worse haha!

woke up to a flat tyre this morning so got that repaired, was a valve issue or something :S also got bored so decided to add a couple of new bits to the car to cheer myself up (so gay) haha.

new JCW badge (fookin expensive things!!!) - i know its not a JCW but who knows? :oops:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/photo-1.jpg

anddddd new rear lights from the facelift cooper S r53 - looks so much cleaner at the back now. were easier to fit than i expected aswell :D

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/photo1.jpg

need a new third brake light.. dont know if to go OEM and get a red one, or buy another clear one to match the roof - thoughts?

comments welcome as usual! :afro:

[Aly]

Looks lovely Tom the lights but how will your fog lights work? I want facelift lights.

Depending on where you live I would pm someone on here. I know some I coulf recommend if you need help.

Dark silver owners stick together <3

What mileage is yours on now. Mine just hit 79k before I took it off the road.

[MR_N]

Let me loose at the scratch, bet i can remove it ;)

[Aly]

Let me loose at the scratch, bet i can remove it ;)

You were someone I was thinking of, should come out with some wet sanding.

[MR_N]

Exactly. Crack a rotary on it but if that doesn't shift it a little wet sand and it'll be reet

[tichy]

Finally got a cooper s mate, really pleased with it so far. It's in the best colour as well dark silver :cool: I'll get a progress thread up in the week.

As above try a rotary and abit of wet sanding first before paying out for spraying etc.

[UKtom]

You were someone I was thinking of, should come out with some wet sanding.
Exactly. Crack a rotary on it but if that doesn't shift it a little wet sand and it'll be reet

cheers sam! may have to take you up on that, will probably be after winter though when I get the wheels refurbed etc - is it easy to fuck the paint if you're a wet sand amateur?

Finally got a cooper s mate, really pleased with it so far. It's in the best colour as well dark silver :cool: I'll get a progress thread up in the week.

As above try a rotary and abit of wet sanding first before paying out for spraying etc.

nice mate! get some pics up :D where you from!? if you're local a mini meet is in order I think ;)

[MR_N]

It's quite simple but you will need a decent machine and polish to get it back.

[UKtom]

well, havent updated here in a while so here goes! not much has changed since my last update, just a few tweaks.. but over the next 8 weeks the car is due to undergo a few more modifications... :oops:

Since my last update a few things have happened; power steering pump went meaning a new pump and repair from BMW (£600) - ass raped, but its now out of the way so one less common fault to go wrong!

Also, as I was driving along the motorway a stone hit my windscreen and has the biggest chip you've ever seen, so need a new windscreen but putting it off until the weather gets better.. my luck i'd replace it and it will happen again - so that's another one on the to do list!

got some pressed plates and new car mats from MINI, no pics of the mats (everyone knows what they look like) but the pressed plates;

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/photo-2_zps8c791a99.jpg

road tax ran out last month, so also had to renew that on top of repair bills... i hate january.. see below (another rape, this time by the government):

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/photo2-1_zps45104d1f.jpg

so... the boring stuff out the way I can start spending on stuff I really need.. the mods!! :A::A::A:

Just bought some AP Coilovers from demontweeks, these are so highly rated on the MINI forums and haven't read a single complaint about them - no pics yet as i'm waiting for them to arrive, but see link:
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/coilover-suspension-kits/car/mini/cooper-s-03-06/ap-suspension-coilover-kit-lowers-front-20-50mm-rear-20-50mm

plan is to go as low as I can :homme: Car is also booked in for a wheel refurb, so keeping the current BBS's but theyre all going gloss white to match the roof and mirrors.
Also, next payday will be spent on 4 new tyres, 185/40/17's for some stretch (currently are 235/40/17).

Providing funds allow, also looking to get a 15% reduced supercharger pulley fitted which should take it up to near/around the 190bhp mark - but this will be after all the visual mods!

so, lots to come over the next few weeks ready for the shows this year, just want the weather to clear up and summer to hurry up!!

Thanks for looking :afro:

[josh11490]

Don't normally like these minis but if I was to have one it would be this colour or that blue.

Will look awesome when decked.

[MrChris]

Good work! Probably one of the only minis id drive, will look shit hot on coilies with stretched rubber!

Think ive seen your old motor in christchurch twice now... CVZ or something as the plates? Still looking clean

[MR_N]

Looking good mate, you'll have to come have a closer look at the saxo soon considering you're local.

[UKtom]

Don't normally like these minis but if I was to have one it would be this colour or that blue.

Will look awesome when decked.
thanks mate! literally can't wait, been a long time coming! :A:

Good work! Probably one of the only minis id drive, will look shit hot on coilies with stretched rubber!

Think ive seen your old motor in christchurch twice now... CVZ or something as the plates? Still looking clean
yes mate! his name is dean iirc, he was from Bournemouth area. glad to know its being looked after! :D

Looking good mate, you'll have to come have a closer look at the saxo soon considering you're local.
definitely mate! you going to any shows this year except FCS? I want to go to as many as I can and make weekends of them if you're up for it!

[Davyy]

Looked very nice when I saw you at Tescos a couple of months ago mate!

[Aly]

Lovely Tom, yeah sucks about the powering steering pump it's a well known issue that even ended up on BBC's watchdog.

Mine makes a few funky noises but no sign of it breaking soon, did you get any sign of yours about to pack up before it died?
I'm worried mine will go sometime.

Tax is a pain too same price for mine, bastards!

[UKtom]

Looked very nice when I saw you at Tescos a couple of months ago mate!
thanks samuel! havent seen you in a while, need to meet up soon :)

Lovely Tom, yeah sucks about the powering steering pump it's a well known issue that even ended up on BBC's watchdog.

Mine makes a few funky noises but no sign of it breaking soon, did you get any sign of yours about to pack up before it died?
I'm worried mine will go sometime.

Tax is a pain too same price for mine, bastards!

thanks aly! :sweetheart:
the power steering just packed up when I turned the car on and went to pull away from a car parking space, then immediately came back after a second or two - it then happened again when I was travelling at 40mph, luckily on a straight road, but didn't come back this time until I stopped the car and restarted engine.. common symptoms are clunking/clicking when you turn and heavy steering.

some BMW garages have paid out for the repair as a goodwill gesture so if yours does go its definitely worth taking it to BMW despite them charging £75 just to even look at it!

are you on minitorque?

[Aly]

thanks aly! :sweetheart:
the power steering just packed up when I turned the car on and went to pull away from a car parking space, then immediately came back after a second or two - it then happened again when I was travelling at 40mph, luckily on a straight road, but didn't come back this time until I stopped the car and restarted engine.. common symptoms are clunking/clicking when you turn and heavy steering.

some BMW garages have paid out for the repair as a goodwill gesture so if yours does go its definitely worth taking it to BMW despite them charging £75 just to even look at it!

are you on minitorque?

Yeah I am but I don't post much.

Ah that's good mine doesn't knock but mine likes to whine when stationary I thought that was a sign of it packing up.

Mine is a 04 and there aren't many reports of them packing up on that age since they revised the design of the pump from then on so fingers crossed mine never goes :)

You going to any shows this year?

[UKtom]

Yeah I am but I don't post much.

Ah that's good mine doesn't knock but mine likes to whine when stationary I thought that was a sign of it packing up.

Mine is a 04 and there aren't many reports of them packing up on that age since they revised the design of the pump from then on so fingers crossed mine never goes :)

You going to any shows this year?

ah fair enough! saying that mine did seem to get louder, don't wanna freak you out but apparently it's best to catch it when just the pump goes because apparently it fucks up your steering rack too if you just leave it (another £600!!) :p may be worth asking a mechanic to take a look?

yeah dude I want to go to as many shows as I can, not sure what ones yet though. how about you? would be good to see your S :D

[Davyy]

Yeah for sure, sometime soon Thomas!

[Aly]

ah fair enough! saying that mine did seem to get louder, don't wanna freak you out but apparently it's best to catch it when just the pump goes because apparently it fucks up your steering rack too if you just leave it (another £600!!) :p may be worth asking a mechanic to take a look?

yeah dude I want to go to as many shows as I can, not sure what ones yet though. how about you? would be good to see your S :D

Mine has made no other sounds from what it was since new also Ive already had it looked at by BMW and they told me it looked like it got changed since it has jubilee clips on the pump pipes. So fingers crossed :)

Im going to FCS but going in my 106 for that but Im gonna try to put my Mini on the road for Trax. Im gonna be short of cash this year because of Uni so hopefully see you at Trax :)

[MR_N]

definitely mate! you going to any shows this year except FCS? I want to go to as many as I can and make weekends of them if you're up for it!

Only planning on FCS and Trax like usual. Usually go to Santapod a few times but not with the car. FCS is a 3 day event this year but i'll probably only do one depending on how the forum does it. Looks like the main day will be saturday. Venue is still to be confirmed though! Fingers crossed for goodwood lol

[bobertmate]

liking Mini's tbh

[UKtom]

Mine has made no other sounds from what it was since new also Ive already had it looked at by BMW and they told me it looked like it got changed since it has jubilee clips on the pump pipes. So fingers crossed :)

Im going to FCS but going in my 106 for that but Im gonna try to put my Mini on the road for Trax. Im gonna be short of cash this year because of Uni so hopefully see you at Trax :)

Only planning on FCS and Trax like usual. Usually go to Santapod a few times but not with the car. FCS is a 3 day event this year but i'll probably only do one depending on how the forum does it. Looks like the main day will be saturday. Venue is still to be confirmed though! Fingers crossed for goodwood lol

I'm hoping for goodwood too haha, no chance though!

Either of you going to TFS in March? Think I'm going and camping so should be all fun, just need to get the mini up to standard!

liking Mini's tbh

cheers dude, lush cars and very underestimated.. but bloody expensive to run and maintain!


Update time!
these arrived in the post today.. not sure when I'll be fitting them as work has been so busy recently, hopefully before the end of the month! excited is an understatement though.. literally can't wait haha:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/BC389C67-615F-4E49-BC49-FEE433B91213-6359-0000056B2B51655E.jpg

comments welcome as usual :D thanks for looking!

[Davyy]

sexual!

[OneTime_]

Very nice :)

[UKtom]

couple of updates (finally!) :D

firstly, finally got the coilovers fitted - they're currently raised all the way up as my tyres rub, but the cars handling has completely transformed.. just seems so planted now, so fun to drive! They didn't take too long to fit in the end, about 4-5 hours for both fronts and back. pics:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/43E73A2C-FD32-49CA-A27F-BA375DE224F0-4898-0000053538D15393_zpsd2df7846.jpg

unfortunately no pics of the car yet, saving those for after the weekend.. ;)

Also came home to these delivered:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/7FB06605-D068-4963-BFBA-EA0F0F765C8E-4898-0000053566B78E1E_zps4a56c05d.jpg

Taking the BBS' to be refurbed in gloss white tomorrow, will get the same guys to fit the tyres and should be collecting them Saturday.. can't wait for the wheels to be done, desperately needed it!

To give you an idea of the amount of stretch the wheels will have.. i'm currently running 235/40/17's.. these are 165/45/17 :homme:

comments welcome, big update to follow on Saturday! cheers!

[UKtom]

so, wheels are in for a refurb but will take slightly longer than expected, picking them up Monday evening now... weekend can't go quick enough!

a cheeky pic the wheel refurb place took with another mini:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/B5C3FC85-1628-4FD5-B0B3-88BC5321FB5D-8283-00000831351E7CDD_zpsb8c82499.jpg

:D

[UKtom]

not much to say really, i'll let the pictures do the talking...

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/FFD4F68F-7687-4385-9989-1D811181AE27-17140-00000F5FC4E0D08A_zps524e3176.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/F16F044E-EFD6-461F-AF11-7C6DFCDA6C55-17140-00000F5FC0DCB9DC_zps2cbbb10f.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/E989E5C4-C121-47C0-9112-E8A625C231BD-17140-00000F5FD085120C_zps97423b8c.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/B278ED41-B895-4397-96E7-F0781B96C0B0-17140-00000F5FC9BE1E63_zps17c9afa3.jpg

rate/slate, all comments appreciated :) cheers!

[Jack]

Should have bought the correct size tyres...

[Prickle]

Be changing tyres often with that camber?

[m11ler]

Sick!!! Ignore these old men above, they don't understand lol.

Could do with a 10mm spacer out back mate, get it done!

Edit- and a 15mm up front aswell lol

[mof]

how many miles a set do you get with that camber? 500?

[Lewis]

Friend of mine has run intense camber on his Golf for a couple years and the tires are brilliant. Its down to how its driven

[mof]

Sorry for hijack but..

I had stupid camber on the front of my old mk3 fezzy, Dont like camber anymore..

http://i48.tinypic.com/34picef.jpg

[baker556]

That looks insane! Love it the arches sprayed look amazing.

[UKtom]

cheers for the comments! yeah tyres are too stretched, so much more than I anticipated and a lot more than in comparison to the pictures on tyrestretch.com..

the car is too low atm, can't even get to my house as there are speedbumps on my housing estate.. had it one night and I'm already pissed off with it ahaha.

will be ordering another set of tyres over the weekend and hopefully fitting early next week, this time with a lot less stretch :afro:

[DanViner]

That first picture is absolutely sick
Lovely car

[Prickle]

Sick!!! Ignore these old men above, they don't understand lol.

Could do with a 10mm spacer out back mate, get it done!

Edit- and a 15mm up front aswell lol

old men..? ;)

[saxova]

All that money to make the car undriveable, Good choice lol. :y:

[smiith]

Looks awesome mate, not too practical, but still, form over function!

Looks great none the less!

[MR_N]

Like i said on facebook mate, really like this now. Screw practicality

[UKtom]

All that money to make the car undriveable, Good choice lol. :y:

no one likes a troll.. run along to the next thread

[UKtom]

Like i said on facebook mate, really like this now. Screw practicality

cheers sam! yeah practicality is currently an issue lol.. 4 new standard tyres were ordered today, the feel of driving stretched and having no grip in the rain is horrible, put me right off!

taking the stripes off tomorrow and also raising the rear so the arches sit just above the tops of the tyres, should then atleast be a little more driveable :p

[Prickle]

What is it like driving in the rain?

[UKtom]

What is it like driving in the rain?

in straight line is fine, as soon as you reach a corner possibly the most terrifying thing... almost as bad as permenantly driving on ice, wouldn't advise it lol

[UKtom]

well spent this morning raising the car, expected it would take all day as my mechanical knowledge is the same as a retard, but was pretty simple - really happy with how it sits now:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/77DA507B-FB6C-48B0-966B-3A0F37E9E4FD-19921-000011FFEC5EA9CA_zpsae377ffe.jpg

also this arrived in the post today, shall be giving the wheels a few layers later today/tomorrow:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/C3077557-3E84-49D6-A3F0-B6E1E9BA7E67-19921-000012012809A831_zps5d9fe2cb.jpg

ordered four new 205/40/17 standard tyres to replace the stretch, they're just too stretched, admittedly look silly and are horrible to drive with. they should be here Monday and will be fitted Tuesday, all ready for The Fast Show next Sunday 17th at Santapod :) ...anyone else going?

comments welcome as always!

[stevo67]

Like the car,these minis though always look like radio controlled cars with the aerial lol.

[Davyy]

Very nice Thomas! Wish I could go to Fast show :(

[moxy89]

When you going to let me attack this then ;)

[mattknight1984]

Is that on level ground? Back looks a bit high now!

[UKtom]

Is that on level ground? Back looks a bit high now!

haha yeah it is, don't say that! it's low enough, still scrapes everywhere and sometimes when I go over pot holes :p

UPDATE -

Got some tyres that actually fit, some 205/40/17s :D

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/78E631B9-5DDD-490D-ADD4-0E71923627A7-584-00000039B5177C02_zpsaa2f516b.jpg

fitted them and cleaned the car ready for the drive up to the fast show early tomorrow morning:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/F68290DD-A489-4085-BD41-2D910B693C74-584-00000039AE52CA5B_zpsa397a13e.jpg

comments welcome as always, should get some more pics tomorrow :afro:

[mattknight1984]

It looks awesome on those tyres, drive any better?!

[UKtom]

It looks awesome on those tyres, drive any better?!

a lot lot better mate! even if they are budgets, they give so much more grip :)


Went to the Fast Show at Santapod today, turned out to be a major disappointment, weather didn't help but was a complete nightmare... car ended up like this lol:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/BC8C0F85-A0DD-417E-B7DB-45E55DB70E7E-1979-0000017D27D99CAE_zps0bd1590f.jpg

oh, and a couple of pics of the state of the place for good measure lol:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/E5E33288-3986-4C8B-97CE-177C07D0AC86-1979-0000017D5ACCF24A_zpsbde810b8.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/F8957FB0-FB57-47DF-875A-E5539016EFCD-1979-0000017D1E307B0E_zps406cc852.jpg

inside my friends tent:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/206318B7-ECFC-4CF6-B0C4-536E28046A52-2017-0000017EB1205D2B_zps02956c29.jpg

haven't had chance to clean the car yet, but will need a thorough clean tomorrow evening providing the weather permits!

[LSOfreak]

looked amazing when it was lower

[Aly]

Haha them pics Tom, did you speak to any of the 1320 lads when you were there? They only ran one car this year as the red one wasn't finished, I saw the vid of it.

Should have called it the wetshow this year, I wanted to go but the weather put me off it.

Car looks wicked!

[m11ler]

Thought I saw your car! Your mates tent looks like quite a cosy little set up, we could have done with something like that lol

[Simon0014]

Ahh you shouldn't have raised it up mate, looked better lower! A few scrapes and bangs are all good! haha It does look nice though mate, shame fast show was such a wash out.

[UKtom]

looked amazing when it was lower
completely agree! the arches are fine, ground clearance is the problem.. literally couldn't drive on a cambered road otherwise the middle scraped, was pointless as a daily car haha

Haha them pics Tom, did you speak to any of the 1320 lads when you were there? They only ran one car this year as the red one wasn't finished, I saw the vid of it.

Should have called it the wetshow this year, I wanted to go but the weather put me off it.

Car looks wicked!

Cheers man! I didnt see them :(! saw a few cooper's and a couple of GP's but there werent many coopers there to be fair, you going to USC/Modified Nationals or any other car shows this year?

Thought I saw your car! Your mates tent looks like quite a cosy little set up, we could have done with something like that lol
hahaha, were you in the saxo? shame I didn't see you! mate the tent was awful, complete write off by mid-day :p

Ahh you shouldn't have raised it up mate, looked better lower! A few scrapes and bangs are all good! haha It does look nice though mate, shame fast show was such a wash out.
Cheers dude! I loved it low but it was too impractical! It has crossed my mind a few times to lower it a little bit more at the front and back... maybe when the weather brightens up :afro:

Got a picture of my entrance at TFS, about the only cleanish picture of my car after a 200 mile odd drive!

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/A3B7735B-DFE8-4230-A0F4-4BD95EBF3207-6884-00000728B408DE1B_zps7cf8444e.jpg

Next plan on the agenda is uprated brakes, possibly JCW Brembo's as both my pads and discs need replacing, then new windscreen and gunna splash out on a GP spoiler and respray in gloss white, same as in the pic below (mini closest):
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/49901139-C78A-4345-8A87-29B51FC0539D-6884-0000072B461E18F2_zpse62f163b.jpg

Thanks for looking :)

[Aly]

Yeah tom im going to USC but person im going with im going in her Mini cooper. Think ill be selling mine in July :( if you fancy buying my GP Intercooler off mine around then give me a shout
Also Tom GP spoilers new cost £1300, theres a company that makes brand new replica's for just under £400 that's a much better option

[UKtom]

Yeah tom im going to USC but person im going with im going in her Mini cooper. Think ill be selling mine in July :( if you fancy buying my GP Intercooler off mine around then give me a shout
Also Tom GP spoilers new cost £1300, theres a company that makes brand new replica's for just under £400 that's a much better option

:O yeah i'll be there so come over and say hi as I won't have a clue who you are! ha, yeah looking to buy one from Orranje performance, where I bought the coilovers.. Rich who works there quoted me a decent price for the spoiler and to be resprayed gloss white, so will hopefully take the plunge soon!

Why you selling up? I'll be selling this at the end of the year, too tempted to get a r56 JCW! May have to take you up on the intercooler offer.. and maybe a few carbon bits ;)

[UKtom]

cleaned the car today and got a couple of pics earlier tonight, all taken with my iphone hence the crap quality, will hopefully get some decent pics soon with the SLR :)

how the MINI currently stands:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/87542B8F-7A1F-43B0-AD34-A26B1E7BCCB9-1314-000000A1E84490CD_zps61fefa0d.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/7BE432BA-2276-432D-9685-F60E0FAB6665-1314-000000A4C46465E8_zps569f60a8.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/D91D6247-777E-43B3-AB77-420567B7F3A2-1314-000000A1F54DC614_zps207e5cc4.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/B439ECD2-8D28-4287-ACE6-AB585A1619EC-1314-000000A200CF3A7E_zps1d3d66c6.jpg

comments welcome as always, thanks for looking!

[mlawlan69]

This is fucking sexy!! Hoping for my own r53 very shortly so will have some inspiration :)

[bushy90]

Loose the panda eyes buddy! Well I think I can see them! :p

[UKtom]

Loose the panda eyes buddy! Well I think I can see them! :p

haha! by panda eyes are you referring to my pre facelift xenons? :( I'm so desperate for a facelift set but they are so rare and hard to find! been on the lookout since December!

[UKtom]

well it's been a while since I've updated here! not many mods have been happening recently due to the car needing a new clutch, flywheel, brake pads and some oil leaks fixing.. £1000 or so later she was back on the road, bloody money pit!

only change that I've made is lowering the rear slightly more:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zpsaf2921dd.jpg
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps145e667b.jpg

saved up the money and gunna be upgrading my xenon headlights this month to the facelift xenons, also tempted by a set of buckets but still not 100%!

oh.. and got tweeted by miniuk :afro:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps72a3bddb.png

[Aly]

Bloody hell Tom, what mileage did your clutch go on? Mine is the original on 79,000 and still feels fine, what warning did you have before it went?
Did you not fancy saving some money and changing to the a Valeo solid flywheel kit, they are £280 for the kit.

[UKtom]

Bloody hell Tom, what mileage did your clutch go on? Mine is the original on 79,000 and still feels fine, what warning did you have before it went?
Did you not fancy saving some money and changing to the a Valeo solid flywheel kit, they are £280 for the kit.

haha it was on 98k at the time, it's depressing thinking of how many miles I've put on it.. around 20k in the past 10 months!
Only sign beforehand was it was slipping in 3rd gear when I floored it.. yeah I did consider it but couldn't bear spending more money than I already was at it :p

[UKtom]

went for a few decent shots with the SLR last night, after a long hard think the MINI will be going up for sale this week, not 100% sure on price or anything at the moment but if you're interested, let me know!

anyway, pics!

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps0e260af8.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps4e5b5596.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps0427b47d.jpg

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps2ff41ee0.jpg

comments welcome as always, thanks for looking!

[Jay_]

Whyyyyyy? it looks great!

[UKtom]

Whyyyyyy? it looks great!

hah, thanks jay! wana buy it? ;) I need something more economical (and boring)... the amount of miles I do, I can't justify a 24mpg car anymore

still have no idea what to get though!

[UKtom]

well, the idea of selling the car went out of the window when I decided to go on a spending spree and brought another overly priced mod...

lets see who can guess what it is... :detective:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zpsbb60fcac.jpg

[Prickle]

exhaust?

[mysaxovtr]

It's a gp spoiler :)

[Prickle]

Only race cars require a spoiler.

[josh11490]

Only race cars require a spoiler.

That's why Saxo VTR/VTS have them standard ;)

[Prickle]

Exactly that.

[Aly]

If it's a BMW part it's not a GP Intercooler cause the box is different to that, I wouldn't say a genuine GP spoiler, I'm going to guess JCW Brakes

[mlawlan69]

That's a big old box for some brakes, could be an Orranje G-Wing

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6937239552_e7dcc9b91b_b.jpg

or even a set of xenons, as i know they are very expensive second hand....

can i ask how this is lowered tom? im looking at a set of AP's for mine as they have a brilliant reputation, but lots on MT suggest meister's but they are double the price :(

either way, lovely looking car!

[Aly]

Come on Tom stop teasing :P

[UKtom]

aly haha! I like seeing people guessing ;) I haven't got any pics of it opened, will grab some first thing in the morning and upload straight away for you :D

mlawlan mine is lowered on AP coilovers, can't fault them - they're so good and don't knock at all.. think I got the set for around £450 from rich at orranje performance, would recommend him to anyone :)

[MR_N]

Knowing Tom its a 5ft dildo in pink.

Just saw your little photoshoot on the last page. Everyone know goes to that spot in Whitley now!
I remember years ago trying to get them to leave it open overnight and keep the lights on. We were shooting an M5 down there and all the lights cut out at 9. Couldn't see a thing!

[Davyy]

show us then Tom you bell.

[Jay_]

spoiler. Got to be.

[UKtom]

Knowing Tom its a 5ft dildo in pink.

Just saw your little photoshoot on the last page. Everyone know goes to that spot in Whitley now!
I remember years ago trying to get them to leave it open overnight and keep the lights on. We were shooting an M5 down there and all the lights cut out at 9. Couldn't see a thing!

haha! yeah sorry, it is a 5ft dildo :(

yeah everytime I go there a security guard drives round, I just asked him to keep the lights on for some photos and he was cool with it :A:


cheers for the comments from everyone, pretty decent guesses but only one person got it right! 20 scott mills points to johngee... :panic:

£510 later and inside the package were these lovely looking items:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zpsf984e989.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/null_zpsf984e989.jpg.html)

it's a Janspeed 4-1 Manifold and Sports Cat, one of the most popular on the mini forums for both performance and pops and bangs.. it sounds epic with the supercharger whine.. video of what it should sound something like:

http://youtu.be/tu6l9UKk0jg

i've also got some heat wrap, never heat wrapped anything in my life but gunna give it a go today - the manifold and cat is being fitted Monday, along with a new Power Steering Pump, ready for MOT at the end of the month... oh and tax :bored:

I'll get some more pics up later dependant on how well this heat wrapping goes...

:hug:

[UKtom]

as promised, all heat wrapped and ready to be fitted tomorrow :D

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zpsf4a3d4cc.jpg

should've bought 15m as 10m wasn't enough, but it'll do :D will get some vids up once this is fitted, thanks for looking!

[mlawlan69]

Haha my only mod is actually one of these, won it on the bay for £140 in amazing condition, addicted to the noise it makes at full chat, and mines a face lift so pops all the time haha, enjoy it!!

My tax is due end of the month too, £156 6 months :(

[UKtom]

ok so it's been a while since I've updated, the Janspeed Manifold and sports cat is fitted, sounds amazing - no videos yet but I will try and get some shortly.

I've been maintaining the car and saving for my insurance which is due in September (damn). I've also been getting into detailing the car and brought a few products, took some pics of when I used an autoglym clay bar kit with a before and after shot below:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps3aacd6be.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/null_zps3aacd6be.jpg.html)

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps991001d0.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/null_zps991001d0.jpg.html)

also, some pics from a local meet last weekend:

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps033503d1.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/null_zps033503d1.jpg.html)

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zpsd32382d9.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/null_zpsd32382d9.jpg.html)

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps9cae0db4.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/null_zps9cae0db4.jpg.html)

Found out the other day aswell one of my bumper trims had come off/been stolen, a trip to BMW and £30 later I got a replacement, now just to get it resprayed later this week by a body shop.. another £65!

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zpsf8728f80.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/null_zpsf8728f80.jpg.html)

Now, the upcoming plans!!! It was my 21st the beginning of the month and I've been given a fair amount of money to put towards a number plate for the car. They are so much more expensive than I first realised! The current options are:

K77 TOM - around £1100
N33 TOM - around £1100
TOM 5L - DVLA auction in two weeks, expecting to go around £1600-£2000
TOM 18L - DVLA auction in two weeks, expecting to go around £1500

Need opinions on what people think are the best... if I go for the cheaper option I will have some money to play with and have been toying with a set of show wheels.. maybe some BBS' in pink like below... what are people's opinions?

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps54fb69d8.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/null_zps54fb69d8.jpg.html)

Comments welcome as always, thanks for looking!

[GolfJay]

Is that the S7ANCED Mini Cooper? That thing is absolutely stunning! BBS RS's are the way forward but you're going to be looking at £1,300 minimum!

[UKtom]

Is that the S7ANCED Mini Cooper? That thing is absolutely stunning! BBS RS's are the way forward but you're going to be looking at £1,300 minimum!

yeah it is mate! he's breaking it now and sold almost all the parts though :( yeah they're pricey, as they're only show wheels though its crossed my mind to buy some reps from STANCEDUK, they're only £410 but I'd need to get them powder coated pink and also tyres.. is it worth paying £800 more for the real thing? undecided!

[GolfJay]

yeah it is mate! he's breaking it now and sold almost all the parts though :( yeah they're pricey, as they're only show wheels though its crossed my mind to buy some reps from STANCEDUK, they're only £410 but I'd need to get them powder coated pink and also tyres.. is it worth paying £800 more for the real thing? undecided!

Please please do not buy cheap fakes. The reps look nothing like the real things. £800 is well worth having the real things! :y: When you look at Lenzo (for example), you can tell them from a mile off compared to genuine BBS. If you had a Corsa C or a Saxo, i'd say get the replicas. But your Mini, it's crying out for the real things.

[UKtom]

little update, lowered the rear ride height and didn't know what to do next with the car so went a bit OTT and purchased a surfboard + roof rack. The plan was to get the surfboard vinyl wrapped the same colour as the car with 'MINI' written on it in gloss white but I've since kinda gone off the idea so it's just sat in my garage.

Pics of when I collected it:
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/null_zps1bbc1cb9.jpg

what are people's opinions?

Also spent six hours today thoroughly cleaning the car for USC tomorrow (camping the weekend)... anyone going? Pic taken tonight after the clean :)
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/c14b8a67b2af50ed3f5ac968f8f03b1f_zps89e7b52c.jpg

comments welcome as always :hug:

[BBM]

This is perfect, exactly what I want!

[smiith]

Sorry, but did you buy the surfboard, purely to put on the car, or do you actually surf?

[UKtom]

This is perfect, exactly what I want!

thanks buddy :) if the price is right I'd always consider it ;)

Sorry, but did you buy the surfboard, purely to put on the car, or do you actually surf?

ha, yeah it's just for the car... I do go surfing in Devon from time to time, but the board on the car was intentionally brought for show purposes. It was going to be wrapped to match the colour of the car etc, but it's been sat in my garage ever since and i've kinda gone off the idea :S

[weve33]

Love this mini!!

[BBM]

Aw trust me if my Glanza sells, i'll be in the market for a Cooper S.

[UKtom]

Aw trust me if my Glanza sells, i'll be in the market for a Cooper S.

things I would look out for if I was to buy another..
1) get a facelift model, 05-08 plate. they're much more reliable.
2) preferably get one with the steering pump/rack already replaced otherwise you'll be forking out atleast £400 in the near future
3) same as above but with a relatively new clutch. Have to remove the whole engine to replace the clutch, 8 hour labour job, cost me just shy of £600 for mine!
4) save money aside for repairs, compared to my saxo repair bills are almost triple...

[BBM]

It's a facelift model i'm on the hunt for. My mate works for BMW and used to be in the Mini dealer so he knows what too look out for.

And trust me Glanza repair bills can be as bad haha!

[mlawlan69]

love this so much, mines standard though as the fucking mods are extortionate in comparison to saxos! infact it all is haha.

but that whine, so so nice.

[smiith]

I never get this.. Spending money on something like that, to pull off a look on a car.. What happens when someone just pinches it?

[GolfJay]

Looks incredible without the front number plate. Those screw holes need filling though ;)

[UKtom]

I never get this.. Spending money on something like that, to pull off a look on a car.. What happens when someone just pinches it?
it's not on 24/7 and was only gunna be used for shows. You could argue the same for any modification, to pull off a look on a car. Cheers for the comments though.

Looks incredible without the front number plate. Those screw holes need filling though ;)

Thanks Jay! Bumper does need to be resprayed at some point and I'll definitely get them smoothed over at the same time :)

[UKtom]

I haven't updated here in a while, winter wheels have been fitted whilst I save to fund a new set of wheels ready for next year (sorry for iPhone pic):

http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b446/uktomhams/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps852b6f12.jpg (http://s1044.photobucket.com/user/uktomhams/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps852b6f12.jpg.html)

People have said to me they prefer the oem wheels (fitted above) to the previous BBS, what are people's opinions on here?

Ordered and waiting on a few goodies to arrive aswell: Autobrite snow foam lance and magnifoam spray, and a new Karcher pressure washer to keep the car nice and clean over winter :)

Comments welcome as always, thanks for looking!

[Jamie]

If those BBS were silver or anthracite I'd say those.

Mini got the stock wheels right with these though.