The Perfect MINI Garage – One Owner, Two MINIS

5 August 2019

For most people, modifying one MINI is enough, as the simplest of modifications can make a huge difference; however, when some people get the bug for tuning they just can’t get enough. This was the case for Phil; he is the owner of two modified MINIs, both of which are awesome.

Both of Phil’s MINIs have been to Lohen and we have loved working on them. His R55 Clubman JCW is currently producing 247 bhp, while his F56 Hatch Cooper S produces 285 bhp. We love all the modifications Phil has chosen for both his MINIs, but there are certain performance parts that for us stand out and make these MINIs really pop.

So what’s so special about Phil’s MINIs we hear you ask?

R55 – Clubman JCW

While we see several MINI Clubman JCW’s being modified, every car is different so we jumped at the opportunity to make this special, and while on the outside Phil’s Clubman might look pretty OEM, under the bonnet it certainly is not.

Phil began the transformation of his R55 MINI Clubman JCW by upgrading his chassis and suspension. He decided to get an AEM Strut Brace fitted; this brace has been specifically designed to accommodate the AEM kit and reduces chassis flex by locking the top of the struts together. To upgrade his suspension, Phil opted to get a set of KW Street Comfort Coilovers fitted, so his MINIs handling characteristics were maintained without compromising driver comfort.

With his chassis and suspension upgraded, Phil then focused on power and opted to get an AEM Intake Kit fitted. Utilising the bonnet scoop this kit channels air directly onto the K&N Filter supplied which increases power while giving a slightly louder growl to the engine. Phil’s R55 Clubman JCW also has a Stage 1 Remap and it produced 247bhp and 384 Nm of Torque. To help reduce intake temperatures, Phil had an Airtec Intercooler fitted, which helps cool boosted air from the turbo considerably more than the standard part. You can see the full spec list of the modifications on Phil’s R55 Clubman JCW below.

F56 – Hatch Cooper S

Phil’s F56 Cooper S is kitted out with some awesome modifications that help to make this MINI epic. Like his Clubman, Phil’s Gen 3 looks relatively standard on the outside but the modifications he has chosen help to completely transform the way this hatch performs and handles.

Again, to increase power, Phil chose to get a Stage 1 Remap, which provides a healthy increase in both power and torque. Phil’s F56 Cooper S produced 281 bhp and 454 Nm of Torque. Phil also chose to install an Arma Pipercross Intake, this kit not only looks epic under the bonnet of any Gen 3, but its high-quality carbon fibre intake box helps direct cold air to the K&N air filter.

Over the moon with the performance and comfort offered by the KW Street Comforts on his R55, Phil opted to include these on his F56 and with the addition of a CAE Short Shifter his MINI has the perfect race look. The CAE Short Shifter is designed to offer short gear shifting travel across the H pattern, its integrated centre position spring gives perfect driver feedback and makes you feel like you are driving a race/track MINI with every shift.

With the power of his MINI addressed and the chassis and suspension upgraded, Phil then chose to improve his Drivetrain. He chose to get a Helix Organic Clutch and a Quaife ATB Differential fitted. With a tolerance of up to 500 Nm of Torque, the Helix Organic Clutch provides a smooth pedal feel, which when paired with the Quaife ATB Differential is extremely effective in combatting the effects of FWD torque steer and understeer and will make your MINI even more pleasurable to drive.

We think Phil has chosen the perfect set of modifications for both his MINIs, which might look wholesome and innocent from the outside but tell a whole different story underneath and in the hands of any MINI enthusiast will certainly leave a smile on their face.

You can see all the modifications Phil chose for both his MINIs below. If you are interested in transforming your MINIs performance and handling then contact our sales team on [email protected] 01785 859999. You can keep up to date with all the MINIs that come to us by following us on social media.