34 replies to this topic

[BerkshireMini]

What are your opinions on 'Cooperising' a Mini.

Probably be cheaper (insurance wise) to get an actual Cooper wouldn't it?


Not sure what to do.

I've already got a Mini, but in November I want to start a project..

Now do I sell my Mini and buy a Cooper and use some of the parts on my existing Mini to fit onto the Cooper (saving money that way).

Or

Do I customise my current Mini to a Cooper spec or better? Thing with doing this, is that I know (well at least think I do) what the body work is like and what'll need working on, whereas if I buy a new Mini it could go tits up so to speak.


Really am unsure of what to do!!

Suggestions would be appreciated.

[Purple Tom]

In my opinion there are too many Cooper 'lookalikes' out there really.

Obviously its your car and you can do what you like with it, but I prefer more subtle mods rather than bonnet stripes/pin stripes and some Cooper laurels on the rear quarters.

My suggestion would be to do some mods to your current motor (maybe fit a 1275, some nice wheels, a nice subtle interior and some suspension/handling mods), or buy a nice Cooper and keep it completely standard externally, but then do things underneath that will enhance the handling/performance. All of which can be done very cheaply with only a bit (if any) of an addition to insurance.

Having said that, it all depends what you want from your car?

In my eyes a Mini is a small, good handling nippy little car, and should be modified to enhance its attributes - therefore make it go faster, stop better, go round corners better and handle better.

But thats just me, other people like to put big stereo systems in their Mini's, fit bodykits, 13x7" wheels - each one is individual and thats what makes them so great :grin:

Think I've drifted slightly off my point there, what was I saying?....

Oh yeah, IMO don't Cooperise your current motor, modify it in a subtle manner, or buy a Cooper

[Jammy]

I agree with Minis84. I think the 90s Coopers are a little over-rated to be honest, I'd prefer to buy a standard mini and use the money I'd saved by not buying a Cooper on other mods, like sorting out the handling and some engine work, and prob a half decent interior.

[gsms]

I have a real mini Cooper, but now I wish I'd saved some money by just getting a mayfair or similar, so I can spend the saved cash on sorting out the rust etc (as James says).


Guy.

[minidaves]

best thing to do is find a rust free mini (dont worry about the model) and build your car around that as it will be cheaper, As for prices i cannot belive what people pay for rusty minis because the repair costs ( i know i charge to repair them) is well as much as the car is worth normally

dave

[Modmobile]

I have to agree with Mills, don't Cooperise. Either buy a Cooper or get another Mini and love it for what it is........
Just my humble opinion though

[Sprocket]

Why make it look like something its not

Sheep in Wolves clothing comes to mind :nugget:

I'd take the minimalist aproach and have one single solid colour all over, no stripes or chequers, no badging except the bonnet badge of your choice. Limit the chrome to door handles, bumpers and grill. Lower it by 1.5 inches and fit either 6x10s or 6x13s. Deep dish 12s crys out "i couldnt afford the 13s" (sorry no offence intended to those who have them and like them :fear: ) Single tail pipe side exit and if its got a rolled end, cut it off. Oh and leave the roof gutter trim off, it will look ten times better.

[* Specialized *]

i agree dont cooperize, but its your choice mate

[m3ntalist]

I would do your own thing with it to be honest

[BerkshireMini]

Ta, you've all just rested my mind and helped me with my original idea.

Take my Mini Park Lane and just mod it up for the driving experience with a few pretty add on's to the exterior.

Got my eye on a 1330 engine atm, so we'll see how that goes!!!

Ta everyone for input.

Berkshire Mini / Jack

[* Specialized *]

no probs mate, let us know how u get on

[Jomo]

Deep dish 12s crys out "i couldnt afford the 13s" (sorry no offence intended to those who have them and like them :fear: )

I got 12's because my experience of 13's were nothing but hassel. Tramlining, parking, etc etc. But 13's do look ace! :cool:

[minimadjonesy]

your car is a Park Lane?? in that case, keep the outside standard as many people modify the limited editions and in my honest opinion i think they should leave them be! Get some "under the skin" mods, better suspension, tuned engine, better brakes and then have some fun! your car will always be underestimated by other road users as it will become a "street sleeper"!! :cheese:

[BerkshireMini]

What suspension would you recommend, remember I'm a total newb to this game.

So go easy on me, some actual product names would be handy aswell.

Yea, my car had two go faster stripes on it when I bought it as you can see from my siggy. I'm going to repsray it all black I think and like you say tune up engine and handling.

But yea, back to what I was saying .. any names of specific types of Suspension, air filters and anything like it would be MUCH appreciated.

Ta

Jack

[minimadjonesy]

Suspension wise, you can't go wrong with a set of Hi-Los and some adjustable shock absorbers! many people swear by SPAX but I never rated them! Gaz do a set of adjustable shocks for a similar price and they are much better!

Air filters: Ram-Air, K&N or Pipercross all do very good products, depends if you want to keep the filter box or have a cone/pancake filter. All are comparable in price!

As for engine mods, start with a staged head kit - stage 1 or 2, they are available for all engine sizes and do make a resonable ammount of difference to power and responsiveness!

Finally a decent exhaust will also help your car motor! Get a type 2 Maniflow LCB and a RC40 or similar exhaust. If you have a 998 the don't go for a 2 inch system but if you have a 1275 then you'd get away with it! Makes a nice throaty noise!

other people will shortly be adding their view so don't just go with my ideas, see what everyone else says!

As for your cars colour, spraying it back to the standard black is a good idea, see if you can get the Park Lane sticker made up by someone like Idle Gear and refit them to the rear quater panels and boot! then you'll have a real street sleeper! :cheese: