[MR.]

Still winter time and not the best time for a comparison, but finally both are on their special plates with the GP2 arriving this month and the first mods being installed already.

266 hp and 322 Nm from the MINI's engine next to upgrades to the engine cooling, air intake, exterior and a short shifter inside. Next are some more technical upgrades to the engine, some small bit and bops and a complete design overhaul in March.

For now the GP2 is the winter car, the M2 comes out for once or twice a week. Next it will go into service to replace the top mounts which need replacing after 28K km.

Happy both are there, projects are still on going. GP2 far from done, M2 almost done with only an Alcantara steering wheel and carbon shift lever on the wishlist. Good combo



MR

[vladberca]

M2 should be nice too in the snow

[CommitConfirm]

Should be able to get 350nm from the GP. I highly recommend the powerflex black engine bush, it all but eliminated the torque steer. If you don't mind more road noise the black series front lower control arm rear bushes will bring the steering alive.

I also recommend the Akrapovic sport cat, Wagner FMIC, ITG panel filter, iridium spark plugs and a manic mini stage 2 remap.

The stock ecu map is a little late coming on power for my taste. I have all the above on my GP and the difference from stock is night and day

I love my GP and will keep her for a long long time. I cannot say the same for my M2.

[MR.]

Originally Posted by CommitConfirm

Should be able to get 350nm from the GP. I highly recommend the powerflex black engine bush, it all but eliminated the torque steer. If you don't mind more road noise the black series front lower control arm rear bushes will bring the steering alive.

I also recommend the Akrapovic sport cat, Wagner FMIC, ITG panel filter, iridium spark plugs and a manic mini stage 2 remap.

The stock ecu map is a little late coming on power for my taste. I have all the above on my GP and the difference from stock is night and day

I love my GP and will keep her for a long long time. I cannot say the same for my M2.

322 Nm is fine, I do not need more. The power is sufficient with this stage 2 map. It is the best you can get from the car, and then it still depends per car what the results are.

We decided not to go for Powerflex, but Whiteline instead. The front lower control arm rear bushing is replaced creating more caster and a better turn-in. At the back we fitted an Eibach pro kit stabi.

Next to that, the MINI got a AEM cold air intake and strut brace, Forge intercooler, Forge cooling hoses kit, NGK iridium spark plugs, tow hook and Akrapovic titanium exhaust. On the inside, it has a CAE short shifter.

I also fitted carbon fiber mirror caps, rear trunk lid in carbon and the carbon engine cover and carbon fiber door handles are on their way. Other incoming things are an Alcantara/leather steering wheel, LEAP intake scoop, and Cravenspeed mobile phone mount.

On the design front, the car will get a complete redesign in a few months. For now I am still working on the design. Other things I am looking into for later in the year are a Bilstein B16 kit, MINI Challenge Wing, Oil catch can and if we go completely mental maybe a Wavetrac diff and Wiechers roll cage (Clubsport or full).

MR

[MR.]

Originally Posted by vladberca

M2 should be nice too in the snow

No winter tires, and I already did too many miles on it this year. Not good for the residual value when I have to trade it in for a M2 CS at the end of next year.

MR

[CommitConfirm]

Originally Posted by MR.

322 Nm is fine, I do not need more. The power is sufficient with this stage 2 map. It is the best you can get from the car, and then it still depends per car what the results are.

We decided not to go for Powerflex, but Whiteline instead. The front lower control arm rear bushing is replaced creating more caster and a better turn-in. At the back we fitted an Eibach pro kit stabi.

Next to that, the MINI got a AEM cold air intake and strut brace, Forge intercooler, Forge cooling hoses kit, NGK iridium spark plugs, tow hook and Akrapovic titanium exhaust. On the inside, it has a CAE short shifter.

I also fitted carbon fiber mirror caps, rear trunk lid in carbon and the carbon engine cover and carbon fiber door handles are on their way. Other incoming things are an Alcantara/leather steering wheel, LEAP intake scoop, and Cravenspeed mobile phone mount.

On the design front, the car will get a complete redesign in a few months. For now I am still working on the design. Other things I am looking into for later in the year are a Bilstein B16 kit, MINI Challenge Wing, Oil catch can and if we go completely mental maybe a Wavetrac diff and Wiechers roll cage (Clubsport or full).

MR

I respectfully disagree, after 100's of hours with both the FJCW and GP2 on the dyno I can categorically say that with the correct choice of parts 300HP and 350NM is possible. But it's your car so as long as your happy with it that's all that matters!

If you're going down the Challenge route have a look at the Challenge exhaust with your Arka down pipe - It's bloody load!! I had one on mine for a while but it was too load for some of the tracks I race at:

If you're thinking of a roll cage take a look at Andrew Robinson's Targa GP form 2014: https://targa.com.au/tc/news_details.asp?asset_id=21545 He crashed the first one in 2013: https://targa.com.au/tc/news_details.asp?asset_id=19009

Rear Diff are worth every penny! DO IT! The e-diff in the GP (GP Mode) is an improvement over the FJCW but nothing beats a real one In fact it's top of my list of things to replace on the M2, just need some track time & plenty of research before jumping in.

[Transfer]

Great looking cars but please tell me that front plate is just a photoshop joke.

[MR.]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Great looking cars but please tell me that front plate is just a photoshop joke.

Nope, both are completely real

MR

[MR.]

Originally Posted by CommitConfirm

I respectfully disagree, after 100's of hours with both the FJCW and GP2 on the dyno I can categorically say that with the correct choice of parts 300HP and 350NM is possible. But it's your car so as long as your happy with it that's all that matters!

If you're going down the Challenge route have a look at the Challenge exhaust with your Arka down pipe - It's bloody load!! I had one on mine for a while but it was too load for some of the tracks I race at:

If you're thinking of a roll cage take a look at Andrew Robinson's Targa GP form 2014: https://targa.com.au/tc/news_details.asp?asset_id=21545 He crashed the first one in 2013: https://targa.com.au/tc/news_details.asp?asset_id=19009

Rear Diff are worth every penny! DO IT! The e-diff in the GP (GP Mode) is an improvement over the FJCW but nothing beats a real one In fact it's top of my list of things to replace on the M2, just need some track time & plenty of research before jumping in.

I know 430 hp is possible with that engine and the right parts, but let's not go on that route shall we.

I just got a Akrapovic exhaust and will get the downpipe after the yearly check. I know about the Challenge exhaust, but I am worried about the drone and the sheer amount of noise. It might be a bit too much on long distances.

Diffs are not cheap, but we will see. First finish the first steps and then onwards to more. For now I am happy with what it is and what is on my mind.

MR

[chrismac]

I also have a GP2, M2 and Golf R! Good taste.

[playitfunky]

Originally Posted by chrismac

I also have a GP2, M2 and Golf R! Good taste.

Extra point for effort on the plates!

[CommitConfirm]

Originally Posted by MR.

Diffs are not cheap.

MR

Cheaper that cosmetic #ricer mods.