PLR Projects: Making sure we hit the apex
To follow on from our last blog post about the Mini R56, it’s time to go over what we have making us stop and handle better. If you have looked at what we were running on the R53 we had for a while, then all of what’s to come will sound familiar to you.
As with the R53 suspension we are using MeisterR Zeta CRD+ coilovers on the R56. Thanks to them we were able to convert the coilover set from R53 fitment to R56 fitment. This was done by swapping the spherical top mounts with MeisterR’s R56 top mounts. With the R56 using the same rear suspension as the R53, we only had to convert the front struts to get them to fit. While we swapped out the top mounts, we replaced all the collar rings with new items. This was due to the previous lot having started to degrade. We also covered the struts in MeisterR’s ARC coating to try and prevent any future rust developing on the struts.
As has been noted by Meister we have re-tightened the top mount nuts on the rear struts as they come loose with use. We actually used Loctite to stop this been an issue in the future. Though we regularly check them to make sure they have not backed off any.
Making her stop
On the braking front, we are using the same AP Racing 4 pot calipers as we did on the R53. There was no modification needed as R56 caliper’s fit on R53’s and are a common upgrade. We are using Reyland two-piece 304mm discs with Ferodo DS3000 pads. This combination makes for a set up that has an incredible bite without any fade, even after repeated heavy braking zones.
The rear brakes have also got an upgrade from standard Cooper S spec to JCW spec. This mostly comprises of new caliper carriers and bigger 280mm discs. The main advantage here is the bigger surface area to dissipate heat. We are using EBC discs with Yellow stuff pads supplied by Junsport. The reason we’re not going to a more serious brake set up on the rear is the R56’s brake bias is very forward from factory.
There is still plenty to do on the suspension and braking front. But for now, we will leave it here until the next blog post.