Track car - Keep R56 cooper s or build something more robust?

Thomas. PLease.

Thomas. PLease.

Thomas. PLease.

Soldato
Joined
5 Jul 2007
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Location
London
Hi all,

I've currently got an R56 cooper s which I originally bought as a run around/second car but decided to do a few track days in. It's on 90k miles or so, and I've done a few bits to tidy it up, sorted the brakes and got a bit more power. It's a lot more fun to drive than I initially expected and is great fun on track but I'm always worried as I know it's a fragile thing engine wise. It's already got a very minor rear main seal leak too so likely needs the gearbox taking off to address and basically more money throwing at it to make it more track suitable with better suspension etc. However even after this I'll potentially be left with something that is still ultimately not particularly sturdy for track driving.

So, should I spend another few grand on sorting the issues out or sell the car and buy something more fit for purpose? Ideally would like something semi usable on road but track focused.

Looks like I could get an mx5 (would want to go boosted in time though I'm sure), boxster or 944 or similar or maybe even an s2000 with a bit of added budget.

What would you do? Anything I'm missing?
 
Last edited:
944?

Prepare to drop pants on that one!

if you're happy with fwd a clio onto a bad option.

For rwd boosted mx5 is surely the way forward.

Everything else is either heavy or has gone up in price significantly.

The competitor here forme wpuld be a mk3 mr2 with a 2zz and or turbo drop.
 
Mx5 prices have also gone LOLworthy in fairness.

Good Mk1/2/2.5s are 5-7k in a condition rot wise you'd want to buy one. The turbo conversion route is now well trodden, comprehensive kits that have everything you need from turbo components, ECU and injectors are ~3k and can be fitted in a weekend with fairly basic tools. Add in a half decent clutch and you've got a very reliable, low maintenance 230ft-lbs/250hp. I pushed mine more than most people do on standard engine components and gave it death and never really had any issues. Mk3s you'll spend a little more again, and good quality cast turbo manifolds etc still haven't started appearing.

I don't know what the R56 is worth, but unless you really want to change to something with RWD I'd argue putting the money into that instead would be the best idea
 
Probably £3k at a push, does have some reasonably new alloys and PS4s I could probably sell for another 500 or so, so could get into a reasonable MK1 mx5 for not much more on top.

Trouble with the r56 is that I know it essentially needs another £1k or so spending on it, and even then could let go at any point with all manner of issues.
 
Ideally something weather proof, garage isn't really big enough so would be living on the drive, and don't really like the idea of having something like that under covers as fun as I'm sure it would be.
 
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