← Back to Builds
Clubsport

Mini Cooper S R53

Daily-driven R53 with Porsche brakes, E85 custom map, supercharger upgrades, and proper suspension. Nurburgring tested.

Mini Cooper S R53

Build Specs

  • Porsche 987 brakes
  • E85 custom map
  • KAVS -17% pulley
  • Bilstein B6
  • Airtec intercooler

The Build

The R53 is one of those cars that just makes you smile every time you drive it. Light, direct, supercharged—it already has the right DNA. The goal was never to turn it into a full race car. It's a daily that needs to handle a random Nurburgring trip without missing a beat.

We started with the chassis and brakes, because that's what matters when you're pushing a small car on a big track. Porsche Cayman 987 front calipers with JCW discs—proper braking for a car this size. Bilstein B6 with Eibach short springs to tighten everything up without making it undrivable on the road.

Then came the power. The supercharger is the soul of the R53, so we kept it and made it better. Airtec intercooler, custom E85 map, smaller pulley—it pulls hard and stays cool. The 2026 overhaul brought the supercharger back to perfect health and pushed it further with the KAVS pulley. This car just keeps getting better.

Build Timeline

Phase 1 — 2022

Chassis & Brakes

Rear axle fully stripped and epoxy painted. Adjustable rear tie rods for proper geometry. Front braking upgraded to Porsche Cayman 987 calipers with JCW discs and EBC Yellowstuff pads. Bilstein B6 dampers with Eibach short springs. Front and rear strut bars. Fondmetal black 17" wheels.

Phase 2 — 2022

Power & Fueling

Airtec intercooler and Airtec airbox for better airflow and thermal management. Switched to E85 with 550cc injectors and a custom map by <a href="https://www.motorism.fr/" target="_blank">Motorism</a>. More power, cooler charge temps, and proper fueling.

Phase 3 — 2026

Supercharger Overhaul

Full supercharger rebuild. KAVS small pulley (-17%) for more boost. New alternator to handle the extra load. Mishimoto thermostat, new OEM water pump, fresh spark plugs and coils. Silicone cooling hoses throughout. Everything refreshed and ready for more Nurburgring trips.

Full Mod List

Suspension & Chassis
  • Bilstein B6 dampers
  • Eibach short springs
  • Adjustable rear tie rods
  • Front strut bar
  • Rear strut bar
  • Rear axle epoxy painted
Brakes
  • Porsche Cayman 987 front calipers
  • JCW brake discs
  • EBC Yellowstuff pads
Engine & Supercharger
  • KAVS small pulley (-17%)
  • Supercharger overhaul
  • Airtec intercooler
  • Airtec airbox
  • 550cc injectors
  • E85 custom map (<a href="https://www.motorism.fr/" target="_blank">Motorism</a>)
  • New spark plugs & coils
  • New alternator
Cooling
  • Mishimoto thermostat
  • New OEM water pump
  • Silicone cooling hoses
Wheels
  • Fondmetal black 17"

More Builds

View All Builds