Looking for the "best" mini cooper s
Turbo Mini Forums

Hello all... I'm finally coming to a close on my 3 year 9 month adventure with my 98 Eclipse GSX project and decided to start looking into my next project. I've always loved the old school appeal of the cooper s's, but never knew which year had this, or what year had that. For instance, with Eclipse's, it's pretty basic foundationally... you either want light weight rocket speed from the GS-T (fwd), or rockect take off's with superb handling with the GSX's (awd). I chose take off's and handling over mid speed take-offs. Then you have you generation aspects to consider, two different versions of each generation, different variations within the two different versions of the two different generations and so on and so on... sorry for the confuision right there, lol. Anyway, back on topic... I'm now ready for the research phase of my new project and was looking for help. Is there a site I can research the different versions of the cooper s (by year for instance) or can you guys recommend which year(s) is/are best? That's to say, are the cooper s in years 60-75 (hypothetically speaking) better weighted, better frame structured, more aerodynamic, classic versus newer styled etc? It doesn't matter too much about parts (suspension, cockpit, styling, etc) and engine specs as I will be replacing all of that with my own look/style. The main objective is to start with the absolute best platform possible. I want to start from the ground up, actually would rather run a supercharger than a turbo, and more or less going for a mini muscle car theme! Not looking to buy yet, just research, and I believe it should start with the "best" year cooper s, and go from there. Thanks in advance.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Why a Cooper S?
Dont bother fucking about with those, leave them for the purists. Its only a name and theres no difference in the body or suspension. Just go for any shell that you can get cheap that suits what you want to do. If you want retro use a mk1, if not go for as late a shell as you can as chances are you will have less resto work to do plus it will already have disk brakes and maybe a 1275 engine to use as a base for a big build.

Paul

I seriously doubt it!

Get yourself a copy of the 'yellow bible'. :)

anybody else thinking what i am thinking as per a recent post to do with eclipses. lol.

anyway mr wigninton speaks sense. the parts that you will be changing are the parts that make the car a cooper s. so start with anything and make it what you want.

the only choice you have to make is early or late shell to be honest and that is only really down to styling.