Hey everyone. I'm new to the forums... Actually, to be a bit more accurate, I'm new to the Mini. I've been fascinated with the Mini for some time now but don't know a lot about them. If there is an FAQ somewhere that answers my questions, or a specific post that I haven't found yet, please point me in the right direction.

1) What is the difference between R52, R55, R56 et cetera?

2) I've seen on various pictures of owner rides, some cars having a built-in boost gauge. Is that a turbo or supercharger?

2a) Which models have the turbo/super charger? How can you tell the difference?

2b) How much boost can the car produce from the factory?

2c) How much boost with mild mods, can the car sustain? (if you can't tell I like forced induction)

3) I've noticed that not many of them have arm rests. Is that not a commonly purchased option, or is it just that I'm seeing only pictures w/o?

Thanks in advance!!

 

From motoringfile.com on the main page:

MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R58: TBD

R53 - Supercharged, 168 HP (at least on '06).

R56 MCS - turbo 172 hp
R56 MC - 118 hp

Arm rest - not a standard item, can be ordered as an option or purchased from other vendors.

 

welcome to NAM!

 

How much boost are the R53 and R56 capable of producing? How modifiable are they? Can the stock pistons and internals of the engine handle much more boost?