After dreaming for 8 years I finally found my mini and I couldn't be happier. We have a 2004 Mini Cooper S in Liquid Yellow with black accents. Tons of options, low miles, and a 6 speed. Of course the former owner was a pleasure to deal with as I found most mini owners to be friendly. A few questions as a newbie:
1. Is there a big hp difference between my stock S and a stock JCW?
2. What are the R cars?
3. Has anyone had any luck with an updated (15%) pulley on the supercharger or are they just not worth it?

 

Welcome Bumble! I'll leave your questions to someone else, but glad you found your dream ride. Better post some pictures toot-sweet (if you're out of the car that long...).

Have a blast!

 

Me too, can't help you as I'm a new Mini owner, but welcome anyway!

Dave

 

I'm new to this place and to Mini's too, but I do know the answer to one of your questions. The "R cars" you're referring to as actually the 'R Code'... it's the identifier for a Mini's generation and body style.

::cut and pasted from the abbreviations thread, stickied here in 1st Gear::

R Codes
R50: “Mk I / 1st Gen” MINI Cooper coupe/hardtop (2002-2006)
R52: “Mk I / 1st Gen” MINI Cooper & Cooper S Convertible/Cabrio (2005-2008)
R53: “Mk I / 1st Gen” MINI Cooper S coupe/hardtop (2002-2006)
R55: “Mk II / 2nd Gen” MINI Clubman & Clubman S (2008+)
R56: “Mk II / 2nd Gen” MINI Cooper & Cooper S coupe/hardtop (2007+)
R57: “Mk II / 2nd Gen” MINI Cooper & Cooper S Convertible/Cabrio (2009+)
Note: Only US Models Represented

Since you, for example, have an '04 Cooper S, you have an R53.

 

Welcome to the forum, I'll let the S and JCW mavens answer your question.

 

Lots of previous threads to answer #3. 15% is a great mod and really "wakes up" the S!

 

Welcome, since your car is an 04 it's an R53.

A 15% pulley is the first mod hands down you should do. We've installed over 400 pullies so it definetly works.

 

congrats...and start the wave

 

Congrats and happy motoring! We want pics!