First Mini Cooper S
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Florida
First Mini Cooper S
Hey everyone, i just purchased a 2004 Mini Cooper S. $11,200 with 68K mi 6 speed premium package with 17' rims and strut bar.. Its a greeeeat car and i just wanna get some pointers and/ or opinions and whats normally the first upgrade i should look at. Thanks
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
Tires and general maintenance
Welcome to NAM!
Post pics of your new baby, too.
Before doing any mods, I would make sure all your general maintenance is up to par first. Check brake fluid, pads and rotors, engine oil, trans fluid, cabin, air, oil filters, s/c belts, plugs and wires, check for leaks on the coolant expansion tank (white residue) motor mounts (greasy) and oil around the crank seal/gasket also check front lower control arm bushings and check for cracked upper strut mounts. Do a search function to any of those issues and you will find a DIY to help you out, the later 2 issues are more involved and might require the help of and independent MINI shop. Also, check out a Bentley book for the MINI.
After that I would suggest a 19mm rear sway bar to minimize body roll even more and a 15% pulley (with belts and plugs) for increased horse power. And as soon as the run-flats wear out get some sticky non run flats tires, for better grip and more comfort.
Post pics of your new baby, too.
Before doing any mods, I would make sure all your general maintenance is up to par first. Check brake fluid, pads and rotors, engine oil, trans fluid, cabin, air, oil filters, s/c belts, plugs and wires, check for leaks on the coolant expansion tank (white residue) motor mounts (greasy) and oil around the crank seal/gasket also check front lower control arm bushings and check for cracked upper strut mounts. Do a search function to any of those issues and you will find a DIY to help you out, the later 2 issues are more involved and might require the help of and independent MINI shop. Also, check out a Bentley book for the MINI.
After that I would suggest a 19mm rear sway bar to minimize body roll even more and a 15% pulley (with belts and plugs) for increased horse power. And as soon as the run-flats wear out get some sticky non run flats tires, for better grip and more comfort.
Last edited by howsoonisnow1985; Mar 2, 2011 at 07:24 PM.
Welcome Nique to NAM and the world of MINI motoring: It sounds like you found a very nice R53 MCS, otherwise known as "Gen 1".
Here's a link to the forum's many threads on mods: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fications-196/
If you haven't already heard about the "magic switch" on the R53 (MCS), here's the entire kit for a reasonable price: http://bit.ly/bs5HNA This kit plus a high-volume CAI and new cat-back pipes will help your MCS breath harder. These mods alone will put you around the 200WHP mark. Epic fun.
Happy motoring!
Here's a link to the forum's many threads on mods: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fications-196/
If you haven't already heard about the "magic switch" on the R53 (MCS), here's the entire kit for a reasonable price: http://bit.ly/bs5HNA This kit plus a high-volume CAI and new cat-back pipes will help your MCS breath harder. These mods alone will put you around the 200WHP mark. Epic fun.
Happy motoring!
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Florida
howsoonisnow: the car is in great condition, i have checked all fluids, all it needed was wiper fluid and "CHF" fluid whatever that is. I had the car inspected on a lift by a mechanic and he said its all good except for slightly overfilled power steering fluid. And ive replaced the spark plugs the other day, used NGK 4 prong laser plugs. And it already has the pulley reduction on it. And the tires are BFGoodrich G-Force.
On another notw, i dont really know how to post pix yet....
On another notw, i dont really know how to post pix yet....
Trending Topics
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 1
From: Middle Earth
the car is in great condition, i have checked all fluids, all it needed was wiper fluid and "CHF" fluid whatever that is. I had the car inspected on a lift by a mechanic and he said its all good except for slightly overfilled power steering fluid. And ive replaced the spark plugs the other day, used NGK 4 prong laser plugs. And it already has the pulley reduction on it. And the tires are BFGoodrich G-Force.
On another notw, i dont really know how to post pix yet....
On another notw, i dont really know how to post pix yet....
Before recommending more mods, you might want to ask yourself what exactly you will be doing with your new MINI. Do you intend to go to auto-x or high performance driver education days? Will this just be a show piece? Will it be for blasting down back roads? Do you want to get into racing?
There are just so many things that a MINI is good for. Once you have answered those questions then you can make plans that will keep you working towards a goal. With a goal set people can make more specific recommendations to help you get there.
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Welcome to the MINI world.
Before recommending more mods, you might want to ask yourself what exactly you will be doing with your new MINI. Do you intend to go to auto-x or high performance driver education days? Will this just be a show piece? Will it be for blasting down back roads? Do you want to get into racing?
There are just so many things that a MINI is good for. Once you have answered those questions then you can make plans that will keep you working towards a goal. With a goal set people can make more specific recommendations to help you get there.
Before recommending more mods, you might want to ask yourself what exactly you will be doing with your new MINI. Do you intend to go to auto-x or high performance driver education days? Will this just be a show piece? Will it be for blasting down back roads? Do you want to get into racing?
There are just so many things that a MINI is good for. Once you have answered those questions then you can make plans that will keep you working towards a goal. With a goal set people can make more specific recommendations to help you get there.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
Welcome to NAM!
Post pics of your new baby, too.
Before doing any mods, I would make sure all your general maintenance is up to par first. Check brake fluid, pads and rotors, engine oil, trans fluid, cabin, air, oil filters, s/c belts, plugs and wires, check for leaks on the coolant expansion tank (white residue) motor mounts (greasy) and oil around the crank seal/gasket also check front lower control arm bushings and check for cracked upper strut mounts. Do a search function to any of those issues and you will find a DIY to help you out, the later 2 issues are more involved and might require the help of and independent MINI shop. Also, check out a Bentley book for the MINI.
After that I would suggest a 19mm rear sway bar to minimize body roll even more and the a 15% pulley for increased horse power. And as soon as the run-flats wear out get some sticky non run flats tires, for better grip and more comfort.
Post pics of your new baby, too.
Before doing any mods, I would make sure all your general maintenance is up to par first. Check brake fluid, pads and rotors, engine oil, trans fluid, cabin, air, oil filters, s/c belts, plugs and wires, check for leaks on the coolant expansion tank (white residue) motor mounts (greasy) and oil around the crank seal/gasket also check front lower control arm bushings and check for cracked upper strut mounts. Do a search function to any of those issues and you will find a DIY to help you out, the later 2 issues are more involved and might require the help of and independent MINI shop. Also, check out a Bentley book for the MINI.
After that I would suggest a 19mm rear sway bar to minimize body roll even more and the a 15% pulley for increased horse power. And as soon as the run-flats wear out get some sticky non run flats tires, for better grip and more comfort.
Well, 32xx posts might be a clue.....
To the OP, sounds like you got the MINI with the basics done already. Sounds like you are like me, just want to have some fun with the daily driver. You might look into a good CAI and maybe a nice exhaust(enhance the "audio" portion of the motoring experience
). A larger rear sway bar will help with the handling and maybe a front strut brace (although the benefits of this are debatable). Lighter wheels are always a good choice.
To the OP, sounds like you got the MINI with the basics done already. Sounds like you are like me, just want to have some fun with the daily driver. You might look into a good CAI and maybe a nice exhaust(enhance the "audio" portion of the motoring experience
). A larger rear sway bar will help with the handling and maybe a front strut brace (although the benefits of this are debatable). Lighter wheels are always a good choice.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
1) Non runflat tires
2) Cold Air Intake
3) Smaller Pulley (Way Motor Works pulley package) Etc...
4) Poly Bushings (Control Arm)
5) Koni Struts
6) Larger rear sway bar
7) Updated Radar Detector
After all basics are checked.
2) Cold Air Intake
3) Smaller Pulley (Way Motor Works pulley package) Etc...
4) Poly Bushings (Control Arm)
5) Koni Struts
6) Larger rear sway bar
7) Updated Radar Detector
After all basics are checked.
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Welcome to NAM!
Post pics of your new baby, too.
Before doing any mods, I would make sure all your general maintenance is up to par first. Check brake fluid, pads and rotors, engine oil, trans fluid, cabin, air, oil filters, s/c belts, plugs and wires, check for leaks on the coolant expansion tank (white residue) motor mounts (greasy) and oil around the crank seal/gasket also check front lower control arm bushings and check for cracked upper strut mounts. Do a search function to any of those issues and you will find a DIY to help you out, the later 2 issues are more involved and might require the help of and independent MINI shop. Also, check out a Bentley book for the MINI.
After that I would suggest a 19mm rear sway bar to minimize body roll even more and the a 15% pulley for increased horse power. And as soon as the run-flats wear out get some sticky non run flats tires, for better grip and more comfort.
Post pics of your new baby, too.
Before doing any mods, I would make sure all your general maintenance is up to par first. Check brake fluid, pads and rotors, engine oil, trans fluid, cabin, air, oil filters, s/c belts, plugs and wires, check for leaks on the coolant expansion tank (white residue) motor mounts (greasy) and oil around the crank seal/gasket also check front lower control arm bushings and check for cracked upper strut mounts. Do a search function to any of those issues and you will find a DIY to help you out, the later 2 issues are more involved and might require the help of and independent MINI shop. Also, check out a Bentley book for the MINI.
After that I would suggest a 19mm rear sway bar to minimize body roll even more and the a 15% pulley for increased horse power. And as soon as the run-flats wear out get some sticky non run flats tires, for better grip and more comfort.
BMWMotorsport 7-Speed M Drivelogic Double-Clutch Transmission Race System.
The benefits of being in the Alliance.
Nice!!
So with the mods, you got a good deal.
Check and see if it has a sway bar already?
Next?? Cam? Header? Tune?
Also, seems you live near "my version of Disneyland" you got Virginia International Raceway take an HPDE course. Also, Summit Point nearby WVA.
The benefits of being in the Alliance.
Nice!!
So with the mods, you got a good deal.
Check and see if it has a sway bar already?
Next?? Cam? Header? Tune?
Also, seems you live near "my version of Disneyland" you got Virginia International Raceway take an HPDE course. Also, Summit Point nearby WVA.
Last edited by howsoonisnow1985; Mar 2, 2011 at 07:43 PM.
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Florida
BMWMotorsport 7-Speed M Drivelogic Double-Clutch Transmission Race System.
The benefits of being in the Alliance.
Nice!!
So with the mods, you got a good deal.
Check and see if it has a sway bar already?
Next?? Cam? Header? Tune?
Also, seems you live near "my version of Disneyland" you got Virginia International Raceway take an HPDE course. Also, Summit Point nearby WVA.
The benefits of being in the Alliance.
Nice!!
So with the mods, you got a good deal.
Check and see if it has a sway bar already?
Next?? Cam? Header? Tune?
Also, seems you live near "my version of Disneyland" you got Virginia International Raceway take an HPDE course. Also, Summit Point nearby WVA.
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Florida
here is the picture
Neutral
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
New Mini Convertible Owner....Need Help!
Hi all. Just purchased a 2007 Mini Coop Convertible, 7,000 miles - love it. So many gadgets to learn. Anyone willing to give me some pointers regarding all the goodies on the dash? Have read the owner's manual, and don't get some of it. I'll be luck to figure out radio station programming! Thanks much.
J
J
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax, VA
Hi all. Just purchased a 2007 Mini Coop Convertible, 7,000 miles - love it. So many gadgets to learn. Anyone willing to give me some pointers regarding all the goodies on the dash? Have read the owner's manual, and don't get some of it. I'll be luck to figure out radio station programming! Thanks much.
J
J