Hello all,

I have been lurking for a couple of weeks and figured I should join since I just purchased a new-to-me R53. I have already done the basic bolt-ons after a thorough inspection of the motor. I am not new to working on cars but it has been a while since I have owned anything without 4x4.

Basically I was visiting the office in Chicago, (company is based in Minnesota but I work in the field) and there was a used car dealer next door. On the lot was a 2004 Mini Cooper S in Titanium with a white roof. Basically the way I would have ordered it, except I would not have gotten the sunroof. I have always liked Minis but never ridden in, let alone driven one. Since I had nothing better to do, I figured a test drive wouldn't hurt. I wasn't going to buy anything! It was almost Christmas after all! Well half an hour later I was signing paperwork to take ownership of it.

Then I made the mistake of purchasing the pulley/ignition kit from Alta... 15 minutes later, the V2 cold air intake... What's the point of the intake if exhaust isn't free flowing... So I also got the cat-back from them... Then I found out that you need to remove the exhaust to install a short shift kit, so I bought that from Cravenspeed at the same time...

Got the car home just in time for Christmas and a few days later everything was on! This thing is trouble. I love it.