Greetings from Mount Prospect IL! I come from the body shop end of automotive repair but am new to NAM and Minis. Just picked up a 08 AB R56 MC with Steptronic trans, love it but it's all stock and looking for more performance. ( went to Mini from a O5 Dodge SRT4 pushing 300HP) any advice to point me in the right direction is appreciated!

 

Welcome to the world of MINIacs! The mod bug bites hard so be careful! Drive the new car for a bit and decide if you want more power or better handling. Then move in that direction. Keep an eye on the classified section and pick up some used parts from other NAM members at a savings. Post some photos of the new toy for us all to enjoy.

 

Welcome to NAM! I always recommend working from the ground up. Suspension then engine mods. If you're wanting some help with your mods be sure to let me know! Post up some pictures of your MINI for us when you get the chance.

 

Good advice above, but coming to Mini from 300hp, that may be a tad tough to do! The Mini and SRT4 are totally different animals. You'll get it sorted out. Great car.

Don't forget to post a picture when you get the chance.

 

It's actually not as bad as I expected. Picked it up in Orlando Fl and drove it home over 2 days. Best and longest test drive I've ever taken. Not saying it's fast enough yet but it already handles much better than the SRT.





First sight!

 

Nice. You did good. Buying from central Florida gets you a Mini that has never seen a salted road. Check underneath... should look new, plus hopefully bolts won't be locked up by rust. The 2 day ride is another plus... Mini road trip. Excellent.

They do handle really well. What tires are are on it? I noticed that tire pressures make a big difference on handling, so keep the pressure up to the recommended on the door sticker. Use that for a baseline.

 

Looks great! Give her a good polish and wax as well. The Florida sun and climate can be pretty harsh on paint. (I have family that lives there). If you want to get rid of that super tall antenna, check out the stubby antenna mod as well. Cheap and makes it look much more stealth!

 

Do the shorter stubby antennas work as well as the tall OEM?

 

Yes, lots of people with them say that they notice no difference in reception with the Stubby antenna mod.

 

Thanks. Might try one out. I live a little ways out of town, so was wondering.

 

You're welcome!

 

Welcome, check out the DDM intake as it is the most cost effective mod.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/ddmwork...5-r56-r57.html