Hello! I recently relocated to CO from FL and will be looking for an 05-06 Cooper S in about 2 months, after my current 2015 WRX STI gets repaired from recent hail damage.

I was already thinking about making the switch before the damage so I can save more cash to buy a house, and test drove 2. One '05 with aftermarket JCW package and one stock '06 S, and while the extra power was nice, unless I find a really good deal will most likely be getting a regular S model...and probably some basic mods such as intake, pulley, plugs, etc to bump up the power.

 

Welcome to NAM! The R53s offer the ability to bump up the power pretty easily, and at a reasonable cost. A JCW would be nice (and fun) but the basic bolt-ons will help a "regular" R53 exceed the JCW's performance quickly.

Way Motor Works sells a nice pulley package that includes the proper belt and colder spark plugs. Beyond the intake, pulley, and cat-back, you can upgrade the cam, header, and injectors (and a tune) and really wake your car up.

Good luck in your search; be sure to post pics when you find the right one!

Edit: a rear sway bar and getting off run-flats (where applicable) are great early upgrades too.

 

Welcome to NAM and good luck with your search! I just picked up an '04 MCS and couldn't be happier. Mini Mania has over 40 years experience with the brand, and had the first new BMW MINI in the USA, so we're here to help.

Lived in Denver and Colorado for about ten years and raced at Pueblo, Aspen and Continental Divide Raceways, so it's one of my favorite places.

There are several stages of modification, starting with a cold air intake and Sprint Booster to eliminate throttle lag. There's a great kit with pulley, belt, ECU and the correct plugs that will add 25 to 30 hp. Plus, there's many stages of tuning.

Here's a great service and maintenance guide to give you an idea what you should check and prepare for, before making performance mods:

http://new.minimania.com/MINI_Cooper...nance_Schedule

Performance boost:

http://new.minimania.com/part/NMK104...t-Gen1-R52-r53

Example of Stage Tuning:

http://new.minimania.com/part/NMK125...--R53-Cooper-S

Suspension Mods:

http://new.minimania.com/Search_Resu...ension/default

We're here to help, so please feel free to ask any questions!!!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Have been browsing the sites listed above and making my wish list. Also hoping to be able to pick up some lightweight wheels with summer tires and keep the stocks for winter.

 

Sounds great. Here are some lightweight wheels for your consideration:

http://new.minimania.com/Search_Results/wheels/default

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Made a deal today for an 05 Cooper S JCW with only 35k miles. They are currently replacing the brakes, struts, and harmonic balancer so I have to wait until Friday or Monday to finalize everything.

Going to be a little different compared to my STI, but I'm looking forward picking it up!

 

sweet, nice year and low miles.

 

Congrats, we'll be waiting on photos............

 

Wow! Those are some low miles. Great find. And hello from CO as well! I am in the Denver area. We get some pretty gnarly hail storms a few times a year. Be sure to keep an eye out for those dark skies and clouds. Looking forward to those photos as well.

 

That's great! You're going to love the R53, and what a bonus getting all that work done as well. Let us know if you have any questions!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

I am already well aware, My STI took about $3K worth of hail damage on July 1st. Luckily I had lowered my deductible down to $250 the month before!

 

Funny, I just joined and bought an r53 and came from my GR WRX. The WRX was alright and had way more power than I needed but it never gave me the same smile behind the wheel like I did do when driving my Miata. The r53 instantly had that same feeling and I was sold. Welcome

 

Welcome aboard Richard! I have the same experience every time I drive my R53! Post some pix when you have the chance.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.