After several months of Google searches leading me here while doing diy projects, I figured I should join.

I have an '04 S model with 156k miles.

Just yesterday, I spent a ton of time working on it to get some things taken care of.

New Exedy single mass flywheel conversion (the stocker clutch was finally giving up).

Rear main seal (silly not to while doing the clutch).

Water pump

Thermostat/housing

Serviced supercharger oil

Rear control arm bushings

And the toughest thing... a new dipstick.

It was a long day...

Oh, i had just put on a 15% s/c pulley a couple weeks ago too.

Hoping to learn more on here and grab some more info.

Hoping to get the car into great nick to make it an even better Gap Toy.



Pic I snapped from the evening drive the wife and i took across the Cherohala Skyway.

 

Welcome to the forum! I'm looking at a 2004 MCS to possibly purchase myself. Looks like it might be the same color as yours (Lapis Blue).

 

Thanks, I love mine. You'll have a blast!

I believe mine is Indi blue, it may be tough to tell with the flash and being in the evening.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Congrats, and welcome to NAM! You live in a fantastic area of the country for driving roads that are meant for MINIs. The Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala, and the area near Beersheba Springs, not to mention the Natchez Trace...

One upgrade I'd recommend is a rear sway bar (there are many out there); it'll take good handling & help make it great. Excellent bang for the buck.

Enjoy many miles of smiles, and Happy Motoring!

 

Wow, that's a lot of work in one day, should live closer to you to help get some of my projects going, "Welcome"

 

Luckily I had some great help and access to a lift, engine support bridge, and trans Jack.

Even with all that, I felt really old hunched over walking in the front door after standing for 13.5 hours. Totally worth it! The new lighter flywheel allows the motor to spin much faster.

 

Welcome, great place to find DIY and knowledge. If you need anything else let me know. Looks like you have all the major things done.

You are really close to the Route 129 Dragon and MINIs on the Dragon.

 

Congrats!
We're located in Knoxville and have a warehouse FULL of MINI parts and accessories. We're located behind Biker Rags/Bull Feathers.

Come on by sometime.

 

Will do Aaron. I'm off work on Fridays and have been meaning to get over there. I know where you're located, my son used to be sponsored by Willis Cycle Works.

 

Sweet- we close a bit early on Fridays but will be here 'burning the late afternoon candle' for Black Friday.

 

Welcome to NAM!! So many great roads where you live.

 

Welcome, pic looks great.

 

Welcome to NAM from a fellow R53 lover! You have many miles of grins ahead. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Thanks!

 

nice! youre close to out motoring. wish we had a local mini dedicated spot.

 

It was great to meet you the other day! Feel free to stop by again when you need your next upgrade, replacement part or just want to check out our showroom full of MINI goodies!

R53: 02-06 Hatchback 'S'

 

Welcome from a fellow Knoxville R53 driver!

 

Thanks guys.

 

Congratulations and keep up the great work. Funny I just bought an 04 MCS Sunday with 160,000 miles and am planning to do many of the same services/improvements. Wish I was near you, but I'm in Memphis. This is my second Mini, I had an 02 MSC 10 years ago but sold it. Knew I would always get another. Was looking for an M3 after having sold my 996 C4S and then ran across this Mini and could not pass it up. What do you think? The engine has been signed by the builder. I've been digging and can hardly find another 40th with the full JCW package. Cheers and good luck.