New to the forum, but not mini's
 

I have been a German auto tech for 12 years. specialize in vw/audi/ and porsche. got into mini coopers about 4 years ago, started tinkering with them and bought a couple to flip with broken timing chains. I just picked up an 08 R55 clubman S to build a fun daily driver. going with a JCW turbo with billet wheel and ported housing. complete engine overhaul. looking to gain for knowledge and read what others have accomplished.

Hi and welcome to NAM, tdijetta02
Congrats on your 08 R55 Clubman S. I am sure you will make it into a fun car!
I have an 03 CLI with a 6 speed manual. It needs some fixing, but the engine runs sweet and it is quite fast, without turbo. The 7 1/2 degree V6 is smooth accelerating and with the matched 6 speed manual, runs nice. I bought it to flip, but not sure I will do that with it. I had the valve cover gasket replaced at $450 to me, but I had no time to do it myself. (it is a big job)
There is a ton of info on your R55S here, so hope you do what you want to with it!

Wow! $450 to replace the valve cover gasket. seems a little high.