So 2 weeks ago I purchased an 06 R53 from a co-worker on a whim. It a some issues but nothing major , brakes and rotors busted brake line etc. So with all that fixed I embarked on my first drive in the car. Keep in mind I'm a Dodge owner both of which are hemi's one a charger R/T the other a crew cab 4x4 , so the mini was slightly out of my typical purchase. Little did I know as I drove this car every click of the odometer I fell a little more in love with this car, in fact it has become one of my all time favorite cars and replaced my truck for my daily driver. That being said I have began the upgrade process as it had a dented hood from a parking lot incident. That will be replaced with a carbon creations carbon fiber hood which is currently being prepared for install other add ons include
Short ram air intake with k & n filter
MSD coil
10mm wires
15% under drive pulley
New plugs
Tinted windows
I am documenting the hood install as I figure things out I stumbled across this forum looking into the cf hood and ran across a thread from tt6 , I believe was his screen name, from several years ago on here so I was not shocked or surprised by the amount of work expected to install the hood. I do work a rediculous schedule at work so I tinker with this hood as time permits. Any ideas on latching other than external straps as there is no way to retain factory catches I would love to hear. I will start another thread later with this hood project once completed. Again I'm glad to be hear and look forward to being part of the mini community!

 

Very nice looking ride. Yep, they are addicting...and so is modding. You look like you have a good start and there is plenty of information out there about the best upgrades for the $. If you have any question, please ask. We love to help people spend money . BTW the MSD coil has gotten some bad publicity for frying ECUs. You might want to do an investigation. Enjoy...

 

Thanks i haven't heard of the ECU issue from several people that I have talked too running the MSD but I will look into it for sure , and thanks, it's no show peice but more of a functional toy that happens to be my new daily driver. I have no problem spending money which my wife tells me is my biggest problem 😂! Again glad to be here already finding useful info !

 

Welcome and Congrats on the new addiction.

Yes those hoods just don't fit right out of the box so it will take some work as I've done it before and don't want to again.

 

Thank you, I've never been one to opt for the path of least resistance so we will test my patience with the hood.

 

Also, you might want to check out MINIs on the Dragon, which is coming up on the first week in May. Many, many MINIs and a lot of good times.

 

Great looking MINI. It is hard to imagine how much fun a small car can be with the bigger-is-better trend that has been going on for the past decade (until you actually drive a MINI).

 

Where from in Ohio?

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
Congrats on your 06 R53!

 

Toronto area near steubenville if your familiar with any of that region .

 

Thank you ,
Indeed, don't get me wrong both my dodges are fun in thier own right , the mini is a different type of fun , almost youthful for lack of a better word !

 

Welcome. Have fun with your MINI! Motd is a blast, 663 MINIacs signed up so far.

 

Aaaah ok. That's cool. I'm from Columbus area.

 

My family is originally from Steubenville. I live in Cincinnati. I'll be coming over your way this summer to see if I can find any memorabilia on "The American Beauty Cigar Company" , my families old business. Maybe hook-up for a beer?

 

Very cool, I don't drink but if I'm not working maybe a Coke and some discussion is possible !

 

Local clubs

Akron, OH: NEOMINIacs ( very active club, great people)

Pittsburgh, PA: PittStop Mini Club(not an official club, but a Meet Up group, great people)