Ok maybe this would be a good place for me to post this. I have what I call the WRX syndrome. I seem to be putting stuff on my R50 that comes on the R53 just like people who try and make their WRX look like an STI. I kinda hate myself for it because I make fun of these people all of the time. Anyway, I had a few quick questions. I wanted to upgrade my suspension with the stock R53 springs and struts and was trying to find a good answer to the difference between the two. Are they different? If so whats a good year to get, I've heard that there is a difference brom 02-03, 04, and 05-06 or something like that. Also doesn't the R53 come with a rear sway bar and ours doesn't? or Is theirs just better or what? I'm fairly certain we both have front but the S has rear and we don't. Any help would be nice. Thanks in advance.

 

As far as I know, their is no difference in the suspension of the two unless you see a car equipped with non-sport and sport suspension. With that being said, I think you are selling yourself short by looking at the mini sport suspension. I had it and I must say, I loved the dampers but needed a better spring more suited for the car. The Texas Speedwerks spring was a great investment. Linear rate for unsurpassed predictability, modest drop at best (at most 1 inch) and a better ride than the OEM springs. For $200, I decided coilovers wouldn't be necessary and I was right.

So, I would do

Sport shocks and struts (easy to find at junkyard even, or at NAM marketplace)
TSW springs

Mini OEM tuning is nowhere near the level of SPT or STi, so just look aftermarket niche and you will be fine!

 

OK great, well i found someone selling the JCW and TSW V3 combo so ive been told thats the ticket. So i may go for that, but thanks for the advice. I still haven't decided what to do. I really don't want to drop it because I have to change the control arms and camber stuff. I kinda just wanted it to drive a bit better not lower it to lose wheel gap. I would love that but its just to much money and where i live i already have enough trouble getting around. Thats why i was going to get the ss+ from and '06 S but with this awesome deal that this guy is ofering i cant pass it up. Does anyone know if they may be any fitment problems between my '03 and an '06? or is it a direct swap?

 

It should be direct. Trust me, the lowering attained by the TSW springs isn't enough to warrant any new control arms or camber plates or anything of the sort. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with how it looks and how it performs. Enjoy the new setup!

 

Ok great. Well the setup should be here today, im ready to put it on. My car is already in the shop for some work so im gonna try and knock it out at the same time. Thanks for the help.

 

Of course! Let us know how you like it!

 

Where did you find that flex hose? Also what diameter would I need?

 

That was for a short time! I replaced the one in the pictures with BMC flexible hose, and later on, i replaced that with the Minimania plastic duct, which is included in the CAI kit!

 

I'm looking to drop some performance in my Mini, what should I start out with? Any idea's?

This is what I have in mind:
1) Intake
2) Exhaust (Borla)
3) Tune
What type of intake should I get?

 

Ddm

 

another ddm vote on the intake

also: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...or-my-r50.html

 

aFe

 

+1 for AFE. That coupled with my Megan exhaust get me a lot of compliments on my MINI's growl from S owners.

 

Hey Hip Check, how do you like the Uni-Chip?

 

I'm partial to the DDM intake as well. I had one when I had an R50 and I loved it. Good design, great sound. Plus, if you look at the DDM vs the AFE, you'll notice the afe filter is a paper/gauze cone while the ddm is a foam which I think performs better - however, I doubt a dyno would detect any difference. Also, the afe utilizes the stock inlet hose while the ddm provides a straight shot to the throttle body. Again, while this is marginally more efficient, I doubt you'll notice any difference in performance.

 

I am adding a performance clutch and flywheel here soon...will update when I get a chance!

 

After testing KN panel filter, BMC CDA and Ultrik Minimania, i vote for the ultrik even knowing that the cda performed a little better(the noise is so fecking delicious)

 

Glad you found something that you are happy with! Remember, the performance capabilities of our R50 lie in the tuning of the suspension, and the little extras we add like intakes, exhausts, flywheels, etc... all should be just adding to the driving joy of the Mini! After all, what fun is a car if you don't enjoy the driving experience?

 

Wheels\Suspension
Yokohama Parada Spec 2 205\40\17
Team Dynamics 1.2S with yellow trim 17x7 Et45
Meister R Europa Coilovers
4xSpc Rear control Arms
4xAlta Endlinks v2
M7 Upper Strut
KW front & Rear anti roll bar
Full powerflex(except top engine mount)
R56 rear trailing arms

 

That doesn't sound right...won't you be chewing up tires?

 

The TSW only drop around 1/2 to 3/4", similar to the JCW springs. Shouldn't eat tires up at all.

 

These springs allow for better handling due to finely tuned spring rates that are linear. They don't lower the car all that much. In fact, the ride is ten times better and looks only slightly different. Of course, when your car is aero kit equipped, almost any change in ride height is noticeable

I am going to be adding some Koni Yellow shocks this summer (if I can't purchase some H&R coilovers I am currently working on) and I am thinking the Koni Yellows with TSW springs will be absolutely amazing.

 

I'm torn between a sway bar and a sprint booster for my first mod on the R50. The throttle lag is brutal but it would be nice to start improving the handling as well.

 

Start with an Hsport 19mm sway bar.

Then for your throttle lag do you have an intake? The DDM intake has shown huge improvements in throttle responce. I'd say it's a better investment over the Sprint booster. Also if your coming to the Dragon or AMVIV we can retune your ECU to give you more responce and power.

 

What Way said.