Although i did a search i did exactly find what im looking for.

i just purchased a 2005 MCS and the first thing im concerned about(probably like most of you out there) is what do i do first?

well i really want to do the pulley and injectors after i started looking into parts i'm starting to think, "is heat a problem with these cars?" i've seen a lot of cooling mods and im wondering if under my driving(which is i'll usually get on her pretty hard) if i should get an oil cooler first, or maybe even new radiator? possibly inter-cooler?

basically im asking is it worth it to get some of those now? if so which will be more important?

 

I'm in the same boat. Just picked up my '05 MCS and my head is spinning...

 

With an MCS it's a no brainer. Start with a pulley and rear swaybar. Those are by far the biggest bang for the buck mods you can get. Everything else after that becomes a debate.

And as always feel free to give me a call and we'll make a mod plan for your needs.

WAY
317.201.8670
www.waymotorworks.com

 

Good advice!! I would also recommend doing a ColdAirIntake too....it will make you feel faster...the sound is great!! It will add a bit of power too!!

 

thanks guys, very helpful. so cooling mods arnt a big deal im assuming?

 

I live in Arizona and it can get pretty hot here. So far I have driven her in 113 degree heat, moderately hard, and it has never budged above the half mark. It usually stays a tick under the half mark.

What I do suggest if you want to be proactive is to replace the waterpump, thermostat, rad fan (low speed seems to fail often), and coolant. I will be doing these soon.

Also check to make sure your power steering fan underneath the car is turning when your A/C is on and your car is warmed up. I think it comes on after the high speed fan comes on. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

 

Naww.....making sure that the PS cooling fan is working is very important...
But heat is ok....no real issues....lots of folks auto-x ok...car will be HOT, but will not be dammaged...
Some folks may add an oil cooler if they do lots of track time...but it might make things worse for the road IMO, since the oil temp might be too cool in lots of street driving.
As for radiator temps...if the system is working fine, it will do fine. IF there is issues...then it WILL overheat....watch the coolant level....and make sure the low speed fan is working...it is actually a 2 stage, single fan.....there is a possible wiring issue with the PS fan and the rad fan....it affects SOME 05's depending on production date, but most were re-wired by the dealer.
Common leaks are SLOW....from the thermostat gasket, and the tank itself. No room for a bigger rad anyway.....
As for the IC.....if the car is moving, so it does not get heat soaked, it is fine....the factory IC is bet for most users....it is light, and while it heat soaks fast, it cools off quickly when the car get moving. The best IC IMO is the factory GP one....two extra rows, and same light construction. Beyond that, you can spend big $$ to get a water to air IC......helps in some situations, but it will create more maintenance....and lots more $$$.

 

that just raises one question, how do i check my coolant temp? no gauge

 

3 Methods:

1. The R53 Mini Cooper S has a factory temp gauge! It is to the left of your gas gauge.

2. ScanGuage II. This is a unit that plugs into your OBD and takes readings and displays them on a nice LCD.

3. Aftermarket tap, temp sensor and gauge.

 

Thanks for asking the question for me. Keep us (specifically me) updated with what you decide to do. I got my 05 MCS two days ago, and I'm headed out to do the one-ball in a couple hours. Besides window tint and new rims I don't know where to start!

 

since i dont have the temp gauge i'm ordering the "scan gauge II" to start. mainly to monitor the IAT and engine warm up in the winter. i think i'll go to the short throw soon after and then the pully. its a good start

 

Also consider a Sprint Booster. I does not add HP but it sure helps the feel.
It costs a lot for what it looks, but it is an easy great mod.

 

Oooooh, good point. Nearly forgot about the Scan Gauge 2. I may have to snag one at tax time, lots of useful info that it displays. Just have to find a good place to mount it. lol

 

Why's that?

 

Hey there Silverblood, how do you like that auto-window up? Is it worth the $50?

I made a cheap CAI from Kragen, did the one ball, tinted the windows and put on some new tail lights. I looked into powdercoating my stock rims, but I can't do it without another set of wheels!

I think a pulley or rims will be next...

 

the Auto-up windows is perhaps the best single mod you could do as a convenience item IMO. To put it simply, the car should have come equipped from the factory with a devise like it....the fact it also can disarm the DSC, and do a few other tricks is just icing on the cake!!
I have heard of a few folks having good luck with QUALITY PAINT on the rims...cheaper than power coating, and much simpler to do. My Semi local mechanic down is Mass have done them for a few guys, with good results. The quality of the paint, and the time to do a proper prep is paramount!!

 

hehe, funny you should ask...I actually haven't actually installed it yet. But what Zippy said is exactly why I got it in the first place, and why others have purchased it as well. I guess right now, I'm just a bit lazy to get it done, but you've put it back on the brain, so I may do it sooner rather than later.

I hear ya about powder coating. That stinks, but if you're able to do it eventually, it's definitely the better option. Mine are painted, and while they're nice, I wish I had them powder coated instead. They've since been chipped a bit from road debris, along with getting hit from the torque wrench when changing out the summers to the winters. :/

Ah well, live and learn, right? lol