I am on the fence at the moment about buying a MCS and getting the helix treatment applied but , I am not sure if there is one year better than another , I have read about the Transmission gearing on the 05 on being shorter, do not really know much more than that being that different. I am going to drive one next week at the closest dealer , 200 miles away unfortunately , to see if I really like the compactness of the car. I like power and handling in a car and am looking for a fun car to surprise my friends with their older 911's.. I have read good things about the Helix kit , which they will install for around 1K in Phili , I have read.... But , they make no mention if the head should be P&P'd or if the 250WHP will mess with the rods and pistons , so I still have a bunch of questions and this looked like a place to start asking if anyone here has done such with Helix and their response to the Helix products..I know there are other Companies as ALTA and M7 but , the Helix kit seems fairly complete...Thanks , go easy on me as this is , as you see my first post here on NAM...Included photo is one of my other cars that got tricked out , 475WHP , 415WTQ 540I SC'D BUILT BY ICS PERFORMANCE

 

do a search on twin charge and you will find all the threads with your answer

 

Thanks, I will ........

 

Definitely go with an '05 or '06, the biggest reasons being the shorter gearing, a LSD was/is available as a factory option, have +5hp is stock form and they come with a 12-year rust waranty. There are also other, less significant differences such as the design of the storage area and armrest on the doors and the center storage molding b/w the front seats, I think the supercharger has a different coating on the fins, a different rearview mirror, etc.

 

the helix kit is well designed and has all of the little bugs ironed out of it. it won't throw CEL's or check engine lights. as its all installed by helix, there is less chance of user error, but it also means you can't tweak it as much!

i like the E39, i see the intercooler, what turbo are you running?

 

T-Trim Vortech SC

 

Where are you located at? If you are close to philly drop by the shop and talk to Eric, he can hook you up with what ever you need. I think their 250 hp is on a stock mini...pistons and rods should be good, I think Randy Webb had stock internals and a Helix turbo pushing over 300hp...I could be wrong. Anyway Great shop and great products! -- Johan

 

My opinion, look at both years (pre 05', 05'+) and see which one YOU like more. I have an 03', and like the two-spoke steering wheel more, I like my smaller rearview mirror, etc. When your up at the dealer ask if they have any older MINIs, if the don't, well then I don't know what to tell you, go see a local one for sale?

Have fun with your twincharge setup! I wish I could do that.

-Cody

 

plus with the added power of the turbo, wouldn't the longer gearing be desired? just my .02

 

I am picking my BMW up in Ct. in a couple of weeks and I am driving back south and plan on stopping in Phily to see the shop and ask a bunch of questions . I plan on test driving an 04 and an 06 at the dealership to compare the two and I am looking for one without the sunroof, not much of a fan of those options...Thanks