Drop 10 on the thickness then, got it. I was thinking Falkens for the 17s too so that works. Thanks.

 

You don't need to drop 10, but if you're looking to get the low profile look on 18s, then 35 is the way to go. Keep in mind the ride will get a bit rough and if you don't have forged wheels, they'll likely crack way before a forged wheel will on the same crack/bump/hole.

 

I'll see how they compare in appearance & see which way it lands.

 

Anyone have any experience with Black Flame Customs in CO for lights? Looks like they've done some pretty good work overall, including a couple of MINI jobs. I sent them a request for info on specifics but just wondered if folks here have had anything done by 'em.

http://blackflamecustoms.com/

Aside from them it looks like probably going with the Spec D replacements if I don't do a Bi-Xenon upgrade through Hella or someone.

 

Working on the spreadsheet.

Seems end links and control arms are a bit limited in options. NM flat-out says their control arms will probably make noise.

Current spreadsheet attached so long as on the topic. A ways to go still.

Updated file loaded 26 Oct 14.

 

Question on Methanol kits:

Opinions on AEM vs Aquamist?

My guess is the AEM is mostly an entry-level with decent failsafe(s) and boost-cued injection. The Aquamist seems to be more high-tech with multiple tuning options and any percentage mixture advised as usable, with additional options between the 3 & 4 systems yet an upgraded base version vs AEM with the 2 system. Close?

http://www.ddmworks.com/AEM-Water-in...ner_p_356.html

http://howertonengineering.com/produ...ection-system/

http://howertonengineering.com/produ...quamist-hfs-4/

Edit: Someone else posted a dedicated thread about it so pretty much answered.

 

'Nother topic: Ignition

Can the NGK Iridium IX plugs be used on the R56? Only seeing R53 references. If not guessing the NGK Laser Iridium OEM-style would likely be the best, aside from the Brisk? Also, Brisk has a couple different plugs mentioned for the R56 and yet another shows up on other sites. Which one is usually used (or in my case best used for '09 R56 JCW)?

All the spark plug wires I'm finding are listed for R50-R53, are these usable for R56 as well or is that one stuck stock? Same with block coils (MSD, Screamin' Demon, etc). Or do the coil plug things such as IP replace that for the R56?

 

Finally got to do the VIN search. Here's the results:

Model description COOPER S
Market USA
Type MF93
E-Code R56 (JCW)
Chassis Coupé
Steering links
[Doors 3
Engine N14 - 1,60l (155kW)
Drive Frontantrieb
Transmission manuell
Body color British Racing Green Metallic 5 (A67)
Upholstery Stoff Checkered/e1 Carbon Black (ATE1)
Production date 18.10.2008
Assembled in Oxford

Code Serienausstattung Standard Equipment
S210A Dynamische-Stabilitäts-Control Dynamic stability control
S255A Sport-Lederlenkrad Airbag Sports leather steering wheel
[S441A Raucherpaket Smoker package
S450A Höhenverstellung Beifahrersitz Height adjustment, passenger seat
S481A Sportsitz Sports seat
S493A Ablagenpaket Storage compartment package
S4AAA Dachhimmel anthrazit Headlining anthracite
S4AUA Erweiterte Dekorumfänge
S4BDA Interieur Oberfläche Piano Black
S4UFA Sport Button
S530A Klimaanlage Air conditioning
S563A Lichtpaket Light package
S5DTA DYNAMIC TRACTION CONTROL
S645A BMW US Radio BMW US Radio
S6FCA Radio MINI Boost CD
S736A 2.Schlüssel für Funkfernbedienung
created on: www.bmwarchiv.org

Code Serienausstattung Standard Equipment
S845A Akustische Gurtwarnung Acoustic belt warning
S853A Sprachversion englisch Language version English
S876A Funkfrequenz 315 MHz Radio frequency 315 MHz
S8SMA Fahrgestellnummer von aussen sichtbar Car ident. number visible from outside

Code Sonderausstattung Optional Equipment
S1CAA Selektion COP relevanter Fahrzeuge Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S2VBA Reifendruckanzeige Tyre pressure control (TPC)
S383A Aussenspiegel/Dach in schwarz
S473A Armlehne vorne Armrest front
S520A Nebelscheinwerfer Fog lights
S550A Bordcomputer On-board computer
S5DDA Wagenheber
S655A Satellitentuner Satellite tuner
S694A Vorbereitung BMW 6 CD Wechsler Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S842A Kaltland-Ausführung Cold-climate version
S8SPA Steuerung COP Control unit COP
S925A Versandschutzpaket Transport protection package

Anyone know off-hand what the Cold-climate version, Control unit COP, and Transport protection package were? I think the rest I've got. If the Smoker's Package came with the ash tray thing I guess it was tossed. It does have the cigarette lighter.

Also I've been looking through some of the first threads I was reading when I started on here. I thought someone's posted (a couple of times) a way to check what maintenance has been done? Or was that the VIN link I'm confusing it with and you can only do that at a MINI dealership?

Edit: Found it in the owner's lounge. Looks like minimal done at dealerships for both previous owners (and I'll probably follow suit).

11/03/2009 1ST ENGINE OIL SERVICE - FULL MAINTENANCE
02/11/2011 BRAKE FLUID FLUSH - FULL MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
02/11/2011 1ST ENGINE OIL SERVICE - FULL MAINTENANCE

 

Not sure of the answer on the plugs, I know ra2fantaic has a set of NGK's on the marketplace right now that he really didn't use. The brisk plug that I used is the same one Sneed4Speed uses and sells, the QR12LS plugs. I ordered straight from Brisk, but it took forever to get. When I do it again, I'll from Sneed.

Coil pack is the block style you're talking about. That is for 1st Gen coopers only. 2nd and 3rd Gen use the newer styled Coil on Plug or COP.

 

Cool, thanks. I'll probably just order from Sneed's then. It's on my list of things to do when I get back (or at least check) if nothing indicates they've been changed yet.

Good to know. I figure that answers the COP question from the VIN/options check as well.

 

Seems the Chevy place may have fixed some items that needed work, but I'll be running up to MINI around Denver at least once to see if the tensioner or anything is taken care of. Not holding my breath, the Owner's Lounge doesn't show any recalls or anything for the JCW. I'll need to do a good once-over in the engine bay first.

Yeah I know it's sideways, it didn't want to save after rotating. View->Rotate Clockwise

 

Were the items listed things you had fixed or they fixed when it was a used car?

 

So we're on page 2, is anything being installed on this MINI of yours or is this a purely dialogue/conjecture type thread for when you do decide to put something on the MINI?

 

These are things I'm learning about and figuring the order to install when I get back. A couple of small things (mostly cosmetic) have been ordered and a few larger things will be ordered/installed between December & March-ish. Kind of hard to install things on a car in Colorado when I'm in Afghanistan.

Those are the things the dealership did after their inspection before they put it up for sale.

 

Ok good. I was going to have to scold you for paying those prices. I'm glad to see that I won't have to do that

 

How much longer you out there for? You ETS any time soon or will you re-up out there for tax incentives

 

About 3 more months, assuming they don't change their minds again. Not separating any time too soon. I could retire in about 18 months but likely sticking around for one more 4-year. Unfortunately it's not close enough yet to re-up, and no bonus to save taxes on if I did at this point.

 

Got the first bit of bling in the mail today, courtesy of AZminispeedin. They add 30hp! *Kidding, just in case...*

I know it's not much of a mod but it's something in-hand (by proxy) waiting to go on.

Edit: Should also have gotten the Craven oil dipstick in to replace the apparently-issue stock one, but no pics sorry.

 

Thoughts on some wheels? I'd like Volk or another good brand but that will be a fair while due to price. In the meantime I'd like a decent looking wheel that's lighter than stock.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel..._19&sort=Brand

Or these, although think I might like the O.Z. ones a bit better.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...C2009&pc=45009

Only concern I can think of off-hand is 17.7 sizing, especially if I want to do a new brake system before getting upper end wheels.

There's also the NM Engineering wheels like the 05.

Edit: I like the OZ ones more as I think about it, and think I found the color. Dark graphite (black with diamond cut silver sections). Matches the rest of the plans for the car but not completely dark. 17x7 4x100 42mm offset, likely with 205x45R17 Falkens?

 

I'm partial to the NM for some reason...

 

I like the NMs for the basic 5-spoke design & price, but not for the same design reason since it's such a common upgrade design (for good reasons).

The O.Z. still has good visibility through but the curves also vaguely remind me of the stock JCW rims so to me anyway it's a variation of the theme and something a bit different than the 5-spokes.

The MOMOs are just different in general, but as much as I like them something doesn't seem to sit as well vs the O.Zs. But there could be a considerable downside to one or the other I missed so wanted to keep options open.

 

You should buy a set of the R90s. They are only 17s but look sweet. Only cost ya $2k. (I would know, just had all of mine replace due to an accident, luckily insurance covered most of it).


A 5 spoke in all black would look nice on your car I think.

 

Thanks, I'll take a look. For my first summers I'll probably have to keep it around $1k, for this year anyway. The big expense will be the exhaust and I'm probably going to get flak from the wife for a couple other things I intend to order about the same time. I'll probably have to get her some shoes or something to make it even.

 

Nice. I know how that goes.

 

Hello, Just adding my 2 cents. I spent a year in Helmand Valley myself. Good luck! First off if you want something really cheap/ easy, but awesome, try the Clutch Stop by BMS. Its just a spacer that goes under the clutch pedal that limits the pedal movement to only what is used. It keeps you from pressing the clutch in a foot everytime you have to shift. http://www.burgertuning.com/clutch_stop_BMW.html (only 10$ haha)

Also, I have the K&N cai and really like that one. Just another option. Edit* looked at your excell. I believe the claimed 11hp upgrade is a crock of poo...it is afterall just a CAI

Lastly, I would do the gauges, intercooler tubing, and turbo oil lines sooner than later as well. The crap added on the stock tubes is limiting and just junk. My oil feed lines were junk. Also, get some sort of way of watching what the car is doing before you modify to much.

Yes...Oil Catch can



This comes from someone that has already had to do a clutch, and dropped a new motor in my 09.

Your doing awesome things by examining this site before you do anything haha!