hey everyone, i haven't yet joined the MINI scene just yet but i plan to in the next few months. i'm looking at getting a used 's'. my primary use of the car is a DD, but at some point i'd like to use the car to start racing again. with that in mind, are there any spacific years that are better or worse in regards to its racing ability? also did motors/transmissions change over any of the years to give any sort of advantage or disadvantage? how about suspensions?

any and all input would be greatly appreciated!

Al

 

AL, not sure if you are ready to buy now but there is a great future autocross car for sale in the marketplace forum. It is an '05 coupe (the '05 and '06 cars are the ones that have the least bugs.) This car has the limited slip and it has no sunroof (less weight and a lower center of gravity.)

I think that the price is right and it has the factory warranty through April 09.

Take a look.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=116589

 

unfortunately i'm still a few months out, as i need to finish my jeep project first before i can focus on a new one (ADD can be such a curse!).

is it safe to say all mini's are created equal in this case? just trying to get an idea of where to look, i'd hate to kick myself later if say i buy an 03 and i find 04's have another 15hp or whatnot.

Al

 

Hi Al,
You'll probably want to go with an 05 or 06 if your budget allows. The primary reason is a gearing change starting in 05 which gives the car a lot more oomph off the line and out of corners. For racing purposes, stay away from the sunroof cars: lots of extra weight up high. Also the later year cars are less bug-prone than the earlier ones.
Good luck!

 

great, thats exactly what i was looking for. any other things to watch for?

thanks!

Al

 

Get LSD if you can, but don't hold your breath. Dealers usually didn't order it for in-stock cars, and those who special ordered it probably had a specific purpose in mind ( as in: don't expect to see too many for sale). The one linked earlier has everything you want. If at all possible jump on it. Otherwise be prepared to wait for the exact options you want.

 

IMHO I think the taller gearing of the pre-05 is more suited to modifications. When you add more power/mods the taller gear does not seem as tall. LSD would be very nice. When I was researching I pretty much decided to stay away from 2002 or older because they seemed to have more issues.

 

anyone have the numbers on the two different gearboxes?

also, how much weight is really added for the sunroof? seems like all the 'S' models i've found locally have the sunroof.

are all aftermarket modifications the same for all 1st gen MINIs?

Al