Hello fellow motorists, my names Jordan and I'm the proud owner of a used mini Cooper s r53 that I bought from a dealership rather than a private party. But the other day after a spirited drive me and my friends were wondering why the coop was performing as well as it was. I mean, a stock mini Cooper s is no slouch by any means, but I always though that mine was special for some reason. Convinced that it was just a boy racer's undeniable love for his car, I wrote it off, and began fantasysing about all the improvments I would make over the next few months of ownership. Until at total random, I decided to peek at my rear sway bar, just for kicks. Low and behold, an all black three way adjustable nameless rear sway bar was there looking back at me. I was amazed, and even more thrilled when I realized that it had only been dailed into it's middle setting. But that was just the start of my investigation. Now the only way I knew it was aftermarket was the fact that it had three holes rather than just one, but besides that I would have had no idea. So now the quest was on to find the rest of the aftermarket (if any) was left for me to enjoy by the previous owner. So here's what I have so far;

one the drivers side right at left-knee level, there are two green switches that as far as I know, don't do anything. They fit fairly loose; as in I'm pretty sure they aren't attached to any wiring. Now me and my friend half jokingly thought that they used to control a nitrous system that could have been fitted, and I say half jokingly because I noticed on my rear bumper two makeshift holes that could have been used as purge outlets, but that was stretching my imagination a bit. But any ideas on what they could be doing/used to do?

And secondly, I actually just ordered a smaller diameter pulley from a person on the marketplace on this site, but still don't have the money to procure a pulley removal tool necesary for the instal. But looking at the pulley I have fitted on my s-charger already, I notice that it's some what polished, and more metalic in visual nature, rather than the painted black I believed stock pullies to be. Is this aftermarket?

So I guess my question to you all is what do stock parts look like? Are they super noticable in contrast when compared to aftermarket parts? Now I realize I must sound like the noobiest noob out there, not knowing what parts are fitted to my car, but I'll admit, I've just recently gotten interested in the mechanical aspect of driving, having taken a forced induction class last year of my college education. But going forward I'd like to know what parts on my car are already improved so I know what parts I can drool over installing and enjoying one day. Thanks for all your replies/help! And I can post pictures of my findings upon request if it'll help anybody

 

and for the administrators, I wasn't positive what section of the forum this should have been posted in, feel free to move at your disgression

 

Modifications>Drivetrain would have been more appropriate, but the mods will probably move it. No worries.

As far as your Pulley, Most A/M pulleys are polished Aluminium. Also, the outer face of the pulley is mostly solid, with only a few holes for bolts to mount to the inner portion of the pulley. The stock pulley is a dull grey/black with a completely open outside face.

You can take a look at http://www.waymotorworks.com/02-06-c...mance/pulleys/ to referance most A/M pulleys.

As far as the switches, You should be able to grab the lower dash panel they are attached you, and pull firmly downward on it. The front should pivot down, still attached by hinges at the back. That should allow you to see if they are indeed unattached. It is doubtful they were attached to a nitrous system. The gains are too minimal to make it worth it, and with a tank that you have to keep filling when you use it..... just bad idea.

 

Does it look like this: http://minifini.com/ShopDetail.aspx?id=7

I am pretty sure that they are holes for a mini fini rack attachment. The switches I have no idea.

Good luck!

 

th dealer should have a record of who sold them the car, and if you want I'm sure they can get a hold of the previous owner and tell you whats still on the car. if they are a mini enthusiast I'm sure they would be happy to inform you

 

oh yeah, thats exactly what it looks like! only minus the chrome rings, all that remains as evidence those were there are two holes cute were they used to be. thanks for the link, despite the fact that my hopes of it having been nitrous'd are now out the window haha

 

yeah, after seeing those pictures im pretty positive that mine's an aftermarket number. and ill give that dash inspection a shot when i get home, but giving my dash a pull does make me admitedly nervous, but ill be as careful as i can be. thanks a lot for the info

 

yeah i actually thought of that this morning, but wasnt sure what the rules were on identity protection and stuff like that. but definately worth a shot

 

The thread seems in an ok spot.

Rhetorical question:

Is it becoming harder and harder to find a MINI that hasn't been modded?

About 95% of my car can be restored to stock condition, I've kept the parts.


You wanted it to have had nitro? I'd think a former nitrous engine would be worn out.