Here's the scoop. In Novermber 2010, I purchased a 2011 MCSC. I immedately slapped a set of Blizzaks on her to get through a long Wisconsin winter. Two weeks ago I slapped the all season runflats back on my Spice Orange baby and headed for Minis on the Dragon.

Chari and I had a great time, made a bunch a new friends and the high point of the trip was Thursday night when I proposed to her from the Karaoke stage. We bought the ring today. In the way back from North Carolina, we decided to become a two MINI family. At 60 and 65, we're too old for kids.

Part of my Dragon experience was rekindling a high school and college dream of driving cars in a competitive environment. I don't expect to ever do side to side track racing but Autocross has an appeal. But do you start doing mods to a 2011 Mini still under warranty? Or do you take a step back in time? If so, how far back?

I completely read a recent thread with the reoccurring R53 to R56 debate. You R53 lovers are sure passionate about the first generation Mini. To make a long story short, my second MINI decision came down to a R56 2007-8 or a R53 2005-6. I didn't need to drive a R56 -- I already have a R57.

This afternoon I drove my first R53, a 2005 MCS. First impressions were a less refined automobile, requiring a heavier foot on the clutch. The ride is not as smooth as my R57. But I also experienced my first supercharger whine which raised goose bumps on my arms. The overall impression was less refined and more visceral. I didn't push it through curves as I was driving someone else's Mini. But I'm really darn sure twisties won't be a problem for this MINI.

Let me say a few words about the R53 I drove. It has had a single owner, driven almost exclusively by a 50 year old woman. It has been her baby. She has driven 75 miles to Milwaukee and 120 miles to Chicago to get it serviced. It has only 56,000 miles.

I would swear on a stack of bibles that if you looked at, sat down in, and drove this MINI, as long as you ignored the odomoter and didn't notice th lack of new car smell, you would think you are driving a brand new MINI. The Chili Red paint is flawless. It has a complete gauge package, something I really miss on my R57. It has the double pane sunroof, heated seats, and a number of other desirable accessories. The interior is spotless. It comes with a second set of Alloys with Blizzaks mounted on the wheels. The all seasons have about 7,000 miles and the Blizzaks 3,000.

Their complete maintence history shows no repairs other than routine maintenance. This car is as perfect as a 2005 comes. I fell in love. They were asking $14,400. I was embarassed to offer $14,000. That may sound high relative to Edmunds private party, but keep in mind both condition (outstanding) and the $1,000 I'm going to save by not buying a second set of wheels and winter tires. They accepted. Monday she'll be mine and I will be an official member of the R53 club. Meanwhile Chari is excited she'll be driving the 2011 Vert.

I figure in my near future I may be looking at:

• Brake pads - but I want to upgrade them anyway
• Shocks - but I want to upgrade to Koni FSD's anyway

That's it unless, there is a clutch in my future, but I'm also thinking about:

• Yokohama Avid Endeavors
• HSport Rear sway bar.

I figure the above will smooth out the ride and set me up a bit better for Autocross. Keep in mind that this MINI will spend 90% of its life as a daily driver.

So hopefully you'll welcome this humble Newbee to your exclusive R53 club. Hopefully, I'll develop the same passion for the R53 that you have. Also, I hope you'll make any recommendations you feel appropriate relative to the above mod list and any other mods that I should consider. By the way, a supercharger belt ratio change will kick me into the modified class, and lack of power is not my problem. Twisties are, as the Dragon effectively pointed out.

Tom

 

Welcome to the club Tom! You definitely pocked the right car to play around with. The R53 has a raw appeal that connects you to the vehicle. Much like you, I had a choice between the second generation and the first and while I enjoyed the second generation quite a bit, one drive in the R53 and I knew it was the perfect weekend car I was looking for.

You're right on the money with the mods. Sway bar has a very positive effect on these cars.

Grats and welcome!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome sounds like a nice car!

Rear swaybar, intake & a 15% pulley =

 

Sounds fantastic. You will love modifying the R53. A reduced diameter pulley will give you more horsepower. Check out the front control arm bushings, they usually need replaced around 50,000. I am saving for the Koni FSD's myself.

Happy Motoring.

 

Thanks for the welcomes.

I took delivery yesterday. So far, not much driving. But the driving I've done so far brings a smile to my face. I'm not going to tell Chari this, but I'm already beginning to believe I'm driving the better MINI.

Lots of mod research has happened.

First order of business is a speaker upgrade. My MINI has the standard audio. I have Polk audio components which I have used before on order. Getting close to a head unit decision.

Tires, shocks and rear sway bar will be next.

I think you guys have convinced me to do a pulley change and a cold air unit - thinking about ALTA.

Nuff for now.

Tom

 

Alta products are my choice in the multitude of aftermarket mods..They all basically do the same thing ....make the mini better.....Find a company that you like and stay with them......Alta , Way , Revolution...there all good.....