R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Must have parts.

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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 11:40 AM
  #1  
FlynHawaiian's Avatar
FlynHawaiian
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From: San Luis Obispo, CA
Must have parts.

I am trying to build a list of parts modifications for my mini.

It will be used as a daily driver, and for trip of 250 miles (one way and under)

Its a manual trans with sport and premium packages. I'm picking it up in a few weeks. Working on a name for it.

Is there a need for a short shifter? I'm not a fan of the huge ball, is there another shift **** that people would recommend. I will be in traffic pretty often so I'm looking for something really comfortable.

Also, I wanted to install a light in the car, let let me know when the car is in reverse. It will be used to get me used to reverse being on the left side, any clues how to do this?
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 12:20 PM
  #2  
TWISTER's Avatar
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IN A WORD: Whalen
http://www.whalenshiftmachine.com/home.htm
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 01:59 PM
  #3  
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creeker
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From: Boulder Creek, CA
I recommend you buy Ian's Mini Curcuit
It's converts your power windows to auto-up.
The best part is that it's only $45!
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 02:02 PM
  #4  
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Johnna
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From: Loveland, CO
Originally Posted by creeker
I recommend you buy Ian's Mini Curcuit
It's converts your power windows to auto-up.
The best part is that it's only $45!
I agree! Just put mine in yesterday and I love it. Better order it quick before they are all sold out.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 02:13 PM
  #5  
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FlynHawaiian
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can the chrono package be installed after the fact? I might be interested in doing this if it is.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 02:20 PM
  #6  
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From: Burning-Ham Alabama
#1 Whalen ****
#2 Euro parcel shelf
#3 glove box tidy from www.gominigo.com

I just got one of these and it is FAR superior to the OEM glove box.

I also agree that the Whalen **** is the best money I ever spent and I thought I was insane to pay $150 for a stupid shift ****!
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 02:39 PM
  #7  
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I also have to go with Yucca on the Whalen **** and Euro Parcel Tray. I have the iPod interface installed with the cable coming out on the Euro tray so its easy to get to, but you can't see it standing outside the car And the Whalen **** is simply fantastic. It's amazing how the added weight of the **** helps with the feel of shifts, plus its beautiful
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 02:58 PM
  #8  
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What does the euro tray look like?
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 03:10 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by FlynHawaiian
I am trying to build a list of parts
http://motoringfile.com/2005/08/16/m...ymini_knee_pad

You won't regret it.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 03:13 PM
  #10  
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It’s a shelf made to fit between the drivers door and the column next to the radio/NAV. Mine matches my interior exactly so it looks like a factory install.

It only takes 20 minutes to self install.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 03:16 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by chows4us
Thanks Chow for the link - this has been something I have wanted for some time.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 03:19 PM
  #12  
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Ditto!

I just bought mine 2 days ago and my car hasnt even arived yet! You need to be quick though. Ian only has 100 or so left in stock forever.

Originally Posted by Johnna
I agree! Just put mine in yesterday and I love it. Better order it quick before they are all sold out.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 03:31 PM
  #13  
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Because of the angle of the MINI windshield and the distance you sit from it, traffic lights can sometimes be a problem if you're at the front of the intersection, and the light is mounted above. This is especially difficult for taller drivers like myself.

To solve this problem completely, I highly recommend the LightInSight. Works beautifully!
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 03:47 PM
  #14  
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I might add http://www.trunkmonkey.com/

Watch the videos half way down. They dont cost much to feed, handy alternative to alarms ... help in adding balance to the back of the car
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 03:49 PM
  #15  
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Although maybe not a "must have" I would heartily recommend the Redline Goods leather shift/e-brake boots. I got mine a week or so ago, got em installed and they look fantastic, a great improvement over the stock vinyl ones.
I ordered the med grey/black 4-panel boots with contrasting stitching and they matched my cloth seats very well and were a breeze to install. So if you've got a spare $80 and would like a little extra interior bling, pick up a set:

http://www.redlinegoods.com/MINIproduct4.shtm

I took photos while I installed, but don't have em online yet. Hopefully I can add them to my gallery below tonight.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 05:02 PM
  #16  
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From: Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Originally Posted by FlynHawaiian
can the chrono package be installed after the fact? I might be interested in doing this if it is.
That is a (now this is my opinion) A "worthless set of useless gauges that take up valuable space"... Plus adding them after the fact, you'd need to get the steering wheel mounted speedo and the only way to get that on a new car is to order the "worthless set of useless gauges that take up valuable space..."
 
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Old Sep 13, 2005 | 06:00 PM
  #17  
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must have a nice feeling shifter which DOESN'T have to mean a heavier one! I felt the stock one was TOO heavy. So i had a custom one made out of AL.



and...


get something you feel comfortable with and not what people will tell you is comfortable...

-Josh
 
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 07:20 AM
  #18  
FlynHawaiian's Avatar
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From: San Luis Obispo, CA
Seems like you guys have lots of good info. Figured this was the best place to come . So any idea on how to install a little led light that would come on when the car is in reverse? Is there a fuse inside the cabin, that I could tap?
 
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 08:38 AM
  #19  
FlynHawaiian's Avatar
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From: San Luis Obispo, CA
Also, what about pullies? Is it a good idea to get them or look into them, if so what company and how much of a reduction? Does the throttle body need to be bored out and better injectors? or is that going too far too early?

Also, is the LSD worth it? Or does it effect long drives too much?
 
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 08:51 AM
  #20  
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For your last post, check the 'Performance Modifications - Drivetrain' forum - all sorts of options and opinions there.

LSD shouldn't affect long drives in the least. Reportedly the car 'groans' a little in slow, tight turns - likely the LSD working. At $500 it's a steal.
 
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 08:51 AM
  #21  
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From: Houston, TX
Alta 15% Pully, Alta CAI w/ Silicone Hose. (No I dont sell Alta)

MTH Tuner ECU Map (I do sell this though)


That will change your car into a totally different animal.
 
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 10:05 AM
  #22  
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beken
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From: Delta BC, Canada
If your car is an MCS, I'd recommend making a grill for the inter-cooler air scoop.

http://www.tech-esq.com/MINI/how_to_...oop_grille.htm
 
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 10:29 AM
  #23  
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From: Phila.
The one thing that I wish that I would have purchased when I first got my car is some sort of 3M paint protection for the front bumper and bonnet. After 2 1/2 years there are too many stone chips to count. If I ever replace my car a clear bra is the first thing I'm getting installed before I drive it off the lot.
Something like these: http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=45024

-Dan
 
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 10:32 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by chows4us
I might add http://www.trunkmonkey.com/

Watch the videos half way down. They dont cost much to feed, handy alternative to alarms ... help in adding balance to the back of the car
gotta get me one o' these
 
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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 11:27 AM
  #25  
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From: H-town
I assumed the Mini had auto-up windows...when I read this, I rushed to order the second item for my car I don't even have yet...Got floor mats from Classic last week, now ordered the Ian's circuit.
 
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