MINI5280 members - here is a place we can list what we're planning to do next to our MINIs in the way of modifications.
Whether a wheel or an exhaust, a bar or a spring list it here and then let us know when you finally get'er done.

 

Cool! I'm itchin to get some new wheels... stilling trying to decide exactly what I want, but hopefully pull the trigger soon.

 

Let's see, it's a long list, but I'll give it a go. I'm moving away from a track car and towards a style/ show car.

1. Suspension

• Megan, KW, or VMAXX coils (which ever will go lowest and be most comfortable)
• Maybe even airbags if I can afford and maintain them...

2. Wheels and Tyres

• Ideally, BBS RS 15x8 front, 15x8.5 rear
• Realistically, I have no idea. Maybe a classy 3 piece 5 spoke
• Wrapped in something good in 215/50/15

3. Brakes

• I want to figure out a way to make some Project µ (mu) brakes work. I want to run the Pµ calipers, lines, rotors, but probably not the pads. Something low dust with great stopping power instead...

4. Exterior

• MCS front bumper or shave the "bumps" on my OEM R50 bumper
• OEM Aero or other aftermarket skirts
• Undecided on the rear bumper
• Sunroof white-out
• Shave badges, driving lamps/ turn signals (relocate to headlights)
• Fog light retrofit, angel eye headlights
• Facelift tails, or euro tails, but NOT the clear ones, unless I apply the ruby red vinyl overlay
• Rear wiper delete
• Color match arches
• Aluminum skid plate
• GP underbody aero panels
• Rear diffuser (possibly - I don't want the car to be too "rice")
• 05+ grille surround, custom mesh grille
• Custom lower grille & surround

5. Interior

• Full interior overhaul
• Racing seats, reupholstered in custom colors
• Rear seat delete
• New pedal kit
• New shift ****
• New e-brake handle
• Replace interior lights and add new LED's for mood lighting (orange, purple, or teal)
• Harnesses for racing seats
• Rear chassis brace bar & harness bar
• Chrome speedo, tach, shift boot, and rear cup holder rings
• Steering wheel swap

6. Engine and other functional components

• DDM CAI
• Dual exit exhaust (ala Clubman S)
• Short shift kit
• Oil catch can
• Air diverter plate
• Detail and clean engine bay
• New coil pack and spark plug wires (recently replaced plugs)

I think that's about it...

 

So what are you going to do next weekend after all the above is finished?

 

Wish list:
JCW springs/struts
Brembo upgrade
exhaust(?)
a certain set of wheels to be determined (know 'em when I see 'em)

No particular order, and not much chance of this happing soon!

 

Lol... If I'm lucky, I'll have that done maybe by dec of 2010. Maybe... The $$$ and time involved is waaaaay beyond my reach right now. So bit by bit, the project will come together...

 

That's quite a list of mods you've got there Puma; can't say that I'd like to support that build financially. Good luck.

As for me, I'm pretty happy with my car right now, though I've been thinking about an exhaust (either full or catback), but can't decide on what sounds best. I don't want to sound like a ricer with a muffler big enough to fit a watermelon in. I like throaty, but not obnoxious. I'll figure it out eventually; until then I've got to decide how to finance it.

The cheapest and easiest way to add HPs is a new set of decals. I'm woking on replacing my roof graphic (I'm not happy with the current material) and still trying to decide on stripes. I figure this should happen by MITM, but we'll see.

I'd do more engine mods, but poor Chuck has enough trouble keeping up already. I'll take it easy for a while.

 

Speaking of engine ...
I'm still in search for a silicone air intake in red (of course). Owning a MC means I am totally dis'd by vendors when it comes to wanting an engine to look good. Doubly hard is that it is an automatic and a convertible. I may just have to have one custom built which means buying a factory in China. Heck I could make two then.
I'm also really wanting to chrome my engine supports. Saw this at AMVIV last year and I still drool when I think about it.
Combined both mods would be good for 15 hp and a whole lot of engine envy from Jacob (priceless).

 

Chuck, you can build one, may be easier than learning Chinese (or not).

http://www.siliconeintakes.com/

and they do have red.

 

rear sway bar. possibly a 22mm.

 

With only 45s and 90s it is hard to match the shape that is needed. I need like a 32.7432165 deg bend on one end and a 47.64679 on the other.
Perhaps Chinese would be easier.

 

Kids leave Beijing in about 4 months, if you have a specification, perhaps we have a connection.

Not really sure what my son would do with this type of request, probably never invite me over again.

I'm waffling between a turbo back exhaust system with a perf. downpipe or cat-back only in stealth or just go with the JCW tune-kit and the included JCW exhaust.

 

New wheels on. I'm happy with them, but now it leads me to more wants.

 

Hey look yous got two nipple-thingys a comin out of yer wheel, and theys red too. Now that's purdy.

 

An actual tune for the R56. Is that a wish or a dream?

 

Ha! Yeah Chuck, I thought you might like the red nipple-thingys.

 

You know what would really make it quicker? Painting those brake calipers ! With those cool new wheels, you are showing them off now!
Rich

 

Yup good point Rich, totally agree. Dave the trick is to apply the paint thick. Still with all the gravel during the winter you need to plan on repainting them every spring. I do mine when I put on my summer tires.

 

Yes, good point. I was thinking about that one too.

 

Those wheels look good! MIA got some new shoes too... I'll post some pics when I get some time.

Next real mod: M7/Cosworth head. Injectors. And another tune.

 

Nice looking wheels.

I should have my H&R Cup suspension here tomorrow along with some Hawk pads and Powerslot rotors. I found a leaking strut and also noticed my severly worn rotors when I installed the rear sway bar so I figured why not upgrade.

I also plan on be getting some new wheels to go with my new stance in a month or so.

 

Well I ended up doing things in reverse order. My strut was fine so I decided to get wheels after finding out there was a mixup with the suspension and it wont be here for 8 weeks. I think it looks pretty nice.

 

That looks very nice, what tires did you put on the wheels?

Good picture, facing east where?

 

 

Sooooo....

Among the many things I probably did not need for my R56, I found a set of new 09 JCW Challenge wheels.

Should be here late Tuesday, so now I'm really looking for new UHP tires.

I'm torn between going with something that is comfortable and longer lasting but still UHP.

Or, something impracticable like Bridgestone R11s, Kumho XS or Dunlop Direzza Z1 star spec.

I am leaning towards Kumho XS in extreme tires.

Any recommendations from first hand experience?

What would you buy, considering a 20K for total life of tire and a few lapping track days.

Don