Hello all, I am a new proud owner of a an 03 mini cooper s (looks like it is called a r53 on here)
I was trying to find a thread that has tune up directions i.e oil change, spark plugs etc. (I did find the thread about what size socket)
Also I was interested in some aftermarket mods (intake, exhaust etc.), if anybody can help w/out tearin me a new one, I appreciate it

thanks,

Gren

 

No need to tear, but there are literally thousands of threads on just about every aftermarket part you could want. A quick search will provide LOTS of info, and then you can ask specific questions.
There isn't a 'best' anything, and there are a variety of mods for different budgets. Enjoy the ride!

 

Welcome! First off.
I'm a fellow R53 owner. good choice on the 03. I can suggest cheapest exhaust mod that is quick and dirty would be the one ball. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-ball-mod.html

I do also have a cone filter, cold air. These two are both good starting points. Alta, Cravenspeed, Mini madness are the guys I use and have got some great deals.

As for the oil change https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...8-how-tos.html

 

thanks guys! truly class act mayne!

 

No worries, enjoy the stay! It's great. Just a heads up on crashton.... he getys cranky sometimes.

 

To help your search, the usual initial mods are:
Engine:
- Smaller Supercharger Pulley (Pulley)
- Exhaust
- Cold Air Intake
- ECU Reprogram or Custom Tune
Suspension:
- Front Camber Plates (Fixed or Adjustable)
- Larger Rear Sway Bar
- Shorter Springs

 

thanks quik, those are exactly my first mods....

 

as for exhaust...I've been a huge fan of flowmasters especially driving v-8s all my life, and I know we can't get that nice sound out of a mini.

Now are there any mufflers for the mini that will give me a low deep sound, and not like those loud obnoxious rice-rocket sounds...lol

 

I know the sound you like; I have a Camaro with a 383 engine, headers, and flowmaster mufflers. I love the sound of a nice exhaust. However, we can never get that low V-8 tone out of our small 4 cylinder engine. I have tried various setups on the two Mini's I have owned. You really need to hear and ride in Minis with different exhausts to find what you like.

My favorite was the Borla Sport cat-back. Relatively loud and deep tone. However, it can drone at times inside the car on the highway, like when going up a hill in 6th gear (lower RPM and a load on the engine). In those few cases, I would down-shift to 5th to get the RPMs up and eliminate the drone. I had the Borla Sport on my 03 MCS. If you ever plan to install a header the Borla Sport and Header combo might be a little too loud.

When I tried the Borla Sport on my 06 MCS GP (no rear seat and no rear insulation) there was just too much drone on the highway. The acceleration sound was great but tough to live with the drone for highway driving. I ended up with the Milltek cat-back on the 06 MCS. It is louder than the JCW exhaust but quieter than the Borla Sport. In general, the Milltek is quieter than I would like but a good compromise for the GP.

 

I have heard the Borla and it is nice. I have the Miltek and love the sound! Not too loud or obnoxious at all.

The BEST thing to do is find some local mini owners with different exhausts and listen to theirs if possible. Welcome and goodluck

 

If you like low notes, youtube M7 / Powertone. Their exhaust note is pretty low. Then you can install headers to really open it up.

 

thanks guys, I'll check those out and chime back which I like....again thanks for the info!!

 

Congrats on your new MINI. You should post some pics for us.

 

^^ I will Barrett as soon as I can...

 

so I youtubed quite a bit of exhaust sounds for the r53, still doesnt' do any justice over my earphones...best if I hear in person, thanks mdbsat

now would u guys go exhaust first then cai or vice-versa, or does it even matter?

 

I would go with exhaust first because I love exhaust noise. It will not add a lot of power but at least it will make you feel like you are going faster. Exhaust will add more HP than CAI.

When I purchased my first Mini in 2003, I had lowering springs and cat-back exhaust in my garage before I had the car. I installed them the first weekend I had the car. My neighbors thought I was crazy.

If you ever plan to add a header, you might want to go with a cat-back exhaust that tends to be a little quieter (such as Milltek) because when you add the header it will get louder. If no plans for a header than something like the Borla Sport is probably what you want.

 

truly great advice from class act people!

 

Welcome to the NAMily!

Check the NAM market place for really cheap things. Lots of exhausts and intakes show up but they go FAST! So check frequently.

Good luck with your new obsession!

 

THANKS!

 

I have the Alta Sportone exhaust and am happy with its sound. I drive on hilly country roads at about 60mph in 6th and the drone doesn't bother me. I don't have any back seats or extra insulation, but I do like loud music. This exhaust is also single-sided, not a fake dual, which saves a ton of weight over stock. Most of the aftermarket exhausts save on weight though. I chose my exhaust for sound only. Your butt-dyno won't be able to tell the difference between any two aftermarket exhausts. There is a really good thread on here that lists almost all the exhaust options for MINIs. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...clips-etc.html

I would do a lot of research on your own though. Forums tend to get bandwagon-y about these things.

I also have the Alta CAI. It lets you hear the supercharger MUCH better. But I'm sure most of them do, and if you don't like the wine you may want to shy away from it. If you buy Alta, do so from their site. They usually have the best deals on their own murchandise. But anyway, like I said, shop around and don't jump into anything. Good luck and let us all know how it goes!

 

great read on that thread act...good lookin out!

 

I too, had the big V-8's and exhaust.
Also had a 71 240z.

Hard to duplicate those sounds.

The Invidia exhaust I installed sounds good with great back pressure burble and easy install.

ALTA has a great 50% sale right now for pulleys and intakes among other
products.