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

R50/53 Mod Suggestions Anyone??

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Old 11-02-2009, 11:33 AM
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Mod Suggestions Anyone??

Ok so I've decided to stick with my 2003 Mini Cooper non S. I'm not really a need for speed guy but I wanna do some mods regardless. I've already ordered 17 inch wheels, a lowering kit which I will install myself with a buddy who is a MINI mech, and an intake. All parts recommended by him. Right now I'm just shopping for any ideas or recommendations from my fellow Mini me's.
Any input would be appreciated.
 
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Old 11-02-2009, 01:27 PM
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For your consideration:

LED lighting to replace interior lights (footwells, dome, trunk)

Exhaust (I did mine for sound purposes)

Speakers (you can fit 6.5" in the front and 6x9's in the rear)

Subwoofer (JL audio makes a stealthbox for the mini)

Blackout the chrome (personal preference)

Debadge the car (personal preference)

Remove the antenna and replace with a water-sealed bolt, or stubby antenna

Tint the windows

Smoked headlights/taillights/side-markers

Paint or wrap your downtubes

rear seat delete

the list goes on and on, your thread is not a new one. try surfing around here for new owners looking for their first mod and you'll find a good listing of goodies (try the interior/exterior modifications forum). good luck and keep us all posted
 
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Old 11-02-2009, 01:46 PM
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power wise, RMW tune

/thread
 
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Old 11-02-2009, 02:45 PM
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short shift kit
intake
exhaust
engine damper
coilovers
camber plates (for coilover support and so you can replace those rubber things for extra stability and sturdiness)
wheels (fitment)
rear sway bar
rear lower control arms
MCS body kit parts(rear/front bumpers, side skirts)
painted arches and sideskirts
window tint
new wiper blades (PIAA silicone, Bosch Icon, or Rain X)
RMW Tune.

i drive an R50 (MC non-s)
and the list i typed is my list for myself.


interior mods are an entirely personal choice, so its up to you.
there are a lot of options out there to customize the interior to youre liking.
 
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Old 11-02-2009, 03:35 PM
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Since your lowering the car go ahead and get an Hsport rear swaybar, and some rear camber links to adjust your camber so you don't eat up tires. These will be easy to install while your doing the springs.

Then I'd drive the car and decide what you want it to do better and then decide on your next round of mods.
 
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Old 11-02-2009, 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks
Since your lowering the car go ahead and get an Hsport rear swaybar, and some rear camber links to adjust your camber so you don't eat up tires. These will be easy to install while your doing the springs.
Then I'd drive the car and decide what you want it to do better and then decide on your next round of mods.
+1
maybe a pulley, too?
 
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Old 11-02-2009, 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by howsoonisnow1985
+1
maybe a pulley, too?
his car is not S.
 
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Old 11-02-2009, 11:34 PM
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intake,cam,PnP BVH,header,tune
 
  #9  
Old 11-03-2009, 11:53 AM
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Depends on what you are looking for in your car. Since you stated you are not a need for speed guy, I would lean towards improving the handling. However, I love a nice sounding exhaust so that would be high on my suggestion list.
- Fixed Front Camber Plates
- 19mm Rear Sway Bar
- Adj. Rear Lower Control Arms (to adj rear camber after lowering).
 
  #10  
Old 11-03-2009, 05:28 PM
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Originally Posted by hoonpv
his car is not S.
Dooh!
OK maybe intake, exhaust and/or headers
and these below, too
Originally Posted by quikmni
Depends on what you are looking for in your car. Since you stated you are not a need for speed guy, I would lean towards improving the handling. However, I love a nice sounding exhaust so that would be high on my suggestion list.
- Fixed Front Camber Plates
- 19mm Rear Sway Bar
- Adj. Rear Lower Control Arms (to adj rear camber after lowering).
 
  #11  
Old 11-03-2009, 10:33 PM
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Definitely gonna get those sway bars. I'll start looking for a good price on those asap. Everything I've ordered so far should be put on the car by this Saturday. I'll have to post some pics. Already looking into an exhaust. Think I'm gonna get a Borla exhaust, yeah I believe that's what it's called. I'm looking into some side skirts but, this car will be driven all year and I don't know how to feel about brittle fiberglass pieces. Not to mention since it's already being lowered I don't wanna be shoveling snow with the front end. They'll have to be subtle.

Btw, thanks for all the input so far guys and gals. Much appreciated.
 

Last edited by Lessence; 11-03-2009 at 10:35 PM. Reason: btw :)
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Old 11-04-2009, 04:20 PM
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so what mods have you for sure decided on? im really curious!
 
  #13  
Old 11-04-2009, 05:27 PM
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Well lets see, I'm getting the X-rain wiper blades, replace the front grill (think I wanna go all flat black), umm Borla exhaust (already have it priced, not as expensive as I thought), Minor stuff like ordering the crome side blinker inserts, definitely gonna start looking up sway bars......... oh and I'd like to look into replace the steering wheel with the updated one. I'll post pics sometime this monday when everything so far is done. The wheels just came in tonite, i'll be putting them on tomorrow. They look good.
 
  #14  
Old 11-05-2009, 09:16 AM
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We have a great selection of swaybars here:
http://www.waymotorworks.com/home.php?cat=333

Give us a call and I'll give you the pros and cons to each bar. They are not all created equally.

WAY
317.201.8670
 
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  #15  
Old 11-08-2009, 09:14 AM
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Lessence,
Way is right on here,
a sway bar is an awesome upgrade,
I bought the H sport from him, love it!
Maybe ceramic pads to get rid of that pesky brake dust?
boxcars
 
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