[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I’ve recently come to the realization that swapping out my zippy little daily driver (2005 R53) is nearly impossible for me to do and therefore I’ve got to bite the bullet and tear it down to make it a leaner meaner fun machine. It’s got ~85,000 mile on it and only the 15% pulley modification. I have been exploring some of the Mini Madness Stage packages and am liking what I see, yet would like to ask for advice from the NAM community.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Things to keep in mind: Yes it is a daily driver, but I like to get where I’m going quickly and every now and then head out of town to carve a canyon or two. I am planning on doing the bulk of the work to better understand the car and keep the cost focused on the components.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Questions:[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]1. I’m leaning towards the Stage 2 package, any input on the MINI-Madness Stage 3 or 4? Does either not play well with the daily driver arrangement?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]2. I need to swap out the clutch. I’m leaning towards the Competition Clutch package, any alternate suggestions or advice?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]3. As it appears I’ll need to gut my Mini, what other items should one look to repair/improve while it’s in pieces?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]4. LSD – which one & associated gains?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]5. Any other tidbits of mini knowledge helpful when embarking on such a journey?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I appreciate any and all your assistance and knowledge; thank you in advance.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3] [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Justin[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

At 85k miles, definitely look at the suspension bits while you have the car apart. If they're all still original OEM, you'll almost certainly need new lower control arm bushings in the front, and possibly front sway bar bushings as well. Check out the ball joints in the front suspension, too.

 

Competition clutch on a daily driver...lol...you will have one strong leg...ang will walk lopsided...
In all honestty it is a bit of overkill...just replace it when it goes...

 

Having seen a mini madness stage package on a car at a tune, it was running way too lean...
There is s reputable tuner pretty local to you...i'm sure he will have suggestions...
Depending on $$, i bet an intake, cam, injectors and a tune, plus susponsion fixes/mods will make it awsome....

 

I thought the Competition Clutch line seemed like a reasonable fit; do you have another suggestion?

http://www.madnessmotorworks.com/com...lutch-kit.aspx