So i bought my mini over a year ago, and was in a toss up to either keep it and modify it or sell it. I come from having a volkswagen and being in that whole world and have always modified cars. So i stuck with the mini and finally ended up getting some parts for it. So far i have acquired vmax coils, 16mm spacers, and a Alta cold air intake. Next is the 17% pulley and then exhaust and wheels.
Any input or suggestions would be great considering im still new to the mini world!

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IMG_5431 by murderedvw, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

A very good start! Here are the R53 weak points that you'll eventually encounter:
1.Lower control arm bushes: Go Powerflex & replace the ball joints, sway bar bushes & PS fluid altogether. Check all steering & axle boot condition.
2.Crank Pulley: Go ATI Super Damper or PRW Fluid
3.Low Speed Fan Resistor: Bypass or replace it w/ an external 1. Check the sticky on Stock Problems section
4.Power Steering Pump: Replace w/ new, rebuilt or totally delete it using the $50 Condor Speed Shop Delete Kit. Procedure on Post 106 here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...le-soon-5.html
5.Coolant Expansion tank: Go Canton or RMW
6.Strut tower mushrooming: Go Cravenspeed, VIP or AP+P strut tower plates
7.Denso alternator: Get new, rebuilt or used DENSO, not some chinese replacement
Mods:
1.CAI: Dave F., Orranje Stealth, DDM or better a DIY performance air box:
http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f275...ner-ish-30411/
http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f275...art-2-a-32438/

2.Exhaust: Scorpion
3.$40 stock cabrio Braces from ECS, WMW, Pelican
4.Rear sway bar
5.Rear Upper & lower adjustable control arms & Vorshlag or RTM front camber plates if you don't have em yet.

Enjoy the ownership!!!!! MINI on, MINIon!

 

Thanks for all the information!
I do have my power steering leaking a little, nothing too drastic yet. I just need to replace the one hose but as i was searching around on here the more popular and better things seems to be to just delete it in all.