My first Mini was an R56, it was fast, looked cool and was an amazing handling car, I eventually sold it and ended up with the following cars in this particular order: 2013 Subaru WRX (Sold), 2014 Mitsubishi Evo X (Sold), 2016 Z06 Corvette (Currently Own), 2005 Mini Cooper S in amazing condition with 26k miles (Currently Own).

When I first bought my R56 I almost immediately regretted it because I loved the style of the R53 so much more after discovering it, It just looked so much more sleek, aggressive, clean and lower with the headlight placement.

In any case I am extremely happy with my current Mini, it is my second favorite vehicle that I have ever owned (cough.. Z06). It's fast with a few mods, It's cool looking, it handles like a go cart on steroids and it is just super fun.

Based on the style, handling, power/weight ratio and all around fun, my question is what other cars compare to the R53? I have added the 16% pulley and air intake box from Way Motorworks and I'm curious how much horsepower I'm running with those two basic mods, also are there any other substantial mods I can do to the power train while still expecting a relatively trouble free motor?

 

None that I can think of right now.
I bet it cost a lot less to insure the Mini than the Vette.
With the Mini, it looks slow so not a lot of interest from the troopers.
By the way, nice Vette !

 

I always hear people compare Miata's to Mini's.....but I think that would be like driving an R53 with around 100hp less. Doesn't sound like much fun to me

 

Interesting, I hate Miata's, they look way smaller and not very cool looking. I am a huge fan of hatchbacks though.

 

You are like the third person I have seen lately that has a MINI and Z06. On the forums. I have driven allot of cars before and there is really nothing that handles like a MINI. So its hard to compare.

 

Wow, well looks like you've had them.

The only thing that gave me the giggles as much as the R53 was a Ralliart (I didn't even try the EVO), I was cross-shopping the WRX/Ralliart when my R53 popped the first time.

I decided to dump $16K into rebuilding the R53 & doing a period correct JCW upgrade. It's still a sound decision.

I'd like to know what you did/didn't like about your scoobie and EVO... I'm surprised that you've come back after that kind of experience.

OH, and to answer your question... perhaps the Toyobaru twins? Nothing like your Vette, but I hear it's fun

 

I really liked the WRX, it just wasn't fast enough for me and I started taking a hard look at the Evo X which I like the looks of way better and was known to be in a higher class competing with the STI.

I was getting ready to dump about $10k into modifying the Evo X and decided with such great credit credit and low interest rates I should go for the Z06 instead.

Both the Japanese cars were very fun for what they were and handled amazingly in the twisties, I just needed something far more exciting and fast, the Z06 to me is one of the most amazing looking and performing production cars on the planet so the cost is justified and I drive it on the weekends for coastal runs and trips to San Diego. The R53 is my evening car for grabbing groceries/errands or for going for a hike in the local mountains.

 

A catback exhaust like a Milltek will yield another 5-7 hp without needing a tune, maybe. After that you should really go with bigger injectors and a supporting tune so you aren't too lean. The added fuel and optimal tune with give you some more power and smoothness while making it safer. Then you can get into better intercooler, cams and headwork, headers, etc. But why, keep the vette for speed and the MINI for reliable casual driving and save some dough for speeding tickets. ;-)

 

Thanks for the advice, my next couple mods will be 8" wide wheels/tires, lowered suspension, cat back exhaust and...

I am still debating if I want to touch the motor internals, the car seems fast for what it is (bigger injectors seems like a good idea), if I add a tune after the exhaust it may be enough for me as it's still fairly fast and fun and it will help to keep it reliable if I stop there.

 

Maybe I have a skewed view but I never thought of the R53/6 as looking slow.