Hey everyone,

I wanted to introduce my new project and get some community feedback on the direction we’re heading. I watched this late-production 2006 R53 sit on FB Marketplace for over a month. Realizing its neglected condition, and the fact that it’s an automatic, it was highly likely destined for the scrap yard if someone didn't step in.

This is going to be a father-son build. While we aren't strangers to diving deep into European car rebuilds and restorations, this is our first venture into the R53 chassis. Our plan is to completely bring it back to life and build a fun street car that will see the occasional track day for some spirited fun.

Now, I already know what most of you are thinking, and I completely agree: a manual R53 is a way more engaging, grounded driver's car. However, I’m genuinely happy to save this one from the crusher and give it another lease on life. Plus, there was a practical family upside to the automatic: my son was having some serious reservations about learning to drive a manual on a car we plan to rebuild from the ground up. He would not be happy with himself if he burned up a fresh clutch after putting this much collective sweat equity into the garage. Plus I am familiar with the Aisin transmission platform and have rebuilt one myself for a Saab project car.

We are currently in the deep research phase and getting ready to place our first major parts orders. Since the front end will be in Service Mode and the cylinder head is coming off for a refresh, we are planning a heavy mix of preventative maintenance, oil leak fixes, and Stage 2 supporting mods all at once.

Here is our blueprint for the build so far:

Engine, Cylinder Head & Seals

Cylinder Head / Valve Cover Gasket Set

ARP Cylinder Head Stud Kit

Timing Cover Gasket & Front Shaft Seal

Crankshaft Position Sensor O-Ring & Oil Pressure Switch (stopping the classic front-block oil leaks)

ARP Cam Sprocket Bolt Kit

Supercharger & Cooling System

CravenSpeed 17% Supercharger Reduction Pulley

Alta Performance Serpentine Belt Tensioner Stop

Full Supercharger Oil Service Kit & New Water Pump

M7 Speed Silicone Intercooler Boots

Full Coolant Hose Set (Keeping this on the radar, though currently hunting for upgraded metal Y-pipe fitting to replace the brittle factory plastic section that broke do not see it listed anywhere though)

Fueling & Tuning

380cc Fuel Injectors
Looking for the right remote Tuner to help dial it in. Brakes & Chassis
New Pads & Rotors all around, new rear calipers.

What Am I Missing?

We want to do this once and do it right while the front clip is off the car. For the veteran R53 owners out there: does this look like the right path for a reliable, aggressive street build? Are there any hidden "while you're in there" items, gaskets, or quirks specific to the late-2006 automatic platform that we should add to our checklist before we start clicking buy?

Looking forward to sharing the progress as we tear into it!

 

good luck on your new project! lets see some pics. more pics please