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

R50/53 CHROME or Performance goodies 1st purchase

Old Jul 4, 2005 | 06:20 AM
  #1  
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CHROME or Performance goodies 1st purchase

Im trying to deside what the first thing I need to buy.

I use to own older Minis so I like the retro look..
Im thinking of getting a chrome grill...
but some performance stuff might be fun??

my car is a stock S....any ideas?

db

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Old Jul 4, 2005 | 07:31 AM
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Performance wise is always a nice start. If anything start with the basics and everyone on here will agree. Intake is one of the first mods people will do. Then they move to pulley and exhaust. Most go with the pulley before exhaust. But i am going the simple routes and not doing anything to major as of yet. So for me I have an intake and will order exhaust soon. I also have an oil catch can to keep the bad stuff out of the intercooler.

Garrett
 
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Old Jul 4, 2005 | 07:59 AM
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I would go for looks first - ie: chrome

Do you think your MINI lacks power at the moment? If not, then hold out on the power mods for a while - then when you do them, it will be like getting a whole new toy to drive around
 
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Old Jul 4, 2005 | 09:56 AM
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Might I suggest you consider who you really want to satisfy, first, yourself or others. With performance mods i.e., CAI, 15% pulley, iridium plugs, exhaust, ect. you will impress yourself every time you get behind the wheel. Then interior mods that you can appreciate every time you get behind the wheel. Then move to exterior mods where others can appreciate while you are behind the wheel. To me this is logical progression. Every time the improvements add to the fun, excitement and personal signature of YOUR MINI. Take it as slow as you can bare it...it can get real expensive.
 
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Old Jul 4, 2005 | 06:47 PM
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It is personal call.I have never been big on chrome, my car has the chrome package, thanks to my wife, replaced the grill with the aero grill. Performance mods will make you appreciate the car more. I would keep it simple, cai, exhaust, maybe springs...

but, like I said, it is your car, and it is very personal.

good luck
 
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Old Jul 4, 2005 | 08:37 PM
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Im more concerned with the car running easier/cooler so the performance mods I would want to do would be to extend the life of the drivetrain.
Plus I dont want to do anything that would mess up my warranty.
air breather is prob first on the list...how would that effect warranty??

as far as outside stuff I want my MINI to look as much like a 60's Mini as possible...

keep the suggestions coming.

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Old Jul 4, 2005 | 08:44 PM
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MINILite wheels.

modernized versions of the 60's s lites

Chrome 4 slat cooper grille (hard to find now)

put another S gascap on the passenger side

3 driving lights on the grille 2 small, one large in the middle

widebody flares

cant think of anything else right now that could make it look like a 60's cooper, thats the best i can do for now lol
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 02:28 AM
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I can't decide which to work on first....I order parts for both performance and cosmetics. My wife wants me to stick to one at a time, but it's so so hard.
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 09:15 AM
  #9  
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Neither one. Get satellite radio first. When the warranty runs out, get performance items. My 2 pence.
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 09:19 AM
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I have the 17 inch Minilite lookalikes

Who sells these so I can get a pic?
"modernized versions of the 60's s lites"

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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 09:58 AM
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The classic wheel look

Originally Posted by doombuggy
I have the 17 inch Minilite lookalikes

Who sells these so I can get a pic?
"modernized versions of the 60's s lites"
Minilites are made in the UK
The recommended models for the MINI are:
15"x6" 1560JP
16"x7" 1670JP
It's possible others will fit and come in different finishes- contact them.
see
http://www.minilitewheels.com/offset...ace_ev2000.htm
http://www.minilitewheels.com/ev2000.htm


Minilite EV alloy wheel 17x7"


Another option for the retro classic look are panasport wheels
http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=33863
16x7" in silver finish from $290 per rim
 

Last edited by minihune; Jul 5, 2005 at 10:01 AM.
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 07:49 PM
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no, those arent the wheels i was talking about,tose are these are the MINILites i meant



http://www.myminiparts.com/proddetail.php?prod=MLW
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 07:50 PM
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wait a sec, i cant tell if the first set of pics are MINI Lites or panasports, they look like panasports when polished.... i like my pic better lol
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 08:31 PM
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Ive got the 17 inch factory Minilite looking wheels what are those called?
do most ppl ditch 17s for 16s??
I cant make up my mind about keeping these or not.

as soon as my runflats are bald I gotta find a better tire, Im not happy with the HARD feel.
I dont wanna fool with fixaflat, I would like to find a spare that would work....does anyone offer a spare wheel for the trunk??? any other company's spare wheel bolt to the MINI?
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 08:37 PM
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you have fastory S lites then, correct?

the main difference is the centers are larger and the spokes are thinner on the MINILite wheels. i think they look more like the original wheels IMO.

16's will have a nicer ride since the tire will have a larger sidewall.

i'm still looking for a set of tires that has RWL's in 16's, but i guess white letters arent as popular as they used to be....
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 08:39 PM
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MiniLites were the originals from the 60s, not the other way around.

I also like the vintage look. I went with the chrome S grille ($95 at any dealer) and retrofit the chrome package on my MINI. Just don't go crazy with the chrome. I like modifications to look as though they came from the factory that way. I will NOT be getting the chrome roof from Mini Mania
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 08:42 PM
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i was toying with the notion of adapting a classic mini grille into the front end of a new mini today.... i Photoshopped a few things, but unless you have the money to have it done, or dont mind alot of metalwork on the hood, it wouldnt be so easy of a task.....back to the drawing board lol


i like the retro look tho, the 4 slat grille, the new MINILites, (another s gascap if you dont mind hacking into the other side of your body hehe)

i want pics when this is all done!!!!
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Rick-Anderson
MiniLites were the originals from the 60s, not the other way around.

I also like the vintage look. I went with the chrome S grille ($95 at any dealer) and retrofit the chrome package on my MINI. Just don't go crazy with the chrome. I like modifications to look as though they came from the factory that way. I will NOT be getting the chrome roof from Mini Mania
yeah your thinking like I would do...I want it to look factory...
do you have any pics???
other than the grill what else did you buy??
got a list???

I dont think I'll be doing the Chome roof..
have you seen the chrome dash kit...thats just too much!
not to mention being blinded.

Im going to hold off on performance mods after reading where someone had waranty probs after doing mods...
If I do anything it will be cosmetics for now.

thanks for the suggestions...

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DOOMBUGGY>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 08:51 PM
  #19  
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I dont think I will be going over board as far as cutting holes....lol
although it would be nice to drive up to the gas pump and not have to think of which side the gas inlet is... I drove a Beetle and the gas lid was on the opposite side...
Im seriously thinking of a chrome grill but I have the feeling you would have to get the dealer to install it or it would void some warranty
and the closest dealer is 2 hours away...

by the way I had to still the Clockwork for my sig

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Old Jul 5, 2005 | 11:08 PM
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That's easy....

Originally Posted by whisenant
My wife wants me to stick to one at a time, but it's so so hard.
Just make sure you order only performance or looks on each order! "But honey, I WAS working on one at a time...."

Personally, if it doesn't make the car faster, or lighter, or easier to use (hands free kit for the car) or especially safer (fire extinguisher and brakes), then it doesn't go on the car.

Matt
 
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