R56 First and Best Upgrades
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 1
From: PA
I need to do this as well. May get the door/weather seals installed at the same time. There aren't velcro discs available for the passenger side, correct?
Don't have the rubber mats, but my carpet floor mats had velcro discs on both sides unattached the floor. After checking this forum, I just twisted the self tapping screw right into the floor. Keeps the mats well secured. You figure my dealer would have done it for me. I could have gone months without knowing.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe, New Mexico
jw34 Yes! I amazed at how many cars I see (and lots of high end ones) that keep the tacky dealer plate holder. You have a gorgeous car with a holder that uses type from the dregs of the font world.
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Lompoc CA
Wow ya thanks again guys, I've been reading all kinds of stuff and never thought about not being able to see lights. Of all the things that is probably the biggest problem you could have. Thanks!
I have some Eibach springs on order for when it arrives, then it'll get a light tint job (still want it to feel fun/bright inside).
tires & wheels come spring (some Rota RB's with either g-force sports or tech 500's)
an ags-r intake so the hoodscoop is a functional piece and eventually a full turbo-back exhaust.
I promised my wife I wouldn't mod our new car after I took my last little hotrod past the point of being street driven...
The MCS doesn't have the same hp/torque as my old turbo sprint, but it comes with a warranty for a few years 
tires & wheels come spring (some Rota RB's with either g-force sports or tech 500's)
an ags-r intake so the hoodscoop is a functional piece and eventually a full turbo-back exhaust.
I promised my wife I wouldn't mod our new car after I took my last little hotrod past the point of being street driven...
The MCS doesn't have the same hp/torque as my old turbo sprint, but it comes with a warranty for a few years
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 3
Here are my recommendations for improving the R56 in terms of precise handling and power to weight:
1) A turbo back exhaust...I built my own 'cuz I'm a fabricating nutcase, but ALTA or Milltek's are both good quality. This will gain you about 10 wHP and you'll be able to actually hear the car! On top of that, an aftermarket exhaust will remove about 10 pounds.
2) JIC/Cross Coilovers from RMW. Go from great factory handling to OMG kick-butt handling & lowers the car to give it a MINI look, not an SUV/factory look.
3) ALTA PSRS eccentric spherical bearing front control arm bushings to tighten up that nasty wandering steering.
4) Get a good set of wheels and tires! The R56 loves wide tires; a 17x8 et37-ish with a 235/40-17 will give crazy grip and a more aggressive look...and if you're smart about it, you'll lose some weight from the boat-anchor factory wheels.
5) Toss the rear seats! Nobody's going to squeeze back there anyway, so removing the rear seat backs and bottoms will free up about 40 pounds.
6) Swap out the heavy lead-acid battery with a lightweight Braille or Odyssey battery, saves about 20 pounds.
That should give you some naughty ideas!
Cheers,
Ryan
1) A turbo back exhaust...I built my own 'cuz I'm a fabricating nutcase, but ALTA or Milltek's are both good quality. This will gain you about 10 wHP and you'll be able to actually hear the car! On top of that, an aftermarket exhaust will remove about 10 pounds.
2) JIC/Cross Coilovers from RMW. Go from great factory handling to OMG kick-butt handling & lowers the car to give it a MINI look, not an SUV/factory look.
3) ALTA PSRS eccentric spherical bearing front control arm bushings to tighten up that nasty wandering steering.
4) Get a good set of wheels and tires! The R56 loves wide tires; a 17x8 et37-ish with a 235/40-17 will give crazy grip and a more aggressive look...and if you're smart about it, you'll lose some weight from the boat-anchor factory wheels.
5) Toss the rear seats! Nobody's going to squeeze back there anyway, so removing the rear seat backs and bottoms will free up about 40 pounds.
6) Swap out the heavy lead-acid battery with a lightweight Braille or Odyssey battery, saves about 20 pounds.
That should give you some naughty ideas!
Cheers,
Ryan
chuck
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 1
From: PA
I have some Eibach springs on order for when it arrives, then it'll get a light tint job (still want it to feel fun/bright inside).
tires & wheels come spring (some Rota RB's with either g-force sports or tech 500's)
an ags-r intake so the hoodscoop is a functional piece and eventually a full turbo-back exhaust.
I promised my wife I wouldn't mod our new car after I took my last little hotrod past the point of being street driven... The MCS doesn't have the same hp/torque as my old turbo sprint, but it comes with a warranty for a few years
tires & wheels come spring (some Rota RB's with either g-force sports or tech 500's)
an ags-r intake so the hoodscoop is a functional piece and eventually a full turbo-back exhaust.
I promised my wife I wouldn't mod our new car after I took my last little hotrod past the point of being street driven...
The MCS doesn't have the same hp/torque as my old turbo sprint, but it comes with a warranty for a few years 
What color RB's are you looking at?
Sounds sweet! Looking forward to hearing your feedback on the Eibach springs. I'll definitely be adding lowering springs within the next few weeks and they're top on my list right now. Also adding the ALTA turbo back and Rota RB's in gunmetal around that same time What color RB's are you looking at?
What color RB's are you looking at?I'm torn on the Rota RB's, all silver for the classic lighthearted mini look, or gunmetal centers for the more aggressive look. My wife wants it to look tough, I'm more into rolling down the windows, cranking back the sunroof and laughing my way around the corners.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 1
From: PA
I've installed a lot of lowering springs over the years on my own cars & customers, I've generally had better luck with Eibach's over H&R's. Either are going to be an improvement over the stock suv look, but the butt is pretty subjective. Generally speaking, the H&R's will look a bit better/lower, while the Eibach's will offer a better ride (bit firmer, bit taller, less hitting the bumpstops).
I'm torn on the Rota RB's, all silver for the classic lighthearted mini look, or gunmetal centers for the more aggressive look. My wife wants it to look tough, I'm more into rolling down the windows, cranking back the sunroof and laughing my way around the corners.
I'm torn on the Rota RB's, all silver for the classic lighthearted mini look, or gunmetal centers for the more aggressive look. My wife wants it to look tough, I'm more into rolling down the windows, cranking back the sunroof and laughing my way around the corners.
Well it's for selfish reasons, but I'd say go for the gunmetal!
I'm really curious to see how they look a non-DS MINI, as that's the only color I've seen them on thus far. My MINI is PW/B so although I love the RB's in GM, it's kind of a risk. Oh and it's definitely the more aggressive color.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
To those that suggested spring upgrade:
Is this something I can do in my garage? Do I need any special tools?
I really like the idea of a CAI, but I am really concerned with voiding the warranty. Maybe I should check with my dealer before I touch this thing.
Is this something I can do in my garage? Do I need any special tools?
I really like the idea of a CAI, but I am really concerned with voiding the warranty. Maybe I should check with my dealer before I touch this thing.
Auto on Sport Button guy
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 702
Likes: 2
From: Portland, OR
Best upgrades for me are in my sig. If you have a turbo and you actually want to hear it, then get rid of that crappy oem airbox.
would also like the rest of the Alta goodies available.
Some Cross Coilovers would be nice. New wheels, Tires. Vinyl blackout.
would also like the rest of the Alta goodies available.
Some Cross Coilovers would be nice. New wheels, Tires. Vinyl blackout.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Boulder, Colorado
I have yet to receive my MCS, but my first "mod" is definitely going to be a nice clear bra for the front bumper - don't want that pepper white to get chipped during my daily commute on the highway!
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