New R53 Hopeful

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by R53Junkie, Sep 21, 2014.

  1. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    #1 R53Junkie, Sep 21, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2014
    Hello all! My name's Tristan, live in the mountains of Colorado. College student, working two jobs currently (Soon to cut back to one).

    I've been obsessed with the MCS for years, and I am finally within reach of owning one! Haha. Looking for a black or electric blue R53 with sunroof, planned mods are: 15-17% reduction pulley, Meth kit, new air intake (Alta?), short shifter, bigger Injectors, do a Janspeed to decat to JCW exhaust system, get some KW v1 coilovers, and new wheels and tires (Big plans here, never been done on a MINI). Also, Joey head and taillights, cc the chrome bits black, and do white roof, mirrors, handles, and wheels (If I get black) or black roof, handles, and mirrors (If I get blue, maybe cc, not sure). also, get some vented A-pillars from Orranje and some nice extractor vents on the hood (XJR??). I'm sure I'm missing some stuff, but you get the idea. Already a member on MT, MU, and North American Motoring, looking forward to gleaning some more knowledge from you fellows.

    First questions right off the bat: What's your guy's opinion on bright blue cc'd vs bright blue and black mix? Pics of your favorite examples would be appreciated! :)
    also, anyone know a good MINI specialist in CO?? I can't find any. Or even a good performance specialist, for that matter. I plan on doing most of the work myself, as I have access to a full garage, lifts and all, but there are some things I'd like some advice on from a local pro who can take a look (Local MINI enthusiasts would also be good to know).

    Thanks in advance!!
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Welcome to M/A the FUN Mini site. :Thumbsup:


    FYI ~ the battery in a R53 is already located in the trunk and you can run a straight back exhaust under it without any modding.

    If you want to know about the R53 from a local shoot a PM to TheModFather.
     
  3. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Welcome Aboard!
    There are a number of Colorado MINI people here.
     
  4. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    Big plans....wish I had that kinda of $$$!!
    I see 20k+ in mods plus the car.....lol.:rolleyes:
    Welcome....you may find you future has already been modded....then you must decide what modds are worthy (some are for more to do something than make the car better...lots of that online...the fmic (anything but the gp) is an example of this!! Welcome!
     
  5. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    Really?? I know a bunch of guys who had to relocate the battery box in their R53s to fit a straight exhaust, like on an R56..

    Thank you! Whereabouts is he?
     
  6. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    Hahaha. It's as I have money, not all at once. Most of my income will be going straight to the MINI. ;P
    FMIC, eh? Sounds fair. Why that over a TMIC?
     
  7. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    Excellent!! I'm excited to run into them. :)
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    You do not need to move the battery to run a straight back exhaust that is a myth. I know, since I have done it. :ihih: I run a Milltek all year and run my full SS 2 1/2 under the battery box for the Dragon and other events.

    You don't want to put a FMIC on an R53 at all. It's not worth the cost. If you have to upgrade your IC from the OEM one just get the GP IC it works great and was designed by people that know what they are doing.

    One thing you may consider is a Meth kit over a GP IC. (cooler air charge, increased octane, cleaner motor internals...ect)

    http://howertonengineering.com/mini/
     
  9. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    +1 on the gp intercooler....(was typing fast...that's what I meant..other tmic/fmic are bling..many hurt performance).
    Keep an eye out for parts...some are getting rare, but many cars are getting parted out...
    One tip...before you spend big $$ on this car, make sure you start with a good one.
     
  10. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    I'm VERY interested!! Haha. I'd love to have a Miltek, too!! Does the pipe hang down much? Got any pics I can view?

    Yeah, I didn't think so... GP IC is what I've always heard.

    I would love to, but I'm a bit new to those... What's been your experience on them/what's been your general cost, having to refill it and whatnot?
     
  11. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    Awwwww yes I see. I'm not concerned about a pretty engine bay, I just want to not melt my SC/engine. XD
    Yessir, I will do that. There are 2 MINIs at my local junkyard, so I've got that to help me out, too.
    Definitely! If it's not tight, it's not right, eh? :wink:
     
  12. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I will try and get you a few pictures of my custom exhaust later. It hanging on my wall in the garage. It does not hang too low at all. Other parts on the car hang lower.

    As for Meth, its like fuel. The more you run WOT the more you use. I can us a little to none driving from Philly to Atlanta. It is triggered of the duty cycle of the injectors.

    When I am at the Dragon running in 1st and 2nd WOT I can use a tank in a day.
     
  13. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    Fantastic. I appreciate it, sir.

    Makes sense. How much do you run for a refill?
     
  14. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I run 100% VP M1 Meth and I forget the cost but I buy it in 5 gallon cans (2) at a time.

    I think the last time (Spring) I got (2) 5 gallon cans it was like $70 bucks. I used a lot of Meth at the Dragon. :D:ihih::devil:

    I still have about 3/4 of a 5 gallon can left.
     
  15. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    Oh that's not bad at all! Do you have an automated release into the engine, or manual? Which is better?
     
  16. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Read the link I sent you about the system I have.

    It is all automatic and runs off the duty cycle if the injectors. My Meth is always on but it only sprays at WOT from 4K utill I shift. Which is well past red line. :devil:

    Meth is not like Nitrous kit. :nonod:
     
  17. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    Gotchaa...... OK! Seems like a win-win-win situation!!

    alright, fair enough. I knew a guy one time who had Meth that he could turn on and off from the cabin.
     
  18. Code3_Mini

    Code3_Mini New Member

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    Hey Tristan, welcome to ClubCivic.com, where all of your wildest ricey modifications can come to true fruition. We will be having a meeting on Thursday to discuss the latest colors for upcoming LED underbody kits, as well as a starter conversation on what the best fart-can exhaust is (I'm a fan of the Tanabe Medallion Series and test pipe, myself). And then we will break bread with the muscle car guys and...oh crap! Wrong forum! Oops...

    Just kidding. Welcome to Motoring Alliance. This is by far the best forum of all the others you listed (not kidding), so be prepared for some serious knowledge sprinkled with maybe a little bias. These guys know what they're talking about. Me, I'm just the court jester.
     
  19. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    Hey now, current car is a Civic! ;) Not really modded though... Just some nice, deep blue paint, and a cold air intake.... Hahaha. No LED lighting or Fast N' Furious spoiler..

    Thanks for the welcome, I like you already. XD
     
  20. Stefanie

    Stefanie Well-Known Member

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    Wait...we're not having the discussion on underbody lights? :(

    Welcome! I've learned a ton about my MINI just from the wisdom of the people who frequent this forum. I think you will find that people here tend to favor quality over quantity which is a great thing.
     

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