New Guy from Wichita, KS

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by Skidmarks, Aug 12, 2017.

  1. Skidmarks

    Skidmarks Active Member

    Aug 12, 2017
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    #1 Skidmarks, Aug 12, 2017
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2017
    05 MCS in Wichita

    Hello,
    Long time hot-rodder, race fan, Alfa owner, and Kart racer -

    I got started in the Mini journey when I needed a car for my sixteen year-old twins. I had a 2005 Hummer H2 that had been my project. Traded it for a 2013 Justa. All black, automatic, nice car and I enjoyed driving it but thought it would be more fun with more power and a manual transmission.

    I started to research options for CAI, exhaust, and suspension mods, but decided I needed to keep it stable, and perhaps under-powered for my kids.

    After some study I decided I would look for my own Mini, and I had a very specific set of requirements.

    2005 or 2006 S (I wanted the supercharger)
    Hatchback
    Six Speed
    Chronograph package
    Silver or Grey
    Xenon Lights
    No Sunroof was not a requirement, but a desire.

    I found the exact car I wanted on craigslist, the downside was it was at a "buy here pay here" dealer in Oklahoma City.
    [​IMG]
    It was listed at $4700, and I tried to negotiate it down via text messages with no luck.

    I kept looking, but couldn't find another exactly like I wanted.

    I had a few days off work with the 4th of July holiday, so my wife, ten year old son and I headed down in the family SUV.

    The dealer was gone to lunch, so the family dropped my off and headed to go shopping (Lego Store).

    I looked the car over and drove it a bit, it had some issues that I felt dropped the price - Service Engine Light was on, A/C didn't work, radio didn't work, headliner was sagging, headlights and tails were fogged and there was a knock that appeared to be the throw-out bearing.

    I worked my magic, but could only get him down to $4200 - I was going to walk away, and he was going to let me - I could tell he would have sat on this car for a year - it wasn't costing him to hold on to it. I finally decided that I would just go home and try to find this exact car anyway - so I agreed on $4200 cash.

    It was a long drive home at 106 degrees and no A/C, but the car ran pretty good - also no cruise control, and I learned you can't see the speedometer numbers once you get over 60mph.

    Got the car home and decided to drive it for a little while to build a full list of things to attack first. I did change all the fluids right away.

    There weren't any bad surprises, and a few good ones - the previous owner had swapped the pulley (I don't know what % it is), it had a Miltek catback, a Helix JCW air box, Alta IC diverter and spacers, and a Cooling Mist methanol injection system.

    I fixed the A/C with the $9 low fan resistor, fixed the radio by plugging in the amp. The passenger front woofer may be blown though, but I usually have the radio off and listen to the whine, burbles, and pops of the car.

    I swapped out the spark plugs for the correct colder range. I reupholstered the headliner myself - It is not great, but better than it was.

    We took a road trip to a town 36 miles away and when I pulled into the restaurant for lunch the top cat separated. Drove home in a LOUD car, and ordered a Megan Racing Header with empty cat. That seems to have cleared the Service Engine light.

    Since then I've purchased a CravenSpeed dipstick and Stubby. I mistakenly ordered the shift knob and then found out it doesn't fit the Gen1 R53s. Craven was gracious in allowing me to return the knob for a refund.

    Next up will be a coil swap - thinking MSD - as it occasionally has a misfire on hard pulls from 2800 - 3500 rpm.

    I know the throwout bearing will need attention and will replace the flywheel and clutch with higher performance package then too. I will probably order a new SC pulley and damper and replace the tensioner and motor mounts, as well as the crank position O-Ring - that is not currently leaking. I'll also change the supercharger oil.
     
  2. Skidmarks

    Skidmarks Active Member

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    #2 Skidmarks, Aug 12, 2017
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2017
    [​IMG]

    I swapped the fogged tails - they were beyond repair.

    I also used a Mothers headlight restoration kit on the headlights and they came out great.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    Save your money as stock coils are more than adequate for highly modified R53 engines and Welcome to Motoring Alliance the best MINI forum on the interweb !!
     
  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Welcome to MA! I wish I could see the pictures, it sounds great. I second on the coil the stock one is the best and safest bet. It is good to somewhere around 300hp. If you get a crank pulley get the ATI supper damper in the stock diameter. I have a 17% pulley on my R53 I would not go bigger. At 17% you start to get higher intake temps. You have meth so that should not be a problem for you. Make sure you get the proper belt for the smaller pulley. I think you said it but make sure to replace the idler pulley and the tensioner at the same time. Kick the front of the front wheels and see if the wheel move any if they do replace the control arm bushings with the Power Flex bushings, they will be good for a long time. When you order your parts you may want to use some of our sponsors they don't just support the sight but also the community.
    I wonder if it already has a tune?
     
  5. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to M/A! :Thumbsup:

    I can't add any useful commentary to that which has already been posted, but I CAN congratulate you on buying the best of the best in the MINI world...the Gen 1, '06 MCS! :ihih:
     
  6. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    I also would like to welcome you, and mention that there is a Wichita area MINI club called WAMO, look them up! You're also welcome at any of the KC MINI club events.....

    One of the most fun things we do with our MINIs is to get together for runs with other MINI owners.....
     
  7. Goldsmithy

    Goldsmithy MINI Alliance Ambassador
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    Welcome to the modness...sounds like you got what you wanted. Great site and greater people...
     
  8. Friskie

    Friskie Well-Known Member

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    Good pick. We're in the ICT area as well. Hurry up and get 'er ready for MITO come the last weekend in October...see ya there?
     
  9. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Welcome Aboard
     
  10. wjosh45

    wjosh45 Member

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    Welcome aboard.. great write up. Regarding the photos, you can attach them, would love to see. :)
     
  11. Skidmarks

    Skidmarks Active Member

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    I will fix the pictures - need to find the dang SD card.

    What is MITO?
     
  12. Skidmarks

    Skidmarks Active Member

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    [​IMG]

    Uploaded pictures directly to my album here and subscribed to my own thread </doh>
     
  13. Friskie

    Friskie Well-Known Member

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  14. Skidmarks

    Skidmarks Active Member

    Aug 12, 2017
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    Swapped out my crumbling, faded side markers -
    [​IMG]
    I'm not big on the Union Jack accessories, but this is pretty subtle.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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