Most liked posts in thread: My R53 journey, First time Mini owner,LOT S of pics

First thing was to debadge the stickers and fix the passenger window.
Installation was easy and I ended up installing some dynamat for sound quality and to make doors feel little more solid.

I also picked up a set of driving light covers in the classified section on NAM.

ince this picture I've removed the badge holder and ordered a headlight washer cover. I plan on installing it after I wetsand the headlights and remove the clear bra. Here is the mini next to my A4

I've also ordered a replacement scoop to replace this dog collar one which I painted today. Pics to follow soon

 

Ended up with a new scoop. Paint matches the roofline perfectly, not so much the stripes.

Also did a quick overview. Looks like the power steering pump is newish, but the lines are leaking. I am going to try better clamps if not I will replace them.

 

Picked up a very lightly used Invidia exhaust with titanium tips. Exhaust shield (the bit that goes between two mufflers that is attached to the underside of the battery mount) had all 4 studs snap off while trying to unbolt it.

 

So the windows were tinted Friday and the project for this weekend was headlight clearing and polishing. When I got the car I noticed how hazed the lights were and it bothered me (along with a few other things). Here are some pics. "Torro" is finally becoming a little car I am truly enjoying to drive.

 

Next up was the steering wheel. I couldn't find another checkmate steering wheel for sale, so instead I found a regular 3 spoke in great shape. More than likely I will be swapping out the seats at some point since I am not the fan of the blue/silver combo currently. As you can tell the factory wheel was pretty beat up.

halfway done

and finished product. Feel and looks much better! I took the time to really clean the buttons with a small detailing brush and some plastic cleaner.

 

Replaced a failing belt tensioner and found that the belt on it was K060535 so I ordered K060532 to go in its place. What I thought was a leaking power steering return line turned out to be just a poorly clamped hose. Tightened it and cleaned it up and no sign of leaks for 9 days now. . Cabin filter installed. Car has a Craven 17% reduction pulley as well as ATI super damper. Also installed upper JCW grill and will hack up the bottom portion soon. Pics to come soon!

Here is a pretty pic of the sunset yesterday

 

Thank you! Car needed some love for sure! Next will be front clear protection removal, paint correction and touch up and engine bay detail (once I decide to tackle supercharger service)

 

I agree! I posted them on Craigslist 4 days ago. I think I want to go with 16" wheels.
And thanks everyone. It's been a blast so far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thanks everyone! And thanks to Pelican Parts I just ordered
-oil dipstick O ring
-throttle housing gasket
-intake manifold gasket- manifold to intercooler air duct
-supercharger to intercooler air duct (upper)
-supercharger to air intake duct (left)
-water pump O ring
-spark plug hole gasket (4)
-valve cover gasket
-camshaft O ring
-Oil filter housing to black gasket

Let me know if I missed anything. I plan on checking the water pump condition and checking the spark plugs. There are new (blue) wires of some sort on the car and I assume the plugs were changed (I know I haven't checked). I am assuming I would need a step colder plugs since I am running a 17% pulley.

 

I used the 3M kit, but I also wetsanded between their dry sanding coats. so 500 grit wet sand, 800 grit wet sand, 2000 grit wet sand and finished with 3m 3000 grit polishing pad, polishing compound and I added a coat of wax.

 

so this past Saturday I decided to tackle the supercharger oil replacement. I've been toying with the idea of keeping the wheels and changing the color on them ( I'll make sure to take pics). Also the clear protection looks awful and it is has been cracking since I got the car so figured I'd tackle a few things at once. I only took a couple of pictures of my disassembly, but I am happy to report a few things.
1) I started and completed the oil replacement in the supercharger in one day. I took my time cleaning things and really learning the car.
2) I had no extra bolts left over
3) supercharger had plenty of oil. Water pump side was dark brown while the belt side was more honey brown.
4) I ordered Gates K060532 belt to go with already installed cravenspeed 17% reduction pulley (previous belt was K060535 which should work but I've read K060532 should be used???)
5)cleaned and oiled the intake and cleaned most of the engine bay
6) I hate the intercooler couplers with passion