1st Gen R53 Cooper S New Guy Here!

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by Newbie6, Apr 7, 2015.

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  1. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

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    #21 Red Bull, Apr 9, 2015
    Welcome! 15% or 17% depending on track use and octane available in your area. We only have 91 around here. :(
     
  2. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #22 Newbie6, Apr 9, 2015
    Ok that's pretty good info I don't baby my cars at all. I didn't really want mod this car too much since I have a modded mustang and Audi S4 this is just supposed to be a fun car that's saves gas LOL
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #23 MCS02, Apr 9, 2015
    I have a 17% I recommend a 15%. I leave in the south and the 17% makes a lot of heat. Now if you want to use meth, well not you the car, then you get a much lower heat delta.
     
  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #24 MCS02, Apr 9, 2015
    Oh and Dave would be the local meth head:D
     
  5. TheModFather

    TheModFather Well-Known Member

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    #25 TheModFather, Apr 9, 2015
    You should see the jugs he brings to the Dragon! :p
     
  6. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #26 Newbie6, Apr 9, 2015
    Ha ha I know about water/meth my mustang is boosted and I use the snow performance kit on that and I noticed a huge difference with it!
     
  7. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #27 wmwny, Apr 9, 2015
    My '06 MCS has a 15% pulley along with a Jan tune, a GP intercooler/diverter, enclosed airbox and some other stuff. It is my daily driver, Dragon slayer and weekend track car. I'm happy with the performance of the pulley I have.
     
  8. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #28 Newbie6, Apr 9, 2015

    15% seems to be what everyone is saying so far....and I'll look into this Jan tune as well
     
  9. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    #29 fridayxiii, Apr 10, 2015
    Just to help fill in the blanks, Jan is the man behind RMW. He does GREAT work with first gen MINIs, and also tunes race cars. (You can find him on Facebook under Revolution Motor Works). If you visit his website, don't panic :wink: but do register & get in on the forums -- tons of very honest, straight-forward info there from guys who know their shizzle & pull no punches.

    Jan does remote tunes, and is usually at the Dragon (MOTD), does tunes there too. Unless you're near SoCal, the best thing is to get in on a tune party where you can dyno the car & get a custom tune. Well worth the time, effort, and money. :Thumbsup:
     
  10. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #30 Newbie6, Apr 10, 2015

    Yea I noticed that when I tried looking up a Jan tune lol. I think I'm gonna do all the maintenance first, I noticed I need a new air filter, wouldn't hurt to do spark plugs and oil change to just start then trans oil and then maybe look at performance stuff later but it's all good info to know I'm really excited to learn more about this car all I hear is good things about it which is why I always do my research before I buy a car!
     
  11. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    #31 fridayxiii, Apr 10, 2015
    You've got the right idea: get the maintenance items up-to-date & take care of any repairs before enhancing the performance. Especially since you already have some other horses in the stable, you can take your time w/the MINI & do it right. Too many owners (esp. buying pre-owned) worry about going fast before making sure the car is sound, stable, and strong. But you've got some experience and your head on straight, so enjoy the experience!
     
  12. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #32 Newbie6, Apr 10, 2015

    Yea I've been down that road with my Audi even though mine was pretty good to go anyway I just made sure it was and after doing the timing chains which was a 10K job along with adding some performance mods I would like to keep it around for awhile and using the Mini as my daily would work out just fine.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  13. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #33 Newbie6, Apr 15, 2015
    Ok I have a quick question is the power steering in these cars supposed to be stiff while driving? I drove my S4 and it was pretty easy to turn the wheel and in this car it seems pretty tough to turn, just more then the Audi?
     
  14. TheModFather

    TheModFather Well-Known Member

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    #34 TheModFather, Apr 15, 2015
    R53 steering is pretty tight compared to most other cars... Its about equal to an R56 or R60 in "SPORT" mode. ;)
     
  15. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #35 Newbie6, Apr 15, 2015

    Oh alright I was just driving the Audi yesterday and it's just two different cars all together wasn't sure if something was wrong with my car or something?
     
  16. TheModFather

    TheModFather Well-Known Member

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    #36 TheModFather, Apr 15, 2015
    I haven't yet driven an S4 to give a good comparison... But if your R53's PS hoses aren't leaking, the tank is filled, and there are no abnormal noises, chances are you are good... Or you could try and have the PS replaced under last year's recall. ;) (Not sure how the recall works, but plenty of people here do.)
     
  17. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #37 Newbie6, Apr 15, 2015
    Well nothing is leaking and the powering steering fluid is good and I don't hear anything but I'll look into the recall since I have a Mini dealership right down the road from me probably why I wanted one driving by it every day LOL
     
  18. R53Junkie

    R53Junkie New Member

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    #38 R53Junkie, Apr 15, 2015
    I let my mom drive it yesterday. Chatted a little on the drive, then she parked it, got out and said "Does it have power steering?"
    I love that heavy steering though. :D
     
  19. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #39 Newbie6, Apr 16, 2015

    Ha ha that's funny well at least I wasn't the only one thinking it LOL
     
  20. Newbie6

    Newbie6 Member

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    #40 Newbie6, Apr 16, 2015
    Ok so another question, my fan didn't turn off right away when I turned the engine off, it was on for like 10 mins so is that normal or is a relay switch going bad?
     
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