1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: New to the site and MC's, got a few questions for you guys!

1. The list is long, unfortunately: Power steering pumps, water pump, upper engine mount, belt tensioner are common ones. There are more, but that's a start. Yes, the car is a PITA to work on, with regard to certain things--it's not that fixing something is technically difficult, but because everything is crammed in there, you have to take off like five other things to get to the one thing you need to fix. The MINI is a labor of love, but it's well worth the effort if you're die hard into the MINI like many of us are. And for what you want to do, the R53, either a 2005 or 2006, is perfect.

2. For a RELIABLE 220 WHP, you're looking at pulley, injectors, CAI, cam, header and tune. The engine can take 220WHP, but if you're getting a high mileage car, you definitely want to do a compression/leak test before you start modding. The transmission holds up just fine at that WHP, so does the clutch, no problems there. But the clutch may need to be addressed in a high mileage car--the stock clutch will work fine at that HP, but on a car with 100k, it's probably time for a replacement. At 100k, the supercharger is probably past it's limit too. In other words, it's probably going to be cheaper in the long run to pay more up front on a lower mileage car.

3. I hate cars that have been in accidents for track use, unless it was minor. Make absolutely sure nothing is bent in the frame or subframe, otherwise your life will be misery if you want to track it. Not as big an issue for around town, but I'd stay away from that car. I'd look for one that maybe has cosmetic issues--scratches, etc., but nothing structural. If you're patient, a good deal on a good car can be had, and it doesn't look like you need the car right away. You might even be able to find one that has the mods you want already installed and sorted out.

If you're thinking of the track, suspension and especially brake upgrades are a must. The stock R53 brakes just don't hold up well to the beating.

 

You do not have to do the last three steps in your list to get into service mode where you just tip the radiator forward (without draining/removing radiator) to gain access to the front of the engine (at least reach in with hands and tools).

 

It's just nuts and bolts so if you have the tools and the knowledge you should be fine and long as you have this...---> * a MUST HAVE is a Bently Manual. http://www.amazon.com/MINI-Cooper-Service-Manual-Convertible/dp/0837616395/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411591867&sr=8-1&keywords=2005+bentley+manual+mini[/COLOR]

 

Well, you just caught us on a good day...:devil:

 

If your racing you want a good diff and clutch and only one comes to mind.

OS Giken

Diff / LSD OS Giken MINI Cooper Limited Slip Differential
Clutch OS Giken MINI Cooper Clutch Kit

P.S. Get a real coolant overflow tank with a real cap from Jan at RMW.
The OEM one will just fail and fail over and over.

 

Why replace what hasn't broken. Mine is still holding at 123,000 miles.:fingerscrossed: Nothing wrong with replacing it, but I'm of the mind to wait until it's necessary.

 

The tank is a risk item that you have to trade off the impact if it starts to leak. If it leaks a little during a track day probably no impact, if it leaks/splits badly during a track day probably the end of your day and big impact.

My 2003 R53 tank started leaking at 30,000 miles. My 2006 R53 tank has not leaked at 88,000 miles so far. I believe a change was made and the 2005/2006 tanks are better than the earlier tanks.

I would tend to wait until it started to leak before replacement, because most start with a small/slow leak at the seam that should be noticed by frequent inspection.

 

Change the cranks sensor o-ring - they leak and people think they have an oil pan gasket leak - it's not, it's just the o-ring. Not hard to get to if you have the car in service mode.

 

Just get the RMW expansion tank. Pricey, but everything fits.

 

Short answer: no. If mine became a problem I'd replace it but not unless or until then. Jan is the guy to talk to; you might want to join the RMW forums too, especially with your list. MA is great, but there are a few folks on the RMW site that can really help you out--between MA and the RMW site, you can pretty much take care of anything you need.

 

Well a pulley is a pulley so you should be ok. Its all about them being installed correctly. Maybe you will be lucky. :fingerscrossed::biggrin5:

One more thing I forgot, make sure you check or replace the crank damper. If you are going to track your car because the OEM rubber ones have been known to fail and you don't want that to end your day of fun.

I have the ATI-Super Damper:
ATI MINI Cooper Super Damper R53

 

He's right about ALTA. I wish I could credit the source of this piece of wisdom, but a wise man, probably Confucius, Aristotle, or Andy Warhol (or maybe it was Carrot top, before the plastic surgery) once said, and I quote: "If you buy ALTA, it's your FAULTA."

Dave, you misspelled "Polyflex". Nate will be in contact with you shortly.

 

Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

 

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What is different from this tread you started?

http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/starting-line/22803-new-member-looking-buy-mcs.html#axzz3EGgG1EHK