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

Better than stock but still uses OEM cap.
In the past, various people on forum have suggested using a tank that uses a standard pressure cap rather than OEM (threaded on). You might want to search on coolant tank in the forums.

 

Yup the RMW tank is the way to go. I have one and it does not leak at all.

 

Another totally satisfied RMW customer here. Jan is The Man.

 

Headliner can be more expensive than the roof skin depending on the liner...

Valve cover gasket leak needs looking into obviously.

Control arm bushings are a given to wear out--upgrading them makes a huge difference.

 

Friends don't let friends buy ALTA parts. :arf::nonod: :ihih::lol:

If you want good springs buy Swift springs.
https://www.greeneperformance.com/mini/swift-spec-r-lowering-springs.html

Here are the PollyFlex Lower control arm bushings:
http://store.helix13.com/powerflex-lower-control-arm-street-bushings/

Valve cover gasket Part # from dealership: PROFILE-GASKET 11121485838 only $17.75

As for a pulley I have a Helix 15% and have never had an issue over 8 years.
Helix MINI Cooper Supercharger Pulley

15% belt (535)
Amazon.com: Gates K060535 Multi V-Groove Belt: Automotive

Gates 38404 Belt Tensioner same as OEM:
Amazon.com: Gates 38404 Belt Tensioner: Automotive

Since you are doing all the above you may as well replace the idler pulley since it is only (1) bolt and you have the belt off.
Gates 36168 Idler Pulley:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FM9WTC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

If you start chewing up belts like a fat kid eating Oreo's you will at least know what the cause is. :ihih::lol:

 

Yup and that's the problem..... CR_P or SH_T <- Like to buy a vowel ?:idea::lol:

 

^^^ :lol::lol::lol:

Yeah I made a new word Powerflex + Polyurethane = Pollyflex.

Powerflex Polyurethane Lower control arm bushings
Powerflex Polyurethane Lower control arm bushings
Powerflex Polyurethane Lower control arm bushings
Powerflex Polyurethane Lower control arm bushings
Powerflex Polyurethane Lower control arm bushings

 

I will jump in the party and say all these dudes helped me too my plan is to step up to ~220 (limit for my weight in TTC) via cams/injector/head/header/tune this winter.

For track use, if you are going to do a lot of events I second doing the crank pulley, sustained high rpm use will break it and it will be messy (ask me how i know lol ) another part I found value in is the RMW oil pan baffle dohickey. Adding an oil temp gauge made me realize I needed a cooler badly!!! I was running 280F+ in the summer events

 

Smart move. Take your time and find the right car, they are out there, and if time isn't an issue, you'll be able to find a good deal.