Anyone here have a mini?

[Mark@SouthBayAutohaus]

Just wondering if anybody here has a mini, If anybody has any questions I have also had a lot of experience with minis.

[SYCO GT]

Hello Mark,

Welcome and great to have a MINI specialist on board.

As a new fan to the MINI, I have some questions for you.

What is your favorite MINI Coupe in terms of performance and driving experience, and why?

Do you favor the older generation R53 with the supercharger, or the newer models with the turbos?

How about in terms of modifications, which generation tends to respond better, from what you have seen?

[Laidback]

Nice a mini section...Randy can you post pics of your S!Ck mini cooperS:drool:Hello Mark,

Welcome and great to have a Mini specialist on board.

What is your favorite Mini Coupe in terms of performance and driving experience, and why?

The older generation R53 with the supercharger, or the newer models with the turbos?

How about in terms of modifications, which generation responds better, from what you have seen?

[Mark@SouthBayAutohaus]

I prefer the R53 from 2005 and up because of the final drive ratio. There is more aftermarket support for these and they are easier to modify. The is a lot of torque and power in the R56 turbo cars but it just comes on too early and the torque steer in the front wheel drive is too much. I have been working on the R50/R53 since 2003 and they are just a simple car. I have installed more than 25 JCW head/supercharger kits at the dealer but I would just suggest a aftermarket pulley, intake and exhaust for a fun reliable car. As far as suspension just some good shocks, H-sport springs and sway bars and camber plates, then you will have a fun auto x/ canyon carver. Lets see some pictures of those minis Syco GT.

[SYCO GT]

Thanks Mark. Woohoo! Thanks for your feedback.

The torque steer definitely keeps things interesting. I really like the feedback and response of the suspension and steering on my 2006 R53 Coupe, who I have affectionately named "Charlize."

Here's a picture of the little gal. I hope to bring her out to the next M Fest event / group drive.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/locate1.jpg

[Laidback]

She's a beauty Randy...:)

[SYCO GT]

She's a beauty Randy...:)

Thanks Chris! I appreciate the compliment.

[Bimmerlifestyle]

nice i love mini coopers, i would so get one it if was not 6.3 feet tall

[SYCO GT]

nice i love mini coopers, i would so get one it if was not 6.3 feet tall

Head room is actually amazingly large. I am about 6', and the head room in the Mini is much better than the GT. No problem with a helmet in this car. I've heard of a 6'7" inch Mini driver and even a 7'2" driver.

And the Mini is even better than most traditional "tall driver" cars.

(From the internet)

Actually, the Mini is a pretty good choice for tall folk. Consumer Reports
lists the following 2003 cars as good choices for "Tall drivers": Acura MDX,
Acura TL, Acura RL, Audi A6, Honda Pilot, Nissan Altima, Volvo V70, and the
Volkswagen Passat.

Here's how they stack up vis-a-vis the Mini in regard to front leg -- head
room (all in inches):

Mini: 43.0 -- 4.5

I think a e60 M5 is about 39 inches front headroom.

Acura MDX: 41.0 -- 3.5
Acura TL: 41.5 -- 2.5
Acura RL: 41.5 -- 1.5
Audi A6: 42.0 -- 4.0
Honda Pilot: 41.0 -- 7.5
Nissan Altima 42.0 -- 5.0
Volvo V70: 43.0 -- 3.5
V. Passat 42.0 -- 4.0

Kinda surprising, isn't it? Only the Volvo V70 has as much front leg room,
and only the Honda Pilot and Nissan Altima have more front head room.

[Mark@SouthBayAutohaus]

Very nice mini. The dark silver is my favorite color. Did yours come with the lsd diff? What mods have you done to yours?

[SYCO GT]

Very nice mini. The dark silver is my favorite color. Did yours come with the lsd diff? What mods have you done to yours?

It was nicely built to order, including the limited slip differential, the sport chrono pack, and the xenons. No sunroof for a stiff chassis.

2006 MINI Cooper S
Std features –
1.6 liter, 4 cylinder, supercharged motor
6 speed manual transmission
4 wheel anti-lock brakes
All-season traction control (ASC)
Driver, front, side airbags
6 way adjustable sport seats
Power windows, locks, mirrors
Dark Silver Metallic exterior paint
Space Grey/Panther Black Cloth interior
Sport package (DCS, fogs, wheels, Xenon)
Limited Slip Differential
Multifunction steering wheel
Cockpit chrono package (dual gauge pod on steering wheel)
On board computer
Harman-Kardon upgraded sound system

Upgrades –

A bunch of Dinan and Alta parts for supercharger, intercooler, wheels, suspension and exhaust.

Considering a BBK, right now it's just pads and stainless steel lines. I was running DOT 5 brake fluid for a while.

[Bimmerlifestyle]

Head room is actually amazingly large. I am about 6', and the head room in the Mini is much better than the GT. No problem with a helmet in this car. I've heard of a 6'7" inch Mini driver and even a 7'2" driver.

And the Mini is even better than most traditional "tall driver" cars.

(From the internet)

Actually, the Mini is a pretty good choice for tall folk. Consumer Reports
lists the following 2003 cars as good choices for "Tall drivers": Acura MDX,
Acura TL, Acura RL, Audi A6, Honda Pilot, Nissan Altima, Volvo V70, and the
Volkswagen Passat.

Here's how they stack up vis-a-vis the Mini in regard to front leg -- head
room (all in inches):

Mini: 43.0 -- 4.5

I think a e60 M5 is about 39 inches front headroom.

Acura MDX: 41.0 -- 3.5
Acura TL: 41.5 -- 2.5
Acura RL: 41.5 -- 1.5
Audi A6: 42.0 -- 4.0
Honda Pilot: 41.0 -- 7.5
Nissan Altima 42.0 -- 5.0
Volvo V70: 43.0 -- 3.5
V. Passat 42.0 -- 4.0

Kinda surprising, isn't it? Only the Volvo V70 has as much front leg room,
and only the Honda Pilot and Nissan Altima have more front head room.

hmmmmmm i going to have to test drive one now

thanks

[Laidback]

Randy,

You really know how to pick and tastefully mod a car...i can't wait to see the mini in person...

[SYCO GT]

hmmmmmm i going to have to test drive one now

thanks

Honestly, it's the weirdest thing. There is a lot of room in the front, where it feels definitely comfortable. I'm not talking about just the headroom, which is great, but also the controls and seats and everything. Feels like a larger car in a way. Have fun!

[Bimmerlifestyle]

Honestly, it's the weirdest thing. There is a lot of room in the front, where it feels definitely comfortable. I'm not talking about just the headroom, which is great, but also the controls and seats and everything. Feels like a larger car in a way. Have fun!

cool, i have a friend that has one ill just tell him to let me drive it for a week or 2....
ill let you know wat i think about them :D

[Bimmerlifestyle]

Upgrades –

A bunch of Dinan and Alta parts for supercharger, intercooler, wheels, suspension and exhaust.

Considering a BBK, right now it's just pads and stainless steel lines. I was running DOT 5 brake fluid for a while.


a BBK will fit ???

[SYCO GT]

a BBK will fit ???

I'm running Dinan 18 inch custom 3 piece forged wheels, so there are at least 5 brake kit options. JCW kit, Dinan kit, Brembo kit, Wilwood kit, and Stoptech kit.

Here's another snap:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/IMG_3465copy.jpg

[Bimmerlifestyle]

ooooooo wow that look very nice
really clean
i like :thumbsup2:

[SYCO GT]

ooooooo wow that look very nice
really clean
i like :thumbsup2:

Thanks Bimmerlifestyle for the props!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/IMG_0109copy.jpg

[Laidback]

Have you thought of doing the roof gloss black?

[SYCO GT]

Have you thought of doing the roof gloss black?

Good suggestion.

Definitely a very stylish look and popular factory option, either the gloss black (or occasional white roof). But I do really like the Dark Silver color, and I think it's actually rarer and more unique to have a matching roof color.

But it is tempting when I see the black roof Dark Silver Mini's. But I'll likely keep it stock color.

My MINI actually has a twin sister. Father and Son ordered both MINI's at the same time, custom spec'ing every option identically. The one difference, the son got a black roof. Looks more hardcore. The son also tracks the car, whereas mine was kept by the father as one pristine, perfectly pampered show quality car.

Here is Charlize's twin sister, with black roof and tinted windows.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/P8010399.jpg

[Laidback]

Very nicely done, the black roof looks menacing...yeah maybe you can do it in the future...Good suggestion.

Definitely a very stylish look and popular factory option, either the gloss black (or occasional white roof). But I do really like the Dark Silver color, and I think it's actually rarer and more unique to have a matching roof color.

But it is tempting when I see the black roof Dark Silver Mini's. But I'll likely keep it stock color.

My MINI actually has a twin sister. Father and Son ordered both MINI's at the same time, custom spec'ing every option identically. The one difference, the son got a black roof. Looks more hardcore. The son also tracks the car, whereas mine was kept by the father as one pristine, perfectly pampered show quality car.

Here is Charlize's twin sister, with black roof and tinted windows.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/P8010399.jpg

[myke951]

Pretty sick mini... I have a 2004 R53 too... does the 05+ gearbox really make that much difference? I would think after a certain amount of torque and hp that it would hamper performance... I have a 15% alta pully, craven speed oem sized lightweight crank pully, a dinan cold air intake, skunk 2 catback, I believe obx headers with stock cat welded on, I had an alta intercooler but it was garbage compared o stock... heatsoaked easy! I have wilwood BBK, Breyton magic mini sport rims, 15mm spacers in front to clear the BBK, Stud conversion, RMW tune, Motor & transmission mount poly-eurathane bushings and I think thats it... OH for suspension I have H-sport rear camber links, Alta rear sway, eiback springs (which i think are garbage, i wanna switch out to coilovers), OMP front strut bar... I was probably going to add a RMW Cam next and flywheel and looking maybe to do a Rotrext supercharger conversion and RMW head if possible... What mods do you currently have on your mini? and what would you recommend?

[myke951]

Pre-brake kit, tune, wheel studs, alta IC removal, rally light removal, and RMW tune

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x243/cmp91731/1230071523a.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x243/cmp91731/minienginebay.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x243/cmp91731/Miniback.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x243/cmp91731/miniside.jpg

[myke951]

BTW I am 6'4"... It is one of the only cars that i have trouble "kissing the roof... while seated!!! R53 FTW!

[SYCO GT]

Sweet R53 Myke! How do you like the headers and Wilwood brakes? Brakes are the next thing I would like to do, I'm debating. I just have the stock brakes with HPS pads, stainless steel lines and DOT 5 fluid. I haven't tracked her yet, so brake performance hasn't been a problem on the street for me. But it would be nice to have more performance and fade resistance for a track event.

Upgrades –
Suspension
Dinan custom valved Koni front struts and rear shocks
Dinan custom Eibach sport springs
Dinan adjustable rear sway bar (19mm)
Alta rear, adj, sway bar end links
Alta rear lower adj control arms
Stainless steel brake lines
Hawk HPS brake pads
Dinan custom 3 piece race wheels, forged centers, 18” x 7.5”
Stud Conversion

Motor
Dinan 15% reduction Supercharger pulley kit
Dinan spark plug wires - blue
Dinan Cold Air Intake system
Dinan free flow sport exhaust system
Dinan upgraded fuel pump and fuel management system
Dinan custom Stage 5 engine management software
Alta larger intercooler (100% larger, 40% greater flow)
Alta intercooler silicon hose kit - blue

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/IMG_4121copy.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/IMG_4077copy.jpg

[Bimmerlifestyle]

Sweet R53 Myke! How do you like the headers and Wilwood brakes? Brakes are the next thing I would like to do, I'm debating. I just have the stock brakes with HPS pads, stainless steel lines and DOT 5 fluid. I haven't tracked her yet, so brake performance hasn't been a problem on the street for me. But it would be nice to have more performance and fade resistance for a track event.

Upgrades –
Suspension
Dinan custom valved Koni front struts and rear shocks
Dinan custom Eibach sport springs
Dinan adjustable rear sway bar (19mm)
Alta rear, adj, sway bar end links
Alta rear lower adj control arms
Stainless steel brake lines
Hawk HPS brake pads
Dinan custom 3 piece race wheels, forged centers, 18” x 7.5”
Stud Conversion

Motor
Dinan 15% reduction Supercharger pulley kit
Dinan spark plug wires - blue
Dinan Cold Air Intake system
Dinan free flow sport exhaust system
Dinan upgraded fuel pump and fuel management system
Dinan custom Stage 5 engine management software
Alta larger intercooler (100% larger, 40% greater flow)
Alta intercooler silicon hose kit - blue

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/IMG_4121copy.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/IMG_4077copy.jpg



VERY NICE :thumbsup2:

[myke951]

I HIGHLY recommend you go with the RMW tune... you WILL gain 10whp throughout the whole range of RPMs... I had GIAC and I gained 15whp, and brought it to a safer A/F... that is a must in modding over canned tunes... I can Beat g35's, s2000's, I beat a lightly moded e40 330ZHP, I am pretty sure ill take a mustang gt too! I say lose the Alta IC the stock one has less pressure loss and is made of lighter material allowing it to cool much faster when heat-soaked! For drag the alta may be a little better, but for traffic and tracking your car, keep the stock... I had the exact same IC, It has little clearance from the manifold so it doesn't allow as much air to pass through to allow it to cool as fast...

When I get back to the area we should meet up and share ideas as i have some for cooling which is the main restrictor with the mini and stock SC... I am also curious to test the 05+ gearbox!

[myke951]

Oh, the headers are okay... the RMW headers are better as they have a true merge collector, not a bad price either... you get a little more hp maybe 10whp with a tune 7whp without, the RMW header has had some complaints of vibrations so i wouldnt recommend for comfort as of now but the performance has been proven... The brakes are pretty good (when heated up), but is a little dangerous on cold braking as you will just be envoking abs wayy to easy because of the pads they give you (race), but i think it did upset the balance between front and rear... upgrade the rear rotors and pads and get the caliper stiffening kit to help that... I can let you drive my car to test them out...

[SYCO GT]

Thanks for all the tips Myke. I've heard a lot of things about Jan and RMW, and every single thing has been good. I've never met him.

We'll have to get together later when you are around and we both have time. Did you go to the first Vegas M Fest? I was there, but I don't recall seeing a MINI. I want to bring my MINI to some M Fest events or drives.

[myke951]

No, I went with Eloy in my dad's M5 to show off the exhaust... And yeah, get hooked up and get tuned by jan... probably cost you $500 at the most including dyno time... cost me 450$ 1 hour dyno time and 350$ for the tune... Ill go with you if I come home for winter break...

I remember your ford GT though... you have a s/c pulley in it right?

[Mark@SouthBayAutohaus]

Pretty sick mini... I have a 2004 R53 too... does the 05+ gearbox really make that much difference? I would think after a certain amount of torque and hp that it would hamper performance... I have a 15% alta pully, craven speed oem sized lightweight crank pully, a dinan cold air intake, skunk 2 catback, I believe obx headers with stock cat welded on, I had an alta intercooler but it was garbage compared o stock... heatsoaked easy! I have wilwood BBK, Breyton magic mini sport rims, 15mm spacers in front to clear the BBK, Stud conversion, RMW tune, Motor & transmission mount poly-eurathane bushings and I think thats it... OH for suspension I have H-sport rear camber links, Alta rear sway, eiback springs (which i think are garbage, i wanna switch out to coilovers), OMP front strut bar... I was probably going to add a RMW Cam next and flywheel and looking maybe to do a Rotrext supercharger conversion and RMW head if possible... What mods do you currently have on your mini? and what would you recommend?

The 05+ gearbox makes a huge difference especially with the LSD. You should test drive a 05+ car you will like it. Let me know if you want to do the swap.

[myke951]

The 05+ gearbox makes a huge difference especially with the LSD. You should test drive a 05+ car you will like it. Let me know if you want to do the swap.

How much would it typically run?

[SYCO GT]

I remember your ford GT though... you have a s/c pulley in it right?

Good memory. Yes, just have a smaller diameter Heffner Pulley and Heffner Tune.

[Orange fever]

gominigo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[myke951]

gominigo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

haha... mini's are coming up n the mod game... just ask JAN from RMW... Fastest time around the streets of willow in a mini... 1:26 including the bowl section... That was with only 260whp... no stroker kit or tvs which he just fired up and tested today! bored and stroked from a 1.6L to a 2.0L and a TVS S/C instead of the stock S/C... Its gunna be scary... definitely going to see some suprising times from a mini at SOW

[SYCO GT]

Hey Myke,

I spent about 30 minutes over at NAM tonight reviewing some of the RMW threads. Wow. Incredible that Jan is able to consistently work his magic, and it looks like increase power AND driveability.

I also read about Octane's recent rebuild, cool stuff...

I better stay out of those threads, I'm trying not to spend any (more) money on the MINI, since it's my daily...

[Phiberglass]

Nope.

[myke951]

Hey Myke,

I spent about 30 minutes over at NAM tonight reviewing some of the RMW threads. Wow. Incredible that Jan is able to consistently work his magic, and it looks like increase power AND driveability.

I also read about Octane's recent rebuild, cool stuff...

I better stay out of those threads, I'm trying not to spend any (more) money on the MINI, since it's my daily...

Haha... yeah I get on NAM too! The crazy part is that the tune and cam are so cheap and does not decrease reliability, the tune IMHO is the best mod out there, you know how the mini fees like it has a flatspot up to 3000rpm? he corrects it with the tune! after the tune it was easy to break my tires loose in the middle of 1st gear, I have chirped my tires in 3rd gear with 3 men in the car and the stock clutch! The cam is said to give een more mid range and upper hp power only 500$ for install and cam! 45$ for the tune! with a grand you add 30hp in a car that only weighs 2600lbs....oh and the tune increases mpg from my experience!

[myke951]

Nope.

??? Nope what?

[SYCO GT]

The thread asks "anyone here have a MINI?"

I think he is just responding to that question.

[myke951]

The thread asks "anyone here have a MINI?"

I think he is just responding to that question.

LMAO! But that doesnt make sense seeing that 2 people do have mini's here, therefore "someone" DOES have a MINI! haha... MINIs FTW! haha

[SYCO GT]

LMAO! But that doesnt make sense seeing that 2 people do have mini's here, therefore "someone" DOES have a MINI! haha... MINIs FTW! haha

Yeah, true. Not really sure then. :confused:

[myke951]

Yeah, true. Not really sure then. :confused:

Hmmm...could he be diss-ing the mini? Phiber please chime in! Haha, It looks like i will be coming home for winter break, I think we are gunna have to make that trek to go get my cam and get your tune done... Should head out to an event as the only 2 minis!

[SYCO GT]

Hmmm...could he be diss-ing the mini? Phiber please chime in!

Doubtful. He has a 1-series, so he has obviously an affinity for the smaller sporty cars.

I'd like to meet Jan and check out the whole RMW scene. Again, not sure if I will do anything just yet, since I am "dialed-in" with Dinan, and their Stage V software...

Yeah, I know it's just a canned, not custom tune. I'm open to new things, but also happy with my set up right now. Just don't get me near a dyno, or I may be changing my "tune" (literally and metaphorically)...

[SYCO GT]

Have you thought of doing the roof gloss black?

Chris, you sure know how to plant a seed.

Lately, I have been more and more obsessed with tint and a black roof for the MINI...I think the roof could be wrapped maybe. Anyone have experience with vinyl wraps?

Anyone know a really good window tinter and vehicle vinyl graphics store? I need to do some commercial vehicle graphics too on a moving van and some golf carts.

[myke951]

Doubtful. He has a 1-series, so he has obviously an affinity for the smaller sporty cars.

I'd like to meet Jan and check out the whole RMW scene. Again, not sure if I will do anything just yet, since I am "dialed-in" with Dinan, and their Stage V software...

Yeah, I know it's just a canned, not custom tune. I'm open to new things, but also happy with my set up right now. Just don't get me near a dyno, or I may be changing my "tune" (literally and metaphorically)...

just drive my car and you will make the rmw jump... trust me.. with my giac software I did and am VEEERRRRYYY happy with it. GIAC is suppose to be one of the better tuners and my timing was advanced 21 degrees for some reason! AS a saftey issue i urge you to dyno your car and then tune it... Dinan did do a good job o the CAI (as is why i kept mine), But i don't know so much about any canned tune for that manner... Just wait for decmber and i willl meet up with you and we will head out to rmw and we can checkout his shop as ive never been to his shop... if RPI made products for the mini it would be RMW as jan has built a 10.3 sec mini drag car with his 2.0 stroker... Have you seen the video i posted on here with one of his customers beating on an e46m3 off a pull?

[SYCO GT]

just drive my car and you will make the rmw jump... trust me..

You are a dangerous influence Myke. I can feel the wheels spinning in my head already...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/IMG_0131copy.jpg

[myke951]

haha, that is good... 1 more month and we shall mingle!

[myke951]

does your car have spacers randy? your fronts look like they stick ut pretty wide so i was jw...

[myke951]

IF you get a BBK you may need some... ill give you some for free if you need them... I didnt put them on in the back as my rears would scrape the fenderwells with them in the back (15mm H&R) but the fronts are fine...

[SYCO GT]

Thanks much for the offer Myke.

No spacers, but running tires that are not super wide. 225/35 18 Toyo Proxes, all around.

Just stainless lines, DOT 5, and Hawk HPS, for now.

BBK is actually the first thing I would want to do, for additional mod and if I decide to track. Not sure how far I will take the MINI. Very balanced daily driver now.

[SYCO GT]

I didnt put them on in the back as my rears would scrape the fenderwells with them in the back (15mm H&R) but the fronts are fine...

That's what is known as "self-adjusting" inner fender well clearances.

Heheh...But yeah, that's one of the reasons I am running 225's front and rear. Also, more neutral handling. What are you running for tires and how do you like your set up?

[myke951]

That's what is known as "self-adjusting" inner fender well clearances.

Heheh...But yeah, that's one of the reasons I am running 225's front and rear. Also, more neutral handling. What are you running for tires and how do you like your set up?

I am not sure on my tire sizes... I know I am running a "cheap" brand like nextans or something but they are actually pretty grippy! Got them as a set for only 300$! I have the breyton magic mini rims and i have my 19mm rear sway bar dialed in as stiff as possible and I dont really like it that stiff to tell you the truth...I think the rear end gets way to twitchy at higher speeds through turns... My tail starts to come around on me too easily... for a tight course it is okay but would still prefer to loosen it up a little and/or add some negative camber... I think i need my suspension re-aligned too, I want to get rid of the eibachs and go with the tsw springs as the spring weight is linear and stiffer than the eibachs... If I do this I expect huge gains in controlability... Id also like a rear strut brace and tsw x brace as I feel it will help a ton... I know I got alot on my mind but I feel it is all very well sorted out for seeming so cluttered... I know exactly what I want... And my mini is my daily for now too so I am in the same boat as you but feel these performance upgrades will not sacrafice reliability...

[myke951]

BTW, You can test out my wilwoods, maybe meet up with others and test out a JCW second gen brake kit for the r53(I heard good things about it!)... Maybe look into stoptech as their BBK stopped the mini the fastest in the sports compact superfour challenge! I went for the wilwood as a budget conscious decision... If you like the wilwoods I can get them to you at a good price... they are definitely better in feel than stock IMHO... Oh yeah, and a cool thing about Jans tune is that it makes the dsc less restrictive (doesnt bog down the car nearly as much) making it more enjoyable when leaving it on and also the A/F ratios are kept safe as Jan tunes the car safely, he leaves some hp on the plate in exchange for a safer running engine which Is what i liked seeing as Mine is a daily also!