My 244HP R53 MINI Cooper S Mods & test drive (mods in description!)

[@ModMINI]

Hi KZbinrs - This car just won the "Best MINI Cooper Hardtop" award at the Puget Sound MINI Motoring Club annual car show! Yay!

[@Nitramgrob]

Congrats!...Great Looking R53

[@mattclose1439]

Almost went to this but had something come up last minute... I'll be there this year!

[@IamMagPie]

***** Congratulations! A very worthy winner indeed!

[@emmel07]

Hey Mod MINI, as far as modifications go and seeking the expert opinion of the Gen 1 MINI god himself, is the Hill Assist feature found on the R56 & F56 MINIs a possible mod for the R53? If it is what are your install rates so I can plan a trip up for SoCal up to PNW. lol

[@seizedkeyboard]

Hey Mod Mini. Hello from the UK. You are the reason I am riding around in a Grey R53 JCW with red bits in it. It makes 225 bhp at the wheels right now. I have always had this problem - the car lurches a little when pulling away, but always does it. At first I thought it was engine mounts, so they are all changed. Then the clutch so that went. Then I thought fuel so I have the car remapped. Its still here. Its driving me crazy. Please can you help? Thanks, Sam - The car is so much fun and the 2 boys love it, so its a member of the family now.

[@christofferlunoe1305]

You have build yourself an affordable Race-Cooper and gave it a great personal touch....exactly as it should be, ...respect to you Sir !

[@davidrodrigues2300]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your help in my quest to go fast. Bought this 2003 MINI Cooper S on July 1. Been doing my own work after the local mechanic shop got under my skin. Got my 15 percent pulley kit installed from Way Motor Works. Serviced the SC, changed the oil pan gasket and crank position sensor O ring as there was oil all over the pan. Still need to find my A/C leak. Thought it was a cracked hose but I was wrong. Also changed the AC compressor clutch.Smogged my car this morning and installed my DDM CAI this evening. Watched about every video of yours I could find. You've been great in answering my questions. I've gained much confidence as I did all this work because of your videos and never would have considered wrenching on some of these projects in the past. Gotta earn some more dough and keep boosting the HP. Thanks again, Kurt!

[@bernardbarbour]

That's awesome. Way to go!

[@ethanmullen7251]

I've wanted a Cooper S since I was 9 years old and saw my first Mini at the auto show with my dad in 2002. Over the last 10 years I've watched mini's grow... and grow... and grow... I always thought I'd buy a brand new one but I can't help wanting a good ol tiny super charge whirring R53... Finally graduating college this year and this video made me so much more excited for the chase of a super low mileage stock R53 that I can rip apart and make my own. Not sure if i'll ever have as hard core of a racer as you do, but ive certainly got the itch now...

[@ModMINI]

I'm with you. The new MINIs are too big and too refined for my taste. There are many rough R53s out there but there are many very clean ones as well, even some low mileage ones. I had a 2003 come through my garage the other day with only 62,000 miles and in excellent shape. It had a couple minor oil leaks and needed brakes (it was still riding on its original pads and rotors!) and that was it. I also know a guy with a 2006 GP with only 34,000 miles on it. So be patient and be willing to pay a little extra for a clean one!

[@thisisapen]

Ethan Mullen Goodluck finding the car mate! Picked up an R53 MCS myself recently after owning an R56. No regrets in going Supercharged route (and 99% of cars in the UK are turbo or NA)

[@josemiguel77]

From Wisconsin and was recently in Arizona and wound up buying my very first Mini I've always loved these things it's a R53 6spd supercharged and I'm so excited to get to build this thing and see what it will do against all of my buddies civics I also recently ordered Raceland coilovers all the way around and -17% supercharger pulley and a +2% crankshaft pulley as well as a full MSD ignition system. I wasn't to sure what to expect but your video gives me such hope for it

[@robertstancliffsr9575]

@@ModMINI I have a 2003 MINI R50 with a little over 20,000 miles. I have recently started driving it more and it looks and drives like new, as it should with only 20,000 miles. Only mods are an after market exhaust which gives it a deep exhaust sound and aftermarket Konig wheels because my original wheels were stolen.......

[@nickmacker5683]

painted them red because....race car lol

[@stephenswytak1092]

Thanks very much for all your guidance and help to the Mini Community. FWIW my '03 car is similar to yours. Last dynod 250 hp. Lots spent. I'm fortunate to have RMW in the neighborhood. Based on my experience (and not a full listing of what I've done) my suggested order for mods: 22 mm rear sway bar, OMP front chassis stiffener, 15% pulley, RMW head, with OBX header & RMW tune with injectors and plugs. Then street cam. Somewhere along the line put in a RMW fluid damper/engine pulley and RMW oil sump Baffle. Next to the pulley, best bang for the buck after 15% pulley is the RMW head and tune, but if you put the car through long sweepers with sticky tires, do put in the oil sump baffle. I use Ferodo DS2500 pads on stock front brakes and had no trouble stopping at Streets of Willow after a half hour session, though they were really hot. Petrich in Washington area recommended the ducting and said it made bigger brakes unnecessary. I have Cross Coil Overs so if you don't do a good coil over, you need camber adjustment somehow along with rear control arms. The Valeo clutch works fine, though I wish it weighed 10 fewer pounds. Also, a limited slip (Ford Torsen in my case) is a real good idea if you autocross,, although most of the mods will push you into a class you won't be competitive in

[@scottbrixey6284]

244 is a shit ton for these cars. I've got a friend who is pushing just over 200 and it felt like a fighter jet lol

[@ModMINI]

Scott Brixey If this car was RWD it would be perfect...

[@whoeverthefuckiwanttobe4962]

Mod MINI naahhh fwd mini doesn’t count as regular fwd in my book

[@bootao009]

@@whoeverthefuckiwanttobe4962 why?

[@muwuny]

@@whoeverthefuckiwanttobe4962 Yeah, why?

[@realkevintorres]

@@whoeverthefuckiwanttobe4962 why

[@Hit3chlolife]

Thinking of converting over to the Cooper S. I've been a closet fan for far too long! This is a great build and hopefully mine will come out just as good keep up the great work *****!

[@ModMINI]

Jerome Dumas Thanks, good luck with it when you get around to doing it!

[@TheRealBilby]

I don't even own a mini but the way you setup this video and how you are so thorough with explaining is awesome. Keep up the great work man and awesome car you have here!

[@cycling1900]

That is a very sweet set up. Kuddos on your cooper. I have say though, Red does not make it fast, but it does bring speeding tickets. English Racing Green makes it fast.... lol

[@DanRaabecoach2014]

I like what you did with your car. I bought a clutch from JM Turbocoopers and actually talked with the supplier in NY who re-makes the stock mini pressure plates and disc and then marries it up to a single plate flywheel. It has a little chatter when cold but the disc has kevlar material which I am told gets a little noisey when it starts to wear in. I hope it lasts. I have a 2007 MCS with only a couple of mods. KO4, Ported and ceramic manifolds, turbo, high flow cat, Alta exhaust... Runs good . Dyno's at 206 HP and 196 Ft Lbs torque max...Only problem is the aftermarket parts don't always match to each other. They do match to the OEM parts.

[@wesloven9593]

I live in the area you filmed this! just stumbled across this video on the day I bought my first 2005 R53 MINI Coop S

[@ModMINI]

See you around

[@garfieldsimpson3114]

I bought 4 380cc injectors. New throttle body with the boost valve. New mad coil, and msd wires. Fuel pump replace 2 weeks ago. So I will post a next post after all parts are installed.

[@badgeftw4520]

i love the sound that the R53 minis make from the supercharge wind.

[@emansmith9976]

This car is a beast! Im a teenager and I just got my first car, a 04 Cooper s and currently am installing a 17% reduction pulley. Love the channel and ur car is awesome.

[@Eri94]

I just picked up a mini a few weeks ago after selling my car and I'm glad I found your channel. Def subbed

[@mercoid]

Fantastic! You inspire new enthusiasm for my '04 R53. Mine is still bone stock except for a K&N panel filter. I had all sorts of plans for mods when I got it but alas..., no $. Thank you for all your maintenance tips. Your channel is valuable, and I appreciate it.

[@ModMINI]

If you only do one mod, the best and cheapest mod is a supercharger pulley. You'll get about 15HP gain for $200 or so.

[@mercoid]

***** I have to find a way to get it done for $200. Someone quoted me $700. I was like "no way!" I need to find someone with a puller and the experience to help me. 15hp would make me fall in love with the car again. After all these years theres no current car out there I care to own.

[@ModMINI]

mercoid When I first got my car (and before I my garage shop stocked with MINI tools), there was a shop in my area and I recall they said they would do it for $200 labor. Is there a MINI club in your area? There may be someone with enough expertise / access to tools to help you out. Or, they could point you to a local shop that would be able to do this.

[@kevinlepic]

Thanks for sharing your mods... Ran across your channel while looking at mod reviews while making plans for my GP. Local WA too!

[@TheFUNBOXcrew]

I have a 03 cooper s manual same color with the white hood and mirrors. Under the hood i have lots of mods alot i dont know but forsure its MSD ignition, B&M shifter, m7 stiffining bars, and many other good upgrades i recently purchased it and drives awesome! seeing yours tho is where i want to be and have on the track ! (:

[@bubbadeville4892]

Ah man i miss that eaton m45 whine! Nice R53 mate!

[@jgregoryj1]

I have a jcw mc40 and my dad has a 2003 mini s with jcw package. Man I I've these Gen1 minis and the supercharger I could listen to it all day long. Love my mini

[@AlKnighty]

Today I drove a modded R53 with similar power figures. My god was the thing a monster. Like a damn fighter jet, and by far the best thing I've driven. It's for sale and makes we want to sell my stock R50 Cooper for it!

[@ModMINI]

R53 is so much more car. Go for it.

[@IOGTKI]

Man I love this car. I love all your videos. I’ve done the timing chain tensionor the tensionor belt and the alternator with your help! Mini Nation!

[@user-or1lu3ku3m]

I absolutely love my R53 and that sound is amazing

[@Theurgicnick]

Such a nice R53! Awesome channel! Keep up the good work you do for the mini community. Your channel is my first point of reference if I need to work on my R53 project car alongside my Bentley manual and ISTA D on the laptop!

[@MrDaddy525]

My mini looks exactly like yours when it was stock.. GREAT IDEAS BRO thanks

[@ModMINI]

Cool! I have only seen maybe one other dark silver w/ white roof & bonnet stripes! A doppelgänger!

[@RevSolution4U]

Pretty much doing the same build to my 2004 JCW. The RMW cam, head, header, tune, 550 injectors, a Craven 17% pulley, Cabrio braces and finally a NM rear sway bar. Thank you for all the tips!

[@Youtubedotcomma]

1600cc @ 244bhp! Love it!!

[@agravel214]

i love the headlight body color mod you did. (aside from the red that is) great sounding mini, i love that sound as well of the supercharger winding up.

[@ModMINI]

Red=racecar! I understand it's not for everyone. But who doesn't like the supercharger whine, right? :-)

[@Bloxyz]

Awesome mini you have there! A huge inspiration for me to buy one. Also a very well made video, put together well and the sound is perfect.

[@ModMINI]

***** Thanks for watching. I can't stand videos with bad video and bad sound :-)

[@deftonesgothrckr]

awesome video, thanks for the inspiration, just bought a new motor for my r53 - cant wait till it gets here on Wednesday!!!! gonna rebuild the old motor i am pulling out to be somewhere around yours..

[@ModMINI]

Thanks for watching - If you haven't already done so, check out my engine swap videos. Good luck with your rebuild! New Short Block - 2003 MINI Cooper S engine swap - Part 1 (Remove from car) New Short Block - 2003 MINI Cooper S engine swap - Part 2 (Valve job & teardown/reassemble) New Short Block - 2003 MINI Cooper S engine swap - Part 3 (Final assembly & startup)

[@Shaunage87]

I purchased and had the valeo single mass clutch & flywheel kit last year and had it installed with a 15% flywheel. My Mini is making around 190hp and 170tq and the clutch has been great for me. took the car autocrossing and havent had any issues with it.

[@ModMINI]

Shaunage87 I ended up installing a Valeo when I blew the motor and I'm happy with it as well. It's the no-brainer choice. Cheaper and more driveable than the stock dual mass setup.

[@Shaunage87]

***** I bought my car used and put about 5k miles on it before the throw out bearing went, so when i had a shop do the clutch/flywheel and a 15% supercharger pulley installed, so i didnt really get to experience the stock clutch for long. But i agree that the valeo has been great and have no complaints about it.

[@motos]

Stumbled on this video randomly and immedietley recognized the Bothell area. Sick MINI

[@nathanbowser609]

Love the car man! You definitely inspired me for some future mods, especially on the interior. You also mentioned wanting to add a race type clutch. I don't know if you've had a lot of track vehicles, or experience with a race clutch. If not, my only advice is, if you do a lot of daily driving, or don't have a lot of time on a performance clutch, I probably wouldn't. I changed out the clutch and flywheel with the track day replacements. I for one, enjoy them, but only because I grew up with race bikes, and track cars and understand that the friction zone is very binary, requiring a heavy foot and quick shifts. My wife and non track day friends on the other hand, hate it, and think I ruined the enjoyment to driving it. There's definitely a learning curve, but when around, it definitely allows for a lot quicker shifts and grabs, however I must confess, succckkkksss in traffic. However.........again.......if you already have a lot of performance clutch experience, disregard. My main questions are...... has the sprint booster ever thrown codes?...and does it make a really noticeable difference? Do the cabrio struts really make a difference? How do like the Megan suspension vs. stock? I would love to see a video on how you did the headlights! Awesome job man.

[@ModMINI]

Hi - I've reached that conclusion as well that a race clutch would be a bad idea for a daily driver. I actually blew the engine in this car a few weeks after I made this video... I just got all the parts and will be assembling over the next few days. I decided to stick with a street clutch and will be putting in the Valeo solid flywheel conversion kit. I've heard from others with high HP MINIs that it handles the power ok. (And if it doesn't my labor is free, I'll put in something else). The sprint booster does not throw codes ever. It makes the throttle pedal a lot crisper. When you first buy it you may not notice the difference that much, but turn it off after a few days and you will definitely notice how laggy the pedal feels. I turned off by accident once and I thought the car was broken. Cabrio braces reduce squeaks and rattles a little bit. They are cheap and look cool so it's worth giving them a try if your car has the bolt holes. Megan race coilovers are pretty stiff compared to stock but still relatively comfortable. The Megan EZ street coilovers are a great choice if you want something similar to what the car felt like when new. They have adjustable dampening but no camber plates and the rear struts use your OEM upper mount.

[@nathanbowser609]

Awesome, thanks. Also, do you have an LSD. If so did you do that yourself, and was the difference significant? Or is it really only noticeable on a track?

[@ModMINI]

nathan bowser Yes, Quaife LSD. I installed myself following this video: How to install a Limited Slip Differential in a MINI Cooper S pt1 Difference is noticeable on the track and in wet weather and in hard turns on the track

[@i.sirius6204]

Nice car, love the mods! I watched two of your videos before I figured out you're in NW Washington. I've been away from there, living in Asia for two years. I miss home, and my MINI!

[@Joshua-7.25]

I bought a 2005 Cooper, (mfg. 10/04), with significant after market mods, (most of which I don't understand), which has been, up to now, a great daily driver for me. I have added about 52,000 miles to it since I got it, (now at 160,000), and little things are beginning to show, (leaks indicated by fluids on the surface of the engine - control arm bushings worn - suspension noises which weren't noticeable when I bought it). I noticed in your vid of driving here that you have the Tach and a gauge on each side of it. It looks the same as what I have - tach in center, looking through the steering wheel, oil pressure on the right, oil temp on the left. The oil temp gauge has never worked, the pressure showed steady until my most recent oil change.(4 days ago) Now the pressure gauge is fluctuating intermittently, (fluttering then holding steady, then fluctuating, then dropping to minimum) I have no warning lights showing and no engine noise that would indicate a problem -- the engine seems to run fine. Any insights / comments you can give will be much appreciated.

[@ModMINI]

Neil Whitehouse Sounds like typical things that happen as a car gets old. Time to replace front end suspension parts and replace leaking gaskets/seals. Aftermarket oil gauges can be finicky - typically their wiring is not the best. The oil temperature gauge is usually a wire connected to the oil drain plug. This may be broken.

[@HorgretorGellantara]

Had a 03 R53 that i sold a month ago.. Had the most fun of my life in that car, especially in -30 weather! At that temperature, the car sounded so much meaner and felt so much faster for some reason.. Buttdyno was faster than a 350z!

[@ModMINI]

R53s love the cold weather. My best track times are all in the winter because the car simply makes a lot more power when it's cold. Love it! They actually make more power in the cold because cold air is denser, so more fuel can also be added to the cylinder for a bigger explosion.

[@HorgretorGellantara]

Too bad the rust problems made me sell it before it got worse :/ I recommend you check the common spots for rust and treat them before they start..

[@scooby1446]

Great video man ! I'm looking at getting on of these & you've given me plenty of info on how to go about modding one. Cheers.

[@hipoman8087]

Owned my 02 mini s 1.5 years now. 10% under drive pulley so far. Gathering parts for super charger service and pwr upgrades. Like your component choices. Have the quaif limited slope, crank pulley, so far. Getting the cold air, intercooler and may go up on under drive pulley. Have a clutch slip so deciding on new clutch. Street driven & will autcross 2-5 times a year. We’ll see. Mines the same color. Thanks !

[@jimmothyywins]

I think you were unknowingly being modest when you quoted the bhp figures for stock and whp dyno figures for your current power. Add about 15% to your whp or take away 15% from your factory bhp numbers (avg % for fwd drive train power loss) and you have the actual gain. But super nice r53, sir. Most power I've seen from the Eaton sc minis.

[@ModMINI]

I think you're right - I was comparing WHP to BHP. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@TaylorGng21]

Miss my one of these! Can't beat the sound of the supercharger

[@cody063]

Awesome Mini! I too have an '04 R53, with 131k miles. As far as power mods, I did pretty much everything except the block, head, and exhaust manifold. Here's what I have so far: K&N CAI MSD Coil Pack and Wires NGK Spark Plugs Forge Intercooler 15% SC Pulley Lightweight Crank Pulley from Alta 0% (Had 2%, but kept getting code error) 380cc Injectors from Madness Motorworks Cat-Back Borla Bytetronik FA-53 Tuning I need to get it re-tuned since I switched from 2% crank pulley back to 0%. Plus, I want to get the big head and cam from Madness as well as their exhaust manifold.

[@ModMINI]

Get the RMW big valve head and an RMW header to make a ton of power. (And a cam as well)

[@bernardbarbour]

I love how you pull out onto the ramp at 9:45. Probably scared that Prius driver, lol. Great mods to your 04. I have an 04 also (40th MCS full JCW) and plan many of the same mods. Very cool you got the seats, and I had a chuckle when you said the seats actually showed up from Italy. Italy is great, I've been there lots of time, but sometimes buying or selling in Italy can be tricky, lol. Wish I was closer, I'd enjoy a ride in your Mini and talking with you. Cheers and keep up the great work.

[@ModMINI]

Nothing is more fun than startling the sheep.

[@bernardbarbour]

I'm looking to install an upper strut brace. Do you think it's necessary to install some under tower plates as well?

[@esaedvik]

I like the headlight mod and the red accents in general. My 05's fully red, so...I'm thinking matte black accents :D I've just been way too lazy and it's a bit expensive to run at $8 a gallon. And I wholeheartedly agree on the "I could do this all day" bit on acceleration and shifting from 1st to 2nd (and the torque on any gear). Supercharger whine is my main reason for buying the 05.

[@ModMINI]

Red and black is the next best color combo. :-)

[@markmasoner]

nice video. I recently put in an ACT stage 3 clutch and lightened flywheel in my 04 s, street ability is just fine. I smoked the stock one in a matter of days!

[@JaylenFast]

I don't know how many times i watched this...at least 10...seriously

[@desmondmarshall7384]

Nice build. A good platform to use as a guide.

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

"painted red because, well, race car" :D

[@sonnyczikkel4698]

that supercharger whine... my god. haha great car man! ive been thinking about getting a mini for a bit now... think after watching this im going to. too much fun to drive for such a light car

[@herky285]

I love MINIs! But yours is pushing it to the top Nice Car !!

[@sherryminicoopersr5341]

Love your car!!! I wish I can show you all the mods I did on mine! I put an HPS short ram cold air intake and I also added an aluminum overflow tank for my coolant. I also went extreme by adding a scoop over my intake for added airflow. I could go on and on.... 🥰

[@P.I.S.OnYou.]

Wow that's really clean nice job bro I really like it! I love that sound to!

[@mini_special]

You should probably do a signature Mod MINI R53 and then sell it, I am sure you will get big fans queuing to grab it for a nice price! :) Really like your cars and work. Thank you Kurt!

[@ModMINI]

See the mod list below - Power: Cravenspeed 17% pulley amzn.to/3g4sC9Y (But I recommend a 15% pulley for lighter builds) amzn.to/3dRYTyq GP intercooler - can't really get anymore, Airtec is a good alternate ebay.to/2OJB6Iw There area also good cheap eBay ones ebay.to/3dVnm5J DDMWorks Cool Air Intake with foam filter - Anything other than Alta is good bit.ly/3d7oMuZ RMW street cam (Current recommendation "street" cam: bit.ly/326ZUwW RMW "Jesus" big valve CNC ported head RMW shorty header RMW tune 500cc injectors from RMW Miltek exhaust bit.ly/3dYRXzI ATI Super Dampener ebay.to/2Ri3jH6 More affordable alternative amzn.to/3s7OhR5 Handling: Quaife Limited Slip Differential LSD bit.ly/2Rhmfpo Wilwood big brake kit bit.ly/2OGjTQ8 Stainless brake lines Front amzn.to/3mBKPwQ Rear amzn.to/3dR4Zip Megan Racing coilovers amzn.to/2Qg4HK0 or ebay.to/3tcMEmC Powerflex control arm bushings amzn.to/3dUCJvk or ebay.to/3wKWw9d or bit.ly/3s7ODHp Hotchkis rear adjustable control arms bit.ly/3uIWoW6 Alta 22mm sway bar amzn.to/3tdOqDS Motegi SP10 17x7 wheels Dunlop Direzza Starspec Z1 215/45/17 Nitto NT01 / Toyo R888 R-compound tires M7 strut tower bar amzn.to/3t8gl85 Way Motor Works brake ducts bit.ly/2Qfs328 ....&more....

[@DrewPWebos]

Just purchased an 04 #959 S limited. Cant wait to improve it a bit more. You said Alta intakes are a no go?

[@xfacekickerx]

Best part of this video "I painted the door poles reds well because race car" lol made my day

[@arainla]

Awesome car! Miss my 2003 dearly.

[@gnowhb]

I have a 05 MCS and just had RMW do the top of my engine and now making 242 so very similar to yours! Loving it! Question about access to the camber plates in the front: Did you trim away the metal to reveal the camber adjustment screws? I just got some coilovers but can't access the adjustment screws with the way the tops of the strut towers are and noticed you have access. Thanks for all your videos I find them very helpful.

[@ModMINI]

You have to trim.

[@monkeypunch1000]

I have a 2003 mini Cooper s with very similar mods and I run a exedy clutch kit with bmw soild flywheel, I highly recommend it. nice to drive daily with slightly more aggressive engagement.

[@DudeMungus]

Thank you so much for these videos they've help so much. I wanted to pick you brain for a minute. I'm almost done with all my maintenance. I'm looking into getting a ported sc or would it be best to with sprintex? I have a 03 mini type s

[@ModMINI]

Probably best to not mess with that. I've heard only bad things about Sprintex and heard that porting a supercharger can affect flow in non-positive ways. For the money, I'd get an RMW head. Ask someone else and you'll probably get a different opinion but that's mine.

[@DudeMungus]

I got you thanks for the information

[@ellisyoung2590]

What a great set of mods. Excellent.

[@KB4QAA]

Sounds smooth. Makes me miss my old RX-7.

[@ken8masters]

Sikk car man! I'm downsizing into my friend's 2005 MCS. It's got 50k miles and already modded through a stage 2 CAI, headers, B&B Cat-back, 15% pulley and tune. I'm picking it up for a steal. I can't wait to see how far I can take it with the modding.

[@verygood7155]

Love the seats!

[@edgedweapon88]

Is your Miltek exhaust resonated or non resonated? Beautiful mini!

[@ModMINI]

If you are referring to the canister immediately behind the catalytic converter under the center of the car, the Milltek has one in the same location as the stock cat back exhaust.

[@x1pyroveride]

This is a rly nice mini, it looks like my old 2005 mini

[@leecosworth]

Just bought a 2005 cooper s, great cars, well put together informative vid thanks

[@warrenmccarty9709]

Back again! As always, best mini channel out there. Working on a build with Jan at Revolution Mini Works (RMW). Great guy! Thanks for connecting me. Hung up on tires & wheels. Assuming that you said, "Motegi SP10" are these the MR274's? 4 x 100mm / 40mm offset? With your Dunlops, are you happy with your traction/handling with this set up or, if you could, would you go wider? Thanks again for all that you contribute! If you ever have to pull a R60 Countryman transmission and have never done one, give me a shout. They are a bitch and I can help. I'd be pleased to pay you back for all of the help that you've given me! Cheers!

[@ModMINI]

I was happy with those wheels. Wider is always better but you get into clearance issues. I have done countryman All4 clutch and it wasn't fun.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

we just got our r53 back from tune, and we are making 261bhp lol clutch days numbered now. but my wife love it

[@superfly1842]

Where are you based out of? I'm in the Midwest. Just finished watching the entire series of the blown engine (9videos) my fiance and I were really sad when we heard about your job loss. I hope everything is well. I learned a lot from your videos. Thanks for taking your time to post them so detailed. Michael

[@ModMINI]

superfly1842 Hi - Seattle area. Found a new job - learning a lot but the pay isn't nearly as good - but I'm learning a lot. Thanks for sitting through all 9 videos. :-)

[@drgopta2180]

Awesome mini! I have a '12. It's interesting looking at how different all the years are.

[@ModMINI]

We have three now, this one, a 2017 4 door hardtop for the wife, and I fixed up a mechanic special Clubman for the kid.

[@derekpaisley620]

Its a good vid, like the mods you have done, also watched the track vid handles well. Can I ask did you do all the engine mods in one go ? Interested if you did the normal pulley upgrade , then intercooler , then head ? Also did you run on the standard cam before the cam upgrade ?

[@ModMINI]

+Derek Paisley Little by little over about 2-3 years. I had two tunes as I built out the engine.

[@64vmax]

Great Video and a great looking Mini. Did I hear correctly....you have a tune and a RMW tune and a sprint booster ? I was thought that a proper tune addressed the throttle lag.......am I misinformed?

[@ModMINI]

I got the Sprint Booster before the RMW tune. A tune will address throttle lag if you ask for it.

[@mac_m3]

Your Mini is DONE RIGHT! Thumbs up!

[@fustonpowell5026]

This is my absolute favorite car I hope to buy an r53 or r50 soon

[@jakqwe1]

Great video, nice conservative build. Where did you find that shift knob

[@Neptune8]

I miss my R53 , I know the r56 has more power potential but nothing beats the sounds of a supercharger whine

[@MrChristoferJohnson]

Great review of your car. What engine software are you using for your ECU tune? Where did the biggest gain of HP come from? Cam and Head?

[@ModMINI]

+Christofer Johnson Stock ECU, RMW tune. HP depends on mods working together. you will get good gains from pulley, header and head.

[@chevyboy1965]

I love the way the car looks and the performance mods you have done. I noticed when you were on the drive, that your red line hashes in your tach looked like they were lit up. Did you have the headlights on? I am just trying to go through and fix mine to the way that it is suppose to be and am trying to make sure its all done right. I am very picky when I do something. I really enjoy your videos and keep up the good work.

[@ModMINI]

+chevyboy1965 Redline hashes are always lit on my car when it is turned on.

[@CisnerosShop]

Hey ModMini is see on the description you have 550cc injectors, are you still running the same fuel pump or did you also upgrade? If so, which one would you recommend?

[@ModMINI]

Same fuel pump is working fine.

[@danny170]

How nice is the LSD? really big difference? And do you drive the R888 in the rain?

[@toluwole]

Very nice. Sounds fantastic. I've got a Cooper S R57. Will start modding in 2017. Need to plan tho

[@brianhaygood183]

Mod, did you use the resonated or non-resonated Milltek system? Also, any particular reason you recommend the Crower NS1 cam vs the RMW Street or Dominator?

[@prodtrxllbeats]

I love the mini Cooper S so much

[@bacleted]

Nice car and great work!! I just got a 03 r53 and loving it so far. Just want to drive and drive lol. What kind of paint did you use for the red interior pieces? Thanks for sharing the video!!

[@ModMINI]

I think it was "ford red" engine paint.

[@joshuabrown9398]

You should do an in depth r53 to r56 comparison

[@imd14you76]

Car looks great, curious, where'd you get those "eyes" used behind the headlights?

[@ModMINI]

I think I got them here: www.etsy.com/listing/162651412/under-the-bonnet-eyes-stickers-for-first?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=mini+cooper+eyes&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

[@franknativi]

love it. at 2:35 what are those things on your lower grille? near the tow hook. also, was swapping the headlights easy or did you have to modify something?

[@ModMINI]

+Frank Nativi Tow bar mount points for flat towing the car to the race track.Headlight swap is easy if you go from xenon to xenon. Painting them red is a lot more challenging. Search on Internet for "Joey mod"

[@Soul4Eleven]

love it man....that's gotta be a blast to drive.

[@mikewatson1675]

Love it! This makes me miss my R53 :( Well done!

[@RichJohnstun]

I have those same wheels sitting in my garage waiting to go on the car. Are you running bolts or a stud kit? Any thoughts on preferences?

[@ModMINI]

Rich Johnstun Stud kit with tuner lugs(nuts). I think mine is ARP or something similar. I can't stand bolts. They make it much harder to mount wheels on the car.

[@mattclose1439]

I have a very similar setup on my r53 and run the Valeo Singlemass flywheel conversion and Valeo clutch, I highly recommend it!

[@ModMINI]

I ended up putting in a Valeo kit and am very happy with it. Thanks!

[@michaelsantosuosso7284]

Were you in it all the way getting on freeway? I figured 240/200 would light the tires up pretty good. So we're you all the way in it.

[@paulschackmuth4856]

I'm looking to upgrade the suspension on my r53. Any recommendations for a daily driver, monthly spirited drives, and light track use (2 x per year). I live in Minnesota so the roads are not the best given the seasonal changes. Thanks for any recommendations and I appreciate your channel so much!

[@SR-cp1eo]

Little did you know that 2 weeks later, your engine is as good as gone.

[@ModMINI]

+VenomX 78410 Was it that soon? Oh well, just a temporary setback.

[@SR-cp1eo]

haha thats really cool what you got man, I just picked up a 2013 cooper s and love it. Wish I could hear the turbo and blow off a bit more. California is retarded when it comes to intakes. well California is retarded when it comes to many things but intakes is one that comes to mind.

[@ModMINI]

+VenomX 78410 There is a noisemaker valve coming off the side of the intake tube right before the intake manifold. I'm not 100% sure how it works but Is suspect you can just disconnect the tube from the firewall and it will be always noisy...?

[@SR-cp1eo]

***** Ill check it out. i just ordered a K&N cold air. ill stick with that. Itll make it more obvious that its turbocharged. :P I want to take it out on a track day. I want to see what it can really do.

[@YellowKing126]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing, i recently bought a cooper s with performance parts already installed. So far I'm loving it, and i love the power and crazy good handling. Any tips as to what i should concentrate on next? I have stock motor rebuilt stock supercharger "i think". Alta air intake system, Alta 17% pull wheel , Alta tensioner, and alta intercooler. Thanks in advance for any help!

[@ModMINI]

christian crume Those are the easy ones. Additional HP is going to cost money. Injectors, cam, exhaust, tune. The next cost-effective mod for making the car fun is a 22mm rear sway bar.

[@YellowKing126]

OK thank you for the reply! I will look into that and see what is available, I've learned once you start upgrading it becomes addictive ha ha!

[@AFKgarage7296]

back in 2006 we used a chromoly solid flywheel with a valeo clutch and it was supporting 340hp in our ITE spec Scca MINI. i would say the flywheel would be fine but i am sure there are better options on clutches.

[@BB-mu5ov]

hi. ive watched a lot of your videos, the clutch replacement one was very good helped me fix my bearing that had welded itself to the fingers on the clutch cover. Nice mini sorry it blew up though. Quick question though. Have you ever had any problem with the headlights auto level not working properly? My mini r50 headlights seem to be pointing so low on the road giving me barely any light at night? any help would be great thank you!

[@larslovestech]

Oooo...those side panels where the 'S' badge is were lovely where did you get those my friend...also wanted to ask you is it possible to swap out parts from the cooper sport r53 and convertable R52 with the regular R50 04 plate...wanted to add a spoiler and maybe those lovely side skirts that look like they have air ducts onto my R50...thanks for the videos this is an awesome channel

[@ModMINI]

Got in Japan years ago. No longer available. R53 / R52 / R50 parts should be mostly interchangeable.

[@RichJohnstun]

I just installed the Megan coilovers...I believe you are running the same ones. If so, did you run the rear dampening adjusters into the hatch area? I'm trying to find some pictures of how different people may have done so. Also, what settings do you run them on? Thx.

[@ModMINI]

Drilled holes at top of struts. Setting varies depending on what I want. They are quite stiff so around town I run them almost full soft.

[@RichJohnstun]

Thank you sir. Cheers!

[@Mrtubbula]

Hi Wonderful video Have a very similar setup 02 R53-S At least suspension wise. Haven’t gotten Very deep into the motor as of yet except for Very standard mods - pulley, intake, cat back Since you’ve had the car for awhile is there anything you might have done differently As far as your build goes and have you continued to upgrade/modify the car Any comment greatly appreciated