#TBT: Simple mods to get more power out of an R50 Mini Cooper

Per
By Per Schroeder
Sep 19, 2024 | Mini, Mini cooper | Posted in Shop Work | From the Aug. 2006 issue | Never miss an article

[Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the August 2006 issue of Grassroots Motorsports. Prices have been left as they originally appeared in print.]

The entry-level Mini Cooper has a lot going for it. You don’t need to go for the more expensive supercharged Cooper S to get a car that handles amazingly well, gets great gas mileage, and has a healthy …

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Comments
collins_dan
collins_dan New Reader
9/19/24 5:58 p.m.

What about suspension? My 2011 shocks are starting to go. Should I just replace them, or upgrade to something more adjustable? Are any of the coilover kits worth considering? 

SKJSS (formerly Klayfish)
SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) UltimaDork
9/19/24 6:23 p.m.

Holy zombies Batman!!!  15 year old canoe, that's an antique.

CyberEric
CyberEric SuperDork
9/19/24 9:37 p.m.

It's a canoe? This article is posted on the home page as a TBT.

I wonder how many of these Minis are left... I like the idea of them so much, but the problems were, plentiful. Are the NA ones less problematic than the turbo?

EchoTreeSix
EchoTreeSix New Reader
9/20/24 4:20 p.m.

In reply to CyberEric :

I think a some of issues come from the extra heat coming from the SC on this gen. I have no personal experience but taking a look around, the naturally aspirated, or R50, is super inexpensive. Or at least is for initial buy in. 

CyberEric
CyberEric SuperDork
9/20/24 5:46 p.m.

Oh that's right, this gen S used a supercharger, I shouldn't forget because I can hear the pulley in my mind!

TravisTheHuman
TravisTheHuman MegaDork
9/20/24 6:06 p.m.
SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) said:

Holy zombies Batman!!!  15 year old canoe, that's an antique.

Its not a zombie thread, its something to do with the way they post/lock/resurrect old articles.  This was pushed into the feed today prior to that post.

ojannen
ojannen GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
9/20/24 7:44 p.m.

In reply to CyberEric :

They just have standard bmw problems.  There are fewer mind blowing mini-specific problems on the manual n/a hatchback.  The clutch is a little small, strut mushrooming requires a strut top plate, and regular bmw oil leak/coolant leak/fuel pump/window regulator issues.

A broken convertible top pretty much totals the cars these days.  I am low key looking for one for a challenge build.

EchoTreeSix
EchoTreeSix New Reader
9/20/24 8:00 p.m.

In reply to ojannen :

Not sure how true it is, but they seem fairly simple to work on. I feel like FCPEuro built or had a feature on one for Sundae cup. Maybe a gen newer. 

rsmith7
rsmith7 GRM+ Memberand New Reader
9/21/24 5:07 p.m.

Glad someone resurrected this post. I've been looking for a new project and my son keeps pushing the R50/53 on me. Might have to see........

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