2006 MINI Cooper

Got this in 2017 as my first car, completely stock. When I got it, I knew nothing about cars, and I really didnt think about mods at all until I plastidipped the grille black. Ever since then my car has become my passion. From drilling into the roof to install an OEM roof rack, to pulling out every single panel in the car to run a sound system the right way, and even installing OEM parts from old 7-series bmws, I just can’t get enough of making this car my own. I will never sell her, no matter how many problems she gives me.

This car remained largely stock until 2021 when the 5 speed transmission failed on me for the second time. Until then I had stuck to bolt ons including the Megan racing Catback and KN intake. I pulled apart the vehicle and fit up a used 6 speed transmission from a 2002 S, a box known to be almost indestructible. This transmission remains in the vehicle.

I began driving the car harder and desiring more power, so I debated r53 swapping the whole car. The only problem? I didn’t want the hood scoop. I like the sleek base hood, this made the supercharger out of the question and essentially forced me to use a turbo.

I bought from a junkyard a running w11b16a for a whopping $200, resealed the whole engine and slapped it in the car with a link g4x and a Garrett 2860r turbo which was run on a snowmobile until the brink of death. This death came shortly while tuning and required replacement with a Pulsur 2860gen2.

I ran this setup for about 6 months until I cranked more boost and forgot to pull timing. The car knocked enough to crack 3 pistons, the failure which I found out on the same day I was chosen to be a feature vehicle at Carlisle import and performance nationals.

I ordered wiseco pistons and H beam rods, hand machined them to fit, and installed them on the street in front of my house the week before the event. Once they were installed, I put just 30 miles on the car before bringing it to the show.

This car always brings joy to me and I’ll never sell it. I always have plans for it including future paint and performance mods, such as more boost and e85. A joy to own.

• BCRacing Coilovers with rear adjuster extensions
• Pulsur GTX2860Rs gen2
• Turbo manifold +dp from CME_motoring_art
• Wiseco 77mm pistons
• Sneed4speed Hbeam rods (ARP2000 bolts)
• King tri-metal bearings
• GFB 38mm EWG
• Link G4x
• HKS type R intercooler
• HKS SSQV snowglobe blow off valve

• Custom painted accents
• Roof rack
• Sped - D headlights and tailights
• Rally lights
• Bronze painted wheels
• Full r56 interior swap
• Anthracite Headliner