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KEN'S  2003 COOPER-S
Revised 8/04
A DRIVING ENTHUSIAST'S COUPE / SUPERCHARGED 1.6L
Factory Options
  1.  Combo #1 Premium Package
        - Multi function steering wheel, Panoramic sunroof,
Climate control, on-board computer

  2.  Combo #2 Sports Package
        - Dynamic Stability Control, Sport leather seats,
Fog lamps, rear spoiler, HID headlights.

  3.  Combo #3 Cold Weather Package
        - Heated washer jets, heated mirrors & front seats

  4.  Factory Aero kit

5. Factory Bonnet Stripes
  
  6.  Factory BBS 2pc R90  17x7
Dunlop SP9000 205/45ZR17
Shown withMilltek Catback exhaust.
  Requires longer hangers for exhaust tips to clear Aero bumper (Autozone #17219)
I. VEHICLE DETAILS
  - SuperCharged, Intercooled 1.6 Liter (163hp)    
     155 lb/ft Torque at 4,000RPM
     Engine Oil Cooler
  - 6 Speed Getrag Manual Transmission
  - Color:  Indi-Blue / Black top

    *With mods, pulls 1 car length vs a stock WRX wagon*
II.  VEHICLE IMPRESSION
    1.  Very agile and precise handling, extremely fun to drive.  Steering almost
         too agile for expressway speeds for new drivers.
    2.  No need to modify suspension for the streets, but a nice lowering enhances
         overall cosmetics of the vehicle and improve ride.
    3.  Acceleration is very linear and responsive via Drive-by-Wire acceleration
         pedal design;  no sudden spool ups.  0 - 60mph high 6 seconds... but the
         factory intake and exhaust seemed a little restrictive at high RPM noticed
         by slight hesitation as the motor seemed to gasp for more air.
    4.  Driver seat is very comfortable and adjustable to meet driver's ideal
        seating positions.
    5.  Not much space to carry more than one passenger and small items. Would
         recommend as a second or third car.
    6.  Factory stereo is quite impressive, neat functions and tunability.
    7.  Very rewarding to drive; highly recommend for spirited weekend runs.
AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS

  - Winter:    Sport Edition TK5  16x7  Pirelli P4 FS 205/50/16
  - Summer:  SSR Competition 16x7.5  GoodYear F1 GS-D3 205/50/16
  - Polarg 192 / H7 Superwhite bulbs
  - PIAA 540 Driving Lights
  - Alpine CD/MP3 Changer
  - Autoclearguard Xpel clearbra, Xpel clear headlight, marker,
  - Lamin-X amber fog light protector
  - Milltek Cat-back Exhaust
  - Pilo shortram Intake
  - H-Sport Springs
  - Alta Adjustable 22mm rear swaybar
  - Accessories: Alta Stubby Antenna, Outmotoring boots, MOMO knob
Anthrasite Interior.
Mini-Fini cupholder shown.
Also Euro shelf installed
under the steering wheel.
Above shown with factory R90 17x7
Above shown with SSR Competitions 16x7.5
III.  TIPS AND TRICKS

   1.  I opted for the Alpine 6CD/MP3 changer for my factory stereo.  With the use of a Blitzsafe adapter, I am able
        to use factory wiring without splicing.  The multi-function buttons on the steering wheel also work with the
        CD changer.  Here's what I used, purchased from Logjamelectronics.com:

       - Alpine CHA-S634 6CD/MP3 Changer
       - Blitzsafe MINI/AUX DMX V.1 Auxiliary Input Converter
    
       The CD changer comes with mounting hardware which mounts directly to the MINI's pre-drilled mounting
       holes for the factory option changer (which is also OE'ed by Alpine)

   2.  If you have the factory Aero kit, try the Autoclearguard clearbra's...they are durable self-adhesive pre-cut
        sheets which adheres to your front bumper. I also use the headlight, marker, and foglight lens protectors.

   3.  Cleaning supplies...
        I do not consider myself a detail-freak, but do like to keep my cars clean.  Here are some products I use which
        are readily available at your local autoparts stores.
  
       - Meguiars QuikDetailer:  Mist and wipe between washes, will not streak windows either.
       - Meguiars Goldclass Wash:  Very gentle shampoo.  I also use their Goldclass wax too...easy to apply, nice shine.
       - Meguiars Cleaner wax:  For stubborn stains in the paint...great for wheels too.  Abrasive wax.
       - Meguiars ScratchX:  To remove swrils and light scratches/scuff marks in the paint.
       - Meguiars Goldclass Endurance:  Natural-look tire sauce that lasts weeks, not days.
       - Meguiars NXT TechWaxh:  Very easy to use polymer wax.  No need for oribtal buffer.  Apply/remove by hand!
       - Mother's Claybar kit:  Smooth-as-glass finish to remove paint contaminants.  Use atleast once a year.
       - Mother's Back to Black:  For wheel arches, brings back the natural black finish.
       - California Car Duster:  (& Interior Duster) Use on cool, dry surface after a drive.
       - Griotsgarage Boar's hair brush:  Wash wheels without scratching the finish.
      
Use these tips as your own risk.
Home-made coinholder light
Aero bumper with clearbra
IV.  PRODUCT REVIEW & NEWS

   1.  The Milltek exhaust with Pilo intake is a great combination to improve breathing for the motor.
        No more hesitation at 5.5k+ RPM.  Extremely smooth pull to redline.
   2.  The H-Sport lowering springs provided a much flatter and more absorbing (comfortable) response
        while lowering the car 1inch at each corner.   Absolutely no noise, installation was a snap.
   3.  Installed the Alta 22mm adjustable rear swaybar. Had to do a lot of trimming and filing of the chassis
       and its silicon sealant to prevent rubbing.  Eliminates initial roll of the H-Sports while on the stiff setting.      
   4.  SSR Competition 16x7.5 with GoodYear Eagle F1 GS-D3 205/50/16....savings of more than
       12lbs per corner.  Very quick acceleration and braking response.  The initial turn in is a little
       softer than Potenza S03's, but it makes straightline control easier; plus no tramlining!!!
   5.  PIAA 540 driving lights installed.  Wired to turn on/off with ignition in the ON position.
   6.  Got my stubby anntenna installed (very cool), also bought my temporary MOMO sphere, polished shift knob.

V.  FUTURE 'TO BUY' LIST

   1.  CANCELLED! my Whalen shift knob...been 2 weeks, has not been made... the MOMO knob worked out great!
   2.  Koni struts... or KW V1's when the stock struts are worn out.
   3.  Hamann Rear Diffuser...another cosmetic upgrade.
   4.  Factory MINI indoor car cover with zipper graphic.
LINKS:

        Ken's 2004 G35 Coupe 6MT page soon!
    
        Mini BBS  Mini2
        The TireRack
        Out Motoring
Pilo Intake Shown Above
Above shown with SpeedEdition TK5  16x7
Logo's are properties of its respective owners.

 

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