Just picked up my first Mini--2006 MCS, manual transmission, 79,900 miles.

Would like help sorting out what my options are... VIN decoder says I have an 07 base model, so it wasn't much help.

Car has NAV, heated seats, sunroof, DSC, not sure what else to list to help id option packages.

I'm here to learn--new to Minis, but have played in the Mustang world for about 37 years... My real project car is 67 Mustang convertible restomod. The Mini is my practical DD. I will not be infected by the Mini variant of the mod bug.

 

Nice pick up!

I will not be infected by the Mini variant of the mod bug.

hopefully you can stay strong, it's easy do say then you say "just this one little thing" then goes downhill from there

 

Trust me, I understand. I'm terminal when it comes to the mod bug and Mustangs. I just need to make sure I don't get distracted from my main project car.

 

How far along is that project? Post pics when you can

 

Pretty far, from where it started. It's a LONG story. Short version: Every bit of sheetmetal other than the convertible top well and the windshield frame is new. Engine is a pushrod 5.0 stroked to 347 ci, running Trick Flow heads and intake (EFI). All the good internals to put out ~400 at rear wheels. T5 transmission, 8.8 rearend with 4.11 trac-loc. 4 wheel discs off 03 Cobra. I'm in the middle of cutting down the seat pans, then need to finish fabbing gas pedal assembly, tunnel-mounted e-brake (just need a new cable made), install interior. Finish installing front grille and surround, install exhaust, align front end, and a hundred little things... Hoping to have it on the road next summer.

Pics:


Cutting out all the bad sheet metal...

Current state

Obligatory under hood pic

 

Yup you got bit big-time

 

Wow! That is impressive, both in looks and skill. Would love to do something similar, but have neither skills nor patience for that kind of undertaking.

 

Thanks! The key to developing the skills, and the patience, is having no clue what you are getting into. That, and being a little OCD and a tightwad, so you want everything perfect, but are too cheap to pay professionals to do it. 😂

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
Your first mistake: Quote: Just picked up my first Mini--2006 MCS, manual transmission, 79,900 miles.

Would like help sorting out what my options are... VIN decoder says I have an 07 base model, so it wasn't much help.

Car has NAV, heated seats, sunroof, DSC, not sure what else to list to help id option packages.

I'm here to learn--new to Minis, but have played in the Mustang world for about 37 years... My real project car is 67 Mustang convertible restomod. The Mini is my practical DD. I will not be infected by the Mini variant of the mod bug. :end quote
Addicts usually say stuff like this, but once you feel the handling this little street go cart has.... Questions start like this: If I put on better tires, this thing would handle better, then.... if I tighten up the suspension a bit, I could take that 30 mph curve at 50 or 60mph, then .... with a bit more power, I can really have a ball with this Mini!
Now a reality: the 2006 MCS is by far the best year of the gen 1 Mini and a supercharger makes great sense. The front end bushing will need replacing and a larger rear sway bar will make this little beast impossible for American muscle to keep up with in the twisties. Unless you are an 1/8 or 1/4 mile fanatic. Driving in a straight line is boring!
These ain't Mustangs, but they are pure Adrenalin junkie stuff!
ps. I do like what you are doing to Mustangs and not meaning to diminish there fun, or pedigree!

 

Agreed on the straight line is boring bit. Lots of suspension work under the 67 to make it handle.

My last two late model stangs had more suspension mods than motor mods... Of course the last one came off the showroom floor with 662 hp and a supercharger displacing more than the Mini's motor. 😁 When I moved to FL (no twisties) I sold it because fast and straight wasn't fun at all.

I'm sure the mods will come. I've started a list of things that I'm going to need to replace, because it is a 12 year old car... 😉

 

Welcome that is a nice looking Hyper Blue R53 Cooper S.