I just wanted to make my first post here and introduce myself like many others before me.

My name is Keith and I've been living in southern Italy for the past 9 years. I work for the US Navy here and bought my '05 Mini Cooper S brand new in August of 05. I would never have thought about buying a Mini if it weren't a friend here who had bought one just before he returned to the US. The handling was amazing and I was sold on the spot (just took me two years to actually buy it!). Upon delivery, I couldn't wait to dive into the engine. So far I have made the following modifications (both aesthetically and performance wise);

PERFORMANCE
19% reduction pulley
JCW Injectors
ALTA Cold Air Intake w/ Silicon hose
MTH ECU Upgrade
Front and Rear swaybars
Helix lightweight Battery

AESTHETICS
Chrome Scoop (non-insert)
MightyStripes Single Centered Gradient
Exel 17" Rims


FUTURE PLANS
Exhaust and Manifold
Suspension and Brakes
Larger intercooler (Alta Top Mount)
Twurbo (...maybe) or similar

I plan on taking the Mini to the local track this weekend for the first time for a little bit of fun. I'll take some pictures and post them up here. There should be at least 2-3 other Minis, if not more, as well. Looks to be a good weekend!

If any of you are in the southern Italy part of town, look me up!

Ciao,
Keith
'05 Mini Cooper S

 

Woot!

When are you coming up north of the Alps to drive on some real roads?

 

Well I will try to get up there this summer (probably to the Milan area to visit a few friends). Where are you located? When are you coming down to the South to drive along the Almalfi coast?!

 

Sounds like a really Sweet Ride and u Deff need 2 come and enjoy some German Road! Welcome 2 NAM

 

Welcome to NAM Keith!!

 

Welcome to NAM Keith. Enjoy your MINI, and keep the shiney side up on your tack days

 

Welcome to NAM!

 

Will try to keep that shiney side up. I'm sure if it's a nice day and we do get out to the track, since it is my first time, all the runs will be quite deliberate and controlled!