2003 Mini Cooper S
140+mph
TOP SPEED
25mpG
GAS MILEAGE
220HP
HORSEPOWER
(Est. PEAK)
153ft. lbs.
TORQUE
(Est. PEAK)
Specifications
1.6L Supercharged Inline-4 Engine
6-Speed Manual
Modifications
15% Reduction Pulley on the Supercharger
2% Undersize Harmonic Balancer
Resonated High-Flow Milltek Exhaust System
Detroit Tuned Bypass Valve
DDMWorks Cold Air Intake with UNI dual stage filter
Sparco F1 Wheels
ClutchMaster Kevlar Clutch
The Story
2021
SEPTEMBER 1
Bought the car in Farmington Hills, MI with a buddy from high school and a few others. I didn't know how to drive manual, so my friend drove it home for me. It took a few weeks to learn, but I got the hang of it.
SEPTEMBER 21
I painted the front grille black to match the other accents on the car. I think it looks much better.
OCTOBER 8
When I got the car above 4,000 RPM, it began to shut off on me. Determined it was the Bypass Valve. Loaded it up, took to my dad's garage and tore into it. Replaced with a Detroit Tuned bypass valve that gives a "sportier" feel to the car.
OCTOBER 21
When I bought the car, the only tires on it were slicks for the summer. I decided it was best to get a set of winter tires to at least get me through the season. I met with another Mini Cooper enthusiast who told me all sorts of things about my car and Mini Coopers in general. His car was super cool.
DECEMBER 1
Installed underglow and painted tires. A bit goofy looking back, but I was excited to begin modifying it.
2022
JANUARY 2
First photo shoot with Brendan
FEBRUARY 10
The clutch goes out. Possibly from my inexperience, but it was unclear how old the clutch was.
AUGUST 6
Get the car back after the clutch job, although there were some woes.
AUGUST 25
I took my car out for a solo photo shoot with my new camera. I was super happy with the results.
OCTOBER 21
Shift cable breaks and leaves me stranded at a gas station. Towed home.
2023
AUGUST 25
The puddle....
2024
JANUARY 29
Photoshoot with film camera.
MARCH 12
Spark plug ejects on my way to work in Ann Arbor. Took day off work and towed it home.
JULY 1
Decoded to store until I could get it fixed or make a decision if it was worth keeping around.
SEPTEMBER 10
Sold to Stephen Carroll on the Detroit City Football Club team. He brought in a U-haul 2 wheel trailer and took it away in a non-running state. It was sad to see her go, but we scored some free tickets out of the deal!