I never intended on getting a small MINI Cooper; I was planning on something larger for my next car, back in 2004. On the insistence of my brother-in-law Jason, I took a test drive of of one of these new MINI’s. I had no expectations, but it was absolutely love at first drive. The car handles so sharply, and is so maneuverable; I’d never driven anything like that before, save for a go-kart. And it was also such a visceral, analog and interactive drive. I was hooked. I built my dream MINI Cooper S online on the MINI website, then submitted my build to the dealership. The order for MY personal dream MINI had been placed, and I watched over the next 6 weeks, at what stage of production it was in. I knew when it was in the paint booth, when it was being loaded onto the cargo ship, when it arrived in the port, and when it arrived at my dealership. I got to the dealer, and my car was on display in the showroom, and I got to drive it out!
It didn’t take long for me to start modifying it, or as the MINI-faithful say, ‘you-ifying’ it. Over the years, I’ve upgraded so many things inside and out. It’s now got more power, is much louder and faster, and more aggressive looking than it came stock, and I absolutely love driving it!
CAR SPECS:
• 2004 MINI Cooper S
• Electric Blue Metallic with black roof & mirrors
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Premium package (xenon headlights, auto AC, panoramic sunroof, leatherette seats)
• Sports package (sport seats, sports suspension, DTC, fog lights)
• Cold weather package (heated seats & mirrors)
HORSEPOWER:
Stock: 163
Current: 235
MODIFICATIONS: Exterior
• Webb Motorsports 15% reduction supercharger pulley
• Denso Iridium IK22 spark plugs
• Alta cold air intake
• Alta intercooler air diverter
• Milltek exhaust header
• Milltek cat-back exhaust
• Revolution MINI works custom engine tune on a dyno
• m7 Tuning strut tower brace
• Alta rally style light bar with IPF lights
• MINI clear tail lamps
• Team Dynamics Pro Race 1 wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires
• MINI JCW brake upgrade
• Powerslot brake rotors
• EBC red stuff brake pads
• Goodridge stainless steel braided brake lines
• Cravenspeed stubby antenna
• Outmotoring front grilles
• Palo Uber MINI front air scoop
• Bavarian Autosport spark plug wires
MODIFICATIONS: Interior
• MINI John Cooper Works 3-spoke leather steering wheel
• Customized Doug Whalen Shift Machine shift knob
• Cravenspeed brushed aluminum shift well cover
• Tinted windows
Thanks, Jon Cammarata