hello everyone

[brisketsammich]

Hello everyone I just joined today to begin my research on buying an R56 or R57 turbo. I just read the buyers guide and did a couple of searches and found some very good information I'm just curious is there anymore info someone could link me to. Threads on common fail items, preferred tuning companies, and suspension reference... Thanks in advance Im looking forward to the search ahead. Also I am distinctly aware of all the threads currently on the Mini wall asking the same noob questions, what I'm looking for is a fast track way to figure out as much as possible as easily as possible. This is not my first forum experience I am a former Focus guy coming from Focaljet who is ready to get out of the Focus game and start a Mini build. Thanks again.

[beaner06]

hi: I am almost fed up with most MINI forums. if looking to build a track car, try TrackMINI.com. a UK based site, but some awesome builds. North American Motoring has a lot of traffic. content varies. most sites have become social rather than technical. and what tech advise that is offered is often not based on testing/facts. not much action on this forum. I usually only visit the track/race section. good luck.

[beken]

other sites I reference are Motoringalliance.com, Northamericanmotoring, MINI2, and your local MINI club. It's really hard to tell what issues are common as some cars have been modified. Some common issues may also be regional, so my best assertion is to find your local MINI club and check first.

I've found that in general, MINIs are reasonably reliable and that most issues are issues because most MINI drivers find problems that might not be considered a problem in other cars. Not saying there are no common issues with MINIs in genera. For high performance tuning applications, there are a few reputable tuners out there, and there are also a few good ones that are not known to the MINI community.

My own personal experience is, MINIs are tuned pretty well out of the box for most people. Any changes you make will affect the overall balance that came out of the factory. But I suspect you already know that and it's so much fun to eek out that little bit of customized performance.

[patchelect]

My previous experience has been with an extremely active Miata site. Nothing Mini that I have found comes close to the Miata site for activity, information, camaraderie and fun. I actually find Motoringalliance.com to be more active that motoring alliance.com but that could be my perspective for my needs. I think that miata.net spoiled me because it seemed to be the ONLY site that most owners went to for Miata information and help. I even got help for an Audi I owned at the time on the Miata site long before the Audi forum I was on even started breathing.

All that said, There are issues with turbo Minis that I have read but I think that those are universal on most turbos of any brand. That is partly the reason I got a supercharged Mini. But as others will post on other forums, "your mileage may vary" a great noncommittal comment for almost any application.