I finally purchased a 2012 Mini Cooper S a few months ago after lusting for one for years. Great shape, only 15K miles. (it is a Tiptronic A/T unfortunately, but its still fun).

My question to you Mini gear heads out there is: Other than the stereotypical first mods you do to every car, (intake, exhaust, etc...) what are some mods out there that are great to do for the minis? looking for a bit more power specifically, but new to the inner workings of the mini....the first oil change threw me off a bit when I had to move the coolant tank out of the way any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Come to the Dragon and find out...you'll go home with your head swimming in a million ideas...

 

I am open to all suggestions. I know absolutely NOTHING about minis, so I am here to learn

 

For me, MINIs are great for "slow-car-fast" driving and so if it were up to me, I'd focus on handling over pure power. Things like front strut bar, rear sway bar, firmer shocks + springs, lighter wheels would be first on my list. To be fair it would probably make the ride quality less livable as a daily driver whereas more power would be more fun all the time.

Aesthetically I bought the fatter JCW steering wheel and JCW shift ****, the wheel is so fat it feels much better in my hands than the stock wheel. I figured those are the two places in the car I touch most often so I want something I love. My JCW came with the shorty antenna already but that's an easy and cheap aesthetic upgrade.

 

+1
Make that an adjustable RSB and firm struts are THE best mods. As stated elsewhere: "If you can't drive fast with 90 horsepower then 900 horsepower will not help you."

 

Well you found the right spot to get schooled on your MINI.


Lots of ideas, lots of lessons learned and How To tips.


Motor On!

 

I never even considered how much the handling could be improved on a mini, since it already handles like a go kart lol. Thanks guys. I will definitely shift my focus. as far as the strut bars and handling components, are there any companies that really stand out? and are there any companies that should be avoided?

 

Hi and welcome to nam!
Post up some pics!

 

JCW intake, exhaust and tuning. Great sound and a little extra grunt. Anything else depends on how you want the Mini to feel on the road. Grow into it a bit before you make big changes. These cars are excellent handlers from the factory. Tire choices and inflation levels make a huge difference.

As with all turbos, make sure you let it cool down before shutting off to make it last a while. I've heard that easy throttle and gentle driving the last 5 miles helps a lot.

Most of all... have fun with your Mini and stick some pictures of it on here for us to see.

 

Definitely drive it in stock form for a while. Once you notice the understeer on hard cornering, you will want a larger rear sway bar, preferably an adjustable one. I love the ALTA 19mm adjustable on mine. I started on the softest setting, 200% stiffer than stock, IIRC, then went to the middle setting, 400% stiffer than stock, once again, IIRC. Those were the numbers I remember seeing in the propaganda and instructions that came with mine. You can use lowering springs to handle even better, or spend a big chunk of money on adjustable coilovers and front camber plates. I haven't lowered mine yet, as I live on a dirt road. Intake, exhaust, and an atmospheric blow-off valve can make sweet sounds, and make it "feel" faster, may even give you a bit more power, but those claimed numbers are questionable, and I have not dyno-proven anything. The butt-dyno feels like I have more power, or maybe it's the ear-dyno?

Have Fun, Motor On!

 

I have DEFINITELY noticed the understeer and I was quite taken back from it. it feels so balanced when driving but then throws its weight into the turns without much resistance to stick to the corner. Everyone that has posted has stated handling upgrades and sways and springs sound like a perfect place to start. Thank you guys for the opinions and suggestions!

i'll throw up pics as soon as I can.

 

Don't bother with an intake, the stock intake is very well engineered. Aftermarket intakes are at best noisier without increasing horsepower at worst they reduce horsepower.

The MINI's turbocharger is water cooled, with it's own electric cooling pump that you'll hear running after you shut it down. There is no need to take it easy to let it cool down before stopping the engine.

 

Check out our website and put your ideas together on what you think you want. Then email us and we'll work to help you get to your goals.

 

A little humor from those dastardly chicanes.

 

WayMotorWorks, I have been browsing your site for a few days and am considering placing a few little orders at a time. Will be hearing from me Soon!

 

Welcome to NAM.

There is an immense of information on the site between the threads, the members and the vendors. If you have not already done so may I suggest you check out the Gen2 Mod Section?

 

Found it yesterday!