So I'm ordering my MINI on 3/27 & I'm already thinking about a couple of things that seem to be mandatory - strut tower plates & a catch can for the intercooler.

Are they mods that you'd suggest getting right away, or should I wait until after break-in?

thanks. i'm psyched.

the bill

 

neither is really a mandatory mod, strut plate to me is kinda useless unless you can prove you are going to have mushrooming, mine, after 47000km of hard kms, on bad roads.. no mushrooming at all (touch wood)

as for the catchcan, i feel it is not a necessary mod... i do get a bit of oil, but it is still coating the inside boot of the intercooler...

 

Rear sway bar makes a world of difference.

 

I find that the freshly burned mp3 CDs helped my acceleration and handling immensely !

 

Absolutely. http://www.trunkmonkey.com be sure to watch the vids.

 

I'd say that you DEFINATLY have to get a cold air intake. It makes a HUGE differene. Well, it did for me. Also, stiffening(sp?) the suspention helps too. I have some pics of both if you would like em. Just PM me.

 

Strut plates are useless, and a catch can is only a good investment on a new car if you spend less than $30, as a new S engine has very little blowby. A cold air intake will make quite a bit more whining noise and a handful of HP - start with a $40 K&N panel filter and get half a handful and no noise.

Enjoy the car while new, get used to its characteristics, and then start with a rear sway bar, and next, wheels and tires (if you can afford them).

Then, invest in driving school at a track to learn how to handle the car well.

Worry about more power after you are able to control the stock car.

 

I'm with OldRick^^^. Especially the drivers school part.