I really hate these threads, so I apologize in advance for this stupidity, but I'm looking for suggestions (not opinions, since they're like buttholes: everyone has one, and they mostly stink ). I recently found out that my wife and I are expecting a different kind of MINI, so I need to sort of refocus my financial efforts away from the CM...at least for a while.

I have a set of gently used H&R springs (uninstalled) and was going to get rear control arms too, but have heard install can get pricey ($600-ish + $230 for the rear arms).

Alternatively, I've been thinking about the new Helix intercooler which probably provides a little more of a long term benefit to the engine and some performance gains.

It works out that the intercooler installed is probably $150 cheaper, but wanted to see if anyone had any interesting thoughts.

TIA

 

Well you didn't ask for opinions so I guess I won't give you one. If I understand you correctly, you are expecting a child and that has you re-thinking expenses?

Good.

My suggestion. Do neither.

I saw my first mini, a classic, when I was in college 35 years ago. I will never forget the beat to crap car parked on a side street on campus. Never rode in it, never met the owner.

Left school, married, kids, life to pay for. Bigger priorities took over. Kids are grown and gone, got my 1st MINI 5 years ago. Now I am on my third.

While either of those upgrades would be nice on any car, and I am a HUGE fan of Helix ICs, That money in a college fund will pay off much nicer later on.

 

leave it stock and do a driving school

the cheapest and best bang for the buck upgrade

 

What is the difference between a suggestion and an opinion? I don't want to mess up my response.

 

I suggest you own up to being a parent and stop thinking about what or how to mod your car. That is unless your pockets are deep enough that it doesn't matter.

 

My suggestion is that you not preface your question with silly restraints. Without knowing your financial situation it is hard to help you out. Before our first child I went out and spent a large sum of cash on a new high end stereo. I mostly still have it in use, with some upgrades 20 years later. I didn't do anything with my cars because they don't usually survive long term for me.

 

When you visit the supermarket for a box of skabetti (I can't spell spaghetti) there are multiple brands and types to choose from every one of them being an opinion. That's what forums are made of as well (not spasketty, opinions).