Cooper (non S) Modifications specific to the MINI Cooper (R50).

Regular MC owners with Mods - post yours here

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Old May 27, 2003 | 09:29 AM
  #1  
dandp's Avatar
dandp
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From: Bridgewater, NJ
Having noticed a few MC owners looking for info on mods, gains, etc. - I'll start by posting my mods, dyno chart and what gains I have noticed.

Rogue Engineering Exhaust
H&R Springs
Prodrive P1 Wheels, Yokohama Parada Spec 2 tires 205/45/17
Helix Stage 1 Brake Kit
Macncheese experimental cylindrical air filter

I had the car dyno'd back in December, chart is below. It is still out to debate whether the Rogue Exhaust makes power. It's throaty, car feels faster. Same with the air filter. The car dyno'd better than stock, has not been dyno'd since the air filter. With the new filter, there seems to be more "ooomph" above 4000 RPM's. With the windows open, it's a screamer. Wheels and tires were a vast improvement over stock runflats - ride is quieter and smoother. Springs definitley improve feel on curves, as well making the car look more aggressive. Brakes are much better than stock now - better pedal feel and response.

Let's see some more MC mods now!



 
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Old May 27, 2003 | 12:36 PM
  #2  
asaulo1's Avatar
asaulo1
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From: Valencia, CA.
Okay... I'll go second....

2003 PS / B MC
17 in. Katana wheels, Magnecor 8.5s, k & n drop in filter.... looking for either an intake next or an exhaust...... oh, I forgot, I also have a Euro Parcel Shelf......


 
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Old May 27, 2003 | 02:05 PM
  #3  
Yeagy's Avatar
Yeagy
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From: Flower Mound
well...all mine are not relly power/handling mods yet...
air horn
shorty antenna
H&Rs at MckinneyMini's shop waiting to be put on when I can afford it :smile:
 
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Old May 27, 2003 | 06:39 PM
  #4  
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HARMINI
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From: New Brunswick, NJ
Dandp, you forgot to mention your most unusual mod, your front bumper!!

Current mods as of 6/10/03:
~ H-Sport Springs
~ RDR adjustable rear sway bar
~ SSR Comps 16 X 7 anthracite/polished lip 11.3 lbs
~ Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position 205/50/16 24 lbs
~ Helix exhaust
~ ITG drop in air filter
~ Brake light mod ala mini-rolls
~ 35% onyx tint all around
~ HARMINI plates with chrome license frames
~ clear/chrome side markers and clear tail lights
~ Chrome tach and speedo rings
~ Euro parcel shelf
~ homemade "hot pocket"
~ S2000 shorty antenna


Distant future mods:
~ an intake if something other than the Pipercross Viper comes along for the CVT
~ Gotta get the ride in shape first, then for my listening pleasure: XM radio.

_________________


 
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Old May 27, 2003 | 06:49 PM
  #5  
dandp's Avatar
dandp
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From: Bridgewater, NJ
Harmini, I have no idea what you're talking about regarding my bumper

And lowering your car w/ black wheels...very nice...
 
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Old May 27, 2003 | 07:14 PM
  #6  
Gabe's Avatar
Gabe
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From: Chicago
S-lites
Remus Exhaust
MCS side sills
Euro shelf
K&N Filter
Brake mod
...I think that's it.

I've been eyeing new brake pads and lines as my next purchase
 
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Old May 27, 2003 | 07:38 PM
  #7  
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nfo
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just window tint and the brake light mod.
still saving up for some wheels and springs, those will be my next mods.
 
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Old May 27, 2003 | 08:04 PM
  #8  
Miniphyter808
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Only mods were interior mods parcel shelf, glove shelf, and that little pocket thingy.
Already have a carbon fiber aero spoiler waiting to get installed but other than that I'm undecided on what to do next. Most like change the HU, speakers and add A sub.

Near future....before christmas
exhaust (helix most likely)
intake (still waiting for info on the green twister)
coilovers...
rims...

Harmini how do you like the helix?? Notice a few people with the helix exhuast, the standard for the MC is the borla!
 
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Old May 27, 2003 | 11:46 PM
  #9  
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rfibanez
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From: So Cal
So far I have a Moss Intake and Magnaflow Exhaust a Euro plate, green lights in the ceiling and footwells and some interior neon lights and some decals

I'm getting some v spoke MCS rims, I know it will slow me down but it'll make the car look cool.

I'm planning on getting the windows tinted, bonnet stripes, and rally decals
 
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Old May 28, 2003 | 05:28 AM
  #10  
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HARMINI
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From: New Brunswick, NJ
>>Harmini how do you like the helix?? Notice a few people with the helix exhuast, the standard for the MC is the borla!

I've only heard the Rogue and the Magnaflow on the MC, so I don't know how the Borla sounds. Asthetically, the Rogue looks and sounds better than the Magnaflow IMO, but the Helix was what I chose for a couple of reasons. The Helix exhaust ranked #1 in the Grassroots motorsports dyno test. I wanted something that made power and the difference is noticable at 3000 RPMs and beyond. I didn't want something that only made power at 4500+ RPMs, as I don't usually reach that in my day to day driving. Helix is the closest MINI tuner shop to me. I knew if I had a problem with the exhaust they would take care of it. The Helix exhaust sounds great, not too loud just a good throaty roar. The exhaust tip is a simple elegant design, almost looks stock. I really don't like the Magnaflow trumpet style tip or the big coffee can look, so the Helix again won out. All in all, I've been more than pleased with my choice. As it turned out, I needed to swap back to stock last week so that the dealer could rule out the exhaust as the source of my low speed growl problem. (Of course, the exhaust is not the problem). Going back to stock, I could really feel what a difference the exhaust made. I can't wait to get the car back so I can put the exhaust back on.

 
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Old May 28, 2003 | 07:11 AM
  #11  
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chrisneal
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From: Boston, MA
My performance (and non-performance) mods:

Moss MINI air intake - my first real mod. I'm glad I did it first, because I was able to appreciate the nice difference in sound from the engine. Install wasn't too hard, and it looks great under the hood! Power I don't know about - this and the exhaust were largely motivated by the disappointing fuel economy that my car was getting (and they didn't help).

Magnecor plug wires - Well, they look nice. And they definitely smoothed out the uneven idle that I had. The engine used to idle around 1100 but dip every few seconds down to around 800 and back up, within a second or so. There's still an uneven blip there, but it's nowhere near as substantial after replacing the wires.

Borla exhaust - I love it! Glad I took the leap. The sound is great - meaty and aggressive, but not too loud or raspy. Definitely a noticeable power gain as well, especially in 3rd and 4th gears for some reason. The tip looks great, too - clearly not stock, but well-made, and not just a thin ring of metal.

B&M short shifter kit - WOW! What a difference! The shifting throws are MUCH shorter, and the entire gearbox feels more substantial and sure-footed. Shifts are fast and direct and intuitive, with none of the mushiness that I used to complain about (especially going into first). This really makes the car suddenly feel much more expensive AND fun to drive. Shifter height is decreased by around an inch, maybe an inch and a half, and I'd say the muscle required to shift is slightly more on the surface, but considering the fact that the process takes a fraction of the time that it did before, I think this makes the car much easier to drive. The inexact shifts are one less thing that I now have to be distracted by. Thanks to everyone for recommending this! Easily the best $300 I have spent on this car.

Brake light mod - I can't recommend this one highly enough! Too many of us are getting rear ended. This really brightens up the lights when the brakes are activated, and it's very easy to do with the kit from mini-rolls, even if you have no electrical knowledge whatsoever. Can't imagine a good reason NOT to do this one!

Euro parcel shelf - again, totally indispensable. I can't imagine not having it, and it's only been about four days! I can cram about 12 CDs down there, although spirited acceleration knocks them down into the footwell. Anything else stays put like it's glued down, thanks to the soft rubber pad. This space is much more usable than the lame door pockets.

Clear side blinkers (amber bulbs) - really improved the look of the car. Much cleaner without the extra color there.

I'm happy to provide more info/opinion about any of this; just send me a PM.
Chris
_________________
 
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Old May 28, 2003 | 08:38 AM
  #12  
mini-rolls's Avatar
mini-rolls
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From: Olympia, WA
Here is a list of the mods for 'TIGGER' 2003 VR MC w/CVT

-K&N Drop in Filter
-Remus Exhaust
-Brake Light mod
-Hardwired Passport 8500
-Hot pocket
-Euro Parcel Shelf
-Glove box organizer
-Center Console Arm Rest
-15% tint all around
-Factory Sport Suspension +
-Boot Organizer
-Upgraded bright white head lights
-X-Pel front Light protection
-'MOTORON' Euro front Plate
-EBC Green Brake Pads for less dust...



 
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Old May 28, 2003 | 10:13 PM
  #13  
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kurvhugr
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From: So. Maryland, USA
On the car now:
-17x7.5 SSR-Cs w/ 215-45-17 Bstone Potenza S-03s
-RSpeed exhaust
-Helix strut brace
-SS brake lines
-Green drop-in panel filter
-8.5 Magnecors
-windows tinted

Misc goodies:
-one of those hot pocket thingies
-glove box organiser
-boot box
-front euro plate

Near-future installs:
-B&M short shifter
-RDR rear swaybar
-HSport ARCAs
-Hamann checker bonnet stripes
-EBC Greenstuff front brake pads
-Mintex Redbox rear pads
-EBC sport rotors
-ProMINI drop links

Planning:
-amps (got 1 so far) and speakers (probably Rainbow)

In the wings and/or left-overs:
-Pipercross Viper - took it off for a dealer visit and just haven't put back on yet
-Rogue exhaust - still in the box, untested/unused
-Helix exhaust - GREAT system but too loud for me
((edit)) sold the Helix exhaust

No dyno runs

_________________
'02 IB/IB MC (name=ZIPPY) w/ assorted factory extras + SSR Comps (17&quot w/ B-stone Potenza S-03s + Helix strut brace + RSpeed exhaust + Magnecor wires + window tint......etc
 
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Old May 29, 2003 | 02:31 AM
  #14  
Miniphyter808
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kurvhugr helix too loud for you want to sell it???
 
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Old May 29, 2003 | 05:05 AM
  #15  
dandp's Avatar
dandp
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From: Bridgewater, NJ
kurvhugr, how do you find the Pipercross Viper? And how does the Helix Strut brace feel on the car?

Nice setup BTW
 
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Old May 29, 2003 | 07:56 AM
  #16  
kurvhugr's Avatar
kurvhugr
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>>kurvhugr helix too loud for you want to sell it???

I might, but not yet. I've read a number of posts on louder than typical installations where people recommend altering overall exhaust length. That's something you should be able to do with the Helix because of the way it fits together, so I plan to keep it for a while in case I feel like experimenting one of these days.

>>kurvhugr, how do you find the Pipercross Viper? And how does the Helix Strut brace feel on the car?

I like the Viper and think it actually improves performance but like I said, no dyno runs - I've posted more in threads about MC intakes - you should do a search for other threads.

I know the trend is to believe the MINI chassis is so solid that a strut brace is unnecessary. Could very well be true, in fact, I also know wishful thinking tells many of us we feel exactly what we expect after adding some mod or other. I may be a victim of this, but I say the car feels even sturdier now. I knew exactly what I didn't like about the feel of the car on 16" stock rims w/ runflats and got exactly what I was going for w/ the SSRs + S-03s. But it felt like there was some new (albeit very slight) flex under hard cornering on rough roads after the swap and a strut brace was just what the doctor ordered. I felt like the flex went away immediately and the car is solid as a rock. You could say it's all in my imagination, but I'm convinced it makes a real difference.

_________________
'02 IB/IB MC (name=ZIPPY) w/ assorted factory extras + SSR Comps (17&quot w/ B-stone Potenza S-03s + Helix strut brace + RSpeed exhaust + Magnecor wires + window tint......etc
 
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Old May 29, 2003 | 12:08 PM
  #17  
FWD-MX5's Avatar
FWD-MX5
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From: Stuttgart Germany
16x7 SSR Comps w/205/50 16 S-03s*
Magnecore Wires
RSpeed Exhasust
K&N Drop in filter
Alignement
Trailer Hitch*
Whalen *****
White side indicators*
The items denoted with an * are changed before autocross events. For auto-x I use Xlites with 215/40 16 A3S03 Hoosiers and stock equivalant parts. The best mod- wheels, most useful- Whalen ****, my favorite - RSpeed Exhaust.
Oh yeah bonnet stripes, Hoosier, The TIRE RACK, MINIUSA.COM and Atlantic Autowerks Decals- mmm contigency money and tires.

 
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Old May 29, 2003 | 12:34 PM
  #18  
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CoopingInDC
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From: Bethesda, MD / Washington, DC
let's see...

'02 British Racing Green Mini Cooper - 5K Miles

Magnecor Spark Wires
Remus Exhaust
17" BBS Wheels
SFS Radiator Hoses
Hose Techinques Engine Hoses
Badge Bar (Badges: RAC, BMC, St. Christopher, & Lucas)
Hella 150 Spot Lamps
"Mini Cooper" Driving Lamps (Hooked up to the Brights)
PIAA Windshiled Wiper Blades
Mini Strut Tower Brace
AFE / Moss Intake
Chrome Fire Extinguisher
Hella 135db Horn
Shorty Antenna
Polished Chrome Shift/Brake Handle
Leather Moss Brake/Sifter Boots
EuroPlate
Cubby Hole "Basket"
Glove Box Organizer
Matching Floor Mats
Moss Seatbelt Pads
Rally Stripes with Jon Cooper Logo
Mini 1275gt Side Stripe Decals
Extra Large Mini Cup Holder
Trunk Net
CD Changer
Two Tone Leather Interior
Leather Lucas Spot & Lamp Light Covers

JUST ORDERED:
Clear Aleeza Rear Lights, Shark Fin Side Markers, and Pipercross Viper Cold Air Intake System

how'd I do?

=Danny

 
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Old May 29, 2003 | 01:06 PM
  #19  
dandp's Avatar
dandp
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From: Bridgewater, NJ
We have some nice MC's here! And I've got some more mods to get
 
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Old May 29, 2003 | 06:27 PM
  #20  
CoopingInDC's Avatar
CoopingInDC
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From: Bethesda, MD / Washington, DC
wish there was more

 
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Old May 29, 2003 | 08:03 PM
  #21  
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wjklos
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From: Columbus, OH
Here's my current set....

Winston has received many presents over the last 9 weeks (3400 mi):
1 - Euro Parcel Shelf
2 - Gearshift ****
3 - Shift Bag
4 - Hand Brake Bag
5 - Glovebox Organizer
6 - Front Euro Plate
7 - Union Jack/Checkered Flag Badge on the Boot
8 - Boot Box
9 - Alta Shorty Antenna
10 - MCS Pedals
11 - X-Pel Light Protection (AFTER a foglight got nailed!)

On order....
A - Madness Rear Sway Bar

Considering...
A - Exhaust / Intake, etc.
B - Some engine dress-up
C - 17" Anthracite wheels (any suggestions?)
D - Window tint

Cheers,
Bill

 
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Old May 31, 2003 | 09:24 PM
  #22  
dandp's Avatar
dandp
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Uh oh....added the Helix Strut Brace today and the Mintex rear brake pads. Philly is a bit too close to me I suppose
 
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Old Jun 1, 2003 | 02:26 AM
  #23  
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
CopinginDC-
That is quite a list of upgrades you have there-
"wish there was more" means:
You would like to add more or you ran out of things to add or both.
Just looking at what you did here are a few more things to think about-
Suspension- H-sport springs work well- 1" drop front and rears. Could put the rear swaybar on soft setting if you do and remember to realign after you are done installing.
Brakes- with 17" wheels you could go with a brake upgrade in calipers or just change to Power slot rotors and get new brake shoes and better brake fluid.
Exhaust- consider any of the Exhaust manifold headers from London Stainless, mini mania or supersprint. Fits both MC and MCS. Some are louder and add about 6-9 HP while others (LS-pricey at $1300) aren't louder and add 9-12 HP.
Interior-
window tint, armrest, stereo upgrade-subwoofer?
Otherwise looks great
 
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Old Jun 1, 2003 | 09:00 AM
  #24  
asodestrom's Avatar
asodestrom
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From: Santa Rosa, CA


Brake light mod.

Pipercross intake.

Rogue Exhaust.

Pocket dyno to test the mods.


Future mods.

EBC brake pads

Swaybar

Andy


 
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Old Jun 1, 2003 | 09:42 AM
  #25  
Hank's Avatar
Hank
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
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Currently On Order:
JCW Upgrade Ordered
Carbon Fiber Intake Scoop Ordered
Carbon Fiber Rear Tail Lift Ordered
BMP Oil/Boost Gaige Cluster Ready To Install When JCW Upgrade Comes In

Future Purchase List
OZ ProDrive's w/Yoko Prada 2's
Air Intake (undecided which one)
Custom Carbon Fiber Vent Scoops
JCW Sport Seats (maybe)

 
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