Hi we're about to buy a new 08 MC. I was wondering if you could list the best mods you have done to your car. Also, what mods weren't worth it?

If you haven't done mods, What are the best options you ordered? What're the worst?

thanks
Dan

I'm researching Nav and blue tooth options now. We want the MC for the gas mileage as a DD. I think we are going to order: Lightning blue or black, white roof, 6M. cold weather, all season tires for winter. checkerboard cloth sport seats, piano black, cream colorline, chrome gauges, chrome mirrors, anthracite headliner, garage mirror, MF steering wheel, aftermarket cream striped floor mats, arm rest. Probably some aftermaket wheels and tires for summer.

 

I got a MC too and dressed it up with window tinting, JCW aero kit, nice wheels, Chrome gas cap (easy swap-out) and new side scuttles. Looks like a MCS, but averages 35 mpg.

I love this car!

 

Right now one of the best things i've done was gotten my windows tinted and installed h&r lowering springs. they give the MC a sleeker look and gets rid of the SUV look.

i am looking into getting a 19mm rear sway bar.

 

I want to do those springs too. Did you do it yourself? How did the ride change? What about issues with re-alignment Corin?

Also, I saw your post on scuttles. Any (including S) will work and you can change those in a couple of minutes. Super easy.

 

i was going to do my springs myself with aid from my friend (who is also a car junkie) but my parents insisted that i got them professionally installed. I got it done by Danny down at minicorsa in so-cal if you are near there.

i stayed and watched the install and glad i didn't do it myself. its a lot easier if you have a lift, but it can be done.

the ride is great. it handles the corners well, i take it out to the canyons every sunday with my friend in his 350z. and gives it a nice look. the only problems i have with them is getting in and out of school but that's what's going to happen when you lower it and when i go through some banked curves in the canyon the mud flaps on the underside of the car bottom out.

as far as re-alignment goes, danny adjusted it when he installed it with 2 degrees in the front and 1 in the rear (i wasnt clear on how he did it and if it was even possible with the stock control arms)

 

I think the simplest, cheapest, most effective mode is blacking out the beltline. It brings the roof area down just enough to affect the overall balance of the car.

 

You should consider adding a turbo.

 

Turbo for what? I get on the highway just fine and make up my time by avoiding the gas station longer

 

My first mod's going to be the rear sway bar.
My Mini came with really nice wheels already and some pretty decent tires. Plus the aero grille.
After that:
short shifter and exhaust
CAI

Not sure after that. I don't want to lower it... I can hardly get in and out of my driveway as it is (it's steep).
Any ideas?

 

I got sprint booster for my first mod...great result...
My second mod is eibach spring...Nice riding quality...like stock but better handling...

Now I waiting for CAI, I order forge carbon induction, actually it's for cooper s but I will adjust it to my cooper R56...I will let u know the result later..

Cheer...

 

What is a sprint booster?

 

I've been looking at alternatives to the factory Nav system. I'm leaning toward a nuvi 660 and this kit to integrate the Nuvi to the factory stereo...
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=574

I just don't know how it works yet.

 

A sway bar upgrade was money well spent.

Went to 17" wheels and tires. Much more fun to drive, but be prepared for a harsh ride.

Excellent idea on tinted windows. I did the same and totally agree.

The sport seats are more comfortable than the base leatherette seats.

Got the multifunction steering wheel and am very pleased with it.

 

Mine is a MCS not a MC, but The first mod and favorite is tint. I have a astro black and the tint makes it perfect. I also got a 4" shortty antenna from minspeed.net to get rid of the RC car look. My next was the Forge CAI like mentioned above and its spectacular. I recently dropped it on H&R Springs and installed a 19mm sway bar from minspeed. It looks great and handles well, and ofcourse the ride is just a bit stiffer, but when I get rid of the runflats I will be good to go. So for me being from Florida tint is always #1, but I love everything else I have done. Also, I average 34mpg city/hwy and I get on it sometimes as well so I dont just putz around. You should definitely get a MCS

 

I doubt that it's a "mod" -- but the most useful thing I've added to my new MCS is the Light n Sound plastic thingy on the top of the windscreen that lets me see overhead traffic lights when pulled up close.

 

Quote:

Light n Sound plastic thingy on the top of the windscreen that lets me see overhead traffic lights when pulled up close.

xqb3b
What is that thingy
At 6'-5" I'm always ducking to see traffic lights. Where did you get it?

 

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

 

It's Light in Sight. It's a fresnel lens that adheres to the inside of your windshield that help you see traffic lights without have to crane your neck. Here's a link:

http://www.lightinsight.com/

 

Thanks! I'll check it out.

 

So a sprint booster has the same effect as hitting the sport button. Doesn't seem worth the $$$ to me

 

thank, Vaper for picking up the ball...... I wasn't paying attention and didn't mean to ignore Mininightflame's question about the Light n Sight.

 

I just figured that you got busy, no harm.
That's the great thing about this forum and Mini community; someone will jump in and give help or an answer

 

LSD is a must, inexpensive factory option.

 

although i own an MCS, i think a GREAT mod would be the m7 grill. it adds that really nice aggressive look to your car.



it gives it a different look compared to the other minis you'll see on the streets. since you wont have a turbo, may i suggest the light bar that alta sells? if i had an MC i would get that.

for performance, or should i say suspension mod, i think one of the best mods and EXTREMELY affordable, would be a sway bar. from what i read here on the forums, theres a night and day difference when you have it on.

and of course you cant go wrong with getting wheels for your mini



just a few suggestions!

cheers

-nam

 

it's a $330 placebo that "corrects" a "problem" that only the purchasers of it seem to have. Save your money and get a real tune.

On topic - the Glove Box Tidy is a cheap, simple mod that makes the glovebox much more usable.
Adding a water temp gauge is also a good idea.

As for options - the nav and bluetooth you're considering have proven to be invaluable to me. I love how well everything integrates.