Power mods on the Justa's?
#28
I, too would like some definitive answers regarding installing a DDMWorks Intake on my 2010 Clubman (non S). What can I realitstically expect in improved performance? Not looking for a lot, or to turn her into a S. I very much enjoy the difference sport mode makes in her. If it does improve HP a bit, then I may drop the $$$. A MINI friend had this installed and swears it makes a difference. He also has a sprint booster. I have heard so many conflicting things, I'm confused...Can't do all the mods, but am leaning toward the cold air intake...thoughts? experiences? Thanks!
#30
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Eastern Long Island, NY
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murdoc - I can appreciate every sentiment in your rant. A couple more digits in HP column would be all that I would want, too. I'm still on the lookout for a full exhaust that doesn't drone at highway speed... Until then, playing with my suspension and the intake have proven to be well worth it. I've also decided to ban the word 'Justa' from my vocabulary - it just doesn't fit my experience. I like 'Straight Cooper' better as in 'the air goes straight in' and doesn't get altered in any way.
#31
murdoc - I can appreciate every sentiment in your rant. A couple more digits in HP column would be all that I would want, too. I'm still on the lookout for a full exhaust that doesn't drone at highway speed... Until then, playing with my suspension and the intake have proven to be well worth it. I've also decided to ban the word 'Justa' from my vocabulary - it just doesn't fit my experience. I like 'Straight Cooper' better as in 'the air goes straight in' and doesn't get altered in any way.
#35
Is there some feature to the DDM set up that adds the noise? Can that be altered?
Before anyone complains I don't know anything. I know I don't. I never worked on cars as I am not a hands on guy. I am an accountant type guy. Thanks.
#36
murdoc - I can appreciate every sentiment in your rant. A couple more digits in HP column would be all that I would want, too. I'm still on the lookout for a full exhaust that doesn't drone at highway speed... Until then, playing with my suspension and the intake have proven to be well worth it. I've also decided to ban the word 'Justa' from my vocabulary - it just doesn't fit my experience. I like 'Straight Cooper' better as in 'the air goes straight in' and doesn't get altered in any way.
#37
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Was looking at the DDM set up. I don't want loud. A little more power yes. A little more noise not necessary but ok. LOUD why? Especially for just a couple hp. Can I get a stealth hp/torgue upgrade so I can sneak up on unsuspecting SUV's.
Is there some feature to the DDM set up that adds the noise? Can that be altered?
Before anyone complains I don't know anything. I know I don't. I never worked on cars as I am not a hands on guy. I am an accountant type guy. Thanks.
Is there some feature to the DDM set up that adds the noise? Can that be altered?
Before anyone complains I don't know anything. I know I don't. I never worked on cars as I am not a hands on guy. I am an accountant type guy. Thanks.
I don’t think there’s any other way to get a couple HP quietly, unfortunately. And don’t worry about not knowing anything - at least you admit it. I’m not much of a mechanic myself; I’ve done a few mods on my own (including the intake) but only after some research and help. I decided to post on NEMINI (a more local forum for me) that I was doing the intake install myself and was looking for advice. A member posted something simple about taking the OEM intake off that literally allowed me to complete the job. Without that kind of help, my MINI would have sat in the garage until a real mechanic showed up.
Best of luck - there’s lots of fun to be had modding.
#38
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Thanks, I didn't want to come of sounding like a d(#k. I'm glad that some people understand. As for non power mods, I am working on some of those too, should be getting my sway bar here in a week or so. I to am looking for a good exhaust system, something that is straight back, fewer bends. I do like the 'Straight Cooper', I haven't erased 'Justa' quite yet, but I might.
#40
#41
An intake isn’t *fart can* loud - it’s more subtle, but in the DDM’s case it’s not as subtle. And there’s no feature that would make it quieter - a cold air intake simply is a more “open” intake which is what makes it louder than OEM. This became wildly obvious to me when I took the OEM intake off - it’s almost completely enclosed except for the vent hose that goes to the front of the car. Keep in mind that I haven’t heard any other intakes, just what another member found when he installed 3 different ones. Mine is also slightly louder because I modified my intake silencer. I did that before I installed the DDM. Without doing a tune and an exhaust, I just wanted to create a nice clean flow of of air to the intake side.
I don’t think there’s any other way to get a couple HP quietly, unfortunately. And don’t worry about not knowing anything - at least you admit it. I’m not much of a mechanic myself; I’ve done a few mods on my own (including the intake) but only after some research and help. I decided to post on NEMINI (a more local forum for me) that I was doing the intake install myself and was looking for advice. A member posted something simple about taking the OEM intake off that literally allowed me to complete the job. Without that kind of help, my MINI would have sat in the garage until a real mechanic showed up.
Best of luck - there’s lots of fun to be had modding.
I don’t think there’s any other way to get a couple HP quietly, unfortunately. And don’t worry about not knowing anything - at least you admit it. I’m not much of a mechanic myself; I’ve done a few mods on my own (including the intake) but only after some research and help. I decided to post on NEMINI (a more local forum for me) that I was doing the intake install myself and was looking for advice. A member posted something simple about taking the OEM intake off that literally allowed me to complete the job. Without that kind of help, my MINI would have sat in the garage until a real mechanic showed up.
Best of luck - there’s lots of fun to be had modding.
#42
#46
#50
Just wanted to chuck my $0.02 out there. I had an 02 Justa for about a year then switched to an 04 S. I loved my Justa and was completely content with taking the 115hp up the 130hp mark - it would have been plenty to have fun with. However, I opted for the S to meet my needs and desires - to me it was a package deal: the six speed transmission, DSC, on-board-computer, Sunroof, Sport Seats, dual muffler/exhaust tips, and of course the speed. My Justa was as base as they came, it had fog lights and heated seats and that was it! Didn't bother me that much but I really wanted more. Also, my Justa was knocking on 100,000 miles soon and I wanted something younger and knowing the Midlands 5 speed was prone to failure, it just made sense to opt for a different MINI. However, I will note that the Justa still felt tigher and more nimble handling wise but I'd be willing to bet once I dump the S-heavies off my S and add some lowering springs with a RSB, it will feel great.
That being said, with a Justa, I installed the DDM intake and it was worth every dollar. It's not intrusive or obnoxiously loud but it is there when you go WOT - it has a throaty growl to it. Very enjoyable as you can still entertain conversation with it.
As far as othe mods to make the most of your justa, suspension and wheels/tires is the way to go to make it more fun. A full exhaust, injectors, plugs, and a tune couldn't hurt either if you don't mind spending the cash. Also, as someone said, a JCW head and/or cam wouldn't be a bad addition either. After those mods, the power would probably feel just "right" depending on your expectations.
Good luck and enjoy the journey. By the way, you have been warned that once the mod bug bites, it bites hard and often.
That being said, with a Justa, I installed the DDM intake and it was worth every dollar. It's not intrusive or obnoxiously loud but it is there when you go WOT - it has a throaty growl to it. Very enjoyable as you can still entertain conversation with it.
As far as othe mods to make the most of your justa, suspension and wheels/tires is the way to go to make it more fun. A full exhaust, injectors, plugs, and a tune couldn't hurt either if you don't mind spending the cash. Also, as someone said, a JCW head and/or cam wouldn't be a bad addition either. After those mods, the power would probably feel just "right" depending on your expectations.
Good luck and enjoy the journey. By the way, you have been warned that once the mod bug bites, it bites hard and often.