I have an 07 base mini (non s) and i want to start upgrading it for better performance only problem I have a $200 budget right now any suggestions on what I should do first? And under the budget? Any thoughts or commenets are greatly appreciated thanks in advanced

 

Start with rear sway. Best bang for the buck.

 

Ditto

 

I would spend some time making yourself a DIY intake( under 50 bucks) and get the upgraded torque arm insert. Both of them are straightforward mods that you can do yourself and still have some change leftover in your pocket.

 

Also, keep an eye out in the NAM marketplace for suspension components. I've gotten my setup where it's at for a fraction of the price I would have had to buy new. With that being said, check out waymotorworks for their suspension kit when you have the money. That's the way I would have gone had I not gotten a really good deal on a set of lightly used(under 5k miles) eibach springs and s shocks from the marketplace.

 

Found a few DIY instructions which did you use or suggest?

 

I went real cheap and picked up a Spector open cone, took my stock air box off, and made a little bracket to hold it up off the intake. Cost me an afternoons worth of time and under 30 buck, I just left the stock piping in place. It's not the cleanest/ most pretty way to do it, but it was cheap and I love the way it sounds. I just make sure to pull it off and clean it every oil change( 6k ish miles for me) because it does get dirty faster then a stock air filter. I've had mine for around 65k miles with no issues.

 

Do you have a picture??? That would make it alot easier for me to understand... I'm brand new to this.

 

Lol I'm actually at work right now. Ill be able to snap a picture tomorrow morning though

 

FANTASTIC thank you very much!

 

If you wanted to see them tonight, look for posts I've posted in or search for non s intakes in the r56 non s modifications section. There are lots of variations and pictures that you could do.

 

Did you notice a gain in mpg with the cone?

 

DDM intake ...hands down

 

Which would be the best way to start mods

Ddm / kn typhoon or d1/speed booster or rear 19 inch swaybar

 

It's a non-s so play to its strengths: get the larger rear sway bar. Especially since you're asking specifically for performance mods and not BS mods

 

I've heard very good things about the nm torque insert I just ordered mine going to install once I get it in the mail

 

I guess what I'm looking for is something I can notice/feel without ALWaYS driving the car hard.

It seems that sway bars may only be noticed when pushing the car harder, same with the torque bushing, I may b wrong. Thats why I'm asking.

If its a daily driver, I am wondering where to start spending .

After all, the wife has to drive it too.

 

Definitely do the 22mm Rear Sway Bar, I did this on Molly almost a year ago, it's now set on the middle setting and I love it!! She just got the PowerFlex Bushings installed October, also a must do, the ride has smoothed out so much, yes you still feel a good bit of the road, but on smooth pavement the difference is amazing. I am the "primary/only" driver and Financier of Molly, she's my MINI and I am a Woman, and as a Woman I have looked for and researched the heck out of all of the mods. I have put on her and I would not change any one of them. I'm currently looking at a Mini Mania Snorkel and Air Filter Cleaner, to start my "performance" mods., will be doing the FSD Shocks with Eibach Sportline Springs in the future...$$ just isn't available at the moment to do those, but they are on my "Wish List".

Good luck, just remember once you start modding your MINI there is no turning back!!

And that is a very very good thing...Trust Me!!

 

Thanks for the info.

So are u saying under normal day to day driving the sway bar will be a noticeable improvement.

Or am I better off with a D1 spec or CAI?

Pete

 

If you only drive in a straight line, skip the rear sway bar ;p Otherwise you'll notice the difference. You won't notice an intake mod. Heck an improvement from an intake is questionable on an S, let alone on a non-S. Alternatively, get a custom exhaust done for around 275.

 

UGH.. just when I narrow my rsults down.

I guess the one thing to learn from this forum is to each his/her own.

Some say CAI makes a difference, others don't.
Same with spec D1.

They are all around the 240$ range give or take.

I guess ill flip a coin

Thanks for all the help

 

There was a definite difference, she holds on in the corners, feels way more planted on any surface.

I know the feel now is a combination of the Rear Sway and PowerFlex Bushings, but even before the bushings the Sway Bar, I also had new Endlinks installed, if I didn't mention that, she just felt more planted and able to corner so much better.

My mods. are spaced 6mo. apart, so I make sure I have the funds available and I know exactly what I want when the time comes, I also get to know my car better, I'm not throwing a bunch of things on it without knowing what each one of them does individually.

 

Do them all!

 

I had the torque bushings installed at MOTD by WMW. I drove the Dragon in to Fontana before the bushings and then had to drive the Dragon again. Noticed a big difference. Well worth the cost of less than $100 installed. Thanks WMW!!!!