I want to add these mods to my Cooper.

Stage 2 Power Package
http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...PROD&ProdID=35

OR

Stage 3 Power Package
http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=148

AND

Stage 1 Drivetrain Package
http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...PROD&ProdID=78

Would stage 3 effect the cars longativity compared to stage 2 since I am modding the engine components?

Your thoughts are much appreciated!

Thanks!

Randy

 

I can only dream of such fun!

 

I'm assuming the stage 3 kit will produce more power higher up in the powerband, so you'll want to rev the engine more, so yeah, there should be more wear.

But how much? Who knows, there are MINIs out there with more than 100000 miles without any engine trouble, so I think these kits will have limited effect on engine life (its not like you're running boost on a normal cooper engine)

If I had $3500 USD laying around and I didn't care about gas mileage/insurance premium I would go for a Cooper S instead of these kits I think, atleast you get a factory warranty and everything is garenteed to work together.

 

I thought about getting an S in 2006... but another 60 months of car payments I'm not really down with. Since I have this car paid off by next year, I might as well enjoy the cash flow. I'm expecting a biggy bonus from work and I thought I should spoil myself without over doing it... like getting another car...

I would expect more low to mid range power from the ECU, header, throttle body and drivetrain mods.

So don't rev too high on a regular basis and I should be okay... thanks for the advice Luke!

Stage 3 it is!!!

 

You're exhaust sounds wicked by the way!

 

If you do get 155bhp from the stage 3 kit, + the lightened fly wheel/clutch, you'll have the same power to weight ratio as a Cooper S, AND your car weights less so you'll have better cornering.

its actually a relative good deal if the car is out of warranty anyway and you want to make it go.

 

But whatever you do, go for a good oil, like Royal Purple, Red Line, or Amsoil. If you really want to save wear, get an oil accumulator (pressurizes when the motors running, and before you start the car, pressurizes the oil galleys of the block.)

But really, you can drive hard without worry if you have a good build. Think about what you can get (S with over 100 hp/liter, 400 hp Corvette, 450 hp mustang on the way). These come with factory warrantees, and can be long lived powerplants....

Live and drive like you want. What's the fun of restraint? It's like buying a fast car, the just looking at it in the garage. My 65 Mustang is pretty good looking, and when people ask me if I keep it garaged, I say only when there's room, and the rest of the time, I beat the snot out of it. And yes, parts brake, and yes, I fix em. But cars are for driving, not saving.... They're just metal!

Matt

 

Whats up Doc?

So you suggest performance oil and an oil accumlator?

I like your living/driving philosophy!

Wow!!! You have a 65 Mustang?!?! That's crazy yo! Great job restoring it! Beautiful piece of machinery!

 

More performance=?= More wear???

The answer is you can add all the performance upgrades you want and if you drive smoothly you will do fine for reliability.

But if you drive aggressively and be rough and hard on the throttle/brakes all the time like you are driving on the track (even if you never get to the track), then expect stuff to break whether you are fully stock or fully modded.

Therefore it is "how YOU drive" that determines "more wear" not the presence or absence of upgrades.

Changing engine oil regularly helps alot.

 

Hey Doc,

So is this what you suggest?

http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=245

and this...

http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=219

So these items and my driving style can add longativity to the vehicle?

Thanks!

Randy

 

minihune,

How much is regularly? every 5000 km?

Thanks!

Randy

 

Although MINI recommends waiting as long as 10,000 to 15,000 miles between oil changes (wishful thinking and under "ideal" conditions), some owners will change oil at half or a third of that interval. A little added cost but it keeps the oil fresher and will help in the long run for the engine.

Figure about 3000-5000 miles or 5000-8000 km. More often if you do mostly city/urban driving and less often if you do more highway/freeway driving.

 

The catch can is to get oil out of the vapor stream so it won't coat the inside of the IC, degrading heat transfer. Not a power adder, a power preserver. Best on an S, but will keep oil out of the intake on a standard cooper, but who knows if it's worth the weight or cost.
The oil cooler is to dissapate heat more effectivly, and will help with hard driving.
The parts I mentioned can be found here...
Red Line
Royal Purple
Amsoil
Accusump Oil Accumulator

The good synthetic oil is just smart money. I use Red-Line in the Mini and Mustang ($7 a quart if you look hard enough), and Mobile One on the Acura MDX (I don't track that one!)
The Accusump is really a race part, but does cure the problem of low oil pressure at startup.

Matt