I have the brakes (Green stuff, Brembo blanks) done on the front. I'll get the rears done with inspection in a few months. I'm thinking about what I should get next. Everybody says strut bars are BS. I did like the looks of the rear seat delete kit. I'm thinking that and maybe a cheap rear bar just to give it a "purpuse built" look. Any opinions? I wanna (possibly) spend less than $300.

 

For your MC
Rear sway bar adjustable 19mm, set to softest setting- helps with reducing understeer when cornering at speed, for street driving in general it's not that noticable.
Strut tower brace- maybe later, maybe not at all, MINI front end is reasonably stiff as is.
Rear seat delete kit- is fine, saves weight, looks good, as long as you don't need the rear seat. Good for general storage but you can't hide things from view with rear seatbacks up and boot covered.

What are you doing for intake/cat back exhaust?
What about suspension? Consider the Koni FSD?
Are you using stock MINI rims? Lighter rims and non runflat tires are a big improvement.

Got the 5 speed manual or CVT transmission?

 

I have an 05 S conv and changed the shocks to soften the harsh ride then added a Dinan front strut bar. Each change made noticeable difference. A front SB on a cabrio is a must in my opinion.

 

Quote:
The mission should I choose to attempt it: Turn my 03 BR Green Mini into a mild autocross machine by Spring 2007. I envision F+R strut bars, Hotchkis Sway bars F+R, EBC brakes all 4 corners and a yet unchosen set of wheels. American Racing released a set of old school appearing Mini Wheels up to 17 inch. And, they're Teflon coated!

More comments-
F+R strut bars - Not really recommended and benefit would be hard to detect unless you drive really really hard. Save your funds. If you had a less stiff chassis it might be worth the effort.

Hotchkis Sway bars F+R - most times front sway bar is adequate unless you upgrade your entire suspension. Rear bar is fine to upgrade 19mm is OK but some will choose the stiffer 22mm. I'd recommend an adjustable 19mm.

EBC brakes all 4 corners - this is OK or there are other choices as well that work for autocrossing.

set of wheels. American Racing released a set of old school appearing Mini Wheels up to 17 inch.- For autocross you want the lightest rim (not usually 17") that can fit and smallest tire with widest thread and lowest profile.

If you autocross in SCCA then you'd be in STS class if you use street tires (at least 140 treadwear rating) or FSP class if you use R compound tires.

I'd have to check about removing the back seat for these classes.

 

The Cabrio is not as stiff as the MINI hardtop.

The cabrio has some added reinforcement but could stand to have a bit more. Underbracing is OK, adding a front tower strut brace is OK. Whether you make use of these upgrades depends on how your drive.

 

Cat-back or wheels would get my vote.

 

I was going to avoid doing any motor work of any kind. Was going to leave factory exhaust, intake box, everything. The car would never reach the straight line speed I would want. If I wanted that, I wouldn't have bought this. I decided I would prolly just skip the auto-X because I would get wrecked by drivers in a prepared class. I'm thinking the seat delete soon, and the wheels come tax return time. Oh, and has anyone found a price on the teflon wheels and a weight?

 

You might want to think about an MTH tune. You won't get a lot more straight line speed, but you will get a few more rpm's top end and a bit more mid-range performance. It's a very nice upgrade that helps you get the most out of the limited HP that we "justcoopers" enjoy. A 19 mm rear sway bar is a good bang for the buck also.

 

FYI, I did the seat-delete, and love it. I also did the front tower bar, and DID notice a difference, I don't drive without it now. And I'm *NOT* an autox'er.

 

I say go with the rear seat delete kit right now!

 

Okay, rear seat delete it is. I'll let ya know when it happens.