Hey guys,
In the past when I have had car questions I asked my friends and family for advice. But, those cars weren't MINI Coopers. Now, the fountains of information I went to in the past are dry. They have no idea or experience with MINIs, and I need some ideas and suggestions. And since we live in the same geographical proximity, maybe you have better ideas of what works well in this area.
1) I need front brakes and rotors. I have tried to research this, and everyone has their own opinion on 1000 different products. What are you using? I gotta change them next month, like the first part of next month.
2) Ignition. I don't have to fix any of this, but if you have something better or different that is working well for you...
Thank you for helping me out and starting a new fountain of advice.

 

We run stock brake pad and calipers here. We're still on our first set with little wear and just under 13K miles on them.

Spark plugs, we run NGK here. Stock wires and coil.

Check the 1st Gen MINI's forum, Modifications, Cooper non S subforum for some ideas. Tons of examples and suggestions.

 

Unfortunately, I can't help. Only 15k on this car.
I know, we need to drive more.

 

+1 to Rainman's post; I'm too new to help this time. But, I like the idea of this thread. I would rather get advice from someone I've actually met, and I know drives in the same climate, roads, etc., than from someone driving their MINI 1,000 miles away.

 

My brakes:
Hawk Performance brake pads
Power Slot cryo-tempered rotors (4)
Goodridge stainless steel brake lines
Motul RBF 600

Almost 50,000 miles/4 years on this set up, only maintenance was 2 brake fluid flushes.

My ignition system:
-Stock coil, stock wires. This stock stuff really is some of the best you can get, unless you just want a color change. There is no real benefit to getting aftermarket wires. Jan of RMW told me this himself when my car was tuned.
I used to have Mini Mania's plasma booster, it seemed to do something, but it killed the coil in only 20,000 miles.

-Brisk Racing spark plugs, on the car for 15,000 miles. I had NGK before that for 40,000 miles. I didn't think that the NGKs were any worse for wear, but the change to Brisk was very noticeable.

 

Thank you. That helps me out immensely!

 

The Spacey Moderator made good suggestions for someone who is looking for higher-than-stock performance parts. If you are looking for stock performance parts, I would also suggest looking at Mintex Redbox pads. They perform every bit as well as stock but are much cheaper.

For ignition, save your money. We have done more than 600 dyno runs on MINIs and have never seen any performance increase from coils, wires or plugs (our own brand included). If you need to replace worn stock pieces, then you might get high quality aftermarket stuff, but otherwise stick with what you've got.

 

MINIPaige....the ole Sioux Falls group really isnt up to par is it ....I've been checking out the Omaha group..seems a bit more organized and enthusiastic. No advice for ya on your question tho...I have just over 30,000 on my 06'

 

NO! Not really. I have met a couple that had a green S, but that is really it. I have heard there are a few people that get together, on Sundays at least, but I have never seen them. I have done more with CORN than anyone up here. Oh well.
I have 35k on my '06 regular, but me thinks the last brakes weren't top line pads.