Tires - best bang for buck. Which ones depends on what you want to do with the car.

 

What decent tires can you get for $300 or less

 

your not kidding! In my regin im running against some 500 whp evos and sti's. Im not far off them, but I never win anymore. but its not about winning anyways. its about the driving!

A sway bar would be a great idea also.

 

The order of my modding has been.
1. Alta CAI
2. Eibach springs
3. M7 pulley
4. Whalen shift ****
5. MM 22mm sway bar
6. M7 strut bar
All were done within the $300 budget. Although my favorite is probably the Whalen ****, shifts nicely and with custom engraving adds a little interior bling.

 

http://www.rosshandling.co.uk/assorted-wheels.asp

 

Since you're in Charlotte, NC, you're not far from Grassroots Garage. Give them a call for some recommendations and pricing. If it's doable on that budget, a 15% pulley would absolutely be the best bang for the buck!

 

^ FYI:
Dan's quote for a 15% pulley install (parts and labor), at Grassroots, about a month ago was $380.

So if you can go a little above $300, that's one option. Either way, he can certainly provide some great feedback.

 

Damn I missed out last time I bought tires
p.s... my pulley was $385 at the dragon but it included a new belt & colder plugs. I still say for the best 1st mod... scrape together $85 more & get a pulley

 

^ Shame -- the red ones would've looked great on your car.

 

Wow - what a response - Thanks!
I will definitely keep this all in mind.

I'm not going to Autocross - I'll leave that up to my husband and his WRX.
BUT I want to be able to go up to the mountains and have fun!!!
So, I think I'm either going to go with a STB or a Sway bar first.
Then exhaust.
Then wait for the warranty to run out and do the pulley.

Yes - I know Dan with Grassroots Garage - he did my stud conversion.
However, we've got a best friend who's a mechanic and he trades beer for service. So, no labor costs involved.

 

I know the thread up to this point has been about performance/handling mods, but if I were starting over with a clean MINI slate and had $300 to spend, the first mods I would do would would be the Whalen shift ****, Euro parcel shelf, and Ian's "Auto-Up" window circuit.

Those three mods have probably given me the most "bang for the buck" when it comes to increasing the utility and enjoyment of my MINI.

 

those dont make it a rocket ship...............oh scott, how you let me down.....

 

I wouldn't consider those best bang for the buck... far from it, a Whalen shift know lists at $150. Then, the Euro parcel shelf, which isn't available in the US anymore, has gone up to $169. That's already $319 before adding the auto-up circuit.

I still think the Pulley is the best for those seeking power or a stiffer rear anti-sway bar for those seeking handling.