OK. Ive been reading and reading and think I have determined components for modding my MCS. Since I live in Phoenix, Im a bit concerned with running hot. My list goes like this:

Alta Intake
Alta Pulley
QS Exhaust
H&R springs
Rear Sway bar
Evotech ECU

Im selling my e46 m3 convertible so got to get as much bang for the buck as I can out of the MCS. Let me know if you have any recommended installers in Phoenix or parts suppliers, or if you have suggestions on other brands.

 

Well, it sounds like you've coverred all the bases. I haven't really heard of the MINI having any cooling problems outside of the coolant leak. You'll probably be fine. I grew up in Phoenix all my life and drove all kinds of hopped up stuff. I even drove a 64 bug with an 1835cc motor. Hell , thats air cooled. You should be fine.

Frank

 

Bigger brakes...as long as you are going all out.
You'll want to be able to slow that puppy down.

 

>>OK. Ive been reading and reading and think I have determined components for modding my MCS. Since I live in Phoenix, Im a bit concerned with running hot. My list goes like this:
>>
>>Alta Intake
>>Alta Pulley
>>QS Exhaust
>>H&R springs
>>Rear Sway bar
>>Evotech ECU
>>
>>Im selling my e46 m3 convertible so got to get as much bang for the buck as I can out of the MCS. Let me know if you have any recommended installers in Phoenix or parts suppliers, or if you have suggestions on other brands.

Your car will be a lot like my car. Ultra fast! I would suggest you re-think the H & Rs. I loved the handling but my wife hated the ride. I replaced them with the Hotchkis H-Sports and now I have the best of both worlds. Progressive spring rates that are softer at normal driving but stiffen up as the springs compress under cornering loads.

Graham

 

..looks like after your Alta Intake. Alta Pulley and QC exhaust order today you're well under way! Thanks, I hope you enjoy all the goodies!

About your suspension mods..If you do springs that lower the car any (just about all of them) you'll need one set of adjustable control arms for the front and one set for the back (300-400 a set) to even out any camber problems. Since the OEM control arms are fixed in length, lowering the car will through the camber way out, eventually wearing out the insides of your tires in no time.

Toe-in/out problems are less likely, but if you are getting really bad toe-in/ you'll need another set (front and rear) That all adds up quick ($1,200 / four sets). Most likely, you'll be okay with just two sets (camber adjustments only)

But, hands down, the best suspension mod for your $ is going to be a beefier rear sway bar. Alta (ft & rr), Madness (rr only), RDR, Eibach (set only) and a few others are available, most of them are at least 2-way adjustable. Get one. Put in on. Drive like mad. I have a Madness bar set at full-stiff (3-way adj) and absolutely love it. On ramps have never been funner (more fun?) Here's a how-to for a rear bar (link on the bottom page):

http://outmotoring.com/Project_Out_Motoring.html

Anyway, welcome to MINI ownership.

....that M3 is going to be hard to beat!

 

Yep..hate having to give up my M3..Know any takers as it is still on the block! Suspension is a tough decision. On my M3 I put Bilstein PSS( Coil Overs and had H&R Coil Overs on my other BMW but think I want something that will make this ride a little less harsh. Always up to your suggestions, and http://www.outmotoring.com...appreciate the good products and package you are shipping out to me. Can't wait to get it put on!null