Thinking bout upgrading my ignition with the following parts: MSD Ignition Coil, Kingsborne 8mm Plug Wires and the Beru Spark Plugs..

Fairly new to the Mini world so thoughts/experience appreciated...

 

Don't bother with any of that unless the parts being replaced are in need of replacement/worn.

The only item there that could affect performance in some way would be the Beru plugs, and only if you think your car could need a cooler heat range of plugs.

All that money could be sunk into a lot of other goodies, ones that will deliver real results.

- Matt

 

Appreciate the feedback... was also thinking about CAI... any thoughts there ? ... as well as other suggestions ? (not wanting to go head over heels... but do have a few tax refund $ to spend)

 

Do you have any mods thus far?

Most start with a little more power...the stock suspension is pretty competant on the street. A reduction pulley (15% or other) is a quick, and relatively safe way, to get there on the cheap. A CAI (any brand really...a drop in high flow filter can be just as good...it's all personal preference) will complement that nicely. Colder plugs could help out the above mods if you find your car pinging. These are just a few of the cheaper, good bang-for-the-buck mods.

Most important thing to keep in mind is a plan...a set of goals, I suppose. Realize the amount you want to spend, and plan your mod list accordingly. Worst thing that can happen is getting non-complementary or non-focused mods; an exhaust system not optimized for a head design, or a cam designed for peak power when you would rather higher torque.

And, at the end of the day, a capable car is worthless should you not know how to drive it. Look into an HPDE (High-Performance Drivers Education) course of some sort. Fastest way to driving your car faster, smoother, and more safely.

Take your time, read and learn around here a bit, and don't splurge until you know what you want, how to do it, and how to handle it.

- Matt

 

I still wouldn't even go there then (If the stock parts are worn and need replacement). Jan's built 400+ whp cars using the stock ignition. There's no reason to go to aftermarket, it usually just causes issues.

 

I was thinking more the wires, if you really wanted to. I like the stock coil pack. I also prefer the JCW cooler plugs over the Beru.

- Matt

 

jcw plug wires look cool in blue

 

Really appreciate the continued feedback... all really good stuff... am learning alot just reading the threads on this site... only adds/mods I've done so far are the following: picked up a donut spare (which I have "tie-down strapped" for safety in the rear) and then changed out the run flats for Yokohama S drive tires with Drag DR-16 gun-metal wheels... put in the Aux Audio input for my Garmin Nuvi for GPS Nav and MP3 thru the audio system and added a Beltronics R65 radar unit (rear-view-mirror mounted) with power wire run to the fuse panel... so I guess you could say I'm really at square one in regard to mods... performance-wise.

 

We've had good luck with NGK Plugs.

Stay away from Denso unless you like spending money on expensive helicoil kits.

If you're square one with mods I'd start with a CAI, Supercharger Pulley (15%, stay away from anything higher unless you're going to run a water to air IC), colder plugs, and maybe an exhaust/header. What are you looking to spend and what timeframe are you looking to spend it in? Do you have a goal with the car? What are you going to do with the car? Street? Autocross? Club Racing?

 

Super secret engine project???? What could it be young Jedi?

I ran Denso's for three years and never had a problem .

Longboard

 

I like installing Timeserts myself.

- Matt

 

For curiousity's sake, what kind of issues?

 

Misfires galor...

That aside though, I'd rather not waste several hundred dollars on something that won't do a thing.

 

Not allowed to talk about it . Shhh, it's super secret!

I ran Denso's too and had no issues, but after reading about all the issues people had with them shooting out of the head, I'd rather just go with a brand that hasn't had any issues.