So I haven't posted up in here a long time cause of my summer job (camp counsellor) but I've had this week off and I took the time to order a few things. They are supposed to arrive tomorrow which will give me Saturday to get them installed. (Any requests for install pictures let me know.)

Here is what I ordered:
K&N Typhoon intake
Doug Thorley Exhaust (I got THE LAST ONE ever made for a MINI according to the man I talked with at outmotoring.com)
17% reduction pulley.

So tell me what you think about a few things.
A: the parts I ordered
B: where I should go next
C: if I should try and install the pulley myself

 

a pulley is a pulley so you know what to expect there. IMHO i wouldnt put it on myself though. never heard a doug thorley exhaust but it has to be an improvement over stock. I would probably get some light 16" rims and sweet tires next. what fun is torque unless you can't transfer it to the road?
as far as performance after that get some JCW 380 injectors and a nice RMW tune. welcome to the modification club, its all down hill from here

 

Nice upgrade in power, might also think about updating the stopping power.

 

May I suggest 19 mm sway bar at the stiffest setting, colder spark plugs & RMW Tune.

 

I've already got powerslot rotors and hawk pads, love 'em.

Ya I don't think I'll go for doing the pulley myself. Hopefully a shop will do it for less than $100.

I'm liking these ideas. Hmm... injectors and RMW tune. Tasty... Although sway bars are calling for my attention, too. GAAAH!!! I think I've caught the bug... it hurts so good.

Does anyone have experience with the ALTA p.s.r.s system? Is it worth the hefty price tag?

 

May as well do a HAI (filter on the throttle body) as the K&N...sooo much cheaper to do and you'll get basically the same IAT results.

 

As for the alta stuff.
It totaly works.
But for a street car its a bit over kill the powerflex bushings are likely what your looking for.
Course you need to be putting them in for a reason. being its a tough install.
So what makes you want them? Go with better tires and your likely to be set

 

I just like the idea of the front end not picking up so much under acceleration (it was my understanding that that what it works for?) Less front end lift = better traction coming out of corners, correct? I have autox'd once and plan on continuing to do so.

 

P.S.R.S. is basically stiffening up the front lower control arm bushings to keep the tire from moving/shifting forwards and backwards while braking and accelerating. unless you plan to autocross alot or buy 18" rims i think youll be ok without them

 

I approve of your mod list. The intake and exhaust will help open things up, but the 17% pulley will definitely be your biggest bang. Unfortunately, I highly doubt that you can find a shop around Knoxville that will do it for less than $175, I'm guessing the $200ish range.

This past winter I helped install a Doug Thorley exhaust on a friend's (japello) MCS. The welds looked solid, the tips are unique, and the exhaust has a good amount of burble to it. You should be pleased.

For your next performance mod, like the others have said, buy a stiffer rear sway bar; I personally like the Alta 22mm (its red, 3 way adjustable, and cheaper than the H&R). Lightweight wheels and sticky tires can make driving a lot more enjoyable, so maybe look around the forums for a while for a good deal on a set of used wheels/tires that you prefer. Have you ever considered lowering springs?

Finally, what part of Knoxville are you from? I grew up in Vonore/Tellico Plains area, but have been living in Ohio the past 4 years for college. And what camp are you a counselor?

 

200? Ouch, I can deal, though.

I've seen the Alta 22mm sway bar, is it the best? But should I just go for replacing the rear? Or should I do both front and rear?

 

not front and 19mm

 

I personally like the H-sport rear sway bar, just my opinion.

 

Hi there, I live near Knoxville, TN and know a shop close by to do the work for you. I sent you a PM and my phone number is there. Call me and we will get it done.

 

There are countless threads on swaybars in the suspension section. Generally one thing to look for is one with mounts that have grease zerks, so when the bar starts to squeak you can do something about it. Some bars have two adjustment points others have three. Some bars are hollow others are solid.

To my understanding best way to help eliminate front end lift is going to be with a stiff suspension setup, probably coilovers as many of the aftermarket springs tend to be softer than stock and dont do a whole lot for performance. If you just want springs your best bet will be TSW.

Get a custom tune when you can, but even without the tune some cars still make great numbers.

 

Sounds like a good setup:

For power next go:
JCW injectors, and a nice tune

then sway bars, coilovers etc.

Or a nice set of wheels/tires

 

Hey everyone, I took delivery of the K&N and the reduction pulley last night. I'm still waiting on the exhaust which, I expect, should come today. I'll get pictures of the parts up asap.

 

Feel free to make a run down to my shop in Atlanta. I've done plenty of pulleys. Plus I can install anything else or do a Tune if you want.