Ok, I am obviously new at this. I have a 03 MCS. Being new to minis and really ever moding a car in ANY way what would be the best way to get started?

I have looked at some kits online that range from 2k to 3k that say they can get the HP to 215, is this true? How much does it usually cost to pay someone to install it?

I know this is a vague post but ANY help would be greatly appreciated

 

Intake..
Exhaust..
SC pulley are all the bolt on goodies you could do at home with out really tearing too much into the car. Then Suspension is a nice upgrade. You wont gain HP this way but you will be able to get the HP you have to the road better.

Then getting things like a cam, head and a tune from RMW (Jan) will be the big step up in power. I have a 03 MCS also and noticed a big difference with the intake and catback exhaust. There are MANY companies that makes parts and pieces for the car. I chose to get the Alta intake and IE catback exhaust.

The best tip is to search... Read EVERYTHING. I read the forum for 3 weeks before I even bought my Mini. There are a ton of mods, tips and tricks for the cars.

Welcome to NAM!

 

The basic list of mods is:

Cold Air Intake
Reduced SC Pulley (15/17/19%)
Exhaust
Headers
Injectors
Tune

This usually nets ~210hp to the wheels. If you're looking for more than that you can send Jan(Revolution Mini Works) a pm or any number of other vendors that have items to your liking.

 

Here are some of the things I've done! Really happy so far!

15% pulley!
K&N filter kit.
Light weight fly wheel.
Borla CAT Back. Kinda loud! But the wife will get use to it!
Lighter wheels. Get away from run flats! and carry a cell phone and flat kit.
After market brakes.
High voltage coil.


Looking in to a chip and maybe a rear sway bar someday.

My mileage is about the same as stock as long as I keep my foot out of it. (Which is very difficult )

Ok not so much!

 

OMG!! you guys are so awesome! I ahve no idea what any of these parts are but I am a voracious reader!! Can I buy these things a little at a time? Like maybe cold air intake first etc? If so which should I get first?

Again, thanks so much!!!

Going to test my new escort 9500i radar for bit:P

 

Get the intake.. Drive it and see how you like it.. Then get something like exhaust. Catback will be just fine for now. Add a header later if you want more. SC pulley is a good mod. I will be doing mine in a week or so.

 

I'd say do the pulley before the intake.

 

I am so suprised by all the feedback! I thought I would get made fun of for asking questions.

Ok, I guess ill order the intake and pulley tonight. My friend who will be installing these things wanted to me ask what kind of wires I would need if any for the the spark plugs? I hope im asking that right:P

Again thank you ALL so much! I am so super excited to get my mini running even better!!!

 

NOS!

 

Wires aren't needed but can be added with no ill side effects. If they are cracking or getting old, go for it. Some people (like me) got bored and decided to get them as it was something new to buy. On the other hand, avoid any aftermarket coils as they add no power and often enough add issues down the road.

 

ah, I see.

Heres another question.

I have been looking at pulleys and air intakes online. If my car is a 2003 Sport do I need a certain kind of pulley? or intake? Sorry for all the questions.

 

New plug wires are nice, as you can change the color. But, unless your OEM wires are worn the hell out, you will not get any hp from wires.

The smaller SC pulley is the biggest bang for the buck, and about a 4-5 hour DIY job. Most vendors have a decent set of instructions with pics on how to do it. The 15% is generally considered the safest one to get as it will not spin the SC too fast, and is likely the most common one people get.

There are many awesome posts here on DIY , and just about any topic you are thinking about.

Welcome........

 

Nope. Any 2002-2006 will be the same. Pulleys come down to % choice (15, 17, 19%). 15 and 17 are the most popular as it keeps blower RPM reasonable. Then you have a butt load of companies to choose from for both pulleys and intakes. Jan's latest endeavor utilized the Helix intake which is a definite quality piece. Here, 2nd listing down:
http://helix13.com/mini/products/engine-intake
And here's a basic bolt-ons thread with a guy looking for the same amount of power you are. Granted, it's a bit old but it works.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=142683

 

figure out your budget and a goal before you buy anything

 

welcome to the forum! yeah pretty much alll your questions have been answered. I started with an intake, then a pulley, then exhaust... really just depends on your budget.

have fun!

-Malcon

 

wow. thanks again guys!!! The welcomes are appreciated. Should I buy all my parts online? is it cheaper? The intake is the first thing ill get i guess

 

Great idea. I always get carried away.

 

Not many of the vendors here have paper catalogs. Best off buying online as you can also read buyer's reviews of products before you buy.

 

welcome i'd say pulley, cam, tune.....but it depends on what you plan on doing with your car and how much you want to spend. there are other things that will make you a happy motorer....new tires, larger rear sway bar...etc, etc. make sure you have someone you can trust to help with/do installs and figure labor costs into your budget. if you've done a few searches or made a few calls, you will see that many have ideas about what you should do with your money don't hesitate to ask questions or pm nam members....we're generally pretty happy to help others

 

don't buy plug wires, coil packs, intakes etc....

save it for pulley, Cam, header, head and tune

fastest most proven way to make power

 

Thanks. You guys are great.

Ok, here is the emabaressing question. I bought this car from a family member and she didnt know the answer ill ask you guys. If its a 03 mini sport how much HP do I have now AND what size rims do I have?

here is the pic of the rims I have

 

oh, so I should get pulley before intake? How much hp will an intake give me?

 

Factory rated at 163HP. Those look like the super common 17in. S-Lites. Any wheels from 2002-2006 can be interchanged.

 

FYI- That's power at the flywheel, not the wheels in case you didn't know. Wheel HP numbers range from what, 150-160 or so?

 

lol! no I didnt know at ALL. I am so new to this.

So if I want some instant HP I should get the pulley first right? then maybe the intake? I am so sorry for all the questions but I want to buy at least either the intake or pulley things tonight so I can get crakin on making my car like all of yours!