Hi everybody,
I have a June 2002 build MCS with 12,900 miles. I need opinions on when to do the mods I have in the works. I was planning on a 2 stage upgrade - engine mods this fall and transaxle/suspension mods in the spring. Due to illness, I can no longer due any but the simplest mods and maintenance myself. Fortunately there is a local garage that has experience with Minis and BMWs.

Engine mods - current: 15% Alta pulley, Milltek header and cat, Magnaflow cat back, Alta CAI ver. 2 w/air box top, Alta inlet hose, Alta air diverter, SD coil pack, Kingborne wires
- planned: Thumper head, RMW cam, GRS IC, DT bypass valve, M7 16% pulley, M7 ram scoop, JCW 380cc injectors

Transaxle mods - current: none
- planned: Quaife, B&M shift kit, Spec Stage 2 clutch kit, Spec aluminum flywheel

Suspension mods - current: SSR Comp 16"
- planned: H-Sport springs, H-Sport rsb, H-Sport lower control arms

Any suggestions, ideas, insults? I have most of the parts on hand.

thanks,
Kevin

 

Wow looks like a great bunch of mods you have set to put on! That head and cam combo will be wicked for sure. Be sure to post your reaction to the power change! You gonna do any dynos?

If you can afford to - and can stand having your car in the garage for a few days (if it takes them that long, which it may I dunno) - by all means put 'em all on at once! If you don't have the money, or it will take a few days: do in order of importance to you, or all the easy ones first and plan for the future on having it in the garage over a few days when you can be without a car.

 

basically all the engine mods should be done at once, because you'll have everything apart for the head and cam install, so it'll just be a matter of putting the new stuff in place of the old stuff when reassembling.

So, you can do engine in one shot (should take a full day)
then, Transaxle (most likely a 2 day thing)
then suspension (a few hours)

 

Kevin no insults from me. I do have a question though. Why go from a 15% to a 16% pulley. It seems like little gain for a lot of work. When you get done with your engine mods I'd recommend an RMW custom tune to get the most out of all those new parts.

I'll also recommend a set of camber plates for your suspension. They really do make a large difference in how your MINI will handle.

One more thing. An 02 with 12,000 miles!!! Get out & motor around, take a road trip, have some fun.

 

As far as the pulley goes, I have an early model pulley and it slips at times. I like the M7 due to deeper grooves. I would love a RMW tune and will get one if Jan gets close to central Indiana.

I've been considering camber plates- haven't made up my mind. I plan on upgrading the brakes this spring.

Haven't had it on a dyno, but most likely will after the mods. Picked up a GTech so I'll be able to get a realitive before and after.

I've been pretty sick the last 5 years and had to take a medical retirement, thus the low miles. However, things have stabilized so I should be able to get out and motor.

 

My mouth also dropped when I saw such low mileage on an '02. Anyway, I say do all the transmission and engine mods at the same time. If money and/or time do not allow that, do the transmission mods first. There's no sense having all that power, and no LSD to control it, and no clutch to hold it. As for the suspension mods, I feel those can be done at anytime. You have a low mileage MINI, so your stock suspension should be up to snuff until you really start pushing it. Good luck with your car and your recovery!

 

Your list looks great. I would also suggest the Hotchkis camber plates. The added negative camber makes a big difference. The camber plates will also eliminate strut tower mushrooming (if it has not already happened). Camber plates will also eliminate the top rubber strut bearings which tend to tear/rip over time.

 

I have a version 1 Alta 15% & have not had slipping issues. Since you have, a change of pulley sure does make sense.

I think that Chad at Detroit Tuned is going to have Jan come & do tunes at his new shop. It won't be for a while though I believe he said next June. That isn't too far from Central Indiana & gives you a nice road trip. Hope to meet you there, I'll be having Jan do his magic on my MINI too.

I hope your health continues to to improve & you can enjoy your MINI some more.

 

Thanks for the kind comments. I've decided to do all the mods at once. Got an ACT clutch and flywheel instead of the Spec. The front camber plates will have to wait - already over budget as is. As a single dad, I don't have to deal with the WAF - my kids tell to to got for it. It's fun being the only grownup in the house.

Kevin