Hey. I am looking at purchasing a first generation Cooper S (Probably an 04). I have every intention with modifying it.

So far on my list are...
-Intake System
-Exhaust
-Upgraded Intrercooler System
-A 15% Pully

Although I still need to do a lot of research, I think that this will give my Mini S a satisfying boost. I would probably purchase these products from Alta (except for the exhaust system).

On top of this, I would like to install a Chip in the car. I don't exactly know if chips are recommended but again...I'm still doing my research. If you have any suggestions about a Chip or ANY other items i have listed (or if i should put something else on), PLEASE feel free to comment. I need all the input from you guys as i can get!!

Thanks

 

Boy are you going to open a can of worms..........lol

All are good mods except for the intercooler. Many have tested the options available and the stock one works wonderfully well. No real need to change it out.

There really isn't any kind of "chip" available that gives any kind of reliable safe improvements. On the other hand there are several vendors that can do a custom tune of the OEM ECU that can give great results with the "standard" mods you have listed.

Check out RMW or Myne's tuning for more info.

 

I understand the can of worms comment. I do. I was also thinking it does NOT have to open a can of worms. We could just give our opinions and leave vendors out of it. Lets see how it goes

I agree with bigshot, our intercoolers are fine. Maybe get an intercooler at the end of your modding. Passing on the exhaust like you said is a great idea. pm for details on that. There are a bunch of better exhausts out there.

The intake will be for sound, they are fun but not really a performance gain.

The pulley is a must, you will enjoy it.

The money you save on not buying a an intercooler you could get a header.

Then like big said get it tuned for sure

Have fun.

 

On the topic of intercoolers, there's a whole bunch of great reading if you search back even the last year. The previous posters have summarized the findings, but the details are worth a read when you don't have other things to do.
If you decide on the stock IC, I'd recommend an Alta diverter (it can be modified to improve performance--I have a thread with diagrams and details) and a M7 or similar scoop. There are at least 3 companies now making scoops worth considering and not too many worms among them.

 

My suggestion: buy the car already modded with the pulley, intake, and exhaust. Possibly tune, injectors, header. Any reasonable suspension depending on your intentions. Avoid the BS mods (search NAM). Then enjoy your discounted, pre-modded car.

I personally would not worry about a modified mini being completely beat by some disregarding teenage yahoo (as long as you're not buying it from said yahoo). Everyone and their grandmother mods these cars, you're not buying a used WRX that's been drag raced frequently and where the mods are probably setting the car up for epic tranny failure / etc.

imho.

 

If I were to start over from scratch, I would do a 17% pulley, injectors, header, tune, and all powerflex bushings. I would then save until I could get a head, cam, and exhaust. A lot of these mods can be found used in the classifieds and you can save a bundle that way.

 

What is your intended use of the car? Strictly daily driver type use? Autocross? Track?

If autocross is a part of the plan, the pulley change hurts if you are the competitive type (it's otherwise a no-brainer, especially if you can do the work yourself). If you see yourself doing track days, brake/suspension/wheel/tire changes may yield greater dividends.

A wheel/tire package gets my vote if you absolutely must do something right off the bat. It's not the cheapest way to start, but very high visual impact/$ and, depending on what you choose, it can transform the capabilities of the car.

If you can, go for an '05+ model. Lots of little changes for the better, and the gear ratios are more sporty.

 

id suggest more of the rout
1:pully (most bang for buck)
2:Voltage cold air intake
3: cam & injectors (550cc) and tune for e85 ethanol
youl be pushing out well over 200whp i think.

 

You could do much worse then listening to this wise man... spoken as a "been there, done that" kinda guy.

 

Where'd you pull that E85 tune out of? It's something I've had floating in the back of my mind, but few concerns... Like E85 availability around northeast tracks...

 

Here's a good place to start (read the 1st TEN Posts for info; the remaining 514 posts are for your entertainment):
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-your-mcs.html

Your mods list - I would skip the IC system b/c the stock one works quite well. If you want a used Alta IC, i have one for sale.

- on the Chip: there's no need to "chip" these b/c we can get reliable and great power out of a custom tune. If you want a Unichip device, i know a couple of sources where you can get one cheap (used, of course).

cheers.
mike