While waiting for the production of my MCS, I'm already making a list of mods. I set aside $2000 for performance mod. Because there are so many choices and brands available, I want to make sure that all the different mods are compatible with one another. Please share your opinion and experiences. :smile:

Here're some of my considerations:
Cold air intake
Exhaust
Pully
Iridium spark plugs
short shifting kit
ECU.............................................

 

>>While waiting for the production of my MCS, I'm already making a list of mods. I set aside $2000 for performance mod. Because there are so many choices and brands available, I want to make sure that all the different mods are compatible with one another. Please share your opinion and experiences. :smile:
>>
>>Here're some of my considerations:
>>Cold air intake
>>Exhaust
>>Pully
>>Iridium spark plugs
>>short shifting kit
>>ECU....................................... ......
davecsumini,
$2000 budget-most of this list except for the short shifter are performance mods.
Lets prioritize. In order (but will risk voiding your new car warranty you are aware)

1. 15% reduction pulley- $160 for the part and $400 installed. Reliable and boosts power by about 15+ HP
You'd need a pulley tool to remove the pulley-can be rented from the vendor you purchase the pulley from-just reuse the original belt.

2. Cold air intake of choice is the Alta with Hose- about $260, an easy install.$60 less without the hose.

3. Exhaust- lots of options depending on how loud you want it to sound and how much HP and torque you want.
UUC is good choice for balance of power (7HP) and moderate loudness but costs $875.
The new Milltek Quick-fit system is also good for balance of power and moderate loudness for $695
http://www.stratmosphere.com/milltek_mini.htm
Borla Street is popular and quiet, some power maybe up to 5 HP and just a bit louder than stock. About $660
Borla Race is much louder and more power (maybe up to 9 HP) at same price.

4. IK-22 plugs you can get at anytime (rough cost $13-15 each). This is one setting colder than stock to match the pulley upgrade.

5. ECU- lots of options from the new soon to be released GIAC upgrade from Helix13 for less than $500 to Webb/Powerchip ECU upgrade for about $650. Usually the ECU is added last so that it can adapt and learn from your upgrades and driving style.

Some things you did not consider- in order.
Rear sway bar- likely 22mm adjustable would be good to help handling to keep up with all that power.
Lightweight wheelset- 16" can be as little as about $1100. Makes a difference- see Webbmotorsport.com for ideas.
Rspeed has some good wheelsets as well for less but might not be as lightweight.
Lowering springs- H-sports are popular

So I would say Pulley,intake, exhaust, plugs and rear sway bar set on medium or soft setting if adjustable.


_________________
ALOHA

 

I would start with improved performance tires and then start adding power as minihune suggests

Nice thing is that $2000 goes a pretty long way with aftermarket MINI mods, especially if you are able to do much of the installations yourself

 

Thanks for the suggestions!!

I love to work on cars and will try to do all the installations myself. That way I can save $ to do more mods.

 

Dave,

I would recommend the following with a $2000 budget if you are doing the work:

Alta pulley $165
Alta intake $199
Rear swaybar $199
16" lightweight wheels $1100


Save up for the exhaust and ECU after that - you are already close, as I am $347 under budget!

Feel free to contact me with any other questions. I see by the nickname that you may be in Colorado (CSU), so feel free to stop by to take a look at some of the parts and go for a ride in the "Mule".

Hope that helps!

Randy Webb
http://www.webbmotorsports.com
720-841-1002