ive got an 04 that ive just finished putting an Alta CAI, 15% pulley, One Ball, and colder plugs. for suspension ive done the alta 22mm rear sway bar. What should i do next. Primarily i just drive the street, maybe a little more spirited then the law allows, but i plan to drag it in the near future.

Ive been considering the following, kind of in order, but not sure what I will get the most benefit from. and im not limited to this list. looking for the most benefit, speed or handling.

lowering springs (H-sport, M7 or TSX) with control arms
Tune (live in Tampa Bay, FL not sure where to go)
header (megan or obx, cant afford others)
injectors
CAM
intercooler or air diverter for stock

What should i do next? I figure i have around $500 and realize some of the above dont fit that budget.

 

LSP's would lower center of gravity and provide some handling advantages to go along with your added HP.

Then I would possibly consider upgraded brake kit for added stopping power.

Set of nice rims maybe.

 

thats what i was thinking but im having a hard time deciding on which springs. the TSX seem to be very highly liked, but i dont like that they drop the car less than an inch. I like the M7s for the 1.3 inch drop, but some say that is to much and that the M7's are too luxurious. H-Sport appear to fall somewhere in the middle. i dont understand spring ratios so i just have to go on what others say.

 

Start looking up thread here on springs.

Look up the difference between progressive and linear rate springs. Find the thread, "show me your lowered mini". It's a few pages long. Most of those guys are still on the boards here and would be more than willing to give you their opinions on their spring set ups.

Living in NE, I went for little over 1/2 inch drop with the Factory JCW Sport Susp. Even dropping 1/2 inch I have irregular rear tread wear requiring the purchase some day of adjustable rear control arms.....so you may want to add that to the list as well unless you have a large tire budget planned.

 

i fully intend on getting rear lower control arms.

 

I heard that headers aren't really useful for mini coopers. But a detroit tuned bypass valve would be a lot of fun!

 

Other than springs, I would give an HPDE a shot. Much funner that a Drag.

 

My RMW Header and Cam gave me a a nice bump in power. My suggestions laxpimp6903 would be injectors, cam, tune.

 

i'm also in the same boat as you are with regard to the power mods planned (cam, header, tune) but i see myself getting just the tune sometime this year as i think it would be the best bang-for-buck mod.

for suspension, the only experience i have is with Eibach pro-kit springs. a bit on the bouncy side for me

for brakes, stainless steel lines & better pads oughta do it

 

I'd say go for the TSW springs and some Hsport control arms That will lower your car, improve your handling and still give you a good if not better ride.

 

Way, those are what I was looking at but, I was also considering, since I'm quite happy with the handleing of the car already, that I might do injectors, a DT bypass valve and cone have u tune it. What is the approx cost to have u tune it?

 

Wrap your car in Carbon Fiber Vinel.....