It is time to start upgrading my 2003. My warranty was up on Jan 8, 2010.

I have been reading as much as I can, but would like some specific advice:

My goal is to have 225-260hp in my R53, but my car would still need to be SMOG friendly. How can I go about this?

I do not mind doing it in stages where it makes sense, but if I would save $$$ buying a kit from a tuner and having it installed I do not mind saving a little to get there either.

To lay out my questions:

1. What are my options for power and still passing SMOG?
2. What shop would you recommend in the Orange County area to get the work done?

Thanks

 

FWIW - my car is a R53 CooperS, manual. Suspension and Brakes will also need to be done, but that I can figure out as no SMOG regulation there.

 

First the disclaimer....I don't live in CA!! But from what I know of the CARB...you can't do it.....not 100% legal for CA anyway....not from what I have been reading....they limit you to a CARB approved intake (Dinan or JCW are the 2 I know of...) and a Cat-Back Exhaust....
But if you are willing to take a few chances...you can do a CAM (mild enough not to "loap"or give a poor idle, and a head, maybe some porting to the SC, along with a custom tune (they gotta catch you first, but if it is a good tune...you might be fine)...that way it looks stock...and you should stay away from the "special" inspection lane.....
Since you are in CA...I would plan on calling Jan at RMW....they are in CA, and know the rules and what to do to ensure you don't have to tear the car appart once a year to pass inspection, then re-assemble it!!
Good Luck...when the car is done, it will be a blast to drive!!

 

Because a Moded MINI is worse for the environment than the douches in their stock hummers.

Sigh for lack of common sense.

 

The visual stuff is where you have to be most careful so the CAI options mentioned (and a KN) are your short list. A catback is also a safe addition. But the most power will come from a reduction pulley, a cam, a head, injectors, and perhaps most importantly, a tune (after you have assembled your other bits, RMW and Mynes are excellent options). Take your time and make sure you get parts that work as a system.

Not sure about OC shop options but a little drive to see Johnny (Johnny's Auto Clinic, 310-521-0330) or Danny (Minicorsa http://www.minicorsa.com/) would get you set up. They are both MINI enthusiasts and capable mechanics.

Good luck.

 

As your ratio of Attnys to residents is about 1 in 5~ I'd suggest that you find an attorney that works on Minis!! IF you're serious you WILL NEED this person; oh and retainers with a reputable bailbondsman & towing / storage company ! OBEY

 

1. Head to danny at MINICORSA for all your performance needs. hes amazing with engine work and really knows his stuff. Also, his own mini is putting down around 300hp, so he should know how to go about this.

as far as intakes, JCW and DINAN are your only options. In my opinion, most intakes give the same beinifits, and the DINAN is cheaper, do go for that one. an RMW tune is a must, and is local to you in OC. If you want that power to the engine, it shouldnt be hard while still being "friendly". if you want that in WHP, thats another story.

 

DINAN is on clearance 25% off right now. So if you are looking at a Dinan, go quickly. at the $170~ price i wouldn't think they'd last long.

 

best bet is to buy some property in SC where we dont have vehicle inspections (yay!!!!) and as far as i know one of the only laws is you cant raise or lower any vehicle more than 4 inches unless its a truck. (lol, yay for the south) put a shack on this piece of property and say you live there, then get SC plates for your car. Cali cant inspect your car and tow it if your just "visiting" :P

 

Do I need to remap the software if I only get the Dinan intake?

 

A tune really isn't worth it until at least an intake, pulley, and exhaust are installed. Before that power gain would be minimal.

He just mentioned Jan's tuning because it's legendary : )

 

I installed my dinian intake lastnight. non eventfull except I stripped the plastic in the filter canister base nice sound. great fit and best part comes with a carb sticker. for a CIA I think at that price it can't be beat. I got some plug wires too at 25% off.

 

As people have mentioned the key is to keep it looking stock so you do not fail the visual inspection. From a visual standpoint the main item is the intake, you will need to go with a JCW or Dinan intake. You can add a smaller supercharger pulley (such as a 15% pulley), larger fuel injectors (such as JCW injectors), colder range spark plugs, and ECU reprogramming without any smog check issues because it all looks stock and will pass the test. A cat-back exhaust can also be added with no issues. However, with those items you probably will not meet your HP goal.

To meet your HP goal you will probably also need to at least add a cam (with a tune) which also is not seen so you should be able to pass smog test as long as it is a good street cam. A well ported head would also help meet your goal and you should still pass smog.

 

Many thanks! I just ordered a Dinan intake a few minutes ago. I'm buying mods before I even purchased the R53 which I'll be picking up tonight.

 

Just bought a Dinan CAI and Strut Tower Brace on the Dinan 25% off sale

 

On thing to think about when doing a pulley is to do it stealth. In other words paint it black so that there is no indication that it has been changed.
Most aftermarket pulleys are different colors or polished. I ran under drive pulleys on my Mustang, painted to match the factory parts,
and no one was the wiser. Yes it passed visual.

Hope this helps...

 

Thanks for the advice on speaking with Jan at RMW - I am started in the right direction. I will be meeting with him in person late this month to take a "test drive" of a kitted mini that he has to see if the ride/power is something I am looking for. So far I am looking at $10,000 - brakes, engine and suspension. I am not afraid to spend the cash for quality, and Jan seems to really understand the MINI platform.