Just got my Mini in December and have been studying up on here, trying to figure out what I would like to do first. The reduction pulley sounds like a no-brainer. Reluctant to do too much because I'd love to keep my mpg's. I'd greatly appreciate some suggestions and education. Thanks so much!!

Mr. G

 

A cold air intake has been reported to actually increase mpg's. If it's true or not, I don't care. But the reduction pulley, as you have read is the best thing you can do, besides that a cold air intake, exhaust, tune.

But, if u like your mpg and am worried, do some suspension mods, A rear sway bar will give you the most noticably mod.

 

MPG=your right foot
removing restrictions from the car will make it more effecient - CAI, exhaust, tires, lighter rims, suspension, sw tune.. but ultimately it's how much you step on it - depends on how crazzy you want to go.. i have a bunch of mods and on long roadtrips I can get into the mid 30's. you could also remove weight by not carrying around a lot of junk in the car. I think making the car more fun is a good investment (more HP) and dont forget about your brakes - go fast means you need to stop fast too!



phil.

 

A 15% pulley and some other things related to the pulley installation was the first thing I did and was the most bang for the buck- Way at Way Motor Works suggested this was the way to go as well. Several mods later I am happy his pulley kit was the first thing I did
I really did not notice a decrease in MPG.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-pulley-package.html


[EDIT] OOPS, just noticed you have an MC and not an MCS, my post does not apply.

 

Since i installed my CAI. My MPG has gone up by about 1.5. (When i can keep my right foot out of the carpet)

 

I've got a 15% pulley a JCW cold air intake & a JCW outtake (exhaust). My mileage seems about the same as it was. When the pulley was first installed my mileage went down. Once I got used to the new found power it went back to normal.

Pulley intake exhaust FTW.

 

Thanks for all the insight everyone, was also wondering what 15% pulley would be best for longevity? Achilless thanks for the suspension mod info, I love the turns and how do you like your DDM intake?

And for the mpg's I figure the way one drive always has an effect( I've had my ups and downs), just my first car to modify so I wasn't sure if the performance parts would matter or not.

Thanks again everyone!

 

I love my DDM, I have had Alta, and a friend of mine has a mini-madness cold air intake. DDM is my favorite. 2 reasons, one because it fits GREAT! Utilizes the engine bay perfectly it looks almost stock, very professional. 2. It sounds amazing. Honestly, just go with the DDMWORKS.

 

Got the go-ahead from the dealership to make some modifications today ("Just don't bore out the engine or put a rocket launcher on it and your warranty is fine!")

'06 Justa, looking at getting a rear sway bar, new exhaust, and CAI for starters. I'm not really mechanically inclined. Is this stuff pretty basic to install, or should I just have a shop do it? Can anyone tell me how long it would take to get these put in so I can figure out a rough labor cost?

Thanks!

 

Question about the CAI and larger exhaust -- does this mess with the stock air/fuel ratio? Does the car automatically adjust? I've heard in the past that some cars (japanese) need a computer mod when you open up the air system with modified exhaust in order to get the right mix...am I making sense?

 

The MINI runs rich with stock ECU map, so it will benefit for getting more air.

 

15% pulley a must for mcs, I add the JCW exhaust (a little difference - expect the sound I cannot really feel the improvement) but the CAI is another great one to add to your mcs, it spin more freely after 4000rpm.

 

Totally agree. DDM sounds great above 4000rpm, I don't know how much hp it gain but it sure do make the mini sound more fun.