Ok, so after reading around on these forums for a week or so I think I have a game plan for relatively cheap upgrades to the my "new" 05 Mini Cooper S Convertible.

It seems a bit sluggish at the start, especially when the A/C is on.

Phase I
1. Sea Foam
2. 17% Pulley
3. Brisk DR12S Plugs
4. Air Intake
5. Header/"One Ball" Exhaust

Phase II
6. Tune (Considering Remote RMW)
7. Sway Bar

Questions:

How much gain in hp could I reasonably expect from Phase 1 as a whole? (Minus the Sea Foam)
I was thinking around 25...

I'm trying to keep Phase 1 under 700. Is that reasonable if I do the work myself?

Would you make any changes to my line up? Am I missing any easy ponies anywhere?

Thanks,

Kason

 

To DYI it....it all depends on your skill level....
All pretty simple, but the pulley should be done with a pulley removal tool...free from some vendors for a rental (just pay shipping) if you buy the pulley, and IMO you should do it with someone who has done it before.
The exhaust will need a shop (unless you weld), but most custom exhaust places will do it for 50$ or so...bring a diagram or pic of the mod.
Add a tennsioner stop (about 20) to the list, a new belt too...and one step cooler plugs will be needed for best power (same as JCW plugs) (and be sure to install them cold with a torque wrench!). The brisk plugs meet that requirement I think.
WayMotorWorks.com has a nice kit....will save you some $$ and get you the use of the puller too!! Good folks to deal with, a strong recommend. They will give you some nice support too with the install!!

 

Cool, I'm pretty DIY friendly, and I do weld. I'll have to read up on welding for exhaust systems, just to make sure I'm not missing anything. Or I may not want to deal with the hassle and take it somewhere.

Fo Sho on the pulley removal tool. I've read enough posts about it to be a little nervous.

I've read that the brisk plugs are better than the ngk in the kit on wmw, but my guess is that is pretty subjective.

Thanks!

 

You can make your own air intake for real cheap. I made my own and works good.. You really will not find a cheap header unless you buy one with not cat and you will need a cat. I have tryed all kinds of stuff to my car cause i have no cat and the check engine light is still on. So im taking off my header to put on the Milltek. I have the Megan Racing header on now but dont want to weld a cat on it lol. You can also look at outmotoring for plugs. I got plugs, wires, and coil for $175 not bad price.

 

Our pulley kit sounds like it would be just right for you. For the spark plugs we use the NGK plugs cause we've been using them trouble free for years. The Brisk aren't bad plugs, but there is NO power difference over the NGK. They are just a different flavor of Cool-aid.

As for intakes we use the DDMworks Intake. It fits great, and it Stainless Steel will last forever.