Hey guys! So I have a 2008 MCS and, as the title suggests, i do not have much money to spend on modifications. I recently ordered a BOV upgrade spring from Alta for around $25. Are there any other cheap performance upgrades that can be added? Or are there any modifications i can do myself without buying any new parts? My MINI is completely stock and i just want to add some hp!
Thanks

 

Gotta pay to play.. Nothing really gonna get you power for no money. How did you get such a nice car with no monies?

 

Well, right out of high school i had an 08 Jeep Wrangler that my parents gave me as a graduation present. I drove it for about a year, but i wanted more power and i had always loved MINIs because my dad had an 06 JCW. So i sold the Jeep and bought this for the same price i sold the jeep for... Awsome decision

 

Well if you need money then eat rammen for a couple of weeks and blow money on mods. You have not lived the life until you have done that.

 

Run it on 93 premium grade fuel, and not the 91 grade, as recommended, there is much discussion and misconception on this subject, that said there really is a noticeable difference, and your ECU will adapt to the fuel grade used and your driving style!

So don't be afraid to drive it hard, these N14 engines love being driven hard, you've got a wide RPM band and a safe soft holding red line, so use it, you'll enjoy it too, enjoy.

 

MINI is not a cheap platform

You want power? Intercooler, downpipe, & ECU tune

 

Sh*t for me it was pot pies in college and taquitos. I can't touch either of them anymore

 

Haha! I love rammen so i think im good there :D But if i were to do a performance downpipe, wouldnt i need to do exhaust and chip as well? Because the exhaust alone (assuming i get a good system like SuperSprint) puts you over a grand right away!

 

You really don't gain much with a catback. The biggest restriction is the secondary cat that you could just cut out at a weld shop. The secret is in having a free flowing downpipe, an intercooler, and an ECU tune. You really can't take advantage of everything until you get an ECU tune.

The Supersprint is one of the most overpriced hunks of crap out there. There are many other exhausts out there much cheaper that give you the same benefit, but again a cat-back doesn't provide much gains despite manufacturers claims.

 

buy a muffer and run a straight pipe with a bigger diameter... itll be a lot cheaper... if you wer thinking exhaust

 

Save your money and buy quality parts with bigger gains. You'll be happier in the long run.

 

This^^

 

Hi,

Take some weight out of the car, this costs you nothing. If you are not taking people in the back of the car, remove the rear seats. It takes 5 minutes and saves around 20kg. Easily reversible.

The car stock has power of 155kw with weight of 1150kg, ie 0.135 kw per kg

By removing 20kg this becomes 155kw / 1130g ie 0.137kw per kg

If you stayed at the same weight you would have to increase the kw to 158kw to get the same ratio.

So there you have a gain of equivalent to 3 kw for 5 minutes free work. And it will improve the handling as well.

There are many other places where you can save weight for free.

Robbo

Edit : if you go on the diet of ramen noodles you may lose the kgs without pulling anything out of the car!!!

 

People without financial resources, and German engineering shouldn't live in the same neighborhood. they won't be happy together. Sad but true...

 

I know that you started by saying that you are poor, but there is an accessport in the market for $555. I just got mine about 2 weeks ago, and the improvement in my 08MCSa is impressive. Even the best exhaust will get you 10-15 hp max, the AP will get you 20-25 hp, including a nice boost in mid range torque. Even with my slushbox, traction is a real problem in 1st and 2nd gear.

Like Way said above, it is not worth buying cheap parts. Finding good, used parts is a good plan, though.

Good luck, just my 2 cents.

Mike

 

Take a driving class and learn to drive your car better. That is the cheapest mod as well the is the easiest and best mod.

 

I practiced on mario kart before I bought my mini. I agree that it is better to save up and get the right parts. I have gone the cheap way in previous cars and it always ends up costing more with things not working or doing nothing. Just enjoy what you have since it must be a lot better than a jeep. Keep an eye on the market place for cheaper parts. Lots of people sell thing they haven’t even used for a lot cheaper than new.

 

I think the NM Torque Mount insert is a great mod and it is only around $60. I would do that if I had really limited funds like your describing. And, if I didn't and had more money I would still do it.........and some other things.

Access Port is the biggest bang for buck. Of course, suspension and tires make a big difference as well and don't have to be hugely expensive.

Have fun!

 

Good advice! I forgot that was so cheap. the NM bush was the 2nd best mod I did to my car after the tune. get one on ASAP.

 

Should have bought an R53. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to mod and you get SC whine!