So i just got a 2011 mini cooper S, so obviously the next step i want to do is make it faster. I already purchased a cai and the nm torque arm bushings, what should my next step be? what items should i purchase to make my car faster, other than the obvious exhaust upgrade?

 

Water/meth injection,Downpipe and a ecu reflash.

 

They are still working on cracking the ECU on the 2011 and later models.

Dave

 

Not faster, suspension upgrades.

 

get a catted DP since you can't get a flash tune. that gave me the most bolt on power over intercooler, CAI and cat back exhaust.

 

Thanks for all the info on what to get next, i am a newbie when it comes to mods, with that being said whats the difference between a cat delete downpipe and a cat back exhaust?

 

A catted down pipe is a more free flowing catalytic converter than stock. A cat delete down pipe is just a piece of exhaust tubing the replaces the stock cat, it will cause your ecu to throw a code and is supposed to be for off road uses. A cat back exhaust is a more open exhaust that connects to your stock catalytic converter.

Dace

 

Sorry to cut against the grain here, but buy some high quality high performance tires like Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs then... GASP... go to a high performance drivers education event. Investing in the person behind the wheel is the single best thing to make you go faster. I know it doesn't gel with what most people are recommending, but trust me after your first 20 minute session you'll understand.

 

Right on!!!!!!! I used to autocross an '86 911 Carrera and the driver was 90% of the success. I just enjoyed the ride.

 

OP, you bought a MINI, if you want a FAST car, buy a different car. The MINI will never, ever be fast.

 

Richard,

I think my MINI is fast in that, even stock it, accelerates quickly and handles better than any other car I've had. Mods will only amplify these things also, over 140mph is pretty fast.

What do you mean by "fast"?

Dave

 

I think my car is peppy. Plenty of get up an go for me.

 

wrong....

 

Agreed that it's a quick and fun car, but I think he's trying to say that if you want a straightline car to blast up and down the drag strip, you'd be better off with something V8 and RWD.

I enjoy modding cars and thus I don't mind spending money on it, but I will never expect the mini to be equal to a vette or even a mustang GT when it comes to outright acceleration, now making my MCS up to par or even slightly better than a JCW? That's completely and totally doable. Also I have to agree with those that have said the most effective thing you can do to a car is tighten the nut behind the wheel.

 

My father is a former NHRA champion so I've had my fair share of time sitting passenger in big block MOPARs with enormous amounts of horsepower. The MINI is a quick car but not close to a "fast" car. I think the majority of us here can realize that this car is about other stuff than straight line speed.

 

+1 I use the term PEPPY.

 

driving school... suspension... love the way car handles on coils and sway bar.... cant wait till i can pick some up...

 

My supercharged M3 is pretty fast, cars that can do the 1/4 mile in less than 13 seconds are pretty fast. Bikes that can do the 1/4 in less than 10 are fast.

The MINI is quick and more nimble. It makes up for lack of outright speed by carrying more speed through a corner. It's more of a momentum car.

 

There are plenty of MINI's with power levels capable of 13-second 1/4 miles. It's just, most don't use them for that purpose. Doesn't mean they aren't fast...and to say that a MINI can never be a fast car is just un-true.

Hell, I'd put good money on a Rotrex'd R53 blowing away nearly any "fast" car out there, except for the real crazy stuff.