Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R53) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Need Advice

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Old Feb 2, 2013 | 01:15 AM
  #1  
KPMINI's Avatar
KPMINI
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4th Gear
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From: White Plains, MD
Need Advice

OK, I have had my MINI Cooper S since 2006. When I get back it will not have being driven for over 3 years while stationed overseas. I am wanting to ask anyone about the different modifications that have been completed. I do love KPMINI I just want to get a little more out of it and with so much out there I need to get a perspective on the best. The only draw back, in some opinion, in the modification is that it is an Automatic equipped MINI. No need to bring this up just want to know what is good in the mods to keep it a Daily Driver.
Thank you in advance I look forward to reading what is posted.

Happy Motoring
KP
 
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Old Feb 2, 2013 | 04:28 AM
  #2  
Da_Ghost's Avatar
Da_Ghost
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Québec, Canada
A s/c pulley is a must have for our S , this along with colder plugs and you'll notice a good difference. Depending what you want to acheive, there's a bunch of mods to do, no matter if it's automatic.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2013 | 05:40 AM
  #3  
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buzzsaw
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22mm rear swaybar is one of the best bang for the buck must mods.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2013 | 07:27 AM
  #4  
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BlwnAway
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From: Arnold, MO.
Posts 2 & 3 are the "Go To" places to start, from there try & figure out which gave you personally the more enjoyment, then start working in that direction, you'd actually be suprised at how many people feel that just the extra zip from the pulley is enough & they have more fun blasting the corners on the back roads or on the track, just figure out where you are.

As far as DD ability, most if not all of the basic power mods will not effect your DD at all, but keep in mind that some suspension mods can, when it comes to comfort & having to think about ground clearance.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2013 | 11:00 AM
  #5  
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scottie10014
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A good cold air intake, colder plugs and pulley first... biggest bang for buck power-wise. I have the Dinan CAI and love it. If you have the money Milltek catback is a nice mod (love mine), but not essential. Rear sway is cheap and awesome mode. Have the 19mm H-Sport, but 22m is good, too from what I hear.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2013 | 04:44 PM
  #6  
KPMINI's Avatar
KPMINI
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From: White Plains, MD
Thank you for the information so far. I have a follow up question on the SC Pulley. What is the best size to get for the Auto? I know that there are 15% and 17% SC Pulley's out there just not sure which is the best fit for the Auto Cooper S.
I want to have a bit more zip and try to keep the comfort much the same. Was also looking into a Water to Air Intercooler just not sure how the weather will effect this. As well as a Exhaust and CAI.
I hope that this additional information assists. I appreciate any advice.

Happy Motoring.

KP
 
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Old Feb 3, 2013 | 12:35 AM
  #7  
ColinGreene's Avatar
ColinGreene
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Water to air is a waste of money, id buy a meth kit first.
Really a 17% is fine on a auto as you never spin it past 6500.
Id do a header and cam and call it good with your tune.
Focus on handling, it will never make huge power with a auto.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2013 | 08:50 AM
  #8  
BlwnAway's Avatar
BlwnAway
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Arnold, MO.
+1 esp. on the WTA, stick with the stock I/C & 15% vs 17% is really a toss up on an auto, but yes if you go with 17% just watch bumping your factory redline too much. Exhaust & CIA would be a great addition.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2013 | 05:28 PM
  #9  
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scottie10014
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I think 15% is the safer option, but 16% or 17% is probably ok. 19% is a little too aggressive if you ask me. I have the Helix one. You should also consider getting a Detroit Tuned tensioner stop. Protects the supercharger in case the belt ever snaps and it's a cheap part.
 
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