Hello everybody like the title says, I have some cash set a side as an award I'm giving to myself for passing a big test And, as much as I've been scouring this forum, I can seem to pinpoint exactly what I want to get. I've got about $800 big ones and was wondering what the best investment would be? It's a daily driver so it's not like I'm taking her to the track every weekend. Several smaller bolt ons like CAI, Way BOV, Scangauge or something more significant like a tune? If I go tune, I'm leaning more toward Evolve. A little guidance from some experts would be nice. Cheers!

 

If it's your daily driver you should spend money on something you will feel with every move you make with your car. Big power isn't really that. Think about how many times you really nail it on your commute. Most people it's about 5%. On top of that, you need to spend at least a couple thousand dollars to make a big difference in power/torque. Power is the very last thing I would upgrade on the MINI. It's not a pony car.

If I were you I would look at suspension/brake upgrades and gasp... a short shift kit.

Top of my list would be the H-sport competition 25.5mm rear sway bar. It's about $220 and makes an enormous difference in eliminating understeer and making the MINI handle better.

Next up would be the NM-engineering torque arm insert. These are only 60 bucks. This dramatically reduces engine movement when you're starting off in a gear and also helps with torque steer. For how cheap it is you can't go wrong. No more steering jutters when you upshift and slam the gas!

If you have a manual transmission I would get a short shift kit like the one Helix offers. It's only 45 bucks and makes your shifter throws shorter and tightens up the sloppy feel.

You're probably noticing the stock brake pads emit black dust like a Chinese steel plant. Do yourself a favor and upgrade to a low dust pad like ones from Carbotech or EBC. You'll stop better, the pads will last longer, and you'll be washing your wheels much less.

You can get all this stuff installed too within your budget.

 

I agree with the short shift kit. It has been one of my most satisfying mods. I would pass on the BOV and Scanguage. When modding mine, I chose an order of priority that looked like this: Stopping, turning then lastly more power. I would leave the tune for last as it really should be used to tie in all your mods like pulley, CAI, Headers, Cam, and injectors.

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Thanks countryboyshane! I've been kickin around gettin a sway bar anyway and what you're sayin makes a lot of sense so thanks I might go ahead and get a K&N drop in filter since I have to replace it anyway. Wont make a cool "pssh" sound likie a new CAI but it wont cost as much either

 

Actually it will give you that "pssh" you want with the K&N panel filter. I have it at least, when I accelerate harder than usual and pretty loud inside in the cabin and outside. But won't be as loud as a cone filter(had the DDM intake).

 

NM Torque Arm is best value for money.

I recently installed NM SS Kit and its pretty good. I wish I got the Helix like the forum suggested. The throws are a lot shorter (NM 20%) but now that I have a taste of it, I want even shorter throws (Helix 37%). =D

 

Already have the NM SS adapter, so I think I'm gonna go with a sway bar, torque arm insert, drop in filter, way BOV, and red stuff brake pads:-) seems like they're all great, fairly simple bolt ons to get myself started. thanks again guys!