I am new to the MINI thing and loving it. I bought an 02 S model with 11K about 2 months ago and have put in these mods. Dinan intake, Unichip,15% pulley, Borla street cat back. Randy Webb did all the work when he was in Atlanta for the Pulley party at Rspeed. I also have a H sport anti roll bar. All of these mods have really made a difference but what's next? I'm talking engine performance first.

Allright, I know I need brakes but what about suspension. I like to drive "spirited" in the N GA mountains and without giving up "much" ride quality what about shocks etc?

I am sure that there are others who have asked this question but what is up to date.

Oh.........remember "bang for the buck"

Thanks,

 

Not sure what wheels/Tires you have now but if they are the S-Lites with runflats I would highly recommend new wheels and tires. Lighter wheels will allow for faster acceleration and all around lighter feel of the car. Better tires will improve the handling grip around the corners. It really makes a big difference in both performance and handling.

 

I know I've said it over and over again. But without a doubt, the best bang for the buck on the S is the 19% pulley. It would take a 15% pulley and probably another $1500-2000 of mods to match the low-end torque of a 19%. So that, in my book, makes it by far the best bang for the buck.

 

I would agree with Greatgro but, he already has the 15% and the Unichip from Randy so I would assume he isn't planning on scrapping both for the 19% pulley.

 

Given what you already have I would do a 62mm throttle body next.

 

Yes, the change in unsprung weight is night/day on this car since the
motor is so small. Also, your braking capacity will be greatly improved
as well. :smile:

 

I know you want more engine work, but you need to satisfy some other pressing issues first.

1.) If you want to keep stock brakes, then change your pads to Ferodo 2500's.
2.) Get rid of the lift-kit; H-Sport springs lower it a bit, but it's the optimised spring rates that will improve handling too.
3.) Schrick camshaft. Lots more area under the [torque] curve, quicker throttle response and "growlier" exhaust note.

 

Didn't catch the unichip. Sorry guys!

 

I have BBS RV-F and Hankook K104s. They lightened up the car so much that I thought something was wrong. I got used to that "dead" feeling.

Randy said that to watch out for making too much power because of clutch issues with the stock clutch. Have you seen these kinds of problems?

Any recomendations on a "big brake" kit?

 

Thinking of springs and shocks but I don't want to make the car un-streetable. I realley want to preserve the ability to dive 300 miles and not have to go to the hospital from being beat up.

 

These twin-charged MINIs are going to make 250-300hp so I don't think power-induced clutch wear is going to be a problem. Although if it is, we'll soon find out!

 

How much HP and torque are you making?

 

I am getting over 200 to the ground...forgot my torque...

maybe 208 or so now. Was 200 before I did the intake manifold.

 

I have been considering the cam and wondered about starting/idle etc. What does the cam give you? I'm thinking a broader power band.

 

Another vote for a lighter & stickier wheel/tire package. Going from 50-lb "S-lite"/Goodyear all-season to 37-lb Enkei RPO-1/Falken Azenis was a night and day difference.