Went off to test drive the Mini for the first time last weekend.... it was like driving a yamaha race kart with AC, Stereo and a roof. Needless to say, after my wife and I both took a spin, I told the dealer to sign me up and my new MCS is scheduled for Week 17. (hmmm, my wife didnt even question what I was doing adding a 3rd car for only two of us)

I ordered a 2006 MCS in Purple Haze (it is a Mini)

Sport Package & Limited Slip Diff

Being an old hot rodder from the days when you could find a 69 GTX with a 440 six pack sitting in a grocery store parking lot for $1500,,, this mini is a bit of a change, but like I said, the mini are like a race kart which are more fun to drive then most hot rods.

This will be a fun car, not going to street race or enter formal racing.

I spoke to Alta performance yesterday and ordered a 15% supercharger pulley, 4% crank pulley and alternator pulley.

I am thinking of doing a Borla exhaust and was wondering what added HP / Torque or sound influence a header would have?

I guess I should get a CAI,, thoughts on the Alta or K&N?

Any impact on warrany of these items, obviously the actual parts are not covered, but dont need a pissy dealer.

Any other suggestions,,,

 

Welcome ...

See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=55669
for a good understanding of modding timing ...
It appears headers won't do much until you get a new head.

 

Warranty, depends on the dealer.
CAI, for sure. There are tons of manufacturers, choose your favorite!
There's a thread on exhaust, with lots of sound clips.
Start reading before spending, as there's lot of information out there (including NAM). Get a subscription to MC Squared, it will let you know lots of stuff too.

Matt

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I recall the most trusted, respected and knowledgable MINI tuners do not recommend this combo. I think your mistake is going with the 4% crank pulley. Any thoughts?

 

as the SC is really starting to spin. So colder plugs (maybe two steps colder), and a scoop would probably be good adders. Don't know about a belt, as the 15% is smaller, but the 4% crank is bigger. Should be fine. Watch redline, as the SC will really be spinning (at about a 19% pully rate) and the SC efficiency is dropping off..... But he should be fine, as it's 19% equivalent, but with the 15% SC pully contact area.

Matt

 

Borla is good, but if you want to get a flashback to your days of hot-rodding, it's gotta be MAGNAFLOW

You might wanna think about a unichip or GIAC flash. It's always good to keep the software up with the performance.

 

another crazy Texan where are you at?

 

Drive the car for a bit before you mod it. Properly break-in the engine. See how it is in all driving conditions so that you know how each modification will effect it. All the mods you have listed will give it more straight-line speed. A MINI is a nimble car well sooted for twisty roads. A suspension upgrade would be high on my list.

#1 suspension upgrade is a bigger rear (Anti) sway bar.

 

Thanks for all your input.

I am in Houston, but will take the MiniTX to San Antonio for biz trips for my job.

I spoke to the sales rep at the dealer who owns an JCW MCS. He told me the one group of stuff you can do is the Dinanbmw parts that if installed by the dealer will not void the warranty.

Interesting how they have all the parts that are similar to the aftermarket stuff... nice that they also list the time for install (10ths of an hour).

I am trying to lay out a plan of action for build up. I always found it was better to have some direction and put together a modification program in phases otherwise, out comes the VISA and the UPS truck will be dropping off boxes for a long weekend of wrenching.

 

Woohoo, somebody in Houston. Post pics so I can spot you.

 

My new Mini is now Week 16 production, Dealer told me to expect it mid-May.