Im over that then......

 

I've had both #1 and #2, except magnaflow and no tmic. Definately go 19% + inj + GIAC. If you go 15% you'll love it....then start thinking about how much better the 19% would be. That's how the sickness starts. (To see how it ends, read my sig ).

 

Holy smokes!!! Wow now theres a real MCS Veni!!! Have you dyno'd it yet?

 

I, too, would dump the IC but i would get Koni FSDs instead. Also, you might think about the 15% sc pulley with a 4% oversized crank instead of the 19% SC pulley. I'm going to go with either the 2 or 4% oversized, lightweight crank pulley as my next mod along with 380 or 400 cc injectors and GIAC ecu tune. Some might say that the lightweight crank pulley is not reliable, but I disagree. I won't go into any detail but suffice to say that I think the odds are better than the smaller SC pulley at 19%, which virtually guarantees faster belt wear.

The other thing you might think about doing instead of the IC is some suspension o brake or wheel mods or dump9ing the run-flats. It depends on how you feel abut the ride and handling. I toyed with the idea of lowering, but I'm in the LA area too, and did not want to fret constantly over potholes and steep driveways. The Konis transformed the car as far as comfort, and with some improvement in handling (although I got a 19mm rr sway bar at the same time, so not really sure which one made the biggest diff. (Probably the sway bar)

The one other thing I think is REALLY important is the brakes. For a small amount, you can upgrade the brakes a bunch (see my sig). I found the first time I drove hard (in a poker rally) for an extended time, the brakes lost their lovin' feelin': mushy pedal, etc. Also, terible stock pads throw dust like crazy and don't stop as well as aftermarkets. That, along with the SSR wheels and Dunlop NON-runflats were the VERY first mods I did.

I'm really happy, but now I want some more horses. The crank pulley, injectors and GIAC are next. And, later, exhaust. I think one-ball is cool, and probably one of the better bang for the buck arrangements. However, a catback exhaust will get you more horses (though expensive). I decided to hold out until I save up enough for the Milltek catback.

Right now, I have the 15% and K&N Typhoon CAI with NGK 22s (only because unlike the Alta, it IS CARB-approved, with a sticker, and I'll never have to remove it to get smogged). I'm pretty happy with that, but I think the lightened crank pulley at 4% will get me BOTH a reduced loss of horses to the 7-pound stock version, AND the 19% "net" SC reduction effect, without straining the serpentine belt. However, before you go with the crank pulley, check out the threads (there are many) and decide whether you think it's right for you. IN fact, read NAM a lot.

Any way you go, you will have a great time. But NAM can help you prevent making a costly mistake.

Motor on!!

 

19% is great, but you don't need anything else other than that. Get the GIAC and injectors for a bit more go, but they aren't absolutely needed. Although i love the current setup i have (see sig), but as Veni said... i got the mod bug and will be following suite with a twincharger within the next few months. You would love the lower down torque the 19 gives! you wont regret it! Good luck and have fun!

 

100% faster belt wear

X% of engine damage

 

I haven't dyno'd mine yet because I'm not quite finished (evil laughter). I'm going to get pistons and headwork done after the autocross season is over. My goal is 350 whp. Then I'm finished. Really. Well, maybe straight-cut gears. Then that's it! I guess the only safe thing to do after that is big brakes.....







See how it is?

 

[quote=markldriskill] The Konis transformed the car as far as comfort, and with some improvement in handling
[quote]

I like this ides of putting some Konis on the MCS. How much did it help your ride quality and how much were they?

 

setup #2..
U won't track ur car, why stay with 15%?
Go with 19%, better for daily.

 

Since I am not going to track the car, it seems as if the best idea would be just to do the 19%. So.....I was looking at the M7 page and I like the idea of combining the 16% with the 2% crank pulley. That way I get more boost and less drag. So what say thee?

 

My 2 cents.

15 or 16% pulley for reliability. 19s eat belts.
Any CAI.
1 Ball exhaust and new MINI exhaust tips. Unless you want particular sound.
Rear Sway Bar.
Better Tires.

 

I don't recommend crank pulley..
just go 17% or 19% straight. No SC pulley + whatever.

 

I drive my car extremely spirited every time I get behind the wheel. I had my belt off after more than 10,000 miles with my 19% to inpect it. It was just as good as the day I intslled it. -- Johan

 

15% or 16% isn't any more reliable than a 19% unless you take it to the track, which he clearly isn't going to do. Do you have a 19% pulley that you observed this from? 19% doesn't eat belts...

19% pulley + belt + Denso IK22's + install = $400
Spare belt = $25
Look on the 15%ers face when your 19%er ****** him? = PRICELESS

No need for the injectors and ecu tune, although they do give the extra oomph... I'd go with your setup #2 but scratch the one-ball and get an exhaust... As far as springs go, I went with H-Sports but I hear the m7's are really good too.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for all the help and advice everyone. After doing alot of research I have decided to go with M7 tunnings stuff because (A) there close to my home and (B) Long Beach will allow me to maintain my warranty if I choose to upgrade with M7's products. As it stands I am looking at this package:

1. 16% Pulley
2. 2% Crank Pulley (may think this one over....want the power tho...)
3. 180 Thermostat (gets hot in LA)
4. One Ball....(shave some weight)
5. AGS System (love the sound!)
6. DFIC (this one is still up in the air....may be a while)
7. Rear Sway bar
8. Tunning in the future...like 4-6 months later

Other than that im going to keep it looking stock. Maybe just pull the back seats and spare hardware

 

i'd seriously consider getting the DFIC if i were you...looks brilliant. I'd say ditch the thermostat, and go the DFIC and a tuned ECU

 

After talking with Peter for almost an hour, it seems that it is almost a must for me....rather than a desire...lol. In regards to the thermostat do you think that this would only help in the total cooldown of my MCS?

 

Just curious how you found out that Long Beach will honor your warranty if you go wtih M7's products. Is Long Beach a mod friendly dealer? M7 is in my area too and I picked up my 06 MCSa from Long Beach a couple of motnhs ago and haven't had any experience with their service dept. yet.

 

Well when I spoke to Peter he said that the Long Beach mini would have no problems with those mods that i listed, and then to confirm I called over to the mini dealer and asked to speak to someone in parts department and spoke to them about the dealers stance on mods and he said that they were ok with certain mods such as pulley, thermostat, cai and exhaust. So yah....thats were i got my info.

 

it would probably keep the car cooler a lot of the time, but i think the car has to run at certain temperatures for the oil to be at the correct viscosity, etc. So when it's hot, it will make the car run a bit better, but will it make it too cold when it isn't hot? I'm not to read up on thermostats and the effects they have....

I'd say save the thermostat for later....

 

My 2 cents I just cut & pasted the list.... just pull out the items that make sence to you personally MINIHERO is my 2nd... Mini Cooper S. It's set it up to be a..."spirited street car"
The following is a description of the features and a listing of the mods....
Dark Silver with Pure Silver Roof
Pure Silver V-bonnet Stripes and "Checkmate Design" on A Panel and Rear License Plate Surround.
Interior: Silver Gray/Panther Black Leatherette
Premiun/Sport/Cold Weather Packages
6 Speed Manual Transmission
Helix 19% Reduction Pulley
Helix Cold-Air Intake
Helix Short Shifter
MTH Tuner Software
H-Sport Lowering Springs
H-Sport Rear Sway Bar
Grafik Dezine Decals/ Window Tinting
Aesthetic Design Center Caps
Whalen Shift Machine
Borla "Street" Exhaust
Garmin 2620 GPS & Ram Window Mount
Kosei K1 TS 17"x 17" (Gray) Rims... w/MINI valve caps
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS D3 Tires (215/45-17)
Pioneer Stereo ... XM/MP3/Ipod Adaptor
Black Aerokit Front Grille
Aerokit side skirts
Interior leather door pull covers
MINIHERO License Plates
MINIHERO Rear Brakelight Cover

Peace,
D