I've been a long time lingerer and wanted to share my experience using the knowledge I've garnered on this site.

I purchased an 06MCS in January, and essentially drove it very hard over 5 months to undstand the capabilities of a stock car. I also researched all the tuners in my area, and was intially waiting for the Dinan implentation which to date has not materialized.

I eventually decided to take my mini to Steve's Auto Clinic for the inital stage 1 upgrade - 15% Alta Pulley, Alta CAI, Miltek Exhaust, cold plugs, Rear Sway Bar and Front Tower Strut brace. Needless to say, what everyone was posting was true. The car changed significantly with power throughout the range and better handling. As this is my daily commuter, my drive changed from a fun drive to high performance video game.

Given that there were two more levels of investment toward experimenting with the Mini - head change then turbo - I dove head first into the unknown. I made the long (2 hours each way) trek again to SAC for Stage 2 - where Steve proceeded to install his custom head, his custom throttle body, Schrick CAM, JCW injectors, intake matched porting, and MTH software. As Steve drove the car to the Dyno, I could immediately hear and feel the diffference. This was again a total remake of what I had after stage 1.

The Dyno results were even more surprising. The car displayed 214 whp and 186 torque on the LAPD Dyno. The Dyno operator was also stunned saying there was only one Mini that he has seen post a higher result. What was even more impressive was Steve's reaction when he walked around the corner to see the results. His jaw dropping expression was worth the drive.

Needless to say the car is probably too much for a daily driver now. It is insanely fast and almost sickening how well the car performs, especially with the Toyo TR installed. I'm in awe every time I get in the car and it makes the daily commute exhilirating as I risk getting a ticket every day.

This is the end of the line for me. Steve said there were a few more mods I could add that could get me closer to the 220whp realm but I'm spent. Everything to date on the car was his personal recommendation. There were a few items that I asked him about that he quite frankly said I didn't need. Steve is definitely a true artisan with these cars and a super nice guy to work with. The fact that there are always minis in the bay and on the lot also tells a similar story.

I hope this helps those looking to invest in their cars as the previous posts throughout this forum helpd me.

 

Any pictures of your car? Sounds like a good mod combo.

 

Who is this Steve and where is he?

Thanks,
Paul

 

http://www.stevesautoclinic.com/

 

http://www.stevesautoclinic.com/

 

doh!