Hi everybody,

I need your help (I know some of you are hardcore tuners) in order to figure out what's the next step in order to increase the HP and boost of my MCS.
I'm really new into tuning the MCS, I only got it for a few months.
This is what I've done so far:

-15% reduction supercharger pulley
-Installed JCW ecu
-miltek header and exhaust
-colder plugs
-high performance plug wires

Your suggestions and comments will be highly appreciated.

Hernan

 

An intake would be your next best step. After that is where opinions will vary. I would recommend a ported head and cam, depending on how fast you want to go and how much $$$ you want to spend.

 

You might want to consider lighter wheels w/ some nice tires too. Doesn't add horsepower, but it certainly lets your car accelrate faster.

+1 on the head too.

 

I would seriously consider looking at suspension mods as well, before you have all the power and no handling. Maybe a nice little engine damper too.

Another thing to look at would be some form of engine management upgrade to deliver all that power smoothly.

My .02c

Paul

 

...should be upgraded with better (but streetable) aftermarket products that do not shed "soot" all over your pretty wheels (whether they are stock or otherwise) and that stop you better, too (EBC "Green Stuff" pads or other suitable brand) and with fluid that doesn't boil as easily under hard braking as the OEM (such as ATE "Blue").

If you really want to go crazy and spend some "big bucks" (just kidding) you can also get slotted rotors metal caliper bushings, and stainless steel lines too. These help the system retain stopping power under hard use and keep it from getting that "mushy" pedal feel that you will get with the OEM equipment after a few hard brakings. (i.e., eliminate "fade" under all but competition conditions).

 

I hear the metal caliper bushing require quite a bit of regular maintenance though...
If you want better stopping power I'd stick with better pads for the brakes, unless you plan on tracking the car.
For a "zippier" feel Lighter wheels and some suspension work like Rear sway bar are a great next step.

For power cylinder head and cam.

 

04sdmini - could you be more specific about the "regular maintenance" to which you refer? I have neither heard of nor experienced this phenomenon, so you have peaked my interest. Please advise. Thanks.

 

You are pretty much where most Mod'd MINI's are... I agree, two ways to go..!! get the suspension and brakes... you might not go faster... but getting there will be a lot more fun ( and safer )!! Power?? Yep.. cam and Head!! although the current cam out there is pretty pricey for the gains..( there is currently a few Vendors that are working on new design cams..)
We have found almost a full 25 Wheel HP on a MINI with stock cam, and exhaust header by bolting on our Head!! Then as the cams come out.. or you decide to go to the German grind, you can pull a few more ponies!! It is said that even gas mileage was increased with our Head change over..... SOOOooooo...... look over the choices and be thinking about the Modified HEAD!! 200 HP MINI's rock to drive!! Cool??

Just me.............................................

Thumper

 

I heard you need to keep these things clean (i.e. take the wheels off and clean the calipers) on a regular basis or the grime/dust gets in there and starts to wear at the bushings... As they begin to wear bad things begin to happen.

For some folks that's O.K. they don't mind the cleaning or do it anyway. Me, I'm lazy I know I'm not going to be taking my wheels off to clean my calipers. It's a good week if I even find the time to hose down my rims

 

Thanks fellas...I think I will star replacing the wheels... and then maybe a port and polished head...I will keep you posted on how the project goes.
Hernan

 

agree with this suggestion.

Other meaningful upgrades - rear sway bar, non-run flats

 

Do you want more power? Better handling? What are your goals?

 

First, define the goal. Otherwise, just get ready to have a never ending leak to your bank account... once the goal is set, choosing parts is much easier.

For the metal caliper bushings. I've had them for a long, long time. You can get buy with just lubing them at pad changes. They pay for themselves in (improved) pad wear and more even pad pressure.... Best underapreciated mod for the Mini ever!

Two best early "mods" are driver training, and improved understanding of the system. The first you get from driving instruction events, the second from books......

Matt

 

Guys,
I already have CAI from alta (with the hose and everything).
The goal would be having a more powerful / faster mini (I would like to be able to beat a Nissan 350 Z stock), is this benchmark help?.

 

Well it seems that with the pulleys/ IC's and the basic mods that most guys end up with is about 180-190 WHP!! and those cars rock.. to bump the 200 mark ( there are a few, doing it without the head) it appears you will need a Head!! Mine?? Theirs?? doesnt matter.. but the head is the 200 WHP mark!! Have fun..

Just me.......................................

Thumper

 

+2% Crank Pulley.

 

with the mods I have if I decide to go for a head what would be the HP gain>???

 

With less mod than you have.. on a 04, with STOCK i/c, Header, and Cam.. we pulled a solid 25 WHP gain to put the 04 at 211 SAE WHP, that is with Thumper Performance Head and Stock valve size!! No Hesitation or flat spots, and the car rocks!! However every car is different.. but I would say the 20-30 WHP is do able!! Have fun....

Just me............................................

Thumper