I just purchase an 05 'S'. I would like to increase HP some but driveability is critical - I do not want to give up driveability for HP. I do not wish to change the intercooler or the clutch, so I am not talking anything radical. I would like those with experience to reply, please. What do you recommend [CAI? 15% Pulley? Software? Plugs?] and from what vendor? If I do exhaust, I would want a mellow sound - definitely not something that would be bothersome while traveling [a single outlet would be nice if available]. Again, what vendor would you recommend. If you care to know why I am asking for something this specific, you can read further.

I bought the Mini because I have a 1,200 lb. racing car [called an Ultralite] that is streetable [250 HP!]. It is very short and it turns out that the Mini is the only car that will fit nose to butt in my garage with other car. Actually, it is very laughable to see the two together! I must get rid of my beloved WRX, but I think I am really going to enjoy the Mini [it is loaded - even including BBS R90s, Navigation, limited slip and other goodies]. Our other car, a Prius, is not a road car, even with its wider summer tires. Thus, the Mini will be our trip car. Loaded with two people and lots of luggage, I realize that performance will suffer, which is the reason I am willing to do some mild modifications. If I what to go ridiculously fast, I can hop in my Ultralite.

Much thanks to those of you willing to help me make some decisions.

 

Hi Minipapa,

I doubt if I will attract too much controversy by saying that these are the mods to consider in this order

1. CAI Any of the aftermarket intakes designed for the Mini will give you a good bang for your buck.
2. 15% pulley ... for that 'kick in the ***' acceleration ... alta are nice.
3. EMC remap ... can't advise which one ... too many good one's to choose from.

I run a Supersprint Street exhaust with a twin tip. It sounds loud at low speed and under lots of power, but quietens down for cruising.

Promini or Coopersport are good places to start as suppliers. I've dealt with both and they both give good advice and service.


Compared a WRX, you will find it difficult to upgrade a Mini to match performance wise without paying BIG BUCKS.

Paul

 

The search button is your friend, MiniPapa.

 

Here is what i plan on doing to my 05 Cooper S.

15% pulley, Software, Injecors. I already have an Alta Intake and JCW exhuast (which might be for sale soon). It will definately make for a fun daily driver as i tend to drive 15k to 20k a year.

 

Give Helix Motorsports a call.

You will benefit most from the CAI & 15% pulley combo. Colder range iridium plugs are usually reccomended. I prefer NGK. You'll save weight with the single sided exhaust, but Helix carries the Millitek which a lot of NAM'ers stand by. I'd say do some software if it's in the budget...Helix helped develop the GIAC flash for our cars. You could also consider the JCW flash if a local dealer will do it. mine did for $125. Have fun!


...from Helix's site:
CAI = $199
Pulley + install of CAI & Pulley = $386
Catback + install = $974
Software = $325
Plugs = $35

 

15% pully and CAI are going to give you the most bang for your buck. Although expect more whine from the SC when you put those on.

I personally love it.

And +1 for giving Eric at Helix a call. He did my mods at MOTD (minis On The Dragon), and they've been nothing but amazingly fun.

 

then your choices are limited. But here's my recipe.....

Engine: CAI of some sort. I'm partial to the JCW or Dinan for heat issues, but most will be an improvement. 15% pulley. This is the best bang for the buck you'll ever do to your mini. One-Ball exhaust. Cheap, saves weight, reduced back pressure. If you want to go for an ECU tune, that's fine, but read up on them. I like the MTH products because of the changes to the traction control functions.... None of the ECU or piggy backs do it all. All these will get you 20-30 HP or so.....

Suspension: Front camber plates. It's a Mac Strut with little negative camber stock, and this increases understeer and wears the outside edge of the front tires really fast. The struts and springs are better than they are credited with, but a rear bar improvement is a good idea too. If you do the front camber changes, you won't need a "competition" bar in the back....

Brakes: Metal caliper busings, improved pads and fluid. You can spend a lot more on BBKs, but I don't know that the Mini needs the capacity.

That's my recipe for a "fun" mini. You want more than that, they shine the little stuff and get a head for the engine. You gotta open up the exhaust to get the motor to sing....

Matt

 

engine mods -

1) CAI - your choice
2) 15% pulley
3) OBX/Megan header plus 1-ball exhaust
4) ECU software - for the above I suggest GIAC.

want more ? do a head.

suspension mods -

1) bye bye run flats
2) rear sway bar

see how you like it and then proceed to taste.

 

if you want to keep it simple and driveable go with the twin charge or the new m62 set up .