Drivetrain Best Performance Upgrades For Cooper S?
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Neutral
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Daytona Beach, Florida
Best Performance Upgrades For Cooper S?
Hello all my name is DJ im new to the site I just purchased an 03 Mini Cooper S last Friday! It was my dream car and I love it just as much as I new I would. But now its time to make it a little faster 
. I was wondering what are the best ways to improve hp, torque, boost etc...?
I'd like to start off with a chip then an intake and probably an exhaust...
#1. Which brand chip should I go with?
#2. Which Intake?
#3 Which Exhaust, keep in mind i like a deep sounding exhaust not a high pitch loud annoying moped sounding exhaust. If no matter what exhaust I use is going to sound like that because of it being a 4cyl I'd rather not do an exhaust.
#4. Any other suggestions please??? I heard pulleys make a big difference from a bmw guy but he did not elaborate???
I will be posting pictures and detailed instructions of all the work I do as well as the outcome of each upgrade. Please all your Ideas & Suggestions will be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
Thank You All!
DJF
. I was wondering what are the best ways to improve hp, torque, boost etc...?I'd like to start off with a chip then an intake and probably an exhaust...
#1. Which brand chip should I go with?
#2. Which Intake?
#3 Which Exhaust, keep in mind i like a deep sounding exhaust not a high pitch loud annoying moped sounding exhaust. If no matter what exhaust I use is going to sound like that because of it being a 4cyl I'd rather not do an exhaust.
#4. Any other suggestions please??? I heard pulleys make a big difference from a bmw guy but he did not elaborate???
I will be posting pictures and detailed instructions of all the work I do as well as the outcome of each upgrade. Please all your Ideas & Suggestions will be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
Thank You All!
DJF
Last edited by EHouseHead; Feb 21, 2007 at 04:23 PM. Reason: forgot to click notify me of replys.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,299
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Welcome to NAM!
Mods:
1. pulley - any...I prefer 15%
2. CAI - again, any...if I had to choose now, I'd go with DDM or Alta...K&N in California as it's CARB approved
3. Exhuast is a mixed bag...one ball is by far the cheapest...there's a thread going on now about it combined with an OBX header. I love my Larini and lots of people love their Militeks.
4. Chip...really a reflash...JCW is the most economical, especially if you only have the above mods. MTH and GIAC are very popular and apparently effective too.
5. Consider a rear anti sway bar between 19 & 22mm
6. Lightweight wheels and sticky tires...you might want to move this up to number one or two depending on your driving style.
Mods:
1. pulley - any...I prefer 15%
2. CAI - again, any...if I had to choose now, I'd go with DDM or Alta...K&N in California as it's CARB approved
3. Exhuast is a mixed bag...one ball is by far the cheapest...there's a thread going on now about it combined with an OBX header. I love my Larini and lots of people love their Militeks.
4. Chip...really a reflash...JCW is the most economical, especially if you only have the above mods. MTH and GIAC are very popular and apparently effective too.
5. Consider a rear anti sway bar between 19 & 22mm
6. Lightweight wheels and sticky tires...you might want to move this up to number one or two depending on your driving style.
My opinion on quick easy performance mods:
1. 15% supercharger reduction pulley - $120 -single best power gain; area of 15-20 hp
2. Alta CAI with silicon hose - $270
3. Milltek exhaust - $800
4. OBX or Megan header - $200
I also recommend a stiffer rear sway bar, such as the Alta 22mm, for $180.
Estimate on professional installation- $400-800
My personal favorite vendor that I 100% trust and also great prices is Outmotoring.com
1. 15% supercharger reduction pulley - $120 -single best power gain; area of 15-20 hp
2. Alta CAI with silicon hose - $270
3. Milltek exhaust - $800
4. OBX or Megan header - $200
I also recommend a stiffer rear sway bar, such as the Alta 22mm, for $180.
Estimate on professional installation- $400-800
My personal favorite vendor that I 100% trust and also great prices is Outmotoring.com
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,299
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http.com could lead to a wealth of knowledge I guess
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 0
You sure? I'm still going to http.com, even after a FF restart...
EHouseHead, you better reply soon before this thread is completly hi-jacked
EHouseHead, you better reply soon before this thread is completly hi-jacked
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3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 285
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
I give up, i don't know why the link wont work
Moral of the story was... The search function is your friend, we really don't need a new thread everyday asking what mods to get for your cooper S. Even new people are allowed to use the search function.
Moral of the story was... The search function is your friend, we really don't need a new thread everyday asking what mods to get for your cooper S. Even new people are allowed to use the search function.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,299
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 30
From: Quebec City, Qc
If I had to do it again, here's what I would do:
1- rear swwaybar
2- 19% pulley with 380cc injectors & GIAC software
3- lighter wheels/tires
4- Brakes pads & stainless steel lines
5- CAI (for added sound)
6- Intercooler
7- Catback exhaust
1- rear swwaybar
2- 19% pulley with 380cc injectors & GIAC software
3- lighter wheels/tires
4- Brakes pads & stainless steel lines
5- CAI (for added sound)
6- Intercooler
7- Catback exhaust
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 30
From: Quebec City, Qc
I just realized you want to begin with an ECU remap (chip). I suggest you spend your $$ on a pulley first. Then get a software. A software alone will not give you much improvement without a pulley.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Justin-
Found your boyfriend with a "bigger" turbo for ya
You should see the turbo on the R56.. now THAT is a small turbo lol... Can't wait to see a GT35 swap on the R56..
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,008
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There are two mods that should be done at the same time and, in my opinion, before anything else. They will wake the car up! They don't cost much either (can often find used). They are:
a. larger air box or free flow intake (nearly any brand)
b. 15% supercharger pulley. (nearly any brand, but I'm personally partial to Webb)
Next thing to do doesn't cost much either. Replace the rear sway bar with adjustable 22mm. Can also be found used.
Fourth thing and another cheapie: add LOTF engine damper. It nearly eliminates the need for a short shifter and is only $50 new.
Fifth thing to do: replace the exhaust with something that flows freely. Also can be found used and will provide noticeable difference and allows you to take complete advantadge of air box and pulley.
I wouldn't do any thing for awhile at this point. After that while, I'd change the brake pads to something that stops better. I'd do this long before opting to buy expensive replacement calipers - unless you are racing. Then you have to go with the expensive calipers because OEM is OK for street with better pads, but not for racing.
I wouldn't go for a chip for a long time. Did you notice none of the things I've suggested are a lot of money? That makes it even more fun.
a. larger air box or free flow intake (nearly any brand)
b. 15% supercharger pulley. (nearly any brand, but I'm personally partial to Webb)
Next thing to do doesn't cost much either. Replace the rear sway bar with adjustable 22mm. Can also be found used.
Fourth thing and another cheapie: add LOTF engine damper. It nearly eliminates the need for a short shifter and is only $50 new.
Fifth thing to do: replace the exhaust with something that flows freely. Also can be found used and will provide noticeable difference and allows you to take complete advantadge of air box and pulley.
I wouldn't do any thing for awhile at this point. After that while, I'd change the brake pads to something that stops better. I'd do this long before opting to buy expensive replacement calipers - unless you are racing. Then you have to go with the expensive calipers because OEM is OK for street with better pads, but not for racing.
I wouldn't go for a chip for a long time. Did you notice none of the things I've suggested are a lot of money? That makes it even more fun.
Here's a different take..
1) A book on Supercharged engines, how they work, and what to look for in add ons and tuning.
2) A book about suspension theory and tuning.
3) A six pack or two to drink while you read.
THEN break out the credit card!
Matt
2) A book about suspension theory and tuning.
3) A six pack or two to drink while you read.
THEN break out the credit card!
Matt
Thread Starter
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Neutral
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Beach, Florida
There are two mods that should be done at the same time and, in my opinion, before anything else. They will wake the car up! They don't cost much either (can often find used). They are:
a. larger air box or free flow intake (nearly any brand)
b. 15% supercharger pulley. (nearly any brand, but I'm personally partial to Webb)
Next thing to do doesn't cost much either. Replace the rear sway bar with adjustable 22mm. Can also be found used.
Fourth thing and another cheapie: add LOTF engine damper. It nearly eliminates the need for a short shifter and is only $50 new.
Fifth thing to do: replace the exhaust with something that flows freely. Also can be found used and will provide noticeable difference and allows you to take complete advantadge of air box and pulley.
I wouldn't do any thing for awhile at this point. After that while, I'd change the brake pads to something that stops better. I'd do this long before opting to buy expensive replacement calipers - unless you are racing. Then you have to go with the expensive calipers because OEM is OK for street with better pads, but not for racing.
I wouldn't go for a chip for a long time. Did you notice none of the things I've suggested are a lot of money? That makes it even more fun.
a. larger air box or free flow intake (nearly any brand)
b. 15% supercharger pulley. (nearly any brand, but I'm personally partial to Webb)
Next thing to do doesn't cost much either. Replace the rear sway bar with adjustable 22mm. Can also be found used.
Fourth thing and another cheapie: add LOTF engine damper. It nearly eliminates the need for a short shifter and is only $50 new.
Fifth thing to do: replace the exhaust with something that flows freely. Also can be found used and will provide noticeable difference and allows you to take complete advantadge of air box and pulley.
I wouldn't do any thing for awhile at this point. After that while, I'd change the brake pads to something that stops better. I'd do this long before opting to buy expensive replacement calipers - unless you are racing. Then you have to go with the expensive calipers because OEM is OK for street with better pads, but not for racing.
I wouldn't go for a chip for a long time. Did you notice none of the things I've suggested are a lot of money? That makes it even more fun.
im planning on pulley this week
intake next week
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
Better yet, How about a V8
