F54 :: Clubman Talk (2015+) MINI Cooper Clubman and Clubman S Discussion

F54 Thoughts on first mod...

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Old Aug 5, 2019 | 06:50 PM
  #1  
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Thoughts on first mod...

Greetings. So I’ve had my clubbie s for a year and a half and the only thing I did was buy the rubber mats! Usually the first thing I do to any vehicle I’ve owned was drop a K&N filter in. I haven’t even done that🤦🏻*♂️! So looking at all the goodies available now...Should I first spring for the NM sway bar and the “big pair” under chassis brace system, or get the Dinan sport tuning module, or start an induction system with K&N filter?? I really wish I could do the open hood scoop that was talked about on the forum awhile back, but I haven’t seen any new posts.
all advice from those who have done these additions would be greatly appreciated!
 
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Old May 3, 2021 | 06:47 AM
  #2  
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Crickets? So what did you end up doing? My F54 is coming in a couple days and I'm excited for my first mod as well.
 
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Old May 3, 2021 | 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Lee Reed
Crickets? So what did you end up doing? My F54 is coming in a couple days and I'm excited for my first mod as well.
I agree, do tell as inquiring minds wish to know. My vote is always suspension, at the very least do it before wheels to get good fitment if that is what you are going for.
 
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Old May 3, 2021 | 09:30 AM
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F54 Thoughts on first mods

Well, first of all, greetings! So, I actually researched and searched and piddled around with a wish list and then money got short during 2020, so only real thing I did was buy new Michelin tires and a new tire for my spare. Ditched the run flats. Stayed with OEM 17in rim because I looked at how scuffed it was and the state of roads and construction where I drive, and decided to go some more on the OEMs. I just got in last week the replacement black headlight surrounds, and then the overlay for the grill as there isn’t a replacement available for the F54 apparently. Getting the rear taillight overlays soon and the belt line tape should be next. I did a lot of research on the CAIs, and since there isn’t the large benefit in return for what I’m paying for it, I’ll hold off…plus there are too many choices out there (and yes I know I’m going to get schooled on CAI benefits from others out there). Now that I’m closer to end of warranty, I want to get the Dinan sport and the craven speed automatic shifter….I seem to always be driving with my hand in it. Springs and lowering? YES!! I was thinking about that but then it snowballed from there because I was gonna need new wheels and then tires and, and…(what really didn’t help was that my IRS refund cam in basically 8 MONTHS(!) late, do my “car/play fund” had to be allocated to other things. Big Pair chassis stiffening will also be on the list, I’m not as sure about new rear sway bar as it handles pretty good as is, especially with the new tires. So sorry to disappoint you guys, but initial lack of F54 toys and covid just sucked out the fun for me.
but….it’s a new year and more F54 support is out there!! How about your mods?
 
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Old May 3, 2021 | 11:16 AM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by wagon4me
Well, first of all, greetings! So, I actually researched and searched and piddled around with a wish list and then money got short during 2020, so only real thing I did was buy new Michelin tires and a new tire for my spare. Ditched the run flats. Stayed with OEM 17in rim because I looked at how scuffed it was and the state of roads and construction where I drive, and decided to go some more on the OEMs. I just got in last week the replacement black headlight surrounds, and then the overlay for the grill as there isn’t a replacement available for the F54 apparently. Getting the rear taillight overlays soon and the belt line tape should be next. I did a lot of research on the CAIs, and since there isn’t the large benefit in return for what I’m paying for it, I’ll hold off…plus there are too many choices out there (and yes I know I’m going to get schooled on CAI benefits from others out there). Now that I’m closer to end of warranty, I want to get the Dinan sport and the craven speed automatic shifter….I seem to always be driving with my hand in it. Springs and lowering? YES!! I was thinking about that but then it snowballed from there because I was gonna need new wheels and then tires and, and…(what really didn’t help was that my IRS refund cam in basically 8 MONTHS(!) late, do my “car/play fund” had to be allocated to other things. Big Pair chassis stiffening will also be on the list, I’m not as sure about new rear sway bar as it handles pretty good as is, especially with the new tires. So sorry to disappoint you guys, but initial lack of F54 toys and covid just sucked out the fun for me.
but….it’s a new year and more F54 support is out there!! How about your mods?
First for me was the KW V1 coilovers and Duell AG side skirts. Shortly after I did the side markers, CF shift paddles, beltline, front grill strip, debadging, custom trunk mats, CF door handles. I bought the car 3 days ago so I came good until next year when my wheels arrive.
 
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Old May 3, 2021 | 02:44 PM
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F54 thoughts on first mods

Wow!! That’s fantastic!! What year is your clubbie? I’m kinda in that mood where the honeymoon is waning and I’m thinking (only at this point) about finding a JCW 2017/2018 before the facelift. The new shifter drives me nuts! I keep putting the car in neutral at the light! I also like the look of the bigger headlights…
or, if it’s just right, and doable, I actually might be swayed towards a GP2 or 3! Now that would be a change!
but I know if I hang out long enough, the love will come back as more toys and accessories become more available.
 
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Old May 3, 2021 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by wagon4me
Wow!! That’s fantastic!! What year is your clubbie? I’m kinda in that mood where the honeymoon is waning and I’m thinking (only at this point) about finding a JCW 2017/2018 before the facelift. The new shifter drives me nuts! I keep putting the car in neutral at the light! I also like the look of the bigger headlights…
or, if it’s just right, and doable, I actually might be swayed towards a GP2 or 3! Now that would be a change!
but I know if I hang out long enough, the love will come back as more toys and accessories become more available.
It is a 2021...my last one was a 2017 and was pretty heavily modified....I miss that car but I do love the new one.
 

Last edited by Masada; May 4, 2021 at 05:43 PM.
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Old May 4, 2021 | 01:38 PM
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F54 thoughts on the first mods

Congratulations sir, on you new car!! Can’t wait to hear what you continue to do.
 
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Old May 4, 2021 | 05:40 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by wagon4me
Congratulations sir, on you new car!! Can’t wait to hear what you continue to do.
Wheels are next up but I am taking my time as it is the one item that really impacts the overall look and fitment is a concern with those massive discs.
 
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Old May 4, 2021 | 05:58 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by wagon4me
Wow!! That’s fantastic!! What year is your clubbie? I’m kinda in that mood where the honeymoon is waning and I’m thinking (only at this point) about finding a JCW 2017/2018 before the facelift. The new shifter drives me nuts! I keep putting the car in neutral at the light! I also like the look of the bigger headlights…
or, if it’s just right, and doable, I actually might be swayed towards a GP2 or 3! Now that would be a change!
but I know if I hang out long enough, the love will come back as more toys and accessories become more available.
I will admit the new shifter is taking some getting used to...
 
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Old May 4, 2021 | 11:30 PM
  #11  
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I have done a few things at this point and the ones I liked the most were the Dinan sport power module, chassis bones frame stiffener(similar to the big pair for $100 less), and the Lower engine mount bushing.

 

Last edited by EmedpaDHSc; May 5, 2021 at 12:05 AM.
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Old May 5, 2021 | 03:09 PM
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In terms of performance, the tuning kit was something I enjoy every day. The updated stance is my favourite cosmetic detail, followed by the painted trims inside and out. I have the big pair, it was a nice complement to the springs...the intake was near the bottom of the list... the AC Schnitzer IDrive dial owns that position. New steering wheel and craven shifter are up next.
 
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Old May 6, 2021 | 09:55 AM
  #13  
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From: Manassas, VA where the Civil War resides.....
As you can see on the list below, I've done a few things to my F54. While I don't have a lot of miles on my car at this point (30,000), it always gets ridden hard and put away wet. I wouldn't change anything except maybe the seats. I got the leatherette, but after a few years with these would opt for the cloth. As far as the way it rides and handles, with the RSB and the Chassis braces, it corners hard enough that I have to brace myself in my seat (and they are the sport seats with bolsters) whenever I throw the car around a turn. I like the ride as it is and always run the car in sport (stiffer ride and response). Wife doesn't like it, so I know it's good! With the Dinantronix, it's plenty entertaining and capable of getting John Law on my case. I gave up racing on the streets years ago. In my area, the congestion is too great and the level of idiots on the road keeps increasing. Eventually, a track car will make it in my driveway.....
 
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Old May 10, 2021 | 11:26 AM
  #14  
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How hard is it?

Originally Posted by EmedpaDHSc
I have done a few things at this point and the ones I liked the most were the Dinan sport power module, chassis bones frame stiffener(similar to the big pair for $100 less), and the Lower engine mount bushing.
so how difficult is it to do that lower engine mount bushing? Gotta lift the car or something like that?
 
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Old May 10, 2021 | 11:30 AM
  #15  
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One of delayed first mods

I just put on the piano black headlight trim rings on this morning…what a difference!! Now fir the grill surround. It’s also gonna cover a portion that got broken and I put plastic putty to repair it and make up the lost portion. I think I will see how the adhesive tape it comes with holds up. Still contemplating a trip to O’Reilley’s though. I should be able yo get that 3M tape three, shouldn’t I?
 
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