I'm at the 3 k range, but just give me a few weeks, I just got married and I'm empty....

 

jdw5155,
Yes, for under $2500 you are doing fantastic in the performance mods. I thought that the upgraded throttle body was about $450 plus installation. You're probably doing just fine right now. Some people have found that with all the added power, adding more suspension mods (like springs-H-sports, eibachs, or HR) will help in cornering. Also if you have stock wheels-that usually means lots of weight being pulled around so a natural upgrade that would be worth considering is lighter wheels. Unless of course you have the great looking R90 two piece 17" MINI wheels by BBS.
Then all you need would be to replace the old runflats with Bridgestone Potenza S-03 tires, then take it to the track. The other places people spend more $$$ are on aero kits/side skirts/paint jobs and audio/video upgrades. Custom leather seats- really soft italian leather would be neat but costly.

>>I never really added it up before. Let's see...
>>
>>Driving lights - $700 installed by dealer
>>Super blue brake fluid - $20
>>Rogue Intake - $240
>>Alta Pulley - $400 installed by Randy
>>EVOTek ECU - $700
>>Madness sway bar - $170
>>
>>Wow, only $2230 for much improved speed and handling.
>>
>>Yet to add:
>>Front slotted rotors and Frodo 2500s - $450
>>Magnaflow exhaust - $570
>>maybe the oversize throttle body - $160
>>
>>After that the discount speed mods get pretty scarce. I'm waiting for a header that performs like the London Stainless but for something less than the $1300 (ouch). Man at this rate I'll never get to $10k unless I go through a bunch of brake pads. :smile:

 

I THINK I AM VERY CLOSE TO THE 10K MARK. here we go

pioneer nav dvd unit installed $ 2200.00
alpine amp istalled $ 350.00
jl audio stealthbox $ 400.00
parcel shelf $ 80.00
k&n intake $ 235.00
aero kit front and sides installed $ 700.00
bmp header installed $ 600.00
magnaflow installed $ 575.00
pulley installed $425.00
wires $ 80.00
msd coil pack $ 60.00
bmp strut bar $ 240.00
bmp guages installed $ 550.00
18" konig tantrum 2 3pc wheels and tires $ 2800.00
tailights $ 300.00
tint $ 150.00
stripes $ 80.00
added up $ 10225.00

to come in the next week or so

2 headrest monitors $ 900.00 installed
reverse camera $ 450.00
hid kit $ 375.00

all in all the grand total is $ 11950.00

and i have more stuff on the to-do list.

lol i think i need to see someone about this, this is more than an addiction.

 

Thankfully due to some connections I've been able to get most parts at a reduced cost and have done all labor myself. But if I paid retail:

-KW Springs $250
-Madness Rear Sway $189
-Madness Pulley $199
-Madness Tinted Tail Kit $99
-Madness Intake $239
-Madness Short Shifter $70
-Stilauto 17's with rubber $2000
-Stud Conversion $149
-Stereo Components $1700
-Stereo Enclosure Fabrication Materials $100
-Aero Grilles $80
-Headlight Trim Rings Painted Black $150
-Carbon Fiber "S"s $5

Well, that's over $5k there!!! To get to $10k, I'd have to go nutz with coilovers, headers, exhaust, cylinder head and custom paint!!!

R

 

SUPRCHRGDMINI-
Whoa-mega upgrades. Super Audio/video. You don't need a home. Just stay in your MCS and hang out.
It looks like you have all angles covered. More stuff down the road... ECU or springs?
Nice - more like wicked

 

Saga/Problem of two exhaust systems: Thanks for the feedback & yes I do have an exhaust issue:
- I love my current Supersprint exhaust (w/o center resonator) beacuse it is agressive sounding (very "Angry Bumble-Bee" tone at WOA) yet it creates NO nasty cab resonance at any speeds!
-The JCW tuning kit comes w/ an exhaust that is much less agressive in tone (too tame for my taste) BUT it was the system used at Cooper Works during the the critical ECU re-mapping.
-Question: Since my car will not be ready to drive until this Wed. AM I am faced w/ the issue of:
A. void the BMW/COOPER warranty (as it states in the Works install instructions) & keep the Supersprint exhaust which may or may not like the Cooper ECU program (too much or too little back-pressure?)
B. Add the more civilized Cooper sports exhaust, make everyone happy (my tech & the BMW dealer) and loose the wonderfull Italian tenor of the Supersprint exhaust (and thereby have a pricy Italian exhaust sitting in the floor of my studio gathering dust.)
-Reason says go Cooper ALL the way but ........
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

Davbret-
Yeah, you are blessed. Even with the discounts and mechanical ability, it is adding up. Headers and exhaust,
ECU, brake upgrades, LSD, and lightweight flywheel could add up even more. Really nice job and a great example for do-it-yourselfers. Interesting-no exhaust yet? Waiting for UUC perhaps??? It's vaporhardware. Remember their slogan- it's arriving in TWO more weeks. Thanks for sharing with us we are in awe. You win the most bang for the buck upgrade award.

>>Thankfully due to some connections I've been able to get most parts at a reduced cost and have done all labor myself. But if I paid retail:
>>
>>-KW Springs $250
>>-Madness Rear Sway $189
>>-Madness Pulley $199
>>-Madness Tinted Tail Kit $99
>>-Madness Intake $239
>>-Madness Short Shifter $70
>>-Stilauto 17's with rubber $2000
>>-Stud Conversion $149
>>-Stereo Components $1700
>>-Stereo Enclosure Fabrication Materials $100
>>-Aero Grilles $80
>>-Headlight Trim Rings Painted Black $150
>>-Carbon Fiber "S"s $5
>>
>>Well, that's over $5k there!!! To get to $10k, I'd have to go nutz with coilovers, headers, exhaust, cylinder head and custom paint!!!
>>
>>R
>>

 

>>Saga/Problem of two exhaust systems: Thanks for the feedback & yes I do have an exhaust issue:
>>- I love my current Supersprint exhaust (w/o center resonator) beacuse it is agressive sounding (very "Angry Bumble-Bee" tone at WOA) yet it creates NO nasty cab resonance at any speeds!
>>-The JCW tuning kit comes w/ an exhaust that is much less agressive in tone (too tame for my taste) BUT it was the system used at Cooper Works during the the critical ECU re-mapping.
>>-Question: Since my car will not be ready to drive until this Wed. AM I am faced w/ the issue of:
>> A. void the BMW/COOPER warranty (as it states in the Works install instructions) & keep the Supersprint exhaust which may or may not like the Cooper ECU program (too much or too little back-pressure?)
>>B. Add the more civilized Cooper sports exhaust, make everyone happy (my tech & the BMW dealer) and loose the wonderfull Italian tenor of the Supersprint exhaust (and thereby have a pricy Italian exhaust sitting in the floor of my studio gathering dust.)
>>-Reason says go Cooper ALL the way but ........
>> Any thoughts?
>>Thanks!

Marksmith-
The Supersprint is wonderful no doubt. This makes it a good buy for some lucky MCS owner and you get back some $$$. The JCW exhaust isn't as loud or colorful but it is matched to the rest of the kit and is covered under warranty and that is what you are paying for in the kit- the whole package and the backing of a 4 year warranty. Personally I really like the looks of the JCW exhaust even if it lacks the "swarm of angry killer bees in a coffee can" sound at WOT. Gee that must be scary to hear in person

 

>>Yet to add:
>>Front slotted rotors and Frodo 2500s - $450
>>Magnaflow exhaust - $570
>>maybe the oversize throttle body - $160
>>


Isn't the throttle body $469 + labor???

 

>>-The JCW tuning kit comes w/ an exhaust that is much less agressive in tone (too tame for my taste) BUT it was the system used at Cooper Works during the the critical ECU re-mapping.
>>-Question: Since my car will not be ready to drive until this Wed. AM I am faced w/ the issue of:
>> A. void the BMW/COOPER warranty (as it states in the Works install instructions) & keep the Supersprint exhaust which may or may not like the Cooper ECU program (too much or too little back-pressure?) >>>>


If I went for the JCW kit I would think that I wouldn't want to mod it at all - performance-wise that is. THe best thing that the JCW kit offers is full warranty protection. So if I spent all that money for the warranty basically, I wouldn't want to chance losing that warranty - not even a little bit.

As far as the JCW ECU goes, I don't think that is an issue. Although I certainly don't know for sure, I'd be willing to bet that the JCW ECU does very little besides raise the rev limiter. The JCW kit only adds 22 lbs of torque at the crank. The pulley and exhaust alone should do that - nevermind the addition of the polished head. I have 2 less torque with just the pulley and intake. The EVOTECH chip seems to be much more powerful than the JCW chip. Maybe they made it more responsive at lower RPMS by changing the A/F ratios at partial throttle, but I even doubt they did that. THeir chip seems to have no affect on full throttle by looking at their HP and torque numbers. Also, from what I've heard from the few people who already have the JCW, their impressions of the JCW kit seem identical to people who just added the pulley. My 2 cents says don't worry about different exhausts upsetting the programming of the ECU. It's a non-issue.

 

>>I agreed with you Cooperspeed :smile:
>>
>>Can't see myself spenting 10k on a MINI.
>>
>>I just love the MINI Cooper S just the way it is.
>>
>>Sure maybe a wheel upgrade and that's about it.
>>
>>


if you buy some quality HRE wheels, you are looking at 6K-9K just for wheels

 

Many thanks to all who posted about their upgrades. I think that many MCS owners have invested between $1000 and $3000 in upgrades since buying their cars.
Many MC owners are likely to leave it stock or spend below $1000. Both groups are having fun driving their cars. It's all personal choice. I've driven the stock MC and it is fun so the essence is there while maybe the crispness of great handling is off a set or two from the MCS. If you don't drive them back to back you might be fooled. For day to day driving I think either car will do and then you get the pleasure of whatever sound system you have. I for one plan to keep my MCS for a very long time so I don't mind doing a lot of improvements now and enjoying the car for at least 10 to 15 years. Afterall those original coopers are still around attracting lots of attention in their old age.

 

MC owner here...

H & R Stage 2 Springs - $225
Helix Stage 1 Brake Kit - $375
Helix Upperstrut Brace - $239
Rogue Exhaust - $575
Prodrive P1 Wheels and rubber - $1100
UUC Motorwerks Shift ****- $100
Window Tints - $150

close to $2800...let's not discuss this with my wife okay?

Plus labor on brakes and suspension (a bargain @ Helix if you ask me)

 

Ok, here goes...
JCW 5800 or so
LS header 1300
Madness intake (waiting...oh Davbret) 240
throttle body 450
Hsports, madness rear bar, install 600or so
SSRComp17's/ES100 215/45's 1900
PIAA 520's plus factory kit and install 700
Factory alarm, shelf,clear 3rd brakelight,S2k antenna 440
Chrome mirrors 100
mats/CD 550
hrdwire V1 and phone 160
tint 80
Roof flag Checks/S my design from Matt@ CF 260
Carseat for daughter 250
garage remotes 60
look on passengers faces priceless

BTW, Greatgro, the 22lb ft difference is irrelevant...JCW makes more torque than stock from 2300-6600. Leaves stop signs at idle. Value also irrelevant. The remap does make a diff, as idle and throttle shut off are different, faster throttle response between shifts, no slow drift-down of rpms. Don't knock it 'til you try it, and my ferrari isn't as fast as 40k of parts on a supra either, probably...or not

 

diggy,
lets see some pics of you car!

 

>>diggy,
>>lets see some pics of you car!


i second that motion

and i wanna see the ferrari ops:

 

No pix of the Coop yet, flag going on today. How do i post pix off my HD? I don't use online pic gallery? I can show ya the other stuff and the old S...
Crap, I can't post it, but look at p292 of the members mini's, pics 2619-2622. Sorry. I posted Fcar there, sorry not much Mini in pic.
_________________
Diggy
JCW, M-cars, and eyetalian stuff

 

Cheers!
Clover

 

Nicely done MC!! $2800 is less than the cost of an MCS. Nice wheels, brakes, suspension,exhaust and window tint.
Ideas for a matching intake? Discuss with WHO? Never heard of her. I mean... never met her. My wife is known as the "upgrade Police" :evil: at my house. You're lucky you live near Helix. If I were you I'd have doubled the number of upgrades you did. That's some self control you have-keep up the good work. Great MC upgrades by the way.

>>MC owner here...
>>
>>H & R Stage 2 Springs - $225
>>Helix Stage 1 Brake Kit - $375
>>Helix Upperstrut Brace - $239
>>Rogue Exhaust - $575
>>Prodrive P1 Wheels and rubber - $1100
>>UUC Motorwerks Shift ****- $100
>>Window Tints - $150
>>
>>close to $2800...let's not discuss this with my wife okay?
>>
>>Plus labor on brakes and suspension (a bargain @ Helix if you ask me)

 

>>
>>
>>Cheers!
>>Clover

 

>>Yes, Miniclo since we all love wicked wanda so much I will give you credit for upgrading your MC all the way up to an MCS for a bunch of $$$. What dedication! and you also get credit for the aftermarket items mentioned. I did not take account for those minis that are already fully loaded. It would be more fair to say what is the total retail value of your Mini? anyone top $33K? What about $36K. I'm sure some have.
>>
>>No flames for you. Only kisses for wanda.:smile: :smile: :smile:

 

"That's some self control you have-keep up the good work. Great MC upgrades by the way. "

Thanks minihune - I'm not done yet!

Still want to do the adjustable rear sway bar, maybe Sparco seats, and I have modified the air box - but it's a filter I'm testing out, similar to a Moss or Monster intake I guess. Oh yeah, and if there's ever an ECU tuning option, I'm there.

I also did the OEM pedal upgrade. This is really a fun car to do stuff to.

If I had an MCS, I'd be in heap big trouble

_________________

 

>>"That's some self control you have-keep up the good work. Great MC upgrades by the way. "
>>
>>Thanks minihune - I'm not done yet!
>>
>>Still want to do the adjustable rear sway bar, maybe Sparco seats, and I have modified the air box - but it's a filter I'm testing out, similar to a Moss or Monster intake I guess. Oh yeah, and if there's ever an ECU tuning option, I'm there.
>>
>>I also did the OEM pedal upgrade. This is really a fun car to do stuff to.
>>
>>If I had an MCS, I'd be in heap big trouble

dandp-
I think you are on to something. If you start with the MC, you have a lower base price so even after doing many mods you still are quite decent overall in price.
The MC can do all the suspension, wheel, audio, header/exhaust (nearly) and appearance upgrades that a MCS can do. There are more performance upgrades for the MCS but there is still intake, ECU, wires.

When you get done you will hardly recognize your old MC. Sparco seats!! and matching helmet of course

 

Hmmmmm, 10k club ? So, since I read this I went back and did some math, looked at my list, reciepts and so on.

Guess what, am approaching 15k on my "S", so that makes it almost a cool 41+k in the MCS in my garage, but ........................ I do love it, and it RIPS !

 

jigster-
Aloha and thanks for your estimate.
You are in no real danger of having the most heavily upgraded MCS, at least in my state.
There is one MCS I have been following with tons and tons of very high end mods. Almost all of the most expensive stock and aftermarket options in all categories. I think he is doing it all just for fun. The car is definitely more in the shop than on the street. A few weeks ago it was getting a total audio and video custom installation. The video was using the built in NAV screen for DVD and TV tuner (added a DVD/CD dash player, NAV-TV tuner, all cables and considerable install) The audio was Boston component speakers in the fronts and Boston 6x9 with double tweeters in the rear, dual 12" subs with an amp built into a custom enclosure for the boot. Xtant 1.1i mono 100Watts per channel amps -one in each rear fender cubby to power the fronts. I'm guessing that the A/V upgrade was $8000+ and last week I go to the dealership and he is getting the first John Cooper Works kit installed in the state ($6000+). He also has the full painted aerokit, the R90 two piece wheelset, NAV, and all the 3 main packages. He's definitely over $45,000 I would estimate-Yes Virginia-it is possible