For those who modified there MINIs.

Anyone here felt you should've kept your MINI stock (OEM) or very satisfied with your aftermarket modifications?

And for those who feel they should have kept some parts OEM, which part(s) would you have kept original?

 

I've been really happy with my mods (rear swaybar, springs, a few exterior mods). I think the important thing is to have a plan before you start randomly buying parts. Whether you're looking to mod the engine, suspension, or whatever, go in with a plan. Then you can start buying piece by piece. Of course I'm now saving for coilovers so plans can change

 

Yep, really depends on what you're looking for, and 'non-goals' as well.
I've done a CAI, rear bar and pulley, and am very happy with them.
Beware of colder plugs - make sure you torque them regularly as they have a nasty habit of loosening up and launching.

 

I would have gone with different wheels. I like the R105's, but I want to go wider and that will mean wheel change.

I also would have gone coilovers instead of just springs. I want to go lower as well.

 

I have very few non-OEM parts in my MINI: Wheels, Pulley, Camshaft and Rear Sway Bar. The rest of the mods are all JCW upgraded.

I really love my set up.

 

While I don't have any regrets to the Mod's themselves... I do kind of wish I would have used that $1k+ to invest in a bike...

-Cody

 

Lotsa mods, no regrets...

Personally can't imagine driving the car stock now...

 

I probably shouldn't have chromed my grill.

And, I should have gotten the aero kit.

 

My first MINI (a 2003 Cooper) was extremely unique in that (other than an AUX Input and shiny wheels) it had zero mods and zero factory options! Bought off-the-rack, (i.e. pre-spec'd), it was the least expensive MINI possible! Still, it was a pleasure to drive, own, talk about, even look at- each day I owned it. It will be missed.

It was replaced in 2006 with a Cooper S, and I think everyone will agree that the Cooper S handles great "out the box". Mostly due to opportunities I "couldn't pass up" (lol), I have upgraded the CAI, rear bar, and pulley as well as other assorted mods I won't bore anyone with. I've hit the twisties with and without the suspension mods, and while I too am very happy with them and appreciate the difference in handling, they are certainly not a requirement for a daily driver and the occasional trip up the mountain. Especially since my MINI will probably see very few track days, ever.

If I had to do it all over again I would probably redirect my investments into a kickass stereo and shiny ooh-ah bits.

You're doing the right thing though, something many folks (including myself) do not: Giving it thought, BEFORE you go out and spend the money!

Good luck with that!

 

No regrets on the mods I have done so far, as others have stated I could not have gone driving a stock MINI; my personal opinion.

 

$7 blackout grille tape from Pep Boys:worth it
$100 Whalen billiard ball ****: worth it
$850 wheel and tire pack from Edge: paint sucks but still worth it for the price
$50 to black out markers, arch lights and belt line: Definetly worth it
As of now, no regrets at all.

 

Lots and lots of mods..........Sooner or later I'll post all of them in a separate thread.

But the ONE thing I regretted buying was the KONI yellows and Ireland fixed camberplates. They were not bad per say but I know myself better and and a year and a half later I just swapped them out for coilovers..MUCH improved and exactly what I wanted in the first place.

They are fo sale by the way..........With H-Sport springs and Ireland fixed camber plates.....