My "Justacooper", Schultze, currently has the following engine bay upgrades:

DDM CAI
M7 STB & Brackets
OEM Plug Wires in Blue

I would like to hear from NAMers who enjoy giving advice for the following upgrades:

Hoses (red or blue)
Sparkplugs
Other upgrades that I haven't heard about yet!

Thanks!

Erika

 

My car is red. I added red hoses (Alta's set). They came with matching silicon replacements for the IC horn boots, too. I didn't replace those, though, because the OEMs are still in good shape. I like the look of the colored hoses.

The other item I did at the same time was the coolant overflow tank. I replaced the OEM plastic one with aluminum (and a new pressure cap, too). I think that looks MUCH better. In fact, I think that made more of an improvement than the hoses -- "bling-wise," that is.

As far as plugs, I have an MCS, so I don't know that we would be talking apples and oranges. However, I have run NGKs for some time. I have tried both OEM replacement heat range and colder-than-OEM. Frankly, I can't tell any difference between the two, performance-wise., and they don't make any difference visually, since they are completely covered.

 

A great, easy, low cost mod is to paint the coolant tank black.... I did mine early this year and it's holding up great - painted it with high-temp engine paint. Really cleans up the look of the bay, since that tank is about the ugliest thing in there. You just suck out the coolant with a turkey baster and save for when you're done, then remove one nut holding it on and release the clamps with pliers... pull it out, clean it well with acetone or another solvent, and do several light coats of high-temp paint. Let dry thoroughly before re-install. Worked like a charm.

I recently got a red GTT brace, and plan to have my engine mounts and cabrio strut tower braces powdercoated to match it... so all my structural stuff will be red... I have a blue Alta intake hose... have considered the radiator hoses, but don't know if I'll do those or not...

 

I'm gonna put in one of those new aluminum block Mopar Hemis in mine. With a Hilborn injection setup and a GMC 6-71 blower on top.

 

Now THAT'S an upgrade!

 

Hmmm...I have $100 in GCs for Toe Out Performance that I won at MOTD this year...I'll have to see what they offer!

Schultze is blue, so I was thinking along the lines of getting the M7 stuff powdercoated a hyper blue match and putting in red hoses...then I was thinking I already have blue plug wires, so maybe I should get the M7 stuff p/c in red and do the hoses in blue.

Decisions, decisions!

Thanks for the input!

 

You're right...that tank IS darned ugly!

What is a GTT brace?

I was considering adding cabrio braces to Schultze...what kind of suspension gain is achieved?

Do you know of anyone who has colored belts?

Thanks for your input & looking forward to your reply.

 

The GTT Brace is the world's most expensive MINI strut brace.
At least if you're buying it in US dollars, it is.

It looks like part of a Transformer...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...postcount=3142

But powdercoating your M7 brace is a good idea.

The Cabrio braces do add some stiffness to the strut towers in hard cornering - several track junkies have attested that the impact is real and positive in that environment.

 

Wow...that GTT brace is SHARP!

Thanks for the input!

 

If I have ever seen it, I can't recall what the finish is on the M7 STB and plates, but if they are a neutral finish -- such as aluminum or black -- I would do the hoses first, and then see how it looks and make the decision about the M7 hardware after that. Even if the M7 stuff is red or green or lavender, you might want to consider painting AFTER you do the hoses. After all, powder coat is more expensive than doing nothing, and you might decide you would like silver or gold or black or some other contrasting, but "neutral" finish.

As far as the coolant tank, painting black sounds like a smart option if you don't want to spend the coin for the aluminum. But the aluminum surely looks cool (IMO).

Whatever you decide will be great, I'm sure. You seem to have pretty darn good taste (except that your car is blue instead of red, of course).

By the way, are you completely satisfied now with your Wet Okole's? I am still thinking about getting them, but I am still wondering what the BACKs of the front seats look like. What say you?

Thanks.

 

 

Erika, you are really sweet! Thanks for going to the trouble.

Looks REALLY GOOD. I'm sold.

You did not do the rear seats also?

 

Yes...I did the rear seats, too. They are in the very bottom of the 2nd picture. The rear seats are upright.

 

How about some nitrous injected twin tubros? Let's mod that "just a cooper" to the hilt!!!

Just came across this thread and wanted to see you SMILE!!!

 

You're so darned funny!

It's Saturday...are you planning on being at Jenro's? What time? I owe you lunch/dinner, but not sure I want to tempt fate again with a T-bird. Open for suggestions.

 

There appears to be "seepage" in the last pic...should I be concerned? The dealership replaced the thermostat under warranty last week & the battery terminal cover thingy is being replaced as soon as the part comes in.