What is the first thing you can't wait to do? Or what have you already done? Im thinking replace the stock airfilter...
http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=272
Wadda ya think?

 

I would also like to hear from anyone who has done this

 

What do you like to do and what's your skill level?

Do you have a goal for your car?

Are you worried about warranty?

What's your budget?

That said, almost everyone who has a modified car has a modified intake. From re-worked stock to home built to aftermarket, there are lots of options. That said, here are some things to think about. A lot of work has been done that is showing you want to keep your intake air as cold as you can, and some intakes do that better than others. But whatever you buy can probably be improved on even more!

An intake is a good place to start if you want something that doesn't go too deep and is easy to return to stock. This is good if your dealer isn't mod friendly...

Have fun!

Matt

 

First thing I did before there was even 10 miles on my new S was to replace the stock air box with a larger Works one. In sequence, the following additional mods were made within 300 miles: front factory mud guards, rear quarter panel chip guards, clear bra, M7 strut tower brace, 15% Webb pulley, Mini Madness 22mm rear sway bar, and LOTF engine damper.

 

On the GP, the first thing I did was install a clear bra. Then I installed a shorter antenna (since the stock antenna presses into the rear wing when the hatch is opened all the way up). I also discovered Route 66 on MTTS did a mushrooming number on my driver side strut tower, so I had that massaged back into reasonable shape and installed M7 strut reinforcing plates (which I later took off and installed RDR/Helix camber plates underneath and the GTT strut brace on top). Since the GP doesn't come with xenon option, I upgraded both the low and high beam bulbs. The biggest thing I'm trying to figure out right now is what to do about the tires.

 

Is this the same as this, listed on the MINI site at $475?
John Cooper Works Air Filter Kit
Give your MINI a little extra growl and an additional 5 hp of giddy-up. The JCW Air Filter Kit is available for all MINI Cooper S models.Price does not include installation.
This item fits years: 2003 - 2006
Item # 13 72 0 391 513

Big price difference - $99 vs. $475. Why?

 

I'm not sure why you'd go through the trouble of an airbox upgrade. A lot already went in to improving the previous JCW airbox. Especially as you reach higher revs.

Right now I'm thinking wheels. I'm trying to see if I can fit some 15'' on there comfortably and improve the ride. I find it bone jarring on the poor streets / highways of Cali.

Other than that, I'd focus on weight saving options like a lighter battery, maybe lighter fixed seats, etc...

Good luck with your mods.

 

Can you share what bulbs and where to find them? Thanks.

 

Just keep a couple stock. Can you guys please make me this favor?

 

I'm thinking "Tint" This car is screaming for it.... after that - I'm with you, I like the sound of a more open CAI - I'm thinking of just installing my Alta on the GP.. anyone have experience with this - any tricks due to the JCW kit on there already?

 

Has anyone installed a larger sway bar? If so which one best fits the GP setup. I miss the neutral steer of my 03 S which had a larger sway bar vs. the over steer of the stock sway on the GP.

Steve

 

so anything that works on the other cars will work on it. Want that neutral feel of your modded 03? Go for some front camber plates and a larger rear bar.

Tires, go for some serious perfomance rubber, and a triple A card!

Another first mod is to get a subscription to MC Squared! There are articles on the pros and cons of various things....

Starter mods for power are pulley, intake and cat-back

Starter mods for handling are tires, rear bar and more front camber. If you go aftermarket springs, you'll need rear control arms (at least two) as well.

Have fun,

But to be a cranky old man,, the first mod debate has been kicked around the block a million times. Search and ye shal find!

Matt

 

For the airbox, just get a new Amsoil conical filter. Flows more, won't gum things up like the K&N.

 

PIAA Xtreme white H7 replacement bulbs (one set for low beams, and one set for high beams, both use H7)
At the time I bought them, the best pricing and in-stock availability I found was with Dan at Pilo Racing (www.piloracing.com)
I was very surprised by the *large* swing in prices (some places charging a *lot* more money for these than others)

 

If I had a GP, I would do:

• Modded Air Box
• Pulley
• Headers/Cat-Back
• 22mm Sway Bar
• M7 STB/STP*
• Ireland Fixed Camber Plates*
• Either Xenon retrofit or replace bulbs
• Tint
• Aero Grill

* I would only use those to beef up the strut towers to prevent Mushroomism

 

If i had a GP i would not do a thing, because anything you do to a GP just makes it lose value.

 

nothin wrong with making a faster car faster. It wasn't sold to a museum.

Matt

 

Is this a direct replacement for the JCW airfilter?

 

This thread is about a replacement JCW air FILTER, not a new intake.

 

I did clear bra and ipod adapter at the dealer. Next will be a shorter antenna; larger rear swaybar; JCM intake or mod the JCW to be like the JCM; maybe blackout trim, headlight rings and door handles; and new tires in a little while.

 

bingo. The JCW airbox does a great job of air delivery...the paper element is the restriction here.

 

I think the "high performance" air filter is a really good idea, and I will do this on my GP, but a 4 - 5 hp gain seems overly optimistic!
Might sound better and actually filter particles better, for sure.

Claiming this much of an increase in hp on a 218 hp motor does appear unrealistic to me. (IMHO)

 

First mod is officially a Whalen shift ****!

 

My first mod was a custom painted antenna !

 

Mine was to install my euro arm rest in bought in Germany.. Just couldnt let it go with my 04S when I traded it...then did a clear bra and clear head lamp covers..