Thought it might be fun to begin discussing any modifications that GP owners will be considering.

My first is that I would like to replace the stereo with something that is top of the line. I understand that the standard Hi-Fi is what will be installed. Through my experience with 5 other MINI's that is a good thing if someone wants to replace the existing stereo. If the Harman-Kardon stereo is installed it is much more complex to replace.

As such, does anyone have any recommendations on units, installers, or general guidance in this area, etc.

I live in Dallas, so I would love to have a referral as well. I don't think I'm talented enough to do it myself.

Thanks!

 

My recommendation is to leave it alone and listen to the music of the engine.

 

yeah, i know...had same thoughts but i am also a music fanatic and there is nothing that gets me more in my zone than the roar of both down the highway! but, i get where you are coming from!

 

Well I still have the ARC Intercooler from my previous R56 Cooper S and I plan to put that into the GP2. I also might get the auxiliary gauges with relative torque and water temp just like my previous MINI as well. Other than that I want to keep the car as factory as possible.

 

What type(s) of performance improvement have you seen with the ARC Intercooler?

 

I am considering a change of wheels. I'm not sure I like the standard wheels.

 

So you want a HEAVY stereo/speakers/amp in a GP?!
Kinda defeats the whole spirit of a GP.....
That is Minimal options to save weight, to make a better performing track car...
The fact that there is little, if ant sound insulation in GP's will mean you may want to add about 100 pounds of dynamat.....
I admit an owner can do ANYTHING they want to THEIR OWN car, but some mods might mean the owner should have STARTED with a different car....

Good Idea for a thread, but till folks actually have them in their hands and get to SEE the actual mechanical, etc, it MIGHT be a tad bit early to be planning aftermarket radio's and IC...heck if you remember, the gen1 GP IC is STILL a GREAT upgrade on a GEN1 non GP MINI.....

 

The only thing I did with the original GP was to replace the original wheels and tires. Motegi forged Track Lite's in 17x8 with some new high performance rubber. The wheels were 11 lbs each and the tires made a big difference in grip from the run-flats (Dunlop Star Specs in 215/45)...

Just in keeping with the intent of the GP...

 

I like the challenging thoughts. This will be my 6th MINI. All others being JCW. I'm ready for the true racer, so your points are well taken.

 

The ARC Intercooler is stock size and made 100% in aluminum. I got it before ARC went bankrupt. The performance gain was definitely noticeable from the get go. At high rpm the car feels very eager to rev like it has vtec. I dunno how it compares to other intercoolers on the market but it was one well made piece for sure. I don't think you can still get it anywhere now though.

 

Here's my list of parts waiting on my GP, I guess they'll collect dust for another month.
Akrapovic DP
Akrapovic Exhaust
Forge IC
NM discharge pipe
NM torque arm bushing
Craven SS
NM shift box cover
Hsport Comp sway bar
Hsport camber links
light in sight
Custom GP floor mats
steering wheel and cruise control conversion
WMW short antenna

 

4 point BR Racing Chili Red roll cage.. HRE 18" wheels, OEM black driving lights,a high carbon fiber diet inside and out including M7 splitter... possibly rear diffuser in carbon if I can find one/have one made as well

 

I've modded every MINI I've owned. If I owned a GP it wouldn't be touched. I've looked at half a dozen 1st Gen GP's to purchase over the past year. All have been modded....I've passed on every one of them. Still looking for an unmolested one. Just my opinion.

 

It's a car... enjoy it as you please. If you want a collectible, buy a Picasso.

dont be fooled by a quote/unquote "unmolested" car: chances are the previous owner modified it in some way then simply turned it back to stock before selling... just like we all do

 

 

Well said. If I bought a GP, the last thing it'll be doing is sitting in a garage looking pretty. I'm going to drive it like I stole it. They're meant to be driven. You only live once...

 

looks great! did you have the chrome painted or bought new parts?

 

Thanks Bought parts, Outmotoring blackout beltline kit & some 3m vynil

 

In order to placate my dog, I removed the silly red bar in the back. Funny part is, the thing is pretty heavy weight steel... must weigh close to 10lbs... weren't they trying to cut weight??

 

i thought the rear bar help with rigidness?
i wore out my kumhos in 1600miles lol i just put on 215/45/17 super sports!
car feels much better!
im looking for a stereo solution. i miss not having a sub ..

 

The rear bar is just cosmetic... they say it's to keep cargo from sliding forward. The engine compartment bar is 'real'.

I've requested the replacement tires. In the meantime, I'm going to do my best to kill off the Kumho's. They are awesome though... I've never been in a car that could take corners like this... not even close.

In going to solve the speaker problem by adding a rear seat (for dog comfort)... I'll bet my life that the wiring is in place ready to plug in. Side panels and seats have been ordered from junk yard... getting the seat upholstered to match front seats...

I'm a little disappointed by the power though. My JCW with AccessPort was quicker... handling, braking and engine sound are awesome though... can't wait to track this thing

 

i did a PAW tune, milltek exhaust, forge intercooler and im at 250hp.
the car feels totally different (the way it should be from the factory)

 

Are you rubbing it in???

 

yes lol

 

Is that wheel hp? Did you have it dyno tuned?