So, after recently moving to the bay area, I've found I need a car (mainly for work). Right before I left, my parents offered me there 2002 Mini Cooper S (british racing green with a white top, 6 speed). I have always loved that car since we bought it new in '02, fast, FUN to drive, plus it's got interior space, and it handles like its on rails.
I digress...
So long story short it's going to be here in a couple weeks, and as a "welcome present" i wanted to have a few parts waiting for it. I have around $500 (for the initial present), and really am looking to give it a tad more power, but mainly get it as efficient (and if its faster, definate bonus) as possible.
After reading a couple threads on oil catch cans they seem like a good investment, no performance increase but a thread said the magic works "imporoves engine life". I have seen threads on how to make one, but I tried fabricating stuff when I had my t-bird, and well...yea I found out I'm not so good at fabricating (don't really have hte patience to install it RIGHT, install it, uninstall it, work with it, repeat) so I think I'll got with an ALTA oil catch can, and then I was looking at a Dinan High Flow Cowl Induction intake ($199). I really want to stick with Dinan for most performance parts, anyone who's used their parts or knows a good shop in the bay area to take my (future) baby to, I'd love input.

 

The Dinan intake is something you can install in less than an hour. There are instructions for cutting into the rear partition (referred to as the cowl mod) and with a pair of tin snips (sheet metal cutters) and a drill, it requires no real expert knowledge. I have the Dinan and love it. It replaced the Promini which replaced the Alta. Excellent choice! But save some money, you can do this install yourself.

 

My advice to you is to buy some good oil & a good filter. Change thee oil.

I know there are folks who say an OCC will extend the life of your engine. I don't see how.

My advise... Intake, Exhaust & a 15% pulley = Bliss

There some high mileage MINI's out there. I'd be asking them what they did to reach the 100,000+ range.

Good luck with your new MINI.

Motor on