I went to a cool shop today in LA where I'm going to get my rotors and pads replaced and the owner got me interested in doing a few modifications to my 03 MINI S.

I've only owned my MINI for about 2 weeks but I've driven it enough to get comfortable with it and could see the benefit of adding a little more response-- 15 degree Craven pulley, intake and 'optimizing' the exhaust system.

Other than finding the green Jeffersons & Lincolns, I'm a teeny bit concerned that the extended warranty through a 3rd party service that was transferred to me when I bought the car will be void. The car feels solid as a rock and I don't anticipate any issues -- its been maintained well-- but I suppose I'm asking for advice on the topic.

I'm @ 57,000 miles btw and the warranty is good until 100K but who knows, if something ever needed repair, they might not come through anyway and I'll miss out on the fun!

 

Warranty will always be in question when mods are done. Really boils down to who did the install and how the warranty company feels about the parts and install. It is an easy cop-out for the warranter to use to get out of paying.

So whats an "optimized exhaust"? Not must there to tune last time I checked.

 

I think its removing a ball or something to improve the flow.

 

as long as you don't go nuts your warranty should be fine. or save the original parts to put back on in case of emergency. in other words you could install a nice cold air intake but keep the stock airbox. if you have a failure pop the original air box back in before you take it in for warranty service. exhaust should be ok. but, other than a rear sway bar i would not mess with the suspension at all IMO as that is a red flag that would be a good way to void out a warranty.

usually most warranties will state that in case of failure, if the failure is cause by a NON OEM part then that normally warrantied part would not be covered. but, i save all my original parts just in case.

exhaust, cold air intake and a sway bar are minimal and in reality should not cause a failure or breakdown. but, they add a nice bit of performance and shouldn't hinder warranties. however i have an R50 and you have an S, so you can go alot more mod crazy enginewise than i can.

PS- danny can do warranty work too. you dont have to take the MINI to the dealer.

 

Solid advice. I'll keep the original parts if I decide to change anything. Thanks!

 

one-ball exhaust mod, yes... I'd save the $ on the intake. Once you get a taste of more power, you'll want even more. Save for a head and a tune....

Matt

 

"Save for a head and a tune"

That should be everybody's signature on NAM..well, those that post in the Performance Modification forum anyway

 

Glad to see it's already on your sig
Shouldn't that pic also be part of everyone's sig?

 

...are unlikely to impact your warranty, and can yield lots of bang for the buck. For example, a 19mm rr anti-sway bar is a classic improvement in turn-in (reducing understeer) and runs very litle $$.

If the car is currently running run-flat tires, plan to replace them with non-run-flats "next time". This reduces unsprung weight and will improve your ride considerably. Get Auto Club protection and carry fix-a-flat kit, and you're in business!!

A 15% pulley is not expensive, and if the car already has 57000 on it, it's a pretty good bet that nothing is so far out of whack with the engine that 15% would cause a problem. Plus you can always swap it out if you have to in case of failure (as someone else suggsted already).

Get a high-quality brake fluid to replace the OEM (if that wasn't already done) the next time you get brake service. Also, get the metal bushings for the calipers, and some good quality pads such as Mintex, for example (reduces dust and improves braking).

These mods will get the biggest bang for the bucks. They will make you quicker to go, stop, and turn without spending a bundle, and the only one that can impact warranty is the pulley. If you are nervous about that one, then pass on it. The others will net you noticeable positive improvements.

 

^ Just one item to add regarding suspension mods - not sure how your extended warranty may be affected, but my nearest dealer refuses to service any rattles/creaks under warranty if they see even one aftermarket suspension bit installed. If that is not a concern, go for it and don't look back.

 

I'm yay for the pulley and minitek pads and holding off on the intake... I'd like to experience it all and reward myself when I've been working hard to keep me motivated. Thanks for the great advice!

 

yep. when i was looking for an extended warranty the first question i was asked by many warranty companies was "is the suspension modified?". it was grounds for immediate disqualification meaning you would not even be offered a warranty. non oem rims and/or oversized rims are another sore spot with warrany companies.

trust me i went through an exhaustive research to find a warranty here in california. check the thread i created in the socal forum to see how much info i gathered. i bought my MINI 2nd hand from a non MINI dealer not knowing the aftermarket laws in this state. i only moved here from texas 2 years ago. thinking i could just go grab a warranty at warranty direct i soon found out how wrong i was. then i went through weeks of research and phone calls until i learned the facts and settled on one company.

thats not to say i would not do any mods- i have. and i have a rear sway bar installed. but, like mentioned above, if the warranter sees modified parts on any part of the vehicle they can refuse to warranty that "area" or even totally void your warranty. so yes, i can totally see a MINI dealer or warranty inspector coming out for an insoection, seeing a sway bar and saying "sorry the whole suspension is void now". is it true or reasonable? probably not but, i wouldn't be shocked. add a lowered suspension or aftermarket springs and you're really rolling the dice.

suspension mods are sort of something i'm pretty familiar with as coming from texas myself and all my friends had lifted trucks and knew that the warranty was in jeopardy. my last vehicle which i sold last week was a huge bronco with a huge lift.

anyhow, i would say most of the suggestions here are good ones. i'm not trying to be dishonest but, you seem fairly prudent as i am. and as long as i have a warranty i will keep the mods minimal and quickly interchangeable. when it comes to a $7000 CVT transmission replacement (THE reason i wanted the warranty), i get a little nervous that a warranty company will try to find ANY loophole out and i will swap back my old gear in a heartbeat. i even have my old OEM exhaust in the garage, just in case .

on the other hand small repairs like say a door lock i fix myself rather than filing a claim. i didn't get the warranty to abuse it i got it to cover major expenses, and the mods i have should have NO negative affect. but, i save the old parts just in case. i feel due to some of their rules they're more out to rip me off or deny a claim than i am to rip them off. if i make any sense .

enjoy the MINI, there is nothing else like it!

 

Well, I did it. Them. All 3. What a difference!! Danny is THE man @ MiniCorsa-- he does great work and he does it sharp. I must have picked up about 25 horsepower today-- feels like a whole new car! Thanks NAM!

 

so you did the pulley the brakes and what was the third? congrats! danny is a great dude. he deserves the business. i'm sure we'll bump into each other there sometime!

 

Now you need a tune from Jan, i'm sure he mentioned that to you. Just like we all need . Congrats on your new power!

 

I got a 15 degree craven pulley and some kind of K&N intake actually not sure of the brand-- but its huge and you can hear it sucking air! Then I got a 1 ball exhaust, new belt, spark plugs and mintex red brake pads and OEM rotors. Drove up PCH to Malibu-- this is how the MINI's should be stock-- just so much more response and power.

 

hehe, knew you'd like the intake he probably installed an alta or craven? you've got the bug now. if you have run flats get regular tires when it's time.

PCH is a nice drive for the MINI. i also recommend the mountain curves up near sunland and tujunga. that is a blast too.