The Non-S isnt the "slow" version of a MINI Cooper, It's just with one without a supercharger...

Hm....

So what part should I get next?
haha i have intake, exhaust, short shifter, I want more engine stuff...

To make it tricky, $500 limit!

 

Catless header? Maybe a tune? I'd say some ECU work to avoid the CEL and the pains associated with that.

 

Headers are expensive!!! 1000 bucks off www.detroittuned.com

Hmm, its hard to think of engine modifications for the non-s while staying below 500. Camshaft? I don't know the cost of port and polish but its something you should definitely check out!

 

You have to find the lower end catless headers. The ones for $850 and up all have cats I bet. I think Megan racing has catless headers for a few hundred $$$.

 

Cat-less headers get better hp gains anyway, right? I need to find me some if they really are for only a few hundred!

 

Not really. The ECU is programmed to see a functioning cat in the exhaust so removing, if anything, will rob power from the car because it can possibly go into limp mode. If it's tuned properly afterward, you'll see a gain in power but it would be the same as a header with a cat.
http://www.autoxcooper.com/megan.html
Scroll down a little to find them.

 

Yeah I was thinking about getting my head port and polished

 

Something I realized today:

You can drift a Mini.

 

haha yes and isnt it a breeze!

 

Its great fun! I started up a topic on this in the driving section. I will hopefully get the video and stills of the day soon so ill post them asap.

I was laughing all night long

 

If you go for the engine, then all you have left is a header or a tune for $500. Maybe you could get someone to port and polish the header for less than $500...but if you're going to do the head and you are considering turbo in the future, you may want to upgrade your valvetrain while you're in there...but that would make it a bit more expensive.

but something else to think about...maybe a rear stabilizer bar? help with the understeer...

 

Rear strut bar from ebay was amazing hahaha. Cheap and it looks great and though my face slams up against the window, its fun taking the sharp turns! haha.

I ordered the engine damper! TSW V2 FTW!

I was thinking about getting a lip but the one I want I have never seen on my bumper type.

 

This is the one I want, i do not have that bumper. Will it look right on mine? Pics?

 

anyone?