I have a 2006 Mini S Convert JCW and wonder what else i should add on to make my car even better. I am loving the car and never realized how much i would like the convert. Was blessed when i bought the car, the previous owner had done a bunch of Mod's to the car. But short of engine mods i wonder what is the #1 best thing in your view you added to your Mini. thanks for all the suggestions! and please include where you bought the add on -so if i like your idea i can go there right away. thanks robert

 

1. Megan Cat-back exhaust
2. Clearbra
3. Checkered roof
4. Redline custom boots
5. Whalen shift ****
6. Custom door sill plates.
7. Chili Red mirrors on the JB convertible
8. Cold Air Intake
9. Cocomats
10. Red brake calipers

Edit: Oh, you said just one ?!!? :-)

 

Because nobody can name just one

In order, this is what made the biggest impact for me (top 10 only):

1. Ditched run-flats
2. LSD (I did a Quaife)
3. Rota RBs (when they are clean, they look just awesome)
4. JCW suede shifter
5. Ditched stock shocks for Koni FSD
6. Added Dinan mods (pulley, exhaust, CAI, etc - see sig)
7. X-Brace
8. Wet Okoles seat covers (this is number 8 with a bullet)
9. Brownflyer's winscreen
10. Bought all Prima and personal detailing kit I could think of

I realize a lot of these things you already have, being JCW and all. These are what did the most for me.

 

its a tie between the Vanity Plate and the (anti-)Sway Bar. (hmm... form vs. function. Go figure!)

 

sorry whats a vanity plate--and on the door sill plates--any ones in particular you like--the lit ones from JCW are a bit expensive but was thinking about the non lit ones!! thanks for all the ideas--keep them coming--top 3 that made the biggest difference on your mini!!!!

 

1.CAI
2. 15% Pulley
3. Exhaust

I love hearing my supercharger whine and my exhaust.

 

My new grandson...

 

If you rule out engine mods:
19mm adjustable rear swaybar
M7 Under Strut System or Texas Speedwerks X-brace
Camber Plates
Koni FSD's
Cocomats
Clearbra
Redline Leather boots / armrests
Aesthetic Creations Sill Plates
..... many more....

If you'd consider engine mods:
17% supercharger pulley
RMW Cam/Head/Header/Tune

 

blimey---i have heard about the pully mod--does it make a big difference and what kind of cost for that. i already have the mini s-with full jcw kit--car moves out--but i am not opposed to more speed-but hopefully not worse milage. thanks a bunch robert

 

The pulley makes a huge difference in terms of power, you may want to read and search the forums for tips on the type of pulley that will suit you, and maybe you can look into the Jan Tune next time Jan is in your area, they have had been getting a quite nice power gain from people that I have talked to that gotten the tune!

 

Vanity plates are those custom licence plate that you can obtain from your state, the non lit up JCW sills go on with some type of adhesive but they look nice though, a lot easier to install than the lit up ones!

My top 3 mods well in no particular order because I love all of them,
Remus Exhaust
Volk GT-N 18x7.5" Wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero 215/35/18
H&R Coilovers
Dinan CAI
Aero Kit
Whoops I listed 6 of them! I can keep on going with every mod in the car! Pretty much every mod done I have loved so far (that be a pretty big list)!

 

There are many mods that are great for all MINIs, but specifically for the convertible I consider these to be basic essential mods:

• Multivex or OEM Euro mirror for the passenger side. Helps a lot with the huge blind spot.
• Understrut brace, either Texas Speedwerks or M7. Really tightens up the handling with the cabrio's body flex.
• Wind deflector, either OEM or brownflyer's aftermarket version. Greatly reduces wind noise and turbulence, and enables driving top down in wider conditions.

Since you have JCW, you already have an upgraded pulley, exhaust, intake, and ECU tuning. For engine performance, your best next step is Alpha's suggestion for custom tuning such as Jan at RMW (Revolution MINI Works).

 

With a JCW pulley already in, you won't see much benefit in going to a 15 or 17 % reduction pulley. There are several threads on this in the drivetrain mods forum.

By the way, I use Ian Cull's auto-up circuit every day -- and love it

 

Paul, did you put in the IE plates?

Edit -- nevermind . . . just looked at your blog
sorry for the interruption

 

I know JCW owners who have gotten significant gains in street performance from 17% pulley swaps... the JCW head, airbox, injectors and exhaust really seem to do well with a 17... then an RMW dyno tune.

Pulley - about a hundred bucks
Labor - $250-$350 bucks, or buy beer for a club-mate to do it.
RMW dyno tune - $450-$500 including dyno time

And, BTW, rkw is right as usual... his would really be my top three cabrio mods....

But I couldn't stop at 3... or 30....

 

Great Ideas and some confirmation about what i was thinking. My great mechanic in Atlanta- Way, strongly suggested the TSW rear X bar-so will do that for sure--and he also suggested the rear swaybar--if anyone has one or both would love feedback on the effect. I understand the camber plates are a good idea--but expensive? also would love to hear feedback. I already installed a M7 front strut bar, so cant imagine the effect of all this!! RKW i think i almost have your favs done--got brownflyers windscreen, and put the multivex mirrors on yesterday-just getting used to them-seem great first impression. so just the X bar to go!! thanks a bunch

 

mine was the sunroof graphic ( see galery ) but without a roof...might be an interesting mod