i just got my first mini 2 weeks ago. i got an 04 mini cooper s and it is by far the funnest car i have ever driven. i have coil overs and a 15% pulley. i am from la so i go in the canyons with my friends who have a wrx and a 240 sx with an sr20 motor. i was able to keep up with them no problem. i love this car and i am glad i choice to get a mini and am proud to be part of the mini family. if there is any think that i need to do to my mini i am all ears.

 

Welcome to the world of MINI, you'll never drive anything again (if you're lucky)

Were those the only two mods that came on the car? Did you have them done? Next, I'd consider a CAI of some sort, so you can really hear that s/c whine, or perhaps an exhaust.

Then maybe polyeurithane control arm bushings and polyeurithane engine mounts. After that camber plates and adjustable rear control arms.

After the basic pulley, intake and exhaust, focus on suspension. These are momentum cars, so straight line stuff is not a priority.

If you have any questions about these mods, just ask. I have them all save the coilovers (stock spring rate and dampeners are perfectly tuned to the chassis and with the right allignment & geometry stabilization, are superb)

 

the coil overs came with the car and i did the pulley thanks for the ideas for the other mods. i was looking into doing the intake and the exhaust soon.

 

Driving School
Sticky Tires (RT 615s, Star Specs, or RS2s)
Camber Plate
Control Arms (if pre04)
Sway Bar-Not as much for rotation since you got coil-overs, but for a flatter feel, like a 19mm sufficient.

 

how much would those cost for the camber plates and control arms and what brands would you recommend. thanks for the ideas
does anyone know is a short shifter kit is worth getting or should i wait and get exhaust, intake, control arms and camber plates. what order should i get these parts to get the most out of my money. sorry for all the questions but i am new to minis had a muscle car before this got the mini cause they look sick and for the good mpg

 

What Coil overs do you have? Some have a adjustable Camber. May not need them. Depending on budget H-Sport, for camber plates($500) and control arms($240). RE: Short shifter they're cheap it won't break the bank, but would rather save that money for a $250 HPDE (High Performance Driving Education with NASA or BMWCCA ($350). After HPDE, you will tend to focus mods on brakes and suspension.

 

i have the h&r rss coil overs. right now i have like $2,000 that i have set aside for mods for my car. already put in an order for a cat back exhaust system and a cold air intake (not included in the $2000). i will look into the driving classes sounds like it will be fun. i also looked into the camber plates and control arms and will be ordering them next week. also are the sprint booster on minimania worth $330. thanks for all the help and advice.

 

I just got the Craven Speed adjustable short shifter installed and absolutely love it. I finally had to give up my Whalen Shift Machine after 5 years--well I know there is an adapter to use the Whalen with the Craven, but I don't miss it. Being able to lengthen or shorten the throw at will and it looks sexy too!

Richard

 

Pay these guys a visit, tell them you like the occasional canyon carving and plan on doing an hpde. http://www.minicorsa.com/They'll hook your car up right. Other option is Steve's Auto Clinic in the Valley (Sun City), best price on installs. I believe your coils overs don't have camber? RE: sprint boost-there is an entire thread on this subject I read most of it not all, but essentially it does not improve HP at all, it basically steps on the throttle faster for you, some say just pound the right foot deeper and faster and save $330, but some say they like it. Do a search for the thread. I'd say take the $330 and enroll for the the very next hpde at willow springs out toward Palmdale/Rosamond area or Buttonwillow off the 5 and the 58. If you like canyon carving drive the 58 to the 101, its like a technical race course, also when you get the los padres forest head north on the 229 go slow the first few times on the 229 its like a tight Autocross course. But definatley go to MINICorsa and tell them your goals. For more power/torque look at OctaneGuy's car signiture in post above he has everything I'm saving up for, short of the RMW head.

 

Yeah, I'm not certain if I'll go for the RMW head or the 2.0L Stroker, lol.

Richard

 

cool thanks for the advice i will get a short shifter it looks like.
i will look into that one shop cause they are somewhat close to me. i prefer to do most of the work myself but will look into them for advice and for some work. did you send you car to mini corsa and what did they do to you car

 

On previous MCS (the one on my sig) just the KONIs done at Mcorsa, they were not around at time, did most at Steve's and Custom MINI shop. New car is GP0019, only done Hsport 25.5 competition sway bar, hawk hp plus pads with super blue fluid, sticky nittos nt tires, itg air filter, and RMW tune, oh and redline 30wt race oil all done at helix since Im in Philly now.

 

welcome! excellent mods already! 2 mods that i plan to get one day!

 

Well for me, I've been using Minicorsa for both maintenance and mods. The oil changes, though easily done by myself, and had done previously, is just my excuse to visit Danny since I need the oil change about once every two months.

I bought and installed from him Megan coilovers, subsequently replaced and installed Cross coilovers.

I purchased Wilwoods 12.2 BBK's from TCE but had Danny install them.

He replaced my 16% pulley with a Helix 17%

Most recently I bought and had installed the RMW Header and Cam. I know there are other mods that I can't think of. Oh Cockpit Specialty gauge faces...hmmm what else.

He's very professional and get's the job done right. He thinks solutions through, and I feel secure knowing that unlike the dealership, he's always doing things in my best interest.

You're lucky to be in SoCal and have access to such a talented guy. He's having an open house at his new shop in a couple weeks--you should stop by.

Richard

 

i am in sasn luis obispo for school at the moment but when i go back to la i will look his up for sure. what does he normally charge. does he normally go by the hr or is just set before hand. cant wait to go check him out and see what he can do to my mini
thanks for the info on this shop

 

Ooooh you're in San Luis Obispo--so it's a bit further for you, lol, but still worth the trip.

He'll give you a quote before the work is done. Buy the parts from him and usually installation is included or very nominal. I like to support him as he does good work and is really cool to hang out with, and I want him to be around for a very long time, lol.

Richard

 

Ohh you are very close to Buttonwillow raceway and the 58 and the 229. Next weekend off to LA, take the 101 north toward Santa Margarita, then the 58 east to the 5, then the 5 to LA. Oh don't forget the 229 north (off the 58) to Creston and then turn back on the 229 to the 58. The best roads ever!!! Fill your tank with 91 octane cause no gas stations on the 58.

 

i am from la though so i am in la quite a bit to see friends and do a few canyon runs while im there so when i will look him up in december probably if not sooner