My GF recently purchased an 03 Cooper S 6 sp with coming up on 67k miles. Looking to do some mods to get some more performance out of this car. She loves it but it could use a little more pep. Did some research. I was thinking CAI and a 15% pulley more than safe. I know the motors can handle quite a bit stock but what about the 6sp? Also a friend has a nitrous kit for one of these type cars. I've had nitrous on about everything i've ever owned. Would a 50 shot be safe on one of these? Any input would be great. Don't want to reliabilty seeing it's a daily driver.

Thanks,
Chuck

 

Nitrous on your GFs car?????
Geez my GF gets mad when I buy tires for my own car!
Getrag 6speed handles 240whp+ all day.
What is your goal for the car? Autocross, HPDEs/Track Days, or just aggressive canyon carving? I've only seen one outfit for Nitrous (M7) I don't even know if they sell it anymore. I knew Nitrous would not catch on for MINI, simply a different breed of car, not really a Mustang or Camaro. I remember several past threads that the kits caused codes and limp modes on car. Pulley is a good first mod, its first mod I got, then after first track day at Buttonwillow I focused all on suspension, tires, and brakes, cause after several sessions my brakes were out COMPLETLY! Most that want HP for MINI track monsters to run with the M3, STI, and Evos go for cams, head, injectors, header, exhaust and tune route, like RMW-Revolution MINI Werks go-fast parts.

Thread nearly 2 years old though:https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...s-install.html
Other old thread:https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-s-handle.html

 

Awesome. Thanks for the help. She'll count the nitrous out then. So I assume a 15% pulley is a good safe size to run then?

 

Even 17% pulleys have been pretty safe, I just got one that looks identical stock, cause my car is still under warranty.

Other cost effective mod is to "One-Ball" exhaust and K&N panel filter on stock intake.

 

Yea all she's after right now is getting it more straight line power. She loves the way it handles. So a 17% pulley would give the most reliable gains you think. How much at the wheels do they generally make with those?

 

Around 15-20hp, and you'll need colder plugs and smaller belt.
Also take a look at new threads about the Sprint Boost, I just noticed you have an 03. I had an 03 before and the throtle was slow to respond, due to ByPass Valve design and Drive by wire settings. And the BPV, can be modified with an flat head screwdriver, of get the Detroit Tuned Bypass Valve, I suggest DIY-search threads on NAM.

17% Pulley $125:http://www.jscspeed.com/mini/engine/alta_pulley_v2.htm
K&N Filter $50:http://www.jscspeed.com/mini/intake/kn_dropin.htm

 

I think she is goin to go with a Detroit 16% with there BPV. Thanks for the help. Is the CAI worth the money and if so which one has the most gains for the money? Also what is the 1 ball exhaust everyone talks about?

 

The one ball exhaust is modifying the stock exhaust essentially deleting one of the mufflers. It offers some performance by dumping some of the wieght and offering less restriction plus a more louder exhaust. Do a search their is a diagram that shows where to cut the pipes and do this mod.

 

Def. go with the pulley. That will be your biggest bank for the buck. As for the other mods your best to feel it out after you get your pulley. That way you can decide if you want more HP or if you want to go with some suspension. Also with 67k on the car you may need control arm bushings? Just a thought before you spend all your money on mods alone. But mods are my business so mod, mod, mod. HA HA. Do your homework and talk to a couple different sources. If a vendor only carries a certain brand of course they'll recommend it, so be cautious.