Hey all,

I am new to the mini world and am very excited! I traded in my audi tt for a cooper s. It is purely stock parts and I want to do upgrades. I am a college student and on a budget. I want to upgrade the engine and exhaust and need some advice on what I can do first so I can really see a difference. My uncle has a JCW and I his jaw to drop next time he drives mine. I would really appreciate the advice! THANKS!!

 

It would help if you tell us what year MCS and manual or auto?

The recognized best first mod is a 19mm adjustable rear sway bar.

 

Buy more books? Perhaps retake freshman English? Quit worrying about impressing someone else, and study more?


(Sorry, I need to go take my morning meds)


The best mod you can do is tighten the nut behind the wheel. The car is probably way better and capable than you are. Improve the driver, then the car.

 

Well first off it is a manual (of course)

Second off I am in civil engineering so I know how to study and tired of it; plus I have taken many race courses so I know have to drive I just don't know a whole lot about upgrades.

 

Tune and you will impress your uncle.

 

definitely get the alta AP... if its in your budget...

 

That is what I was thinking but is there anything that anyone would recommend?

 

How far do you want to go?

 

I mean I want to boost my hp to over 200 for sure as a start but im willing to go more. I just don't know whats good or the pricing of everything

 

Browse the Drivetrain section, you'll learn a lot more over there...

How much power do you want, what do you want out of the car (handling, power, auto x, etc), and how much do you want to spend?

With just a tune (get an AccessPort) and intercooler you'll be faster than a JCW. You'll have around ~200whp and 230-240 wtrq

 

I was definitely thinking about an intercooler but what exactly is the AccessPort? I have looked it up is it basically a chip but handheld?

 

The Alta Access Port isn't a chip. It reprograms your MINI's Engine Control Unit. It holds a number of canned tunes, so you can change to more and more radical tunes as you make changes to your car.

Dave

 

That makes sense. That seems like a good investment for me to make, personally. Also I from atlanta and I went to some mini events; do you think thats the best way to hear what kind of exhaust you want to put in? Instead of youtube? I feel like over the computer you loose some effects.

 

If you can find others in your area that have exhaust on their cars that's the best way to see what you like. Getting a tune is the best thing you can do. money wise it's the best bang for the buck. Buy the Access port from Jan at RMW then wait for him to come to your area for a tuning party. You will be very happy indeed and you uncle will be lol

 

haha that would be awesome if my uncles face did that! Guess I got to invest and have some fun!

Any other comments would much be appreciated!

 

That would be awesome if my uncles face would look like that! haha
I guess i am going to have to invest and have some fun.


If anyone else has any suggestions, much is appreciated. thanks!