I am slowly modding my mini just a bit -- mostly to correct a few "mistakes" from the factory (like the awful stock stereo/speakers) and I wanted to solicit the NAM community opinion on some of the stuff I'm looking at getting over the next couple months.

First of all, here's what I've done so far:
-- Craven Speed 17% S/C pulley
-- ALTA foam intake

Here's what I'm looking at getting:
-- Detroit tuned BPV (http://www.detroittuned.com/shop/?productID=179)
-- MSD/Magnecor ignition upgrade from ALTA (http://www.perrinperformance.com/min...pgrake-package)
-- 19 mm rear sway bar from ALTA (http://www.perrinperformance.com/min.../rear-sway-bar)
-- Sprint Booster (http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/SPR2095/InvDetail.cfm)

I'm mainly just trying to get a little more pep out of my mini without making it look or sound modified (which is why I'm not going for a header or exhaust system).

Still toying with the idea of either dropping it or bumping out the wheels and getting flared fenders (which would sort of ruin my "keep it stock" look, I realize). Any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

Good list, but why do the BPV or ignition upgrade?
Neither will hurt your car but they won't help unless you have a problem with the stock parts.
One step colder plugs are a good idea with a reduction pulley but plugs and coil will not get you additional performance.

The sway bar and Spring Booster are nice upgrades from stock even if you don't have any issues with stock.

 

Well, I was thinking about the MSD because I need to change my plugs/wires anyway (they're still the stockers on there) and the DT BPV because I thought it might help with a hissing noise I hear under light throttle since installing the S/C pulley. Thought that it might be indicative of the valve not snapping fully shut.

Do you think I should save my money on those bits and just go for the Sprint Booster and sway bar instead?

 

I say skip over the sprint booster. I think you should focus on the more mechanical aspects of the car as the sprint booster is waaayy over priced.

As for the "hissing" - did you install the CAI and pulley at the same time? If so it is probably being caused mainly by the CAI. It is nothing to worry about

 

Yes, I did install them together. So I am wondering if the hissing is just a normal noise or something that indicates my BPV isn't quite good enough now that my boost is up...

Seems like if I listened to everyone in this thread so far I could save a lot of money! :D

Really, my main goal isn't to make a race car or even a modded up mini, but just to give it a little bump in performance while addressing some of the things that need to be addressed with my particular car.

 

Don't bother with the coil, stock works just as well if not better, and will last considerably longer, I have 183,000 on my original coil, I wouldn't change it unless it was bad.

Sprint booster don't forget is just an electronic way to open the throttle faster no different than putting you foot down faster, but some people love them.

I would probably go ahead and do the DT BPV, just to know that the BPV is doing what it should correctly.

 

Sounds like good advice.

Maybe I'll skip the coil and just replace my plugs and wires. That'll save me a few bucks that I can throw towards the BPV. It would be nice to have that for the piece of mind, if nothing else.

By the way, I forgot to ask about this above, but does anyone have any recommendations on a good short shifter? I wouldn't mind putting one in.