Drivetrain Mods... generally speaking
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: NC, USA
Fairly new member of NAM, and still learning the ropes. Especially about modding. Never been much of a mechanical person, so forgive me if I say things wrongly. :smile:
Just wanted to jot down some things I've read here and other places. Mainly to get an idea about each one and hear some experiences.
Intake - An obvious mod, and easily done. Alta seems to be the main one that people use. Thinking about getting this one myself. Question.... I've heard a lot about K&N filters. Is Alta's filter just as good? Or do they use a K&N filter? Does K&N even have a fliter that will fit on this intake?
Exhaust - People seem to like the Scorpion or the Cat Black(?) system. I just don't see the appeal honestly. Probably skip this one.
Supercharger pulley reduction - 15, 17 and 19%. 15% is what is in the John Cooper Works setup. Sounds interesting, but pricey.
Now, here are some that I read about elsewhere but did not see here. Or some that I don't see a whole lot of information on (probably cause I don't know the words to use in a good Search).
Underdrive pulley
Flywheel (reduction in weight)
Chip upgrade or reprogramming (someone mentioned to me something about different stages. Any clue what he meant?)
Those seem to be the major ones. Still wandering around, but feel free to offer advice on what to look for, where to look, and how to talk about these things. :smile:
Just wanted to jot down some things I've read here and other places. Mainly to get an idea about each one and hear some experiences.
Intake - An obvious mod, and easily done. Alta seems to be the main one that people use. Thinking about getting this one myself. Question.... I've heard a lot about K&N filters. Is Alta's filter just as good? Or do they use a K&N filter? Does K&N even have a fliter that will fit on this intake?
Exhaust - People seem to like the Scorpion or the Cat Black(?) system. I just don't see the appeal honestly. Probably skip this one.
Supercharger pulley reduction - 15, 17 and 19%. 15% is what is in the John Cooper Works setup. Sounds interesting, but pricey.
Now, here are some that I read about elsewhere but did not see here. Or some that I don't see a whole lot of information on (probably cause I don't know the words to use in a good Search).
Underdrive pulley
Flywheel (reduction in weight)
Chip upgrade or reprogramming (someone mentioned to me something about different stages. Any clue what he meant?)
Those seem to be the major ones. Still wandering around, but feel free to offer advice on what to look for, where to look, and how to talk about these things. :smile:
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN US
'crusher,
There are lots of mods out there to make. Lots of choices.
The intake is a good one. Alta is only one of many.
The supercharger pulley is the same as the underdrive pulley. Not all that expensive. The part is only about 130-150. The pulley puller to remove the old one can be rented or borrowed for free even. But this requires some mechanical ability to do yourself. So installation does make it a more expensive mod.
The exhaust helps with power. A "cat-back" system means any replacement that goes from the catalyst back, without replacing the catalytic converter. The other option on exhaust is a new header with a cat, then add the cat back for a complete system. Yes, pricey.
Lightweight flywheel, pricey and mainly for the serious enthusiast. If you are going to get inside things, you may as well be doing a LSD (limited slip differential) and head work, too. Big $
Chip-various vendors sell chip upgrades. Not advised to get one of the $20 ones off of eBay :smile: vendors tell about the "stages" in their offerings
One of the things I like to do is go to the various sponsers of NAM. Go to some of them and read what their descriptions are of what they offer.
Also consider the rear sway bar option.
Decide what you want. Do you want faster? pulley/chip/intake
"better" handling? sway bar/springs/shocks
better braking? pads/lines/calipers & rotors
If you have any plans on autocrossing it, make sure you know whether your mods will prevent you from getting into a stock class. (most will)
Enjoy yours!
There are lots of mods out there to make. Lots of choices.
The intake is a good one. Alta is only one of many.
The supercharger pulley is the same as the underdrive pulley. Not all that expensive. The part is only about 130-150. The pulley puller to remove the old one can be rented or borrowed for free even. But this requires some mechanical ability to do yourself. So installation does make it a more expensive mod.
The exhaust helps with power. A "cat-back" system means any replacement that goes from the catalyst back, without replacing the catalytic converter. The other option on exhaust is a new header with a cat, then add the cat back for a complete system. Yes, pricey.
Lightweight flywheel, pricey and mainly for the serious enthusiast. If you are going to get inside things, you may as well be doing a LSD (limited slip differential) and head work, too. Big $
Chip-various vendors sell chip upgrades. Not advised to get one of the $20 ones off of eBay :smile: vendors tell about the "stages" in their offerings
One of the things I like to do is go to the various sponsers of NAM. Go to some of them and read what their descriptions are of what they offer.
Also consider the rear sway bar option.
Decide what you want. Do you want faster? pulley/chip/intake
"better" handling? sway bar/springs/shocks
better braking? pads/lines/calipers & rotors
If you have any plans on autocrossing it, make sure you know whether your mods will prevent you from getting into a stock class. (most will)
Enjoy yours!
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: NC, USA
Thanks for the feedback and advice. Like I said, still new to all of this.
I've been looking at intakes mostly. Mainly since it appears to be one of the simpler mods, and not too outrageous in price. Looked at Alta, K&N and the ones over at Bavarian Auto (www.bavauto.com). The one from Alta appears to be better in my eye, and a racing buddy (drag style... IHRA I think) mentioned that the one from Alta had better isolation. Sounds good to me, but still I've heard about filters from K&N so am not sure which way to go. Need to do a lot more reading.
Looking for "faster", but also want to keep all the systems in balance. Really thinking about upgrading the brakes as well. Not sure the stock ones are good enough.
I've been looking at intakes mostly. Mainly since it appears to be one of the simpler mods, and not too outrageous in price. Looked at Alta, K&N and the ones over at Bavarian Auto (www.bavauto.com). The one from Alta appears to be better in my eye, and a racing buddy (drag style... IHRA I think) mentioned that the one from Alta had better isolation. Sounds good to me, but still I've heard about filters from K&N so am not sure which way to go. Need to do a lot more reading.
Looking for "faster", but also want to keep all the systems in balance. Really thinking about upgrading the brakes as well. Not sure the stock ones are good enough.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
The supercharger pulley is the same as the underdrive pulley. Not all that expensive. The part is only about 130-150.
I agree with the above on the pulley though. It's not very expensive as a mod ($80-120 from Helix) and $200 or less for installation. That's pretty INEXPENSIVE for a performance mod. Actually it's VERY inexpensive. And take into account the torque it gives (bang for buck), it's the CHEAPEST performance mod available on the S. A 19% pulley would cost $300-400 installed and give over 20lbs of torque. You could spend $3-4k on an intake, exhaust, throttle body, head and header and STILL not have added 20 lbs of torque!!!
Intake - Yes, the ALTA is the best one out now. It uses a UNIfilter, which is a foam filter. Some people have an aversion to foam filters (which would be valid if it was still the 80's), though in reality it's the filter that is the big reason the ALTA makes the power it does. Changing to a K&N versus UNIfilter will not help power or filtration.
Exhaust - not a good value for adding power, but great for tailoring engine music to your taste (or lack of it). According to Randy Webb, the Milltek makes the most torque, and the Magnaflow makes the most power (and the most noise volume!)
Supercharger Pulley - The JCW actually uses a 13.8% reduction over stock. 15% is the safe limit for a daily driver, though Greatgro will try to convince you otherwise. Any smaller pulley and you may run into Inlet Air Temperature problems on the street. On the dyno, you'll run into IAT issues even with a JCW car. Because of this, the smaller the pulley you run, the less gain you'll get out of an aftermarket ECU. If you don't plan on getting an ECU, then the 19% would be a viable alternative ONLY if you invest in a larger/more effective intercooler.
Speaking of ECU. There are only a few viable options. AmD's One-click is a good value and easy to use, but doesn't give the power and torque gains of the more expensive UNIchip. That's about it for the ECU market, everyone else is either in-progress or flaked out.
Don't forget about an ignition kit. This will definitely improve your throttle response, making day-to-day driving much more fun and lively.
Also, don't forget about your suspension! A set of springs and a rear swaybar will transform your MINI into a veritable slot-car
Motor-On,
Ryan
Exhaust - not a good value for adding power, but great for tailoring engine music to your taste (or lack of it). According to Randy Webb, the Milltek makes the most torque, and the Magnaflow makes the most power (and the most noise volume!)
Supercharger Pulley - The JCW actually uses a 13.8% reduction over stock. 15% is the safe limit for a daily driver, though Greatgro will try to convince you otherwise. Any smaller pulley and you may run into Inlet Air Temperature problems on the street. On the dyno, you'll run into IAT issues even with a JCW car. Because of this, the smaller the pulley you run, the less gain you'll get out of an aftermarket ECU. If you don't plan on getting an ECU, then the 19% would be a viable alternative ONLY if you invest in a larger/more effective intercooler.
Speaking of ECU. There are only a few viable options. AmD's One-click is a good value and easy to use, but doesn't give the power and torque gains of the more expensive UNIchip. That's about it for the ECU market, everyone else is either in-progress or flaked out.
Don't forget about an ignition kit. This will definitely improve your throttle response, making day-to-day driving much more fun and lively.
Also, don't forget about your suspension! A set of springs and a rear swaybar will transform your MINI into a veritable slot-car
Motor-On,
Ryan
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne, FL
Start slow... rear swaybar. Then pulley. Then exhaust. Then etc...
You can be like me and have just a few mods... intake, pulley, quaife, clutch, springs, swaybar, intercooler diverter, camber plates, rear control arms (all 4), cat-back, racing seats, red theme interior, rims/tires, brake rotors and pads, and... hmm, these things kind of get carried away the more you do.
You can be like me and have just a few mods... intake, pulley, quaife, clutch, springs, swaybar, intercooler diverter, camber plates, rear control arms (all 4), cat-back, racing seats, red theme interior, rims/tires, brake rotors and pads, and... hmm, these things kind of get carried away the more you do.
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: NC, USA
From what I've seen so far (still SO much to read and look at), Ignition kits are really nothing more than wires. That right?
2Cool ---- LOL! Just a few eh?
Ryephile --- Thanks for answering my question about changing the Alta filter to a K&N one. I'm assuming by the way you answered it that it is possible.
Something else I wanted to ask about. Helix has something they call an Upperstrut brace. From the look of it, it is basically a sway bar for the front?
Definitely doing intake first. Then maybe brakes. Had dreams of doing the rear sway bar as well, so that might be next. Somewhere in there will be an ECU upgrade. Course, all of this depends on the wife.
2Cool ---- LOL! Just a few eh?
Ryephile --- Thanks for answering my question about changing the Alta filter to a K&N one. I'm assuming by the way you answered it that it is possible.
Something else I wanted to ask about. Helix has something they call an Upperstrut brace. From the look of it, it is basically a sway bar for the front?
Definitely doing intake first. Then maybe brakes. Had dreams of doing the rear sway bar as well, so that might be next. Somewhere in there will be an ECU upgrade. Course, all of this depends on the wife.
Trending Topics
yes, any cone-type filter can be installed on any current CAI.
no, the Helix upper strut brace, is, um, an upper strut brace that goes between the shock towers. It is a structural piece, not a suspension piece. Furthermore, it's more for decoration, as the MINI's chassis is very strong and doesn't usefully benefit from a strut brace.
no, the Helix upper strut brace, is, um, an upper strut brace that goes between the shock towers. It is a structural piece, not a suspension piece. Furthermore, it's more for decoration, as the MINI's chassis is very strong and doesn't usefully benefit from a strut brace.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 6
From: Lansdale, PA
Ryephile wrote:
What makes you say that?
Intake - Yes, the ALTA is the best one out now. It uses a UNIfilter, which is a foam filter. Some people have an aversion to foam filters (which would be valid if it was still the 80's), though in reality it's the filter that is the big reason the ALTA makes the power it does. Changing to a K&N versus UNIfilter will not help power or filtration.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
>>
>>Exhaust - People seem to like the Scorpion or the Cat Black(?) system. I just don't see the appeal honestly. Probably skip this one.
>>
whoa!!! in my humble opinion, my Magnaflow exhaust is the BEST mod that I have done or ever will do. It adds power, but, more importantly, it changes the whole personality of your car from an anemic alley cat to a bengal tiger with an attitude. The "noise" is a throaty rumble that resonates and sings to you. Don't write this mod off until you've at least heard a Mini equipped with a Magnaflow (or a Borla...).
_________________
'02 EB/W MCS, Rogue intake, Helix 15% pulley, Webb/Powerchips ECU, Magnaflow exhaust, Alta Oil Catch Can, Exel TZ-10 white wheels, Magnecor wires, Denso Iridiums, XM Satellite
>>Exhaust - People seem to like the Scorpion or the Cat Black(?) system. I just don't see the appeal honestly. Probably skip this one.
>>
whoa!!! in my humble opinion, my Magnaflow exhaust is the BEST mod that I have done or ever will do. It adds power, but, more importantly, it changes the whole personality of your car from an anemic alley cat to a bengal tiger with an attitude. The "noise" is a throaty rumble that resonates and sings to you. Don't write this mod off until you've at least heard a Mini equipped with a Magnaflow (or a Borla...).
_________________
'02 EB/W MCS, Rogue intake, Helix 15% pulley, Webb/Powerchips ECU, Magnaflow exhaust, Alta Oil Catch Can, Exel TZ-10 white wheels, Magnecor wires, Denso Iridiums, XM Satellite
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, NC
Speaking of ECU. There are only a few viable options. AmD's One-click is a good value and easy to use, but doesn't give the power and torque gains of the more expensive UNIchip. That's about it for the ECU market, everyone else is either in-progress or flaked out.
I prefer the Webb/powerchip, good power and good torque.
I prefer the Webb/powerchip, good power and good torque.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 571
Likes: 4
I'm actually on the verge of an Alta Intake purchase, as my first MCS mod...
So I'd like to hear the rest of this conversation - anyone want to chime in and convince me otherwise?
The new Helix/RDR one looks nice too... and I appreciate the budget appeal of the Pilo - but you get what you pay for?
So I'd like to hear the rest of this conversation - anyone want to chime in and convince me otherwise?
The new Helix/RDR one looks nice too... and I appreciate the budget appeal of the Pilo - but you get what you pay for?
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
>>I'm actually on the verge of an Alta Intake purchase, as my first MCS mod...
>>
>>So I'd like to hear the rest of this conversation - anyone want to chime in and convince me otherwise?
>>
>>The new Helix/RDR one looks nice too... and I appreciate the budget appeal of the Pilo - but you get what you pay for?
I've got the Rogue intake and am very pleased with the sound and believe the HP numbers are ok -- but not near as much as advertised. After attending one of Randy Webb's pulley parties, I was sold on the Alta and would have bought one on the spot if he had had an extra one: more air, bigger hose... it all made such good sense. But now, Eric at Helix comes out with his new intake and I'm torn. Eric is a no hype straight shooter and I really believe in him, if he says this product produces the power.. then it produces the most power. And the price is right. I'll probably upgrade to the Helix product.
_________________
'02 EB/W MCS, Rogue intake, Helix 15% pulley, Webb/Powerchips ECU, Magnaflow exhaust, Alta Oil Catch Can, Exel TZ-10 white wheels, Magnecor wires, Denso Iridiums, XM Satellite
>>
>>So I'd like to hear the rest of this conversation - anyone want to chime in and convince me otherwise?
>>
>>The new Helix/RDR one looks nice too... and I appreciate the budget appeal of the Pilo - but you get what you pay for?
I've got the Rogue intake and am very pleased with the sound and believe the HP numbers are ok -- but not near as much as advertised. After attending one of Randy Webb's pulley parties, I was sold on the Alta and would have bought one on the spot if he had had an extra one: more air, bigger hose... it all made such good sense. But now, Eric at Helix comes out with his new intake and I'm torn. Eric is a no hype straight shooter and I really believe in him, if he says this product produces the power.. then it produces the most power. And the price is right. I'll probably upgrade to the Helix product.
_________________
'02 EB/W MCS, Rogue intake, Helix 15% pulley, Webb/Powerchips ECU, Magnaflow exhaust, Alta Oil Catch Can, Exel TZ-10 white wheels, Magnecor wires, Denso Iridiums, XM Satellite
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
Redleg,
You can get the same performance with your current intake by cutting holes in the cowl panel and changing to a larger filter. The S&B brand filter is used by Mini Maddness and you can fit a 8" long filter after opening up the cowl. This will also increase the supercharger sound. I used a right angle drill with a 2" hole saw to cut mine. A piece of sheetmetal can be used to protect the brake lines during this operation. The filter can be had for under $40 and should get you close to the Alta in sound and performance.
Dan
See this site for filters, http://www.bakerprecision.com/sandb1.htm
You can get the same performance with your current intake by cutting holes in the cowl panel and changing to a larger filter. The S&B brand filter is used by Mini Maddness and you can fit a 8" long filter after opening up the cowl. This will also increase the supercharger sound. I used a right angle drill with a 2" hole saw to cut mine. A piece of sheetmetal can be used to protect the brake lines during this operation. The filter can be had for under $40 and should get you close to the Alta in sound and performance.
Dan
See this site for filters, http://www.bakerprecision.com/sandb1.htm
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
>>Redleg,
>>You can get the same performance with your current intake by cutting holes in the cowl panel and changing to a larger filter. The S&B brand filter is used by Mini Maddness and you can fit a 8" long filter after opening up the cowl. This will also increase the supercharger sound. I used a right angle drill with a 2" hole saw to cut mine. A piece of sheetmetal can be used to protect the brake lines during this operation. The filter can be had for under $40 and should get you close to the Alta in sound and performance.
>>Dan
>>
>>See this site for filters, http://www.bakerprecision.com/sandb1.htm
sounds intriguing, and probably a "one wrench" level of complexity for a moron like me. got pictures of your setup?
>>You can get the same performance with your current intake by cutting holes in the cowl panel and changing to a larger filter. The S&B brand filter is used by Mini Maddness and you can fit a 8" long filter after opening up the cowl. This will also increase the supercharger sound. I used a right angle drill with a 2" hole saw to cut mine. A piece of sheetmetal can be used to protect the brake lines during this operation. The filter can be had for under $40 and should get you close to the Alta in sound and performance.
>>Dan
>>
>>See this site for filters, http://www.bakerprecision.com/sandb1.htm
sounds intriguing, and probably a "one wrench" level of complexity for a moron like me. got pictures of your setup?
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
Likes: 30
From: California
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN US
>> [quote] No, no, no! An underdrive pulley is COMPLETELY different than a supercharger pulley.
Greatgro,
Of course, you are correct. The underdrive pulley is completely different. What I should have said is that what pebblecrusher had probably (mis)heard was some talk about the supercharger pulley. That is all anyone around here ever refers to.
Pebblecrusher,
Go to the Sponsor Directory and select one or two per online session and just read. Some things will be made clearer, some muddier. It is a good place to start.
MiniMania MiniMania
has a site I found informative. They have a LOT of stuff and info. They had a page that was where to spend your first $500 in mods, but I can't find it now. (if I am wrong and it is someone else's page, please let me know!)
The gist of it is, lots of info on our sponsor sites. Enjoy learning. Do a search on NAM to find that there are already a dozen threads asking the same question.
I see you mentioned something about your wife. Get her excited about your car and involved in enjoying it actively. Go to a rally or autocross and give her the wheel. Set a budgeted amount per month to go to the car. If you have to save a couple of months for a bigger item, it keeps that sense of anticipation.
Enjoy yours! I know you will.
Greatgro,
Of course, you are correct. The underdrive pulley is completely different. What I should have said is that what pebblecrusher had probably (mis)heard was some talk about the supercharger pulley. That is all anyone around here ever refers to.
Pebblecrusher,
Go to the Sponsor Directory and select one or two per online session and just read. Some things will be made clearer, some muddier. It is a good place to start.
MiniMania MiniMania
has a site I found informative. They have a LOT of stuff and info. They had a page that was where to spend your first $500 in mods, but I can't find it now. (if I am wrong and it is someone else's page, please let me know!)
The gist of it is, lots of info on our sponsor sites. Enjoy learning. Do a search on NAM to find that there are already a dozen threads asking the same question.
I see you mentioned something about your wife. Get her excited about your car and involved in enjoying it actively. Go to a rally or autocross and give her the wheel. Set a budgeted amount per month to go to the car. If you have to save a couple of months for a bigger item, it keeps that sense of anticipation.
Enjoy yours! I know you will.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
elverado
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
2
Jan 18, 2022 02:51 AM
Lschneider
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
0
Sep 22, 2015 07:01 AM
MiteyF
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
1
Sep 19, 2015 11:26 AM
Mini Mania
Drivetrain Products
0
Sep 2, 2015 09:05 AM