Newbie here, long time creeper on the forums so here we go:

Alright guys, Im getting a Mini S, 2008-2011 within the next two weeks and I need some advice in regards to what mods I should go for first that will mainly improve throttle response. I have $1300 to drop into it initially. Right now on my mind I can think to get CAI and Sprint Booster? What do you all think? Super Excited! Thanks in advance!

 

I am in the same boat. I was set on the Clubman but think I'm going to go with the HT now. The first thing I want is the BOV sound that comes with the JCW version, but since these cars don't have a BOV, don't know what to do in order to get that sound.

Also interested in hearing about the suggested order to do things or if there are parts that really need upgrades first or are limiting from the factory. So far I've seen that there's no BOV, changing the downpipe turns on the check engine light... and that's about it.

Either way, I'm subscribed!

 

There are lots of threads on this. Since you are looking for a car, figure out what you want most. You might want to put that $1300 as a premium and buy a factory JCW. This gets you a boost in HP, a better clutch, and a special car. I agree that the throttle delay is frustrating, my AccessPort fixed that for me.

The common advice is to get a NM lower mount insert, rear sway bar, ditch the runflats.

My advice is to find the car that you like, in good condition, then drive it. After a month or so, figure out what you want to improve. Maybe a set of wheels and tires (different style and performance benefit), maybe just some aesthetics (carbon accents, stripes), maybe a tune. Maybe you want noise (exhaust, CAI), or to lower it?

I understand getting excited about a MINI, but you need to look at this as a business decision and find a nice, solid car. Get one with the options you want and a color combination that you are happy with. Drive it, then mod it.

I reccomend searching the market and classifieds here, chances are buying a car through this forum will get you a better car (from an enthusiast) than going to Carmax.

Have fun,
Mike

 

The first three mods, I think for any car ever:

- Seat time
- Seat time
- Seat time

Drive it and live with it. After you've lived with it for a while, let it tell you what it needs.

 

Then "Seat Time" with a CG-Lock. I really enjoy the "Peace of Mind" this little contraption affords me when driving (due to the "snugness" it provides).

 

I agree with the previous posts that you should get in the car and drive it....how it is! If you should get your hands on a factory JCW, then cool. If not, cool. Learn the car and figure out what you like and don't like. What you can live with for a wee-bit longer and what aggravates the heck out out of you. That $1300 can easily go into a set of non-run flats and lighter wheels. Perhaps you want to tweak the suspension a bit first. Also, take where you live into consideration and what your MINI will be used for. I live in Manhattan (NYC) so upgrading my suspension wasn't the first thing on my mind when I bought my MINI. Potholes and uneven roads can be a b*tch on a lowered/stiff MINI. Granted this is a personal preference, but I chose aesthetics and under-the-bonnet mods first.

Again, see what works for you, then ask how to most-appropriately spend your $$$ based off of what you feel needs improvement.

 

I went slow on mods. Ended up here:


Aesthetic Creations Black Door Handles
Akrapovic:
Down Pipe
Delete R
Alta Blow Off Valve Spring Upgrade
Craven
Stubby antenna
Hand Brake Handle (powder coated red)
DoS CAI
Forge FMIC
Helix Short Shift Kit
Hella Black Magics (w/HID upgrade)
H-Sport Rear Camber Links
Mini Fini Intake Scoop Grill
NGK Cold Heat Range Spark Plugs
NM:
Stage 2 ECU Tune
Aluminum Billet Tie-Bar
Discharge Pipe
Titanium Heat Shield
Torque Arm Insert
Shifter Assembly Box Cover
Quaife Limited Slip Differential
Koni Yellow Adjustable Sport Shocks
MINI Rooster Red Arm Rests (w/black interior)
Powerflex Bushings
TSW:
Performance Springs
19mm Sway Bar
X-Brace
Vinyl Styles: (all black out except JCW grill trim)
Headlight/Taillight trim
Gas Cap
Side Markers (smoked)
Boot Handle
VIP Custom:
Down Pipe Back Exhaust (last 1/4 powder coated black)
Driving Light Brackets
Whalen Shift ****
WMW:
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
JCW Turbo Exhaust Manifold

12mm front/15mm rear spacers
Chili Red Powder Coated Calipers

Go slow!

 

Tires (performance non run flats) and lighter wheels (TPS adds some $) will make the greatest difference. We drove less than 1,000 miles on the run flats and then got new wheels and tires (Hankook Ventus R‑S3). The car drove sooooooo much better with the good tires and some free tire PSI (air not nitrogen) adjustments. Grip is what you need before acceleration and power. Without grip you just spin your wheels (or slide with under steer).

 

A lighter wheel does make a big difference, less rotating mass at the outer edge. I think the best upgrade for a turbocharged engine is a high flow performance exhaust (unless you go for the JCW exhaust)!

1. Upgrade exhaust. Borla S-Type for me.
2. Upgrade intake.
3. Some nice light weight wheels.

 

Congrats. With a new car I suggest driving it and making a decision on what YOU want it to do better. Then give us a call and we'll put a plan together to get that done for you.
A sprint booster is a great addition to improve throttle response.

 

+1 on making a plan of what you want