I've been looking at all kinds of aftermarket "upgrades" and it's staggering, my question is what upgrades actually improve on the OEM parts and ultimately make for a better car

 

Yes that's correct

 

What don't you like about your countryman?

 

It's not so much I don't like things, I'm just asking what mods will make the car better, for example the exhaust system is a bit restrictive changing the exhaust might improve performance and improve on how the car came originally, getting rid of the run flats, does a BOV do anything,if I changed all the hoses to silicone what does that do for me and is it an improvement.Some of the mods seem to be for show and don't really do anything other than look good in some cases

 

Good suspension setup such as Coilovers will improve handling and reduce body roll on corners.

 

That's what I was asking I guess poorly worded, Coilovers are an improvement on the OEM suspension,I don't need to do every mod just the ones that produce real results
Cheers

 

2013 Cup holder... lol

 

Yes that a great idea, change all the hoses. I hear that adds 10 horses!

 

Says the guy with Blue brake calipers, they've got to be good for a few horses

 

Since you have a 2011 manual, I'd recommend:

• SIM-12-02-11 software upgrade (dealer)
• Oxspeed BOV spring
• NM torque arm insert
• 2013 clutch plate

The first two improve throttle response for easier takeoff from stops. The torque arm inserts stiffens the motor mount, taking some of the play out of the system resulting in a more responsive clutch.

I also have my eye on a set of Megan coilovers, for less body roll and to stop bottoming out with a full load.

 

Thanks , what about a rear sway bar to go with coilovers, any reason you like Megan over another brand?

 

Uh, I'm not painting calipers because I'm looking for performance. You're looking to change hoses and BOVs for no reason except to "make the car better".

But thanks.

 

What I was hoping to do was have someone who knows alot more about what works and what is fluff to make recommendations, but I get your point

 

I went with the KW V3 Coilovers, but they are pricey. Some members choose the Megan's for the lower cost. If you do Coilovers then you should also invest in some lower control arms in the rear for camber adjustment.

You should look into a CAI, DOS is releasing a theirs soon and should add some performance.

The NM torque arm insert is a great investment and simple install.

 

Doesn't add any speed, but I recommend JCW steering wheel. The beefier wheel is great and just makes the drive nicer.

 

First R60 mod I recommend is the Rear Sway bar, reduces understeer and body roll.
Then the NM Torque arm bushing

And then the intercooler.

 

Thanks for the input, I'm leaning towards having a Milltek exhaust installed I can get these done at the same time.

 

Could you tell us more about the wmw intercooler? How it compares to the forge, helix, alta, etc. Thanks!

 

Could you tell us more about the WMW intercooler? And how it compares to forge, helix, etc.? Thanks!

 

The picture looks like the OEM intercooler off of the R60/R61 JCW models.

 

i have the milltek dp back exhaust and love it

i installed it myself ... took about an hour

scott

 

Ok, having my engine demodded, I have some reviews:

1) NM carbon air intake : Looks good, great sound, improved mid range power but suffer low end power. (uninstalled)

2) Forge BOV : Sound great, adjustable springs for 'boost control' but u wont feel any diff after a few mths. (Uninstalled)

3) Race chip : Slight power increased but need fine tune. (uninstalled)

4) JCW exhaust : Tips looks great, sound slightly louder after a few mths.

5) KW V3 / SPC RCA : Fully adjustable, by far the best mod. High speed drive is great but low speed need to fine tune according to driver.

 

The Megans are well reviewed on this site and others and the price is right. The KW's may or may not be 'better' (up for debate), but at well over twice the price, I'm not going there.

As you decide what to mod, plan it all out and change one thing at a time. That lets you evaluate each mod and decide how to proceed. For example, for suspension mods, I would do it like this:

1. Choose ride height. Lowering and/or adjusting the suspension rates requires coilovers and lower control arms.
2. Choose wheels and tires (height, width and style).
3. Evaluate steering. If the rear end is mushy in the turns or there's too much understeer, add a sway bar.
4. Too much play in the suspension or steering? Replace rubber bushings with aftermarket.

Same idea for performance mods. Plan out what you want, so each step takes advantage of the previous mod. For example, more boost or a CAI won't help much without a better flowing exhaust. Custom tunes are usually last, since they work with the mods you already have.

 

Thanks very helpful, so far a lot on consensus on coilovers making a noticeable worthwhile difference the Megans are certainly priced right and if they blow out I can replace them twice more for the price of KW's

 

Yes, you are right. I have regretted fitting the BC aka Megans and gone for the KW after 3mths. The BC rear spring rate are simply too soft. You might have to upgrade to swift spring.