Hey everyone, so I joined NAM just over a year ago after I bought my R56 and I have just been reading some of the threads and trying to get as much information as possible on mini before I posted something.

I have done some research and looking around, and I'm looking to get the most "bang for my buck" out of performance parts. I dont have a ton of money to play with and I'm not looking to make a track car or anything like that, just a daily driver that I want to squeeze that much more fun out of.

If you guys could give me any suggestions/pointers/parts to look in to or stay away from that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Rob

 

What means fun to you? Power, or handling? Is your R45 S or non-S?

IMHO for a daily driver go for handling, the best bang for buck is a stiffer rear sway bar, then tires.

 

Well I would like to get a little bit more power out of it, as well as increased handling. I was looking at doing the rear sway bar but Im not sure about the size.
Should I go with the 19mm one or something else? but its a r56 S.

I have megan racing coils on it with 17X7 wheels and some basic street performance tires.

 

Rear sway bar and a tune. A tune is the only thing the will net noticeable gains. My H-Sport Comp sway bar is set to the softest setting at the moment and handles well but I prefer the next stiffer setting. I recommend an adjustable sway bar.

 

Rear Swaybar, Tune, Intercooler, and good Tires.

 

thanks for the input i will definitely be doing those upgrades in near future!

 

Yeah go with the Hsport Comp bar as it is the best option

Then an ECU tune and intercooler.

 

Welcome to NAM! Looks like you got all your suggestions so far. Should post up some snaps of your R56 for us. If you need any help while you work on it be sure to check out our tech articles here. We have a great rear sway bar one that will help when you upgrade. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

 

Has anyone done the Tyrol Sport intercooler? Here is a link to it. I like the appearance a lot and it should, with a tune, provide great power. Any thoughts?


http://www.tyrolsport.com/intercoole...t-intercooler/

 

 

Looking good Rob. I like the blacked out scoop and trim.

 

Looks great and I agree, love the look of the blacked out chrome! Keep up the good work.

 

Rob Nye--I was looking at upping both power and handling a bit without spending too much money. I went with the JB+ (bought used here on NAM) for power, and was/am quite pleased. It will do fine until I can afford a tune. Just last weekend, I installed a new Alta 19mm adjustable rear swaybar, used Alta adjustable end links, a used Racing Dynamics aluminum front strut tower brace, and a new Alta hot-side turbo tube. With the Alta rear bar at the lowest setting, the handling is AMAZING! Some of my previous mods included having a straight pipe installed in place of my exhaust resonator (more for sound than anything), a new PowerFlex yellow torque arm bushing, new BMS clutch-stop, and a used "cheapie" eBay intercooler (not sure if I will feel any effects from this, as I don't track my car). I love all the vendors here, and my wish lists are MUCH longer than my paychecks! This is why I try to source good used parts when I can. Check out the Marketplace here on NAM. MINI addiction is REAL, and leads to more and more mods. The good new is that you can find guys upgrading their MINI's, and stepping up to that next level, selling off their first-stage upgrades for a decent discount. Your MINI looks great! Have fun, and Motor On!

Chris