Hey Mini Lovers. I've had my MCB for a few months now and I have been enjoying the holy hell out of it. I feel like it's time to get some new brakes for added stopping power. Thinking either Hawk Performance or EBC. Comments welcome. Below I came across an Intake kit. Is this a valid upgrade to make? Does it really return up to 11 HP? Anything else I should know before moving forward? Thanks everyone!


http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NME2...er---R56-07-08

 

depends on how much money you want to drop! i would say hawk's over ebc's
intake's are kind of a hit and miss with the mini's

 

No idea quite yet but not a significant amount. Significant being upwards of 2500k. I can't imagine spending that much on a base model anyways.

 

Intakes aren't going to net you much power. I personally chose to put in an aftermarket air filter instead, and I seem to be getting slightly better gas mileage and more BOV noise (so it's mostly aesthetic).

I had EBC Greens on my MCS and they are an OEM replacement so not really better stopping power, I think the EBC reds would be more suitable for a noticeable increase in braking performance. I definitely had some brake fade when scooting around rural roads with OEM/EBC Greens.

 

I checked with our resident expert about the HP gains at K&N. Here is his response:

"I am certain K&N saw 11 HP gains on their dyno....however dyno numbers are not accurate for product comparisons since dyno results can vary widely between the dyno equipment, environment, and/or the tester. Dyno numbers are only useful for before and after testing on the same dyno, same day, same operator, etc.

With that said, I always say to expect 4-6 hp gains with any intake upgrade. Gains may vary depending on what other mods are on the car."

Hope this helps! Cold air intake and Sprint Booster are the two most common upgrades to begin with.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

I saw a recent YouTube video where they tried various cold air intakes on various 4 cylinder cars (no minis) and they only got like 1 HP gain on one car with one intake, no measurable gains on the rest except for a couple that resulted in a decrease in HP. I would like to see some before and after real world dyno tests on various intakes.

 

I'm happy with EBC reds, installed my second set this spring. They faded on a track day, but work well (winter included) for daily driver use. better feel than stock. I have no comparison with Hawks.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Cold Air Intake kits for the Mini Cooper are a bit hit-or-miss. You have to know exactly what you want before you throw money down on something that could negatively affect performance.

If you want a CAI to work, you need to ensure your engine bay has plenty of airflow, because accumulated hot air in the engine bay, where the intake is located, is not going to help you, despite having more breathing room for the intake.

If you want to do this and make it effective, then find a way to reduce your engine bay temp as much as possible as a very first step.

 

MCB? Does that "B" mean base? If that's the case, don't work about trying to net more power, because there isn't much to grab. Get yourself a good exhaust system, lower the thing and upgrade brakes. Also, if you haven't already, switch out the runflats to a performance tire. Wheels are optional. Just do the tires for sure. Play to the cars strengths. Make it handle and stop like no other.

 

$500 for JB &Sprintbooster & 7 minutes of your time will give you the most enjoyment for anything you do to these little cars and when you're done with the there are people standing in line waiting to buy your takeoff parts. Trust me - been there.done that, got the t-shirt,the tattoo ,and slept with the farmer's daughter.

ISAMIN

 

That intake is for a non-turbo model. Even if it gave you 11hp @4700 rpm you probably wouldn't be able to tell. That's like turning off the AC.

If you change to aftermarket brake pads, they might not have as much initial bite as the OEM but better fade resistance and braking power when a little heated. You'll know the first time you hit the pedal, but it should get better after they're bed in.

 

No comment on the farmer, but have the JB+ and SorintBooster on 2013 R56 and the combo is a blast. Save the "red light" for the track.

 

For brakes I'd go with the EBC reds, I've never had good luck with Hawks so I don't use them in my shop.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-re...-cooper-s.html

As for intakes those 11hp claims are BS, you'll never get that. We do sell intakes, but I won't tell people intakes make HP to get a sale. Save your money there are plenty of other mods that will actually make power like intercoolers, piping, or tuning.

 

Here's a handy Performance Upgrade Guide based on 40 years with Classic and New MINIs on the street and track that can help guide you through the process:

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper...homepagebanner

Here are the experts' recommendations:

http://new.minimania.com/MINI_Cooper...ecommendations

Please ask if you have more questions!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Until we know if you have a base MINI or a turbo MINI some of these recommendations may not work. We need more info.

 

Any advice on open vs closed intakes? I was looking at getting the DDM works RIS. Uses the hood scoop and modified factory air box. They claim it created for pressure on the intake side and the air temp was cooler than just an open intake and filter. Thoughts?

 

I have this intake on my '13 JCW and my scangauge proves that it reduces intake temps. Sounds great too.
Drawbacks? This is a TIGHT fit and if you paint or decorate the scoop tunnel it will be SCRAPED by the motor thru normal vibration.
To clean your filter is a minor annoyance in that you have to break down the air box to get to the filter.
Factory seal from air box to hood could be better (I changed mine out after a week). Ask if you want to get in on a cheap & effective old hot rodder tip.
Would I do this again or choose an alternative? YES,as I firmly beleive the product really works the way it should.

ISAMIN