Hi all,

I come from this thread here on NAM, but I just wanted to get a fresh start because as time has gone by things have changed:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...monster-9.html

Here's my current set-up:

2012 automatic MCS with all JCW mods (except recaros)
Milltek Catless Downpipe
Toyo Proxes T1R
Citroen DS3R Spark Plugs (1 degree colder than OEM)
26mm Eibach FSB
20mm Eibach RSB
Eibach Pro-kit Springs
Royal Purple 10w40 Oil
Rear Seat Delete
IE Fixed Front Camber Plates
H-Sport Rear Lower Control Arms
Custom Rear Strut Brace

My mini is built for daily driving purposes with 3-4 track events a year. I feel like in my last TD event this past Saturday I finally pushed it to the limit and used everything listed to its fullest potential. I know that by getting some Extreme Summer tires I'll be able to slash another second from my current lap time record...but I'm on a limbo of weather or not to continue with this build . I know an Auto tranny isn't the most optimal for track day purposes but I wasn't like this when I bought the car ...it escalated quickly. I've had the car for almost 2 years but due to my daily commutes I've put on 23K miles. If I were to yolo and just continue on, things I've got my eye on aside from tires are:

ECS Stainless Steel Exact fit JCW Caliper Brake Lines (already bought)
Alta PSRS Front Control Arm Bushings or Purple PowerFlex
Fixed Bucket Seats
5-point Harnesses
ALTA Hot Side Tube
NM Charge Pipe
Bilsteins B8 Shocks
Manic Stage 1 or JB+
(These are in order btw )

Due to getting addicted to the track, the other alternative would be to get a boring daily and perhaps a cheap project car so the commute is not taxing and I'll be able to go more deep into a track oriented build (I would still like to drive it to and from the track though) ...looking at it from a costs perspective.

Open to all suggestions and thanks in advance!

 

You have many options to continue your build. Out of what you have there I would do:
Powerflex Control arm Bushings, we always have problems with the Altas.

The Schroth Harnesses would be great to hold you in and really help with lap times and be a better belt than the stock.

For the Turbo hot side pipe just go with our WMW res delete pipes. It does the same as an expensive pipe but uses the factory rubber hoses so it fits perfect with no rubbing or failures, and saves you a bunch $$$

No need for an air charge pipe unless you have the noise maker, if you do we have a simple WMW noise maker delete pipe that again is a perfect fit, and cost effective.

Go with a real ECU tune, it will net you more and be more effective than the JB. Also a real tune will help with shift points to make it shift better.

For shocks I'd go with the Koni Yellows so you can adjust them, or save up and switch to coilovers.

Now one thing I see missing is a Forge intercooler? That would be a mod I'd put at the top of the list as you build intake temps and this will really help lower them on the street and track.

 

Whoah, no intercooler yet? yeah I'd say that'd be #1 too. Heck, if nothing else it'll improve your fuel mileage a few %
Seriously, get one. Then get a tune. You won't regret it!

 

Don't underestimate the value of maintenance. Even with an oil catch can my 08 still kept building carbon, I had it cleaned every 25k miles.

Not sure if you have done a trans service, but at least once you should drop the pan and replace the filter. I had a noticeable difference after doing this, I used redline ATF. Don't be surprised if there are some flakes in the pan....

Keep an eye on the turbo oil line, bad things happen with a leak on the turbo end.

I had a positive experience with the purple powerflex LCA bushings. I'm assuming that you have good brakes for the track, but sneed speed has some adapters for cooling hoses that look pretty good.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Hi jveramini. Agreed, make certain tune and maintenance is up to snuff. Check our free maintenance and service guides on our website. Plus, there's a step-by-step performance upgrade guide that will answer many of your questions.

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

Need more, just call or send a personal message. We've been working with the brand since '74 for the street and track, with over 1 million satisfied customers. Also, before unloading a ton of $$ on upgrades, I can tell you from my six racing championships (two with Minis) that there are certain smaller steps you can take to improve performance.

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

 

Like Way said; Powerflex is a far better option to the PSRS. They clunk and rattle and make all sorts of noise after a few years, whereas the Powerflex option has never let us or any other down.

If you're going to do race seats and harnesses you'll need a harness bar or cage to properly affix the harnesses.

Personally the charge pipe mods are a waste of money, they don't gain you any power, decrease of restriction, mostly a dressy mod.

Koni Yellows or coilovers will be superior to the B8s, both in adjustability and track orientation.

A tune wouldn't hurt, but your stock intercooler is a whimpy excuse for a charge cooler (like near every stock cooler on entry level cars), the Helix cooler has shown to be one of the very best intercoolers on the market in flow, heat dissipation, recovery, low pressure deviance from end to end, and the build quality is far superior to the Forge and a few other coolers on the market.

 

Thanks for all the replies! Btw I can't access Waymotorworks... (ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE)

I've decided to take it easy with the spending in the next 3 months in order to save up a bit. I'll be hitting 60k kms (37k miles) around March most likely.

My mechanic told me that the minis can get a bit annoying after these miles. I've already changed the fuel pump at 30k kms, so that is one expensive replacement out of the way. I know of two other common expensive repairs that come later on: thermostat and water pump.

If I get the green light in March to continue driving on, I'll purchase some used semi-slick tires and put it all to the test in April (next TD date). With my current setup, I think a decent set of tires is all I need to slash a second on my current time. And after that I'll retire the mini from the track and keep it as a daily driver.

Since the addiction to the track won't stop , I'm looking at potential project cars such as a Citroen Saxo VTS or a Peugeot 106 GTI. Keep budget low and the fun factor high

Thanks again!

 

Let us know when you are ready for the thermostat/pump repair. We can help.

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

http://new.minimania.com/How-To-Inst...g-MINI-S-Gen-2

http://new.minimania.com/Intercooler...e_Upgrade_Kits

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.