Hey guys! I’m new to this forum, but I need some
tips and tricks to my new 2012 Mini Cooper 2d hatchback NON S 121 HP. I’m really looking to up the performance see how much HP I can get out of her without trying to replace the engine with an S. I’ve seen a lot of cool air cooling systems and chips that you can do but not much that offers for my non s Mini Cooper, any mods that you guys have found fun would be super helpful and maybe a chip that you guys found that’s not for a JCW mini! Anything y’all got! THANKS!!

 

To quote an old, very serious, car guy: "If you can't go fast with 90 HP, 900 won't help you". THE best bang for the buck performance upgrade you can make is to the suspension which will greatly augment handling. Replace the OEM struts and RSB. KONI Special Active struts and at least a 19 MM or better, a 22 MM adjustable RSB. If you can't cut the chicanes for lack of stability, all the HP in the world won't keep you out of the ditch.

 

awesome thank you man, I also considered putting air suspension on, is that something you would suggest as well if I have the money to put into it? Or just stick with the 22mm

 

Quoted for truth.

It's an unpopular opinion, but being able to stop quickly and controllably should come before go fast mods. Upgrading suspension, brakes, replacing worn bushings and engine mounts and depending on mileage, basic maintenance can do wonders.

 

I have the same Mini with the sports package! So far I've upgraded my brakes and rotors to Brembos, changed my spark plugs to Denso Spark Plugs, and replaced the air filter with a K&N Typhoon CAI. This weekend I'm going to try installing a Magnaflow Exhaust Manifold.

Future plans for my suspension include Godspeed coilovers and researching for strut bar, sway bar, cambers. (any recommendations?)
For the Engine I'm still researching for a performance camshaft, throttle body, and exhaust (someone point me to the holy grail!)

I'm pretty new to modding and working on cars, just learning from the internet and having fun

 

A Magnaflow exhaust manifold/cat assembly is the ticket to free up power. If you want to make a difference in performance, this is the way to gain significant power.

 

did you need a replacement gasket when you did the install? I imagine the old intake gaskets wouldn't fit correctly.