Last year I changed the sound system in my Mini..pretty sure I posted pics here...got the Alpine Ipod solution. It rocks...now i'm ready to do something to the engine.

I have a 2004 Mini Cooper...I want to do this http://www.slickcar.com/productdetai...ProductID=4803

Just wondering if anyone has done this and what shop can I get this installed around here..I'm in the city....

Any tips or advice would be great.

 

I have had the Typhoon on my MCS for almost 2yrs now. It is an easy mod and the sound is great. I would suggest you find someone who is close and willing to help out to do the install instead of giving the money to a shop. The install can be done easily in an afternoon with basic tools. I'd be happy to help, but I am 3hrs south of ya. Good luck.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=25654

And order the right filter from AJUSA.COM. Free shipping! It's a 10 min job for someone whos done it before. Less than a hour for a first timer....

Then put the rest of your money in a fund for other mods....

Matt

 

watever you do, don't get the Alta CAI...dripping oil mess down to the bottom of my tranny case.

took me 3hours+ to clean up their poor quality control. Alta blamed me that it was my fault that i didn't wipe the cone with a towel before install... wtf is that? lol...

I personally recommend the Pilo intake. inexpensive, easy to install, nice craftsmanship. I had that before and absolutely no issues.

 

I have and love the ALTA, didn't have the same issues as mentioned, tough I have a little drip to the bottom of the inatke "box" nothing that would overflow. I have also seen the K&N kit, looks pretty sound, I only have 2 things against it, the "forced" air manages to blow dust and dirt all over the engine bay and the most advantageous place to get air from (the cowl) retains the stock heatshield and small opening so there is plenty of air going unused, and if you want to open it up you also have the hot engine air dumping into the HVAC intake. I think it is a good kit and an excelltent start for engine modding.

 

So I don't have any other mods on my MC...is the typhoon a good start?
Anywhere that I can pick it up locally?

 

If you are looking for the "best bang for the buck" the Typhoon isn't the obvious choice unless you can get it used. I personally like K&N products, I like the way the Typhoon looks (best bling for the buck ), and I did get it used. I have friends with the Alta and love it as well as some home made solutions similar to the HAI.

I do not know of any place locally that carries the product, but Chicago is a big place.

 

What do you mean by get used to it?
And what would you consider best bang for the buck?

 

I meant purchase the product second hand, from another MINI owner on NAM or possibly on eBay. That is how I purchased my Typhoon.

Best bang for the buck? Depends on who you ask. A lot of research has been done on this subject, and if you use the search feature you can find enough reading to keep you busy for a while. Again you can go for the very cheap HAI to the very expensive Dinan. All have their advantages beyond cost, it comes down to what suits your needs. Things to consider:

1.) Cost
2.) Performance
3.) Warranty
4.) Installation
5.) Maintenance

I know that doesn't answer your question directly, but this is like asking which Cooper is best for you. Like all mods, this choice is a personal one, and in the end you have to decide on what makes you happy. My best advice (you know everyone has some), find someone out there that you trust and who has some of the mods you would like and try them out before you buy them.

 

AH, mis-understood what you typed. Found the typhoon on ebay, good deal. I'm going to start with this mod and go from there.

 

Just saw this

 

Thanks for the heads up.

 

I know that PepBoys sells K&N products - or at least the one on Fullerton and Harlem does. If you don't win the bid on ebay, maybe you could try calling them. If they have one for the Mini in stock (which I doubt they would)...then you can pick it up. Just a thought. . . I was kinda surprised to see the isle of K&N products.. they had quite a bit.

 

I was even more shocked to see K&N products at Blain's Farm and Fleet, and it was about $10-$15 less then at Advanced Auto Parts or Pep Boys...

Come to think of it... you may have to travel to Chicago's biggest suburb (Milwaukee) to get to a Farm and Fleet, because I don't know if you have those down there.

 

There is one in Woodstock on RT14 aka Northwest Highway.