I'm not a high rated poster here but as I'm finishing my MINI Cooper S project, I would like to share it as I think it would be a practical example for how to reach very good performance without spending a lot of money...

Engine:
- K&N panel air filter
- OBX exhaust manifolds
- Oneball exhaust mod
- ECU optimizing remapping

Suspensions:
- Bilstein B8 + Eibach Prokit suspensions kit (incoming --> i just have to install them!)
- IE front adjustable camber plates
- PFF5-101 front Powerflex bushing
- PFR5-110 rear Powerflesh bushing
- Custom toe and camber angles
- Rear IE adjustable 22mm sway bar

Brakes:
- Ferodo DS2500 front brake pads
- Ferodo DS2500 rear brake pads
- Ferodo DOT5.1 brake fluid
- Tyrolsport brake nuts kit

Others:
- Sparco PRO2000 kevlar racing seats
- OZ Superleggera lightweight alloys
- DEKA ETX20L lightweight battery
--> this and many others remotions brought to a huge weight loss plan, for a total of 182lbs that maybe will increase when and if I will decide to remove also the door and rear plastic panels and the interior ground trim.

Here are the pics of the baby:











As you can see my "style" is very simple and clear, and everything I do is focused to reach a better performance (except the aero grills, of course )
I think you won't doubt me if I say that it's a complete different car from the stock one...
Now it's a pleasure to drive, all the feelings given from the car are a great experience that the stock MINI doesn't give.
I just would like to fit an AP Racing brake kit but it's too much expensive for my actual budget, so I'll try to get it maybe in the future in order to fix the "spongy" MCS's brakes.

I want to end saying that is nice to see that you american guys live the MINI in a motorsport view much more than in the rest of the world, and I hope you will appreciate these mods.
If you're interested in my complete weight loss list, just ask it


Cheers,
Albert

 

Nice car and mods
Italy 1
USA 1

 

Looking great! You should add a 15% (or other %) pulley and you'll be shocked with the quick and relatively cheap power!

 

Fantastico!!!

 

humm...you're still missing the pretty girl in your picts.

 

Very nice! However, you should consider getting a rollbar and harnesses to go along with your Pro2k. running fixed-back seats without a rollbar can be a bit risky. That, or you could switch over to a seat like the Recaro Speed, which will still decrease some weight and hold you in place better than the stock seat.

PS - I like your battery mounting system In my old M3, I used water bottles to hold the battery in place.

 

All those pictures and not one of the engine....

Looks good man!
-Cody

 

thank you for interesting!

snM3... are you crazy? with a rollbar in Italy I would go on serious troubles with the local police, it's absolutely forbidden!!!!
I could be sanctionated even with my mods, imagine with a rollbar and 4 point harness! :impatient

about the pulley kit, I will consider it in the next months as I've finished my € at the moment...

pic of the engine...

 

I can't imagine a rollbar or better seat-belts/harnesses would be against any kind of law. Those are safety items! I'd be no less surprised if airbags or ABS was against the law there.

Edit: certainly not doubting you! Just amazed!

 

i still don't see stella.... the hell's wrong with you guys?

 

the rollbar is extremely dangerous if you don't wear a helmet, as your head can hit the tubes in an accident with death risk.

anyway, for the italian street law you shouldn't change ANYTHING of your car, because EACH item, EACH component should be omologated by the factory :impatient

 

Very nice.

 

Nice car, like the scope, with no back seats does your rear get a little loose at times. Also, I'm up North in Bayern, GE, if you head this way let me know, I've got some amazing country roads that let you really get the feel for your Minis' handling. Oh, with the rollbar, yeah I understand, laws here are quite different.