I don't plan on racing my 2006 MCS. I just want a bit more HP. Im thinking of a JCW CAI, a 15% Ultrik pulley and a 19mm rear sway bar. Anyone see any problems with this setup?

 

No. Although if you are going with a CAI, you might want to consider a cat-back exhaust.

 

Yes. Esp. if oyu do all the mods at once. Odds are you'll be plesantly suprised about how well everything handles and how quickly you move through the gears and next thing you know there will be flashing lights behind you and your budget will have just gone up $150.

Sounds like a good plan I'd also second a cat-back along the lines of a Millitek, One-ball or complimenting JCW exhaust as a balance of more air in means you might as well let more air out. It's something that would enhacne but isn't nessacary esp. considering this sounds like a street non tracked car.

 

Yea, there is a major problem....it's addicting. Once you start you don't stop, so I'm warning you now!

-Cody

 

I second that...

1st I said...Only a Panel air filter upgrade to K&N mostly for the sake of not having to get an oem from the nearest Mini dealer (*120 mi) or fleabay (desert air is VERY dusty)

hmmm...What about an oil catch can since I cleaned my IC and found lots of crud at 19k mi

Hmmmm then...Catback Milltech...lovin it!

Then I found a nice NEW set of R84's w/ Dunlop 5000's (take offs) on fleabay...(Do not care for my 17" superlight/goodyears so these go on when the current ones wear out

Then found a great deal on a JCW front strut bar. Our roads are the worst so I figured...may it will help with possible strut mushroom problems...No matter what I read here...handling did improve...works for me but the retail price is not worth it...other options like the Helix bar were second choices

No pulley since the dealer has been cranky warranty wise, of late. Do not like the CAI sound so I am staying with the K&N panel insert.

DEFINATELY CRACK...and I am not a racer or a modder (errrr......)!

 

Pulley is a great mod, but most would recommend that you go with one that is stainless, not aluminium. Personally, I went with the 16% m7 pulley.

As far as intakes are concerned, people who have the JCW intake really seem to like it. But it's a pricey. If you don't want to go with something more extreme (i.e. Alta cai) then the Dinan would be a very acceptable, lower cost alternative to the jcw. The hp you'll get from both is just about the same from both (5hp), but you can get a Dinan for $200 from MINIworks.com and owners have been very happy with it.

As far as the sway bar goes, don't be afraid of going with a bar bigger than 19mm. I don't race my MINI, but decided to go with the three-way 22mm Rspeed bar that is very well liked in the MINI community. It really isn't extreme, even on the middle setting. So I would recommend going with the Rspeed bar (I paid $165 on ebay) or the H-sport competition bar (approx $225) and keep it on the softest setting to start. I think if you go with a 19mm you'll get hooked, put it on the stiffest setting and then wish you'd gone with the bigger bar.

Other than that, I'd have to agree with the other comments. Get an OCC (oil catch can) and, eventually, a cat back system. There's plenty of info about both of these in the forums.

 

Ha, nothing like the mod addiction! Do one mod and get good results and you are toasted.... It is only a question of how much do you do.... I personally started with SSR Comps with non-runflat tires and then went to FSDs. Now I am looking at a 17% s/c reduction pulley. Next item will be a Dinan CAI and probably a Milltek cat-back. Where will I end up???? Even I don't know.

 

Thanks for the info. I don't think the wife will let me get to crazy on the mods, so I'll probably play it safe. Now what's the deal with the Dinan Stage Three Kit...................... .

 

I started with a simple K&N intake, now I'm getting ready to pull the motor -- Johan

 

and that is actually a big problem...

Seriously, CAI + 15% pulley + rear swaybar = perfect setup to begin with.

 

If the wife has a say about how much you spend (I can relate) then the Dinan route isn't the best. Although they do produce good #'s, it gets pricey quick and many have questioned their unique approach to modding a MINI.

 

Here is some advice. Research and read NAM. You're probably thinking, what?? I already do!

Well, READ it. Through research you will be able to find out which products will fit you better, HP numbers, dyno runs, statistic's, results, etc. You will also learn where to buy parts from and where not too, and who has the best prices.

I personally would stay away from Dinan. If I was in your shoes I would research every possible CAI for the MINI (I already have, along with every other part ) and I would choose something different. Now, I'm not calling Dinan bad quality or anything, I just think it's overpriced for what you get. Now, take that money, buy another intake, then take the left over money (if you have any) and save it up or buy another mod with it. I would recommend a pulley.

Cheers,
-Cody

 

where were you with the wisdom when I started !

 

How far are you from Webb Motorsports ? Go see Randy - he will do you right and then there is the drive home

 

Funny you should mention Webb Motorsports. Just got off the phone with Randy. He says they are designing a whole new and evolutionary CAI. It should be ready in about three weeks and cost about $250.00. He said I could get the CIA and a 15% Alta pulley installed for about $650.00. I will probably get a 22mm rear swaybar from him as well.
He said that for my purposes these would be great mods. He also recommended a front tower strut.
I don't know if anyone knows this but Randy is not only personable but he is an aeronautical engineer. Heck I'm a photographer, I wouldn't know the difference between a EUC and a CAI. I'm going to let him do the work. I definitley will enjoy the 20 mile ride home.
You MINI heads here on NAM rock

 

For example, add some Greenstuff (or other preferred after-market pad) brakepads, ATE Blue fluid, SS lines (optional) and brass caliper bushings to GREATLY reduce dust and eliminate boiling fluid.

AND, it is easy to justify..."But, Honey, if I make the car go faster, shouldn't I make sure it's safer too? You don't want the wheels always looking like *&^%, do you?"

 

Uhhh, I'm interested in that CAI lol. And Mark, where did you order all your parts from?

-Cody

 

Another new and evolutionary CAI? Wow. I bet this one is insulated. What a great marketing technique. Helps get those repeat customers and keep the cash rolling in.

 

Yeah, I know what you mean. That whole free enterprise thing is a pain.

 

That is when you know you are sliding down the slippery slope of... MOD ADDICTION....

 

Could very well be (insulated CAI). The Dinan CAI claims to use insulation to keep the airflow cool. And the price point is right around the Dinan CAI as well. Now the real question is whether the customers that purchased the Gen I CAI (that DDM manufactured) can be rolled into the Gen II CAI - that will be the validation of marketing skilll & ability.

 

Very interesting.

 

Every time I get ready to order a CAI I stumble on new information that delays my order as I change my mind. I had never been closer to just ordering one this time and now I read this! Arghhhhh! Oh well, I guess I can wait a few more weeks.

 

Of course. Free research for the vendor.

 

Make one. Be a cheap bastard like me.