I just purchased a 03 MCS Just wondering what performance up grades give the best results for the money, I was very skepitcal of the cooper until I drove it now I'm infected with the whole thing!! :smile:

 

Welcome Newbie...First thing you need to do is start reading in the Performance Thread. Use the search button on the TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER to find your answers to most questions. Most everything you want to know will be in there. And start with the Cold Air Intake to answer your first question. No charge for that one.

 

almost any mod. you do will void your warranty :smile:

 

>>almost any mod. you do will void your warranty :smile:

that's where you're wrong. the only time anything is "voided" is if the stealership can PROVE that doing ____ to your car caused such-n-such a problem. otherwise, there is a law out there that SEMA has been working on that basically says that... if parts are replaced, it's still under warranty. i'll have to dig it up. but yeah, don't worry about "voiding warranty" unless you are gonna go boring/stroking your engine. lol

 

$199 Madness Supercharger Pulley is arguablly the best bang for the buck. It does require a couple hours of your time to install though. Not for the mechanically challenged. But if you don't feel afraid of an engine, and can remove a couple bolts, it's within your ability grasp. Heck, I did it and previous to my MINI I'd never done ANY engine work.

If engine work isn't your thang, the next best bang for the buck is the $189 Madness 3-Way Adjustible Rear Sway Bar. In about an hour of basic installation you can have this installed. It has 3 way adjustibility, but you'll want to use the middle or rear hole. I'm using the rear hole and the car is fantastically changed. Neutral cornering with at-command oversteer with easy correction via throttle manipulation. If I had to build my car all over again, this would be the first thing I'd do (if I didn't do the pulley).

R

 

As requested: The Magnusson-Moss Act of 1975


FANNING FEARS
You want to upgrade your vehicle with aftermarket equipment, but you’re worried about putting the vehicle’s warranty at risk. It’s no wonder. How many times have you heard somene of a dealership say that installing aftermarket equipment automatically voids the warranty? This common misconception has been repeated often enough to be widely believed – though it is completely false.

Fact: Dealers don’t like warranty work, because it pays less than normal repair work. By promoting the myth that aftermarket equipment automatically voids warranties, some dealers avoid such low-paying work. Instead, they attempt to charge customers the prime service rate for work which is rightfully done under warranty.

THE TRUTH
Most vehicle owners are not aware they are protected by federal law: the Magnuson-Moss Warranty – Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975. Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, aftermarket equipment which improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, unless the warranty clearly and conspicuously states that aftermarket equipment voids the warranty. Most states have warranty statutes, as well. Which provide further protections for vehicle owners.

In other words, that means a dealer can’t wiggle out of his legal warranty obligation merely because you install aftermarket equipment. To find out if any aftermarket equipment automatically voids your vehicle’s warranty, check the owner’s manual. It is likely the language you are looking for appears under a heading such as “What Is Not Covered” Although the language seems negative, remember your vehicle manufacturer is simply saying he does not cover the aftermarket products themselves. He is not saying that the products would void the vehicle warranty.

VEHICLE DEALERS OBLIGATIONS
Suppose your modified vehicle needs repairs while still under warranty. Without analyzing the true cause of the problem, the dealer attempts to deny warranty coverage. He made his decision simply based on the fact that you’ve installed aftermarket equipment – a convenient way to dodge low-paying warranty work.

An example of how ridiculous this can get is the man who was denied warranty coverage by a dealer on his power door locks, because he had improved his exhaust system! Sounds nuts? It really happened – because that man did not know his rights and challenge the dealer’s decision.

Fact: A dealer must prove – not just say – that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before he can deny warranty coverage on that basis.

YOUR RIGHTS
Point out to the dealer the provision of the Magnuson-Moss Act- Require that he explain to you how the aftermarket equipment caused the problem. If he can’t – or his explanation sounds questionable – it is your legal right to demand he comply with the warranty.

Fact: If you are still being unfairly denied warranty coverage, there is recourse. The Federal Trade Commission, which administers the Magnuson-Moss Act, monitors compliance with warranty issues. Direct complaints to the FCT at (202) 326-3128.


R

 

I have heard driving school is by far the biggest bang for the buck!!!! That will be my 1st performance mod! Have to get the brain fixed 1st

 

WELCOME
Corbyzz !!!!!!!!!!

rataha;
I agree with you !! Plus a set of light weight wheels and tires are tops on my list !
Best Regards,
Ron
'03 MCS PS/B