Hello all. Welcome to my first post...

Anyways, going out to find a Mini next week... most likely I'll be looking at 05/06s. I might consider an 07, but their prices are just a bit more than what I'd really like to spend.

So, I'm currently a WRX owner. I'm not completely new to the tuning world, just the Mini tuning world. I really learned a lot with the Subaru. I made plenty of mistakes along the way, but eventually put together a car that I was pretty happy with.

I'd like to avoid some of those mistakes, headaches, and extra costs this time around with the Mini. I've been trolling around here, trying to learn about the Mini and it's tuning world, and I have a few questions.

Tuners, vendors... Who are some of the most established and reputable? Any tuners in Texas to recommend?

I've got pretty modest goals as far as tuning. Full exhaust, pulley, intercooler maybe... but I'll probably focus more on suspension mods.

Something I'm a little unclear about, is what you guys are doing for engine management.

Are y'all getting away with raising boost without any engine management?

What are y'all doing for engine management? Piggyback units, chips, ECU reflashes??? For the most part, I used the Cobb AccessPort with the Subaru and was very happy with it. (If anyone here is familiar with that) What would be the Mini's analog of the AP?

Who offers a proven stage 2 type package? I don't really get too hung up on the whole "stage #" thing. In the Subaru world, a stage 2 package usually included a turbo back exhaust and an ecu reflash. I'd like to find a good similar package for the Mini. Cats are a must for me this time around. Didn't have any on the WRX, but since I'm about to graduate as an Environmental Eng... I kind of have some ethical obligations I need to uphold.

Feel free to impart whatever other knowledge I may need. I'm learning, so the fewer places I have to look, the better.

thanks

 

I'm in for this thread - I just picked up an 05 with 25k miles on it and have almost the same exact thoughts/questions.

I also had a 3 highly modified and tuned Subaru's - an FXT and 2 Legacy GT's (one spec B) an Feel free to check out my sig to see those rides.

 

hey

i also came from the stage 2 wrx world. my plans for my MCS include reduction pulley kit, intake, and exhaust as far as power mods. i also have some powerslot rotors, mintek brake red box pads, and plan to get an upgraded rear sway bar.

if you search around, you will see that the pulley kit, intake, and exhaust are really common power modifications for reliable gains (depends on how extreme you go).

 

Awesome ......like I always say, go big or go home....

I had a GTi as well, looks like we have great taste in cars....LOL

I've been reading a ton....just gotta figure out a 15% or 17% on the pulley...fun times....can't wait to read more!

 

So, picked up an '06 yesterday. What a fun car. Not nearly as fast as the wrx, but the handling more than makes up for it. Chili Red, white roof, red and black leather, sun roof, hk stereo (sounds great)... 21K miles... love it.

Anyways, I've been looking around a bit myself and learning more. I see that some are doing some ecu tuning, but not the majority. I'd never raise the boost on a wrx without doing something for ecu tuning. It's just hard for me to be convinced it's really safe with the Mini. Maybe it's something the stock ecu is capable of dealing with though. Don't know.

There doesn't seem to be anything quite like the Access Port... at least not in terms of popularity, ease, flexibilty, proven-nes (if that's a word), etc... If there is, I haven't come across it yet. Kind of surprising considering how long the Mini has been out, and how many are on the road.

 

The '07 is second generation with turbo and the '06 and before are supercharged. Drive both but if you want a supercharger you'll have to stick with '06 or before. Good Luck!!