R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 What is your best "single" mod?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 09:23 PM
  #1  
minihune's Avatar
minihune
Thread Starter
|
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Since we have a thread on worst mod why not have one on your best single mod- the one that made the most difference for you or you liked the most or couldn't live without.

I know for some MCS owners the pulley upgrade would be it. I don't have that so I would say so far my best single mod would be lightweight wheels. Cause it helps in:
Handling-better tires
Acceleration-quicker like adding more power
Braking distance- shorter due to less wheel weight
Looks nicer- better than the stock rims and unique for my MINI-lots of choices
Reduces brake dust buildup- For some reason, maybe the better airflow the aftermarket rims didn't have as much trouble with brake dust as my S-lytes that were like dust magnets!
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 09:42 PM
  #2  
asodestrom's Avatar
asodestrom
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Best mod for me was to upgrade the loose nut behind the wheel. 200 bucks at a performance driving school is a bargain, and it transfers to your other cars :smile:
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 10:07 PM
  #3  
minihune's Avatar
minihune
Thread Starter
|
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>Best mod for me was to upgrade the loose nut behind the wheel. 200 bucks at a performance driving school is a bargain, and it transfers to your other cars :smile:
asodestrom,
Ahh, now why didn't I think of that! I guess my loose nut behind the wheel got a little too loose and fell off and got trapped behind the seat or something.

I'm glad you were not fooled at all and yes your upgrade will transfer to other vehicles. However you may not want to drive anything else.

Evidence-my Maxima SE now feels like a wet noodle cadillac after driving an MCS around.
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 10:11 PM
  #4  
Yucca Patrol's Avatar
Yucca Patrol
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
Likes: 2
From: Burning-Ham Alabama
For performance, my best mod to date was ditching the runflat tires and replacing them with 215/45/17 Yokohama ES-100's.

For daily motoring, my Garmin Streetpilot III nav system keeps me from getting lost and finds new and interesting short-cuts through town.
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 10:13 PM
  #5  
Ryephile's Avatar
Ryephile
OVERDRIVE
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,009
Likes: 32
From: Metro-Detroit
I feel compelled to say my Schroth 4-point harness was the best single mod/upgrade.
None of the others matter if you're being strewn about the interior.
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 10:14 PM
  #6  
minicoop78's Avatar
minicoop78
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: phoenix
i have an s so pulley but wheels are freakin great such a difference. also when having a tire place put "said wheels" back on car check the lugs lost two on the highway was most likely 3 min. from haveing my wheel totally off the car front driver side. ya my car would have been totalled. thanks discount.... love the tires not almost losing my car and maybe more. i was going 80 when i felt the thing wobbeling.
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 10:29 PM
  #7  
hafid's Avatar
hafid
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 1
From: Bucks
ouch minicoop...that's crazy!

my single best mod - new iginition coils/wires/plugs....practically got rid of any stumble!

haf :smile:
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 10:46 PM
  #8  
dbwilldo's Avatar
dbwilldo
Coordinator :: Southern California MINI Maniacs
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 959
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
so far, I'd have to say the best mod I've made to my MC has been the K&N Typhoon intake. Improved power, gas mileage (when I keep my foot out of it ) plus it looks awesome and sounds great!
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2003 | 11:32 PM
  #9  
BoopedrivesmyMINI's Avatar
BoopedrivesmyMINI
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: cincy,OH
Taking driving school definitely!

you think you know it all .......you have no idea!
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 03:14 AM
  #10  
CooperBeagle's Avatar
CooperBeagle
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 2
From: South Bend, Indiana
Whalen shift ****!

1. Greatly enhances the quality and exciting look of the interior.
2. Improves the actual performance of your shifting.
3. Is one of three prime contact points in the driving experience.
4. Can be totally personalized.
5. Makes me smile!

God speed.

 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 03:27 AM
  #11  
Darxar's Avatar
Darxar
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
All were great! its hard to pick one, did them for different reasons

The Pulley was the best bang for the buck,
The Intake for those who are deaf,
Exhaust for the "push ya back in your seat",
ECU Cleans up the whole car,
Wheels and Tires for the "Drive Factor",
Goast Flames for the "Look Factor",
Wires, Plugs and others, just for fun.
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 03:56 AM
  #12  
Deli's Avatar
Deli
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
The EuroShelf!

I know; most will find this silly but I mention it for two reasons. First, it's about all I've done. Second, it really does help in terms of organizing things inside. I keep two remotes and an EZPass down there. Oh...and some Altoids in a "limited" edition Curious George box. :smile:
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 04:11 AM
  #13  
d-mini-ero's Avatar
d-mini-ero
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
DA PULLEY!!!!!!

Peace,
D
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 04:32 AM
  #14  
greatgro's Avatar
greatgro
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Pulley. hands down - transforms this car into something it should have been from the factory - phenomenal.

Ok I know, the thread says only one "single" mod. But after having the pulley for 19k miles and forgetting how slow this car used to be, I'm thrilled with my UUC exhaust. Lots of dough per HP but when you consider:

1 - You SEE the mod everytime you get in your car (well at least the tips)
2 - You FEEL the mod with the increase in power everytime you floor it (which, let's face it, is pretty often ).
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 05:13 AM
  #15  
Redleg13's Avatar
Redleg13
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
My magnaflow exhaust system -- by far! Before the 'flow the earth was flat and so was my driving experience. My Mini now resonates, rumbles, and roars!
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 05:18 AM
  #16  
MGCMAN's Avatar
MGCMAN
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
For performance, the pulley naturally.

For looks, the chrome trim kit for the interior, takes it to a much more British level.

For all around best, seat time on the track.
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 06:04 AM
  #17  
MG-BGT's Avatar
MG-BGT
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 0
Easy one for me: rear sway bar - it's my only non-decorative mod.
Got the Alta 22mm bar on stiffest setting, and absolutely love it, it transforms the car, on track but also during spirited driving. I don't have the pulley mod (yet), but have driven several pulley MCSs, and I'd still stick to my choice of going suspension mods first, before power mods. Next are tires/wheels, and then maybe pulley etc...
Ultimately though, any mod that makes you smile more is a good mod!
M.
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 06:06 AM
  #18  
resmini's Avatar
resmini
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 1
Window tint for $100. Worth every penny!


R.E.
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 06:11 AM
  #19  
minidreamin's Avatar
minidreamin
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
My best mod so far has to be XM Radio. With 100 channels and coast to coast coverage, it's the best $10 I spend every month. If you're sick of FM and don't want the hassle of a stack of CDs you've heard a thousand times, get XM. Trust me...You'll love it.
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 06:24 AM
  #20  
scooterboy's Avatar
scooterboy
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Complete audio system overhaul. No question.
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 08:09 AM
  #21  
DaCrema's Avatar
DaCrema
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 970
Likes: 1
From: Metro Washington D. C.
light in sight. It is good for a car length when getting away form a stop light. Costs about $12.00 (US).

Light n sight web site
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 11:20 AM
  #22  
mini_for_me's Avatar
mini_for_me
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma, WA
Best mod for me was the MiniMadness rear sway bar. This bar eliminated the understeer and made my MINI much more balanced in the turns. Lots o' fun!!
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 12:23 PM
  #23  
elbee's Avatar
elbee
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis, Mo.
Ryephile:

I feel compelled to say my Schroth 4-point harness was the best single mod/upgrade. None of the others matter if you're being strewn about the interior.
Not to be a jerk, but the 4 or 5 pt harness is more dangerous if you don't have a roll-cage. With a conventional seatbelt, (in the event of a roll-over) you will be able to lye down into the center of the car. With a 4 or 5 pt harness, your melon (head) will catch the roof and you'll break your neck and damage your melon pretty badly. If you don’t have a roll cage, you can use a seatbelt that goes around your torso and it hold you in place very well. Here's a link to one that my friends use:
http://www.soloperformance.com/Deskt...mp;selection=4
FYI – some police officers a stubborn when it comes to racing harnesses. Some are approved for 200+mph impacts, but are not DOT approved.

 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 12:33 PM
  #24  
antsmini's Avatar
antsmini
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 0
From: New York
This is my fav....



_________________
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2003 | 01:53 PM
  #25  
jmoser's Avatar
jmoser
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Consdiering I haven't modded much yet (just a Rogue CAI)

Hands down--its the $6 rearview mirror that clips on to the "cool" MINI rearview mirror--with my improved vision I can see out the complete back window as well as both rear side windows...definitely makes lane changes safer...

I appreciate it every time I'm in traffic!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:07 AM.