I am wanting to hear everyone's opinion on what to do next? I have a ColdAir Intake, 17% reduction, Catback exhaust, MSD coil and wires, and NGK plugs. My buddy's family happens to own the nicest track here in my home state, so my car will see a few days on the track but for the most part it's my daily driver, so keep that in mind. What can I do to get more power without porting the head or getting a new cam? I have an ECU flash already but haven't installed it yet. So more power? Next I'm looking at brakes. I don't want to fork out over a grand, I'm thinking either slotted or drilled rotors, nice pads, steel lines, and premium fluid. From what I can gather, I can get all of that for around $600. Lastly, for suspension, I'm not looking to get a whole new suspension, maybe a new sway bar, or new springs, Definitely some grippy tires, but that's about it. Alright now That I've written a novel, I want to hear your thoughts.... ready... go!

 

Get JCW injectors, or bigger.

 

What will a lightweight flywheel do for my acceleration?

 

22mm rear sway bar is an awesome bang for buck. The flash Along with 380cc or 450cc injectors will be a decent boost in power.

 

This will only sharpen throttle response and will let the motor rev out more quickly, not necessarily increase acceleration.

 

So the benefits from a lighter flywheel and a more aggressive clutch would be more for a track style car where rpm matching and heal toe shifting is applied?

 

Yea I guess you could put it that way. Easier to rev match and allows you to shift slightly quicker as the revs will drop quicker. Is your clutch needing replacing?

 

Not right now, it's getting older though so probably within the next year... Any suggestions? Keep in mind this is my DD that will occasionally see some action not the other way around

 

I wouldn't put in a lightened flywheel unless you're already replacing your clutch. And unless you're running lots of power, an OEM clutch will be fine.

 

Drive it! Hard!

 

For more power:
GP Intercooler and JCW Injectors, both good mods and reliable.

For handling:
Hsport Comp Rear Sway bar, if you don't do anything else do this it is the must have.
Powerflex control Arm bushings, these wear out every 40k so they may just need to be replaced for maint, let alone going to the track.

Brakes:
Motul Brake fluid, most important no matter what you do. You need the high boiling point to not overheat the fluid.
Drilled rotors tend to crack under track use so we don't recommend them.

This is a good start.

 

I would definitely look into suspension work some springs and front camber plates with a rear sway if you want then a nice alignment. After brake as stated above by Way. Then look into some more power upgrades.

 

Lighten up:
-Strip the interior
-rear seat delete
-A/C delete
-1 ball
-Lightweight wheels
-R56 rear trail arms
-CF hood, hatch, doors, roof, A panels
-& most significantly, go on a diet if you're on the heavy side.

 

Hahaha I'm 5'7" and 130 lbs... not exactly what you'd call heavy. I don't have all that cash to throw into a CF body... as much as I'd love to.

 

Lighter wheels is a nice improvement!

 

I think I'm going to start suspension and brakes first... then come back to what will make it faster. All great great idea's guys!

 

Good choice you won't regret it. Plus what is the point in having power if you can't put it down properly.

 

exactly! I was having a fun drive with a buddy tonight and I love the handling in my car and was just wondering, if it can be that much better... it should be! He has a 2013 VW Golf R. Gosh it puts the GTI to shame... If I was getting a brand new fast car it'd be a 2013 JCW but with that said his car is a close 2nd or 3rd.... Gotta beat him though.

 

Two minis I know of ran prototype eibach springs and some custom camber plates and a race alignment with the only power adders being an exhaust and stripped interior. R56 jcw btw. The were fastest in their class for redline time attack always.

 

Swift Springs & some dampers of your preference. You won't go wrong w/ em!

 

What I have will be getting eibach camber plates soon!

 

We'll see what the tax refund does for me! Great suggestions on the suspension! I don't currently have strut reenforcement is that something I should look into?

 

Yes I got the craven speed ones just cause the m7 were on back order.

 

Ordered some Hsport springs. The suspension tuning begins

 

Are you trying to go fast on a road coarse? or just want bragging rights at a stop light?
If you want to get serious on the track I vote for tires next.
I tracked my mini r53 once just for fun (but have tracked several other cars) and only have:
Tein springs
Stock shocks
Hawk hp pads
Sstl lines w race fluid (doesn't help performance really)
Wmw Pulley
Alta drop in filter
Sport clutch (PO installed, not sure what it is)

And with those minimal upgrades I still found my tires were hindering my lap times more than anything else. I had all seasons so it was REALLY annoying.