Hi, everyone, I'm a Mini noob (my other car is a 2012 Lotus Evora S) and very glad to be here and looking forward to getting acquainted. Picked up my MCS yesterday. It drives nice but the 163 hp feels a bit anemic. Would you mind sharing a few ideas on how I can efficiently increase the power upwards of 200 hp? For any of you from the Tampa Bay area (I live in Palm Harbor), I'd also be grateful for a referral to a good Mini mechanic. The dealer is just up the road but they seem a little clueless about engine mods.

Sorry if my questions seem MOM. I did a search of the forum and didn't see the items brought up. Thanks in advance.

 

A good place to start would be a supercharger pulley reduction. A 17% reduction will give you a little more lower end torque as apposed to a 15%.
Most people wanting to start modding their mini's will start with this because It's the easiest and cheapest way to gain a good amount of power.

The next things to look into would be an exhausts, larger injectors, and eventually a custom Tune; and with those done, you'll be looking at over 200 HP.

Hope this helps!

 

Cold air intake, 15% reduction supercharger pulley are the most popular "first" mods. Once the need for speed bug has its grip on you, a header, cam and ported polished head along with some injectors and a custom tune will have you smiling every time you hop in your MINI. Got a couple local or semi local links for you below.

http://delegance-autosports.com/contact.php See Ralph, I drive an hour for him to do my work.

http://www.thumperheads.com/ In Orange park, when you are ready for a head

 

I know a very good tech that has been working on them since they were released in 02'. He has done every type of mod you can think of on R53's. If interested please private message me. Thanks

 

Two first time posters....in a thread...wow. Both from the same city....
Set-up?! Lol
200 to the wheels is not hard with a reasonable strong motor...I have it.

 

Suggest a pulley, intake, exhaust (last 2 for mostly sound), then to get past 185 HP, you will likl need a tune with bigger injectors....
I would recommend you get a bigger rear sway bar...for pure fun....should give you 200-210 HP on a honest dyno if the motor is in good shape for a small amount of $$, and should be good reliable power.
Lots of info in these threads...a bit of research/reading too!!
If you want 230, a can, and still greedy... A bit of headwork can get you more...for more $$.

 

P.S.
Look closely at your car...many cars have some mods...like a pulley....just hard to spot!