I've been thinking about buying a Sprintex S/C for my '06 MCS, but don't know anything about mods. I do have a very reliable mechanic who works on my MINI now that it's out of warranty.

But does anyone have any advice for a 1st time buyer?

Thanks!

If your not a heavy mod guy and into doing work yourself that is def. not the mod for you. It will cost you way more than you expect, and there are plenty of proven easy bolt on mods you can do that you will love.

I have to agree I asked this same question of my Mini Mechanic the other day (who has a Rotex BTW) and was told dont do it, if I am going to do anything he said a Head would be money better spent.

Okay, I hear you. I was really attracted to the idea of getting this thing, but if you say the cost would be too high, how much would it be? The unit is around $3400.

What would your recommend if I wanted to add more horsepower to my R53?

What is a Head?

Depends on what you want to do...
IMO, a pulley (pick 15% or 17%)....based on driving style...high revvver get the 15% IMO, commuter, get the 17%.
Then want more?
You can do a catback, maybe a header depending on your emissions...
A camshaft and/or ported head, and a set of bigger injectors, then a custom tune..can get you 230+ HP...good useable power...no garage queen.
You will have so much...you will need bigger brakes....a stronger clutch (maybe)...and you will want a LSD in the tranny....
Then want a better suspension....
The options are endless!!

OP, I would start simple, like a pulley, belt, rear swaybar, intake and a tune. If you like the way it's going, do lots of reading, cut through the internet marketing, and determine which is the best way to go for more aggressive mods.

Ouch....
The top of the motor...has the valves....
Think it might be time to do some reading before you spend $5000 on mods (about the rotex kit plus install).....or lots of other stuff to get similar results for less $$.

Thanks, ZippyNH, I've heard about trying a lighter pulley but only what I've read in the Euro Car mags. I don't mash on the pedal like I used to, but having more hp/torque sounds great. My original philosophy was sticking with OEM part while car was still under warranty. But now that I'm out, and I have a great mechanic, I was wondering what kind of improvements I could make.

I live in California and our emission standards are pretty high. I've owned a Toyota Celica GT, Mazda RX-7 and Honda Prelude Si and over the years it got tougher and tougher to pass smog.

I've been reluctant to mess with the intake, exhaust, cat-back because I was concerned about not passing the smog test. I've heard R53 owner say, "You've got nothing to worry about." but experience has taught me to do my homework first.

Thx Helix,

I'll look into the pulleys & belts, that sounds relatively easy. What are your thoughts in an ECU tune? Which is the best?

I'm a Sprintex owner & I love it, but I Absolutely agree with everyone else, there is considerable more research & learning you should do, and also a considerable amount of other things that should be done first if you're looking for improved performance.

Basic advise to everyone who is new to Mini & wants more performance is this:
Better Rear Sway Bar
Reduced size Pulley Package, 15% (track) or 17% (street) (Pkg's have all the parts you need, Pulley, Plugs, Belt......)
CAI (Which you already have covered w/ your JCW parts)
Custom Tune
Then if you want more:
Exhaust
Header
Injectors
Cam or Adjusted Cam Gear (or both)
Re-Tune

If you accomplish all of this then we can help you go farther.

Good Luck & Have Fun

Living in CA, I'd keep it LOOKING STOCK under the hood...
That means you can do lots...with my mods, I have 200 HP (to the wheels), lots more tq down ...low...so nice gain...car runs smoother than new, etc. With a camshaft or head work, I could do more like 230-240, but I found my 200 to the tires is plenty (more than a JCW, same year to the pavement).... Frankly, more would be mostly bragging rites, as opposed to usable power....I would have to get a LSD, maybe better clutch, stickier tires, might loose the bulitproof relilibility I have had. I have no codes, my car looks stock, and passes a plug-in emissions test, no issues. No games swapping parts, etc....
One tip...
Some mods...like a big valve head (bvh) can add top end power, but loose you lower end tq...less so with a camshaft, but still something to consider...
Your driving style will effect you mod choices....but a pulley is a good, cheap start for 90% of folks, and all that maybe 50% will ever need.