Hi Ya'll,

Well It's been 4 years since I picked up my 2002 S.
The Title arrived in the post last week, I can't belive it's all mine!
So I don't have the excuse of invalidating the warrenty with any mods I do either. Soo....

What Mod should I do first?

I heard that a rear sway bar is great for handling but a cone air filter is easy to do. I can change my own oil, so that should give you an idea of my level of mechanical proficency. Whats a good mod I can do myself to start me off?



PS I'm also whoring for congratulations on the pay off so you can leave those too.

 

You luck <insert profanity> guy. Congarts!

I'll give you the generic Mods answer, rather question. After 4 years of ownership what do you want the car to do that it doesn't do now?

Go faster? Turn better? normal maintenance? etc...

 

wait to go on paying it off. i just cant believe you went that long without a mod.

 

cool! congrats.

Is your flavor more for dressup or performance?

 

Go autocrossing, then decide what mods you want.

 

Well done!!

 

IMHO

NONE.

If you own the car, you have equity (whatever it may be)

Every penny you sink into "mods" is most likely money thrown into the wind never to be retrieved .... SO ... think hard about the ROI (Return On Investment) ... that is ....

Whatever you buy, will your enjoyment of it be worth kissing the money goodbye? If so, mod away. If not, save the money for the next MINI

Just food for thought.

 

Welcome to the Paid Off Owners Club!

Personally, do whatever you feel you want too with the car. Just remember though, if it breaks, you fix it.

 

Who on earth buys a car as an investment?

I get particular enjoyment from my Alta CAI. Sounds yummy!

Ooooh... and congrats on the payoff! Feels nice, doesn't it?

 

ROFL. I knew I shouldn't have used the word ROI.

But Toastie, you made my point. You like the loud whine so the "investment" is worth it to you!

 

Sell it and buy another one!

 

Help pay for mine. 71 more payments of $301.44 left

 

Congrads on paying her off.
I stil have to make my first of 60.

 

Congrats! Since I'm about to buy a new one, I've a loooong way to go to that!
Mods? I'm only going to do a few cosmetic mods to my new S. (clear lights for example)

SCMini - I love the Save the Wave badge!

 

What kind of American are you anyway? The audacity of owning something free and clear...,, Now take that title down to your credit union, pledge it for collateral and use the proceeds to speculate in commodity options or some other excitement inducing activity.

 

Heh!

Thanks for all the replys. I try and answer them...

I am interested in performace mods, better handling and acceleration. Hmm I still have my stock wheels, not really a mod but maybe they should be first to go, I hear they weigh a ton?

I don't have any plans on selling the car, it was never an investment. I hope to get another 6 years out of it, even when it's falling apart a Mini Should be fun, but having said that I don't have thousands to spend, so i'm looking for the mod that will give me most joy..
I think I'm talking myself into new wheels now! lol.

Oh, and I'm English by birth so I have this aversion to credit.

Thanks again.

 

Congrats on the clear title. It's a good feeling to have that paper in hand.

now on to business:

15% Reduction Pulley = mod 1
Cold Air Intake = mod 2
Cat-back Exhaust = mod 3

These should be good for an additional 15 to 20 hp.

 

I've taken a handling-performance alternating approach to mods. I started with lighter wheels/better tires, then went with an intake, then went with a sway bar, then went with a cat-back, then went with better brake pads, etc. I don't have an S, but from what I've read on other threads a reduction pulley give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Don't forget interior and exterious mods, too! Personally, one of my favorites in the Europarcel tray to replace the stupid knee kicker panel. Very practical!

 

Congrats on the payoff! I just have 58 more EZ payments, and HYPER J will be all mine!! (payment #2 just made last week)

 

Congrats!!

Alot of jealous people out there (including myself)

I agree w/ MGCMAN

Performance Bang for buck: reduction pulley (by far)

% reduction really depends on your tastes. I used 15% because it is the one with the most reliability feedback and will least affect the longevity of your car. (Insert disclaimer here)

I, however, don't consider it a DIY mod unless you have some mechanical experience. Alot of people will disagree with me on that, though.

Good luck!

PS: Expect a mod addiction to quickly overtake any sense of reason. Once you start, you CAN'T STOP!!!

 

Thanks again for the replys. I can do some research now. Back in the day (2003-4) I know my local group were having 'Pully Parties' So I know it can be done if you have some one with some mechanical knowledge around. The cold Air intake is easy and probably the cheapest so I guess I'll do that first.

I have to say I't really nice to see that the spirit of this board hasn't changed with the new-guard.