So i got my hands on a 2009 Mini Cooper S Auto, and decided to go racing at a time trial event.

This car is awesome, and i know i will be buying one very soon. Now i have a few questions.

Is the Auto trans weak when it comes to handling mods to car?

Also which is the best mini platform to get for road racing? i have 20k to spend..but would like to stay under that mark so i can mod car once i get it.

I won first place by the way!!

 

Basic s with no packages.

 

For mods get the S and mod the tires and suspension, starting with a rear swaybar, then dampers if you can afford it.

 

If you want the absolute best platform, a stripped out manual S with 16's would be the best option in that price range I think.

The auto isn't weak, but I find it to be a little too unresponsive to aggressive corner driving. The gearing is awesome for high speed cruising, but I often find myself in the wrong gear. In a straight line, it's probably as fast as a manual if not a fraction quicker, but the manual is lighter and you're in full control. You can also get a used one with LSD if you're lucky. The factory LSD isn't amazing, but it's better than nothing!

 

thx for the replies guys.. now how do i go about finding such a mini?

how do i know if it has lsd or not?

and is turbo better than the supercharger?

 

Find a used S for cheep, most likley a private party. Then stip it. The stock lds is not a real LDS buy aftermarket. Turbo vs. Superchrger. Thats is a never ending debate.

 

Just have to look out for one with the LSD. The factory LCD like Minionymous said isn't great by any means. I've read it only provides 30% lock, which isn't great, but unless you're willing to pay a lot for labor replacing it with something that performs well, it's better than an open diff. I prefer the feel of the LSD to DTC personally, but I guess I'm just used to mine.

I like the tuned supercharged cars a little more personally, this is subjective though.

 

I saw a Fully modded R53 w. 215-220hp est... get it's *** kicked with a base model MANUAL S R56 with Alta FMIC, Catback, Intake and Accessport programming... The turbo was the CooperS stock .. he could still get a JCW one, that's bigger and still get more HP.. so go figure.. R56's are more mod friendly and responsive than the r53's...

but that superhcarger noise is just perfect.. i wanted an electric blue S.. but couldn't find it when i was shopping for one

R53's are more reliable into HEAVY modding.. because of their iron block... MiniCraft had the most gains on supercharger (to my knowledge)@ 331bhp..

 

so the search is on. if anyone has any good leads please post away. i think i am going turbo, because i have more knowledge with turbo setups

 

Best to have no sunroof if you are tracking.

Mod parts are quite expensive as the regular stuff from some of the popular vendors will not work all that well on a track duty car.

 

where are you located? so you are looking for an 07+ MCS with no packages? and under 20k price what about mileage?

 

I'm located in ny and am not too worried about mileage

 

well if you have a little bit of patience and look on craigslist within 250-300 miles you can find a good deal like i did. 07 MCS premium and sport packages for 12700 after a lil negotiating and alot of driving! that would give you a TON to put in to parts, ie rims 2k, FMIC 1k, AP tuner 1k, exhaust+down pipe 1500, plus tax and other misc. stuff your just shy of 20k! good luck!

 

heres one and it doesnt look like it has any packages on it either....
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/2339941397.html

 

Wow awesome. Wish I am that lucky when the time comes

 

Passport Mini had a perfect car for that a few weeks ago. Xenons and LSD were the only options, Astro black on black.