I have a 2007 MC (non-s)...

1. what's a good exhaust to get?
2. are there any cam upgrades?
3. What ECU's are out there?
4. What are some quick and easy ways to increase horsepower?
5. Is it always 120,000 degrees in your MC because the sunroof doesn't have a solid shade when it's summer time??


I've had my MINI for about a year and a half now and I am just now getting into the game, all of your advice will be greatly appreaciated!!

 

I would go to sponsor sites like http://www.outmotoring.com/

It is sectioned in different criteria. It even has a summary of the part description. If I do not understand something, I would come back to NAM and use the search to learn more about it.

 

I have a Borla on my R50, which sounds nice and gives a little extra grunt. Not sure if they have one for the R56. I believe there are cams to be had, talk to Way at WayMotorWorks, he can probably help you out with that. He's a good place to start for ECU tuning as well.

Chasing horsepower on Non-S cars is sort of a waste of money. Focus on handling. That said, I've blown a few hundred bucks on the cat-back exhaust, as well as a Cold Air Intake. I have an aFe, Way has a good one too. He's basically the guy to go to around here for most performance stuff. Other vendors such as Alta, Outmotoring, EurosportDesign, etc, are well known and respected.

Yes, it always as hot as hell. I hate the sunroof.

Good luck!

 

I have a 2007 MC (non-s)...

1. what's a good exhaust to get? None really... All of them will drone...

2. are there any cam upgrades? I'm sure there are...


3. What ECU's are out there? No other ECU's but ECU tuning from Revolution Mini Works, and Alta Mini using the Accessport.

4. What are some quick and easy ways to increase horsepower? None...

5. Is it always 120,000 degrees in your MC because the sunroof doesn't have a solid shade when it's summer time?? Yes, until you get a Zippie Shade, or tint the crap out of the sunroof glass.

 

Unless you live below the Tropic Of Cancer the Sun is never directly overhead and the farther we are from the Summer Solstice the lower in the south the Sun is, so a goodly portion of the heat is from the Sun shinning through the windows. I have ceramic tint on my windows all the way around and on the sunroof. Air Blue 85% on the windshield. 30% everywhere else, it helps a lot. I left the car parked in the Sun with the window partially open. When I came back i noticed, on the vinal seat, where the shadow from the tinted window and the direct Sun light were. I felt both, where the light was coming through the tinted window, the seat was fairly warm. Right next to it where the light was coming through the open window, the seat was very hot. A much bigger difference than I would have expected. Anyway, depending on who installs it, ceramic tint can be a little expensive, but I think well worth it.

 

VIP exhaust is the only aftermarket for the Cooper. You can always get a custom exhaust. Schick makes cams for the S doubt they would work for the Cooper because they are set up different. One ECU for the MINI that is what comes in the car but, as far as the tuning goes there is none for the Cooper. Once they crack the 2011+ there might be tuning available for the Cooper because of the similarities in the engines. There is really no easy ways to increase hp but there are ways to do it.

 

A Dimsport tuner can tune a non-S...but you're not going to see much gain.

If I were you I'd just do an exhaust to make it sound good, then focus all of your attention on lightening the car and improving the suspension. Everything else is just a waste on a Cooper non-s. You can do a ported head, header, exhaust, intake, tune, and even after all that you're going to have a car thats barely as quick as a stock Cooper S. Soooo, might as well dump money into the handling department as you will see great results.

Oh and as far as the heat coming through the sunroofs....get a ZippeeShade. I have them and use them in the summer here in AZ and they work great and are easily removeable. http://www.zippeegear.com/

 

Thanks for the info everyone! I got online and ordered a Zippee shade right away! I can't stand getting in my Cooper and being soaked with sweat by the time I get to my destination, I can say it is honestly the only thing I do not like about the Mini's.

I do want an exhaust, so I'll look at the suggestions you guys have given!

Thanks again!