Just got a MCS Camden and was wondering what many owners did first to their mini. I definitely want LED license plate lights. Maybe go LED all around interior. Anyone want to share what they did first?

 

change the brake pads to something that doesn't trash the wheels after an hour of driving!

I recommend EBC reds

all the bling in the world still looks like @@@@ when your wheels look like they were last cleaned in 1962.

 

That's actually a great idea! I didn't realize there was such a thing as low-dust pads. I'm going to have to take a look.

 

From Way's page (but perhaps lifted from the EBC page . . .)

Redstuff formula for cars above 200bhp and fastest street driving For FAST STREET USE or daily driving.

This material is a Kevlar fibre based ....

This is a great fast road pad for repeated heavy braking. It emits far less dust than semi-metallic pads and has been proven to stop a passenger car/sedan/sport compact/hot hatch quicker than OEM pads from 100mph/160kph. Features EBC Brake-In surface coating which conditions rotor surface and accelerates pad bed-in.

Being a hard wearing pad, bed-in times can be as long as 1000 miles and drivers must be patient until the pad takes up the shape of their disc (brake rotor).

I used EBC green for a long time (2 sets on my 02 and one on my 07) and they dust LESS then the OE but they still dust. The reds I have on my 07 now? I clean because of road dirt ... not brake dust. Oh - I'm a nanny driver - don't be concerned about the comments of this being a pad for hard driving. They can HANDLE hard driving but IME are fine for nanny!

 

Get a rear sway bar! But brake pads isn't a bad idea. I got EBC greens.

 

Ahaha! I noticed the brake pad dust accumulates FAST! The dealer detailed the car before I left the lot and I washed it again yesterday b/c the wheels were black up front. Granted I've been driving it kind of hard to get acquainted, but I'm glad to learn it wasn't just me thinking they produce a lot of dust.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

get a rear sway bar

I've heard this often since 2002

my question is

can you explain EXACTLY what is to be gained?

When changing brake pads the answer is: much less brake dust, car looks better and needs to be cleaned less frequently

I've yet to find an average owner who could tell me what they expected to get from their new sway bar other that being able to tell folks they had one . . .

btw, doesn't the MINI already HAVE a sway bar????



is a sway bar 'better than'

tires
brakes
driving lessons

 

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it. I usually can't drive hard anyway b/c traffic in town impedes it most of the time, but since these are my first couple days with the Camden I've been having fun when possible.

 

Get a stubby antenna so you don't like you're driving a R/C car. (and swap those brake pads.)

 

My first was to get rid of the chrome - but that depends on what your going for...
22mm rear sway bar is up there too

have fun with the mods

 

Yeah, I have to admit that was one of my first thoughts after I saw the 4" optional one they had at the dealer. BTW, How's reception after the swap?

 

Yes, indeed. I've been persuing the forums to see pics of the blacked out headlight and taillight rings. I like the look for sure. Also, the chrome trim around the base of the glass around the car too. Emblems too maybe.

I was going to go with the black infinite spokes (correct name?) instead of the Camden wheels, but then I asked the dealer if they would black out the Camdens for me and they agreed as part of the deal. I've seen a pic of a plasti-dip job on here so I have an idea of what they'll look like.

And, thanks!

 

I think he meant a larger diameter rear sway bar. And what can be gained is an immediate correction to the inherent understeer of the stock setup. But if you're talking about the casual owner who won't notice a difference to a larger rear sway bar, that can be said for most/any mods:

Brake pads: Brake dust isn't that bad and most casual owners aren't as OCD about a clean MINI as we are.
Tires: Sure, but it's at least a $600 invest.
Brakes: Really? The stock brakes are more than sufficient for casual owners. Heck, it's sufficient for even the weekend enthusiast.
Driving lessons: Not a vehicle mod, but a driver mod. -shrugs-

As far as why a larger rear sway bar is often touted as a good first mod to enthusiasts:

1. It's not too expensive
2. Most people who are in tuned with their vehicle actually notice a difference.
3. Cause power upgrades to the MINI is harder to find and suspension upgrades are playing to the strengths.

Personally I'd say a WMI kit but that's a substantial initial investment, although the cooler temps, prevention of carbon build up and later power potential makes it worthwhile.

 

BS mods or performance mods? For performance, the NM Engineering Engine Torque Arm Insert is the best "bang for the buck" mod. After that, decide if you want to go power, handling, or BS...

 

+1 I forgot about that one

 

NM mount inserts were my first mod also. Very worthwhile, easy install. Went on when I did a first early oil change.

 

Driver mod!

 

Im sorry but you are all wrong. This is the single best accessory/mod
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...&products_id=8

Then you have to get this to add boost http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...products_id=37

 

and if someone thinks you spend too much money

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...products_id=10

this is a must

 

Finally they have the flux capacitor in stock http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...products_id=21

 

I bought and installed a " Light In Sight"!

 

I believe the first thing I did when I got the car was plasti dipped alot of the chrome accents on the car... that and changed the bonnet stripes.

 

Haha! The KaleCoAuto products are the best. The Flux Capacitor you say? Hells yeah, I'm in.

 

does plasti-dip scratch off easily? i know you can peel it off, but how good is it at staying on?

 

Tint the windows