Have been reading this site a fair bit as I'm picking up an '08 S tomorrow.

One thing that I've decided to do right away is to install these torque arm bushings. The feedback on this kit is that it makes shifts crisper and reduces torque steer. And it's $60 and a quick DIY install.

Are there other minor mods that should be done to these cars? Things along the lines of the mod above: cheap and simple, but makes a difference in the driving experience.

 

<deleted link to JB+ thread>

My bad. Yes, the JB+ is for the N18 and you have the N14. Sorry about that....

I've read good things about the Alta accessport.

 

JB+ is not for the N14, is it?

 

BMS's clutch stop. Absolutely essential and under $10.

 

I second this. Love mine, that alone with a scangauge and CS dipstick are the extent of my mods. All useful IMO, although the CS dipstick is pricey.

 

Whats this thing you speak of?

 

This:

http://burgertuning.com/clutch_stop_mini_cooper.html

 

Oh I see, thanks.

 

Minor mods....hm....NM's charge and discharge pipes can be beneficial. They're pricey for tubes, but worth it I think.

 

Just ordered the clutch stop myself. Definitely recommend the Cravenspeed dipstick. It is a little expensive, but I get a better read on my oil level than with the stock unit. Letting your Mini get low on oil is not a good thing.

 

Torque arm inserts make a big difference. Also whole reading this I ordered the BMS clutch stop.

 

Also, you could order the m7 strut tower defenders, these are more a preventive thing and you can buy the additional strut tower piece later.

 

Glad to see people gettin the clutch stop, great cheap mod. Torque arm inserts are next on my list as well.

 

Good for you R56Brg. It makes a huge difference.

I would buy the best tires for what you are doing with the car before bothering with any other suspension work. All that will do is add weight. Strut bars are ok, I suppose. Lighter wheels, JB+ Is the only power mod truly worth it at low cost. Better brake pads, and a lot of seat time.

 

JB+ is not an option. He has a N14.

 

You got it right with the Torque Arm Bushing being number #1

But the Light in Sight is another good mod, especially if your taller.

Scangauge is great to monitor everything

NM short shifter, cheap and really improves the shifter feel

and a short antenna really improves the look.

 

Well then no power modifications. Continue with the remainder of the list. My bad.

 

22mm rear sway bar.

 

Glad you mentioned the clutch stop, I had come across a mention of it in the forums last summer when I bought the Mini used and dismissed it as silly without putting any thought into it. Now a clutch fluid replacement and almost 10k miles later I get what it does and ordered one last night. Thanks again for mentioning BMS, looking forward to having it.

Also, the torque arm insert was the first mod I did, major difference, a really big impact on getting the power to the road - highly recommend.

 

I'm ordering the torque arm insert as soon as I can get a look at what type I have. Keep forgetting about it when it's on the lift.

 

Is your car that close to the build date switch out, vette? If that's the case, post build date and shape of bushing used.

 

For sure man. The new ones are ahipped with four (4) thinner shims, I removed 1 and that is the equivalent of the old 2 shims. So three is the new two if that makes sense. Some people had trouble with the clutch interlock not kicking in at start up, but I never noticed anything with 3. It's just right. Takes out lots of slop in the clutch throw. Reminds me now of the good old aftermarket clutches, albeit with a very comfortable peddle effort. Takes about 10 min to forget how the clutch used to be.

 

I have a 2013 R56 JCW. Do all models benefit from replacing the Torque Arm Bushing? Its hard to tell what Mini improves with each model year.

 

Probably not in a JCW, but have someone rev it a few times while you watch to see how much the engine block moves, or "torques". I would say more than an inch movement and you should at least try a torque insert if you have a manual shift.

 

I just checked the mini part numbers. Not only is it the same for JCW and S, the part number is shared by all coopers 2008-2012. (2007 in some applications such as justas and 07 JCW). All motor mounts are shared based on engine block, without regard to torque output.

So, yes. It will indeed help.