I have owned several GTI's but always wanted a mini and after a lot of test rides I finally found a low mile S and pulled the trigger with the N18 motor. I am super excited to start the mods. I honestly know nothing about mods, but I did test drive a JCW with the N14 and was too nervous to purchase.
Anyways looking to start off slow and add a little HP and zip.
I know it will not be a JCW but excited to start the mini journey!

 

Congratulations and welcome to the world of Mini's and NAM as well. Best bang for the buck handling wise would be a rear sway bar upgrade. The Hotchkis 25mm hollow bar is a popular choice. Intakes and exhaust don't add much zip but they sound good. The Burger Tuning JB+ will add a little spring to her step though.

 

Thanks for the info, it looks like Burger JB is a plug and play unlike the M7 you need to send out. That seems like a better option.

 

I'm a Manic dealer as well and people sometimes give me funny looks when I mention the JB+ but hey Terry made a great product. It's inexpensive and it works. Will it make anywhere near the power of a full tune? Nope, not even close. But what it does, it does very well. It also makes a great gateway drug for an all up tune

Definitely look into a rear sway bar though as well. It makes a huge difference in the dynamics of the car and is also very inexpensive.

 

Welcome to the club! '11 is a good year. I hope you love and have many happy miles. Check out local MINI clubs, and if there is none.. start one!

Best to you!

 

Welcome as the car looks great.

Hope we can help with your future mods.

 

Thanks, I have to do some research and learn a bit about the cars and "must" do mods

 

Drove her home today and tested out the bike rack. Everything seems to fit!

 

Congrats on the purchase!

I was in the same boat as you (wanted a JCW, ended up with an S w/N18 engine and low miles). I was too nervous about the higher mileage JCW's.

I've slowly nodded some things on the car to really make it feel like it's mine, while improving the performance slightly. I did get the JCW tuning kit mainly due to an awesome price that I was given from a local dealer to have it installed and changing out he header, exhaust and air filter with a slight tune for the price wasn't too bad. I didn't get nearly the hp out of the tune that others could get though, but I'm okay with that knowing I need the reliability for a commuter car. I also improved the brakes (better pads, rotors, fluid, lines), changed out trim pieces, added hood stripes, jcw steering wheel and strut brace...it's a slippery slope. Now I just need the rear sway bar. Keep us posted on your mods to the car and best of luck!