Okay, new Mini owners here (MCS4), and yes, I've read all the drama around the RaceChip (and in fact LOL'd at the Pacer, did that ever come in an S All4 version, or would that be the AMC Concord ). I'm with everyone else, I'm not touching one of those unless I see actual dyno numbers, and even then, I'd have to get past the mis-coding issue...though I could see myself getting there.


Anyway, here's my conunundrum, hopefully folks can enlighten me.


I bought an extended warranty to 100k, and have no intention of doing anything that could violate that warranty. I'm a high mile commuter and am relying on that peace of mind. But I do want to add some power and grunt to my MiniPook someday, as I traded in a car that had a very nice 270 torques for the Mini, and I do miss some of that.


So it seems that, for me, "RennTech, PAW, and NM" are really not viable options. Is there anything of a piggyback nature out there that would help?


Also, I'm looking to mod generally, but have never done so before, and could use some advice with regard to what mods give the best bang for the buck to start with, i.e., where do I actually start? My guess would be cold air intake, but I'm often wrong...oh yeah, I'm also paranoid of actually breaking something any time I attempt to use actual tools...and since I'm a high altitude driver like poster threar, I'm hoping he'll have some sound advice, but I'm sure most of this isn't altitude-specific stuff.

Maybe I should trade the MCS4 for the Pacer

 

All I can offer is that I used to have a 335 years ago and had purchased a Split Second Turbo Tuner. It was an inline plug-and-play unit with impressive results. They do not currently make anything for the Mini's as of yet, but if we all get together and ask them they just might be motivated enough. http://www.splitsec.com/products/turbotuner2.htm

aaron

 

I would suggest the NM torque arm insert. It's 2 bolts to remove, put on inserts on torque arm, and torque to 80 FT-lbs. It's considered by many as the best bang for your buck mod. Also, maybe learning to do your own oil changes in between dealer maintenance schedules might help you get more confident working on your car so you aren't as scared to break something. Hope that helps some.

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

I removed the 2nd cat and resonator and replaced the stock air box with a K&N 1540 air filter to make a short ram system of sorts. It sounds awesome and gave me a small boost in performance for about $100.
I have no history of working on cars so I try to keep it really simple. The torque arm suggested above sounds interesting. I also replaced my rims and put on some fat tires. I'd be interested to see other suggestions in this thread!

 

Are you talking about the RU-1540 or the 57-1540?

 

The RU-1540. Once you take the stock air box out you can hear your blowoff valve and you free up some air flow.

 

Some of the mods mentioned already are simple and non-warranty issues generally. Better air filter, torque arm insert, those are definitely on the quick list of things to do. If you aren't looking to go with a tune, I'd recommend a Sprint Booster, really helps in the "feel" of the car (not necessarily performance enhancing).

 

get this, best 300 bucks you will spend. shocked no one here recommended it. im about 50miles in (needs 100 mile to learn and get more power) and it already feel the improvement. all i have is that and the VIP cai.
http://burgertuning.com/Mini_Cooper_...nce_tuner.html

 

Well it wasn't out last June, which is why no one mentioned it.

 

Yeah I know just said that because no one responded since june. I am still surprised at the numbers of people who still don't know about the JB+. I talked about it on a few forums hoping people find out about it. Had a 150 mile run yesterday and was driving with a stupid smile on my face haha.

 

ayk07 - tell me more...
:-)
Picked mine up yesterday. What a hoot. Traded an ecoboost FLEX (365hp-stock, but a behemoth and never could fully defeat DSC, boooo!) and having slight power withdraws, though the 4-wheel drifts and throttle-off oversteer makes for HUGE smiles

(mine being an '11 ALL4 6sp)

 

congrats, well there is nothing more i can say besides that you will really love the jb+ especially on the heavier all4. less lag, more power and the car feels smoother. its a trip when you drive it for a certain amount of miles and then notice the car change. i did not expect so much gains already especially at that price.

 

few questions about the JB...

what percentage are you all adjusting your dial to? I think it come preset at 50%. Are you only using premium gas once you have this installed? I alternate between 89 and 93 octane.

 

If you set the JB+ to 50% you should only run 93 octane. Anything less and you run the risk of having some potentially nasty issue's.

If you want to run 89 octane then set the dial no higher then 30%.

 

Ordered the JB+ Today! Question though. Should I wait until I replace my air filter before I install? I.E. does the device constantly learn or once you are setup its done. If so, can you reset it when you add other performance parts? I am thinking a bit down the road with exhaust...?

Also, it has been out for a few months, any updates on the satisfaction with this part?

 

I put in the JB+ first and noticed a significant improvement. I just put in a K&N FILTER into the stock airbox and WOW!! The combination is like having a totally different car. These 2 are a "must do" in my book. And you get some additional sounds too. Definately more intake noise, and you can hear the BOV.

 

I don't think it really matters when you do what. If you do want to reset it for some reason, just pull it off the car and reinstall it. IIRC it's resets itself and starts over.

 

I've got an NM rear sway bar, VIP front strut brace, K&N drop in air filter, and I think next is going to be torque arm insert and JB+. I also have extended warranty and don't want to push my luck. I also am not exactly mechanically inclined and so I had the rear sway bar and strut brace installed ($100 for both).