I've started modifications, what do I do next?
 

Hi all,

I wanted to get some opinions on what to do next to my car. I own a 2012 Cooper Countryman S (6 speed). Love the car, super fun to drive. What I have done to the car so far:

Window tint
Replaced all speakers, added custom sub box (fits perfectly in the area underneath the trunk!), 5 channel amp, 10" sub
Assorted decals
Mini Blackline trim rings (front and back)
Plasti-dipped rear logos, front logo, roof rack
Yakima load warrior roof rack w/rockymounts bike rack
Mini JCW Intermediate pipe, muffler, and tips

I started with all of these mods to make it my dream daily driver. When I got it, it looked WAY too cheesy and stock for my taste. I am starting to love the look more and more. But as a result of my mods all I want to do is mod more. Things I am considering:

CAI (is m7 a good option?)
JB + plug in (looking for more HP on the highway and for passing)
possible new downpipe? (love the JCW noise, but want some more HP and a little more volume)
Yellow tint for fog lights (Rally look)
19" rims (any suggestions?)

My question is what should I be going for next? I don't have the capitol to get this all at the same time. I am definitely looking for more punch, but should this wait until I finish the exterior? Thanks guys!

I have the JB+ and it's nice for now until I get an intercooler then a manic stage II tune...


exterior - just adding the jcw front spoiler changes the look of it.. I eventually want to get the side skirts as well..

Congrats!

Did you do the speakers yourself? I bought some speakers for my front doors but haven't installed yet.

I have the VIP air intake on mine. I think they are all essentially mostly the same but some make more noise than others (enclosed vs open).

I also have the VIP downpipe.

Then went from JB+ to Maniac Stage 2.

Next up for me is the intercooler but the install has been holding me off.

Where did you get the JCW exhaust setup?

I did do the speakers myself, they are a little pesky but not too bad to install.
I think the JB+ is going to be next cause it is such a simple upgrade that can give me some extra power where I need it. In reality the CAI is mostly for sound as it would sound amazing with my JCW

My local mini dealership. They had a 25% off coupon that they gave me, and I applied that to the exhaust and installed it myself.

all depends on the quality you are looking for.

M7 has some nice options, their charge pipes are great quality...Not to sure on the intake though for that price.

I have an NM CF intake, and advise against it. I am personally going for an ecs tuning intake next, it looks seriously well made and I should have looked more thoroughly.

I noticed once I added pipes and intake that my turbo pressure releases are of great variance...sometimes it seems strong, other times it sounds weak as heck. So just be on the look out for other upgrades such as diverter and forge valve options. The JB+ mod will highlight weaknesses in your boost system as the pressure increases, so be on the lookout. Not that it causes problems, but it will show weak links.

Downpipe has a likelihood of putting out a CEL without a tune. I hear that the straight or catted one is not so likely (don't recall which one). I am doing straight-pipe exhaust with a simultaneous tune, should shoot some flames out.

Don't bother with an intake. We know they make all these claims of power, but fact is they just don't. Most often you actually loose torque, and the only thing they do is reduce the weight of your wallet.

As for the JB module, also save your money, or just put it toward a tune as it will be much better money spent. No sense in getting the JB then 6months later getting the tune.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/perfor...e-r60-r61.html

Intercooler will help and we recommend it before a tune as it will actually lower the intake temps like what people are looking for from a fancy "cold air" intake. But since the intercooler cools the air after the turbo it actually works.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/forge-...r-s-turbo.html

Also for piping we find the silicone hose they recommended for the R60 doesn't fit well, and it expensive. We have a $60 pipe that does the exact same thing and always fits perfect as it only replaces the muffler in the pipe.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-re...7-r58-r59.html

Then the downpipe will for sure make power. A 100 cel cat sounds great and fits perfect without being too loud
https://www.waymotorworks.com/akrapo...6-r57-r58.html

or go catless and it will be louder, with either you will need a tune though.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-ca...8-r59-r60.html

Can you get a short shifter for those things?

Yes there is a Craven short shifter. Problem is you have to make some pretty serious modifications to the size of the shift box to make it fit. It's not an easy install, but I am still considering it because the stock throw is extremely long for such a small car.

Looks good so far! If you want to see any of our stuff in person, stop by sometime.

14010 SW 72nd Ave Portland

-=Kellen

Get lighter wheels and normal tires. Everyone tries to make all this minimal power addition, when you are still turning these freaking heavy as heck tires.

I might! Out of curiosity, do you guys do installs or know of a place that can? I've looked up how to install it and i'm not too sure of my own handy work to make those modifications to my shift box.

I like Dynasport for installs locally. We are not set up to work on other people's cars here. You do not need to make any modifications to the box though, you just leave the cover off. I know that concerns some people, but we have never had any problems in the 10 years we have handled it that way on our own cars.

@pdxaaron

Can you tell me how you wired up the front speakers and which ones you got? I bought some sound ordinance 4" and haven't installed yet.

I believe I used Infinity Reference 3022CFX speakers in the front and infinity Reference 9620CX in the back. I can confirm this later, I have the boxes for everything at home.

The install was relatively straight forward. I opened the doors all the way and used a small trim tool (you can use a flathead if you're careful) to pop off the speaker housing. There should be a couple screws in there to undo the stock speakers. I cut the wires on the old ones and put some new connectors on the new ones and screwed it back in.

Here's a link to a thread I used to reference https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tall-pics.html

It's not the most detailed but it's pretty easy to figure out if you know your wiring and electronics. Definitely worth replacing your sound system though, as the stock system is crap. I would also recommend getting a single sub and a 5 channel amp as well. This can be pricey but it dramatically increases sound quality.