2nd Gen R56 Cooper S What is the Best Bang for the Buck Mini Mod

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by AXO, Dec 27, 2010.

Tags:
  1. AXO

    AXO New Member

    Nov 25, 2010
    91
    0
    0
    Wellington, Florida
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    #1 AXO, Dec 27, 2010
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2010
    I am a new 2008 MCS 6M Owner. :D I am now ready to do some mods. :devil: Unfortunately my money won't permit me to do all of them at once. :incazzato: I am curious as to the Best Bang for the Buck Mod. I am definately tinting my windows first. I need a batting order. :cryin:

    My Mod wish list:
    Intercooler
    Springs
    Strut Brace
    CAI
    18" wheels (Wider offset)
    Boost Tubes
    Subwoofer
    Exhaust
    Sprint Boost

    Thanks for your help in Advance AXO :Thumbsup:
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
    Track Days....

    Not only does the MINI get faster since you become a better driver but everything you drive becomes faster since you have invested in yourself.

    I know Track Days are not for all so...what are you looking for from the MINI, faster, better handling, louder, bling...

    Having an idea of where you want to go makes it easier for us to help you get there.
     
  3. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

    Jun 12, 2009
    1,315
    154
    63
    Civil Engineer
    Durham, NC
    Ratings:
    +155 / 0 / -0
    Intercooler, camber plates, and tires.
     
  4. INIMINI

    INIMINI New Member

    Apr 22, 2010
    276
    103
    0
    Logistics & Administration
    Jersey City
    Ratings:
    +103 / 0 / -0
    Any MOD you can do yourself first without paying labor.
     
  5. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

    May 5, 2009
    3,922
    401
    83
    stagehand/part time detailer
    Right here
    Ratings:
    +401 / 0 / -0
    Tires.

    Mark
     
  6. AXO

    AXO New Member

    Nov 25, 2010
    91
    0
    0
    Wellington, Florida
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I am looking for faster, better handling and looks. No Bling... I plan on some track days, Maybe a school as time permits.
     
  7. jiminni

    jiminni Well-Known Member

    May 7, 2009
    1,592
    262
    83
    Ca.
    Ratings:
    +262 / 0 / -0
    I would stay away from the 18 inch rims, they are heavier than most 17's, which would slow you down. You could go with some light 17's, faster, better handling, then you could also get a set of lowering springs, not to low, better handling and looks.
     
  8. Way Motor Works

    Way Motor Works New Member

    May 4, 2009
    1,169
    206
    0
    MINI Tuner
    Atlanta
    Ratings:
    +206 / 0 / -0
  9. david in germany

    david in germany New Member

    Dec 15, 2010
    250
    5
    0
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    This is an opinion so take it as such.
    Stay away from the CAI if you are looking for performance. A CAI does give you a cool sound but the stock Mini intake is an already great product. RMW has pulled higher numbers on the dyno with stock airboxes than with CAIs. I eventually removed my CAI and boost tubes and now am running the stock box and tubes.
    (This part is a fact)
    I lost about 5-10mph on the autobahn with my Alta CAI and gained it back as soon as the stock gear was back on.
    Back to opinion now,
    Get the intercooler, get a good set of springs (not to lower it) like my TSW's, a good set of tires, downpipe back exhaust (keep the front cat), and a tune. you will then have your monies worth.

    I drive mine hard on the autobahn and with the above items, your car will be a beast.
     
  10. AXO

    AXO New Member

    Nov 25, 2010
    91
    0
    0
    Wellington, Florida
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Thanks for the great responses.
     
  11. AXO

    AXO New Member

    Nov 25, 2010
    91
    0
    0
    Wellington, Florida
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    David I have to agree with you about the CAI. I installed an AEM filter directly to my MAF sensor. I immediately noticed the Whooosh from the turbo, I also noticed a reduction in MPG and a little less throttle response. Ihave also read that the boost tubes are basically a cosmetic mod. I plan on re-installing my oem airbox this weekend.
     
  12. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 6, 2009
    7,422
    1,685
    113
    Ratings:
    +1,685 / 0 / -0
    Interesting, as the CAI is an improvement on the R-56 justa, in both response and mpg, but then I don't have a turbo.

    Jim
     
  13. david in germany

    david in germany New Member

    Dec 15, 2010
    250
    5
    0
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    CAI on a NA car is completely different situation. On a NA car you most likely will see some improvements. Boosted cars a a different design and a large as the OEM intake is it would be hard to give it more are than it presently pulls.

    I am not claiming to be the NA/boosted car knowledge master so please don't take it as such. I do however have a 1 hour, 1 way autobahn commute that allows me to test lots of different things in a semi controlled environment. :Thumbsup:
     
  14. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

    May 8, 2009
    1,593
    18
    0
    Sales Dude
    St. Louis, MO
    Ratings:
    +18 / 0 / -0
    Play to the MINI's strength's-HANDLING
     
  15. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 6, 2009
    7,422
    1,685
    113
    Ratings:
    +1,685 / 0 / -0
    I just thought it was interesting how what works well for one does not for the other, which would be logical. I get myself in trouble sometimes by following a thread closely, only to realize later they were talking about an "S". :D

    Jim
     
  16. AXO

    AXO New Member

    Nov 25, 2010
    91
    0
    0
    Wellington, Florida
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I am pleased with my factory sport suspension option . I'm amazed at the Mini's handling. The handling was an instant deal maker for me when I bought my Mini! I thought about going with springs for a better stance. The Intercooler upgrade for performance will give me a great platform to add more options for more power. Plus it looks awesome peering out of the lower screen.
     
  17. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

    May 8, 2009
    1,593
    18
    0
    Sales Dude
    St. Louis, MO
    Ratings:
    +18 / 0 / -0
    Think the handling is good now? just wait. Minimally get the full blown rear sway bar. You will not be disappointed.
     
  18. Mike

    Mike New Member

    May 4, 2009
    403
    3
    0
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    Agree with TGS91. As good as the handling is now, you can open the friction circle WAY up with the right combination of mods - and it doesn't have to cost that much, either.

    When I moved out to California four years ago, I hit the local tracks, and the usual comment was, "That thing is FAST. What did you do to the engine?" The answer was, basically nothing. It was all in the suspension, brakes and tires.
     
  19. INIMINI

    INIMINI New Member

    Apr 22, 2010
    276
    103
    0
    Logistics & Administration
    Jersey City
    Ratings:
    +103 / 0 / -0
    One Ball Mod, CAI, Sway Bar, Pulley, Tune
     
  20. david in germany

    david in germany New Member

    Dec 15, 2010
    250
    5
    0
    Ratings:
    +5 / 0 / -0
    wrong generation car.:crazy:
     

Share This Page