1st Gen R50 Cooper Upgrades

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014.

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  1. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #1 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    What's a good beginners upgrade for torque and horse power that is relatively cheap maybe maximum spending of 200 dollars.
    Btw I have a 2006 base model mini Cooper I believe the body type is a R56
     
  2. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #2 Metalman, Sep 16, 2014
    Put it towards suspension and handling....
     
  3. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #3 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    Thanks what would you recommend for strut/ suspension company wise?
     
  4. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #4 Metalman, Sep 16, 2014
    Well..... I'm guessing street not track for you and with only $200 to spend...

    Maybe a stiffer rear sway bar.... But I would go with Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates and a good 4 wheel alignment.... That will make your MINI quicker...
     
  5. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #5 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    Yeah street for now lol
    Yeah I was gonna get a alignment before winter hits
    So what exactly if I may ask does a fixed camber plates do for performance ?
     
  6. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #6 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    Yeah I'm just starting out with modifications before this I was driving a scrappy little Malibu lol
     
  7. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

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    #7 GokartPilot, Sep 16, 2014
    Agree, handling upgrades will make better use of the power you already have. You said you had a base model? That would be a R50, if its an "S" it is the highly prized R53.
    Good luck with your MINI. :Thumbsup:
     
  8. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #8 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    I have the R56 cause of the year of the R50 body style ended in 2006 mines a 2007 sorry my mistake
     
  9. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #9 Dave.0, Sep 16, 2014
    Welcome to M/A the FUN Mini site. :Thumbsup:
     
  10. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #10 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    Thank Dave.O
     
  11. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #11 mrntd, Sep 16, 2014
    Welcome Aboard!

    A good tune up depending on the miles on your car. A high flow filter like a K&N, some new or cleaned plugs, and a fresh oil change. If you have a lot of miles plug wires are a good idea too. But you don't have to get the $90 set. Jegs has 8mm Taylor for less than $40.

    While you at it change the belt. If you don't know if it has ever been done do it now so it won't break on the road. It's an age thing more than miles and it's cheap.
     
  12. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #12 Dave.0, Sep 16, 2014
    ^^^ Good advice here. Maint over modding first.

    If you don't know when a part was last changed or serviced consider it never serviced.
     
  13. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #13 Crashton, Sep 16, 2014
    You MINI being an R56 with an N12 engine means there is little you can do to it. Intake & exhaust. That's not bad news you won't have carbon issues with that engine. (no plug wires on your engine)

    Baseline your engine, make sure all the maintenance things are done & up to snuff.

    Take your $200 & buy a rear swaybar. It will help your handing & remove that $200 from your pocket, it's a win win.

    Welcome to M/A
     
  14. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #14 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    So what could I do other then intake and exhaust or is that basically all I can do. I was wondering if a stage 1 turbo could fit in the engine bay or is that just hopeful thinking
     
  15. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #15 Dave.0, Sep 16, 2014
    If you want a Turbo it would be much cheaper to trade in your MINI for a turbo car. That's the honest truth unless you have unlimited funds.
     
  16. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #16 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    Yeah I kinda thought that. Just a shot in the dark lol . What about a good ram intake?
     
  17. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #17 Dave.0, Sep 16, 2014
    I will defer to the 2nd Gen R56 guys for that.

    Sorry I am a first Gen R53 owner.
     
  18. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #18 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    Yeah no reason for you to know that right lol you already got a turbo
     
  19. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #19 Dave.0, Sep 16, 2014
    My car like all first gen "S" came with a Supercharger. (R53 Eaton E45)

    The turbo's came with the second generation of MINI's. (R56 S )
     
  20. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

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    #20 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    Oh my bad yeah I think everything before 2006 I believe is supercharged
     
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