2nd Gen R56 Cooper Most liked posts in thread: Engine upgrades

  1. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
    19,445
    10,057
    113
    Retired old fart
    Hooterville Ohio USA
    Ratings:
    +11,698 / 2 / -0
    #11 Crashton, Sep 16, 2014
    Learn how to conserve momentum. You'll be surprised how that will make you faster.

    It hasn't been said, but going to driving school & getting track time will pay more dividends than all the fancy parts you throw at your car. Seat time is so important. You'll be safer & faster. Win win! :Thumbsup:
     
  2. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
    19,445
    10,057
    113
    Retired old fart
    Hooterville Ohio USA
    Ratings:
    +11,698 / 2 / -0
    #9 Crashton, Sep 16, 2014
    Just one old farts opinion, but to me it's all about handling. Power is nice, but handling is better. If I could only have one I'll pick handling every time.
     
  3. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    #12 Dave.0, Sep 16, 2014
    ^^^ We already have lots of rich toolbags with million dollar high HP cars that cannot drive to prove that.
     
  4. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

    Jun 25, 2014
    93
    16
    0
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    #6 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    I got a oil check ,but spark plug is a good idea thanks crashton
    I would if I could m1n1 but can't afford the monthly payments that's the first car I looked at so I'm making do with what I have
     
  5. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
    726
    329
    63
    Tool and Die Maker
    NW Ohio
    Ratings:
    +330 / 0 / -0
    #8 M1N1, Sep 16, 2014
    I have an R50 Justa that I bought because of the condition. Most people thought that it was new when I bought it. Could have had an S for the same price.

    If you are going to do anything to your MINI, buy a Bentley manual. Absolute must have.

    Any upgrades that I do to the R50 are done on an "as needed", or cost benefit basis. When the carp original control arm bushings needed replaced, Powerflex bushings were the choice. Don't wear out so save me money in the long term, and a better ride. I fitted a KN air filter, not so much for performance but last forever, saving me money.
     
  6. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2009
    11,305
    6,277
    113
    Male
    Ratings:
    +8,070 / 10 / -3
    #14 MCS02, Sep 17, 2014
    On a car with lots of horse power you can slow down more then need for a corner and rely on the HP to get you back up to speed. With a momentum car you want to carry as much speed through the corner so you exit it with more speed. This is because you don't have much HP so it takes you longer to regain your speed. Good drivers do this no matter the car.
    Everyone thinks they can drive and that makes them a race car driver. Not true. Do some autocross's or a driver education day at your local track. SCCA, PCA, BMWCCA all put them on. When they see your new they will help you, and its a blast!

    If you can find the book Secrets of Solo Racing it explains a lot of this. It is geared to Autocross. It will be a good winter read to get you ready for next season. Some of the guys here that do track days will have some advice too
     
  7. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    #15 Dave.0, Sep 17, 2014
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
    19,445
    10,057
    113
    Retired old fart
    Hooterville Ohio USA
    Ratings:
    +11,698 / 2 / -0
    #4 Crashton, Sep 16, 2014
    Drive belt, new spark plugs & an oil change. Don't forget to change the transmission fluid. Then go out for a drive.
     
  9. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
    726
    329
    63
    Tool and Die Maker
    NW Ohio
    Ratings:
    +330 / 0 / -0
    #3 M1N1, Sep 16, 2014
    Just my 2 cents, but if you are looking for "Cooper S" performance, buy a Cooper S.
     
  10. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4
    #5 Dave.0, Sep 16, 2014
    The best upgrade for any year MINI....Get rid of the heavy & hard Run Flat tires.
     
  11. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

    Jun 25, 2014
    93
    16
    0
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    #7 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    I'll see if I have those On my mini the sells person doesn't know if they are or not thanks Dave.O
     
  12. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

    Jun 25, 2014
    93
    16
    0
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    #2 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    It has close to 75000 miles I'm thinking a K&N ram intake any other suggestions?
     
  13. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

    Jun 25, 2014
    93
    16
    0
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    #10 Rangerx, Sep 16, 2014
    Yeah but where I lived the up the price for vehicles like crazy :( M1N1
    Oh yeah I agree have handling is better but I like have power to lol probably my youngest showing lol
     
  14. Rangerx

    Rangerx New Member

    Jun 25, 2014
    93
    16
    0
    Ratings:
    +16 / 0 / -0
    #13 Rangerx, Sep 17, 2014
    What do you mean conserve momentum crashton?
     
  15. N2MINI

    N2MINI MINI of the Month

    Dec 4, 2009
    3,349
    575
    113
    Sign Maker
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Ratings:
    +594 / 0 / -0
    #16 N2MINI, Sep 17, 2014
    There is not really anything you can do to gain any noticeable power on a non-S without spending a bunch of money. Can get an ECU Tune and maybe pick up 5-8 peak HP but should have some areas within the curve that you pick up 8-15 hp maybe.. Just got to decide if that little gain is enough to spend $500 on plus or minus depending on who does the tune of course etc etc... As has been mentioned work on your driving skills and the suspension..