Having a "justa", like you, there are several things you need to keep in mind. You an change the hood with little problem. You can not do the exhaust, because the spare tire is in the way. Going to larger tires and wheels will cause a noticeable loss in acceleration. The new air filter is easy and a good idea. Honestly, if you are not happy with your "justa", you should consider trading for an "S". Might be cheaper in the long run. Jim
If you are trying to take a Cooper and turn it into an S it's been proven time and time again the best way is to trade it in. There are other differences that are not visual, like ECU programming, engine internals and water pump methodology. It would far easier to make the Cooper look "meaner" than try and turn it into an S.
Two MINIs ago, I had someone side-swipe the front end of my '05 PW/B JustaCooper after one year of ownership. Although the damage to the front bumper skin and bonnet was mostly superficial, I used the body shop opportunity to add an Aero Kit and a MCS bonnet. I had designs someday of routing the scoop intake over to the CAI, but time marched on and I never got around to that mod. I made no attempt to beef up the power plant and virtually all of the mods had a cosmetic aspect to them, even in the engine bay. You can judge the look for yourself (see attached pic). I always caused lots of head-scratching when folks would notice the single tail pipe and try to reconcile it with the rest of the car. In retrospect, I think if I had it to do all over again I would have kept the MC bonnet. There was always a little part of me that felt like a poser, and I think I actually stood out less from the crowd with the MCS appearance. Plus, there is something about the unbroken, graceful lines of the MC front end that very much appeals to me. Even though my current MINI is an MCS, I'm seriously considering a return to the world of the naturally aspirated MINI (probably an R59). Justa Jim could probably use the company.
Thanks, i dont have a spare tyres because im on Run-Flats, although i plan to switch them all to normals soon because they are cheaper to replace. I can never understand the purpose of Run-Flats. If you get a flat, you can onnly drive a certain distance until you have to stop, so what happens when you have to stop? The idea is that you can drive to the nearest garage. But then maybe you dont want to have to stop at the nearest garage. I think most people would like to just swap the tyre and carry on with there journey! Then go to the tyres centre they know is the cheapest. Just my thoughts anyway, having just been told i need a new tyre after my MOT today, I might switch the lot! I think i will stick with my regular wheels then! I was looking up a few air filters and a washable sports one looks the best choice. You can buy air intake filters which you can position in a good place, but ive heard that they're only really beneficial in the high revs and actually aren't that noticeable in small engine cars. They advice just a replacement box one. Probably still not a noticeable performance increase but probably something i will do anyway. You can wash them and they last for life. Air filters for cooper 1.6l Yea i did think about the ECU. My car is a 2005 with hardly any miles on the clock. I can only get £3,500 on trade in. Its not really financially viable to trade in, i would loose a couple of thousand i think. I like the appearance of the MCS bonnet but i think it would have to be installed with various other adjustments too. If i just stuck a MCS bonnet on mine now it would look daft and out of place. Might need to change the grill or something. Your scoop might not have had a vast improvement on performance if routed to the CAI, maybe only a few bhp. I heard that its only in the high revs that the force air induction takes place. Although your scoop isnt routed to the CAI, it would still provide cool air to the engine compartment, which might have allowed for cooler air on the box intake. (im no mechanic though) P.s i like the look of the mods! the bonnet looks good on that pic. On another topic, ive never used high octane fuel before. Any noticeable difference? Might try it next time I go to fuel up.