Comments on: Top 5 Mods for MINI Newbies http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:48:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: MotoringFile » Archive » Top 5 Performance Mods for Newbies http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-27845 MotoringFile » Archive » Top 5 Performance Mods for Newbies Sun, 13 Nov 2005 16:36:49 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-27845 <p>[...] MotoringFile’s recent post about newbie mods left a number of readers clamoring for a similar list aimed at performance. The ability to change the character of a MINI from pleasant ride to pocket rocket is a reality, and with the MINI now in it’s 4th model year, there’s an aftermarket just brimming with gizmos and gadgetry to help you get there. To help those new to the MINI world (and spark some debate among veterans, I’m sure), based on research, information gleaned from forums, message boards and conversations with tuner shops, I’ve whittled innumerable performance upgrades down to just 5 essentials. Each mod is ranked on a 1-5 scale in terms of difficulty, with 1 being easiest: [...]</p> [...] MotoringFile’s recent post about newbie mods left a number of readers clamoring for a similar list aimed at performance. The ability to change the character of a MINI from pleasant ride to pocket rocket is a reality, and with the MINI now in it’s 4th model year, there’s an aftermarket just brimming with gizmos and gadgetry to help you get there. To help those new to the MINI world (and spark some debate among veterans, I’m sure), based on research, information gleaned from forums, message boards and conversations with tuner shops, I’ve whittled innumerable performance upgrades down to just 5 essentials. Each mod is ranked on a 1-5 scale in terms of difficulty, with 1 being easiest: [...]

]]> By: ben http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17779 ben Tue, 29 Mar 2005 17:03:17 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17779 <p>Gabe I have an mcs, and I live in mexico(the streets are a mess), do you still recomend the non runflat tires, and what exactlly do you mean by harsh</p> Gabe I have an mcs, and I live in mexico(the streets are a mess), do you still recomend the non runflat tires, and what exactlly do you mean by harsh

]]> By: BrewerDude http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17778 BrewerDude Sat, 26 Mar 2005 20:43:59 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17778 <p>Has anyone tried to install the parcel shelf on an '05 model. I started to do it today on my MCS, but it looks like the knee bolster attachment is a bit different than what is shown on the how-to. The middle hinge point looks like it's been flipped upside down and I can't figure out how to safely get all three hinge points off without breaking something. Any pointers?</p> Has anyone tried to install the parcel shelf on an ’05 model. I started to do it today on my MCS, but it looks like the knee bolster attachment is a bit different than what is shown on the how-to. The middle hinge point looks like it’s been flipped upside down and I can’t figure out how to safely get all three hinge points off without breaking something. Any pointers?

]]> By: Rocketboy http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17777 Rocketboy Wed, 23 Mar 2005 14:54:42 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17777 <ol> <li>Brake light mod... (<em>pats self on back</em>)</li> <li>Metal Skid Plate.. (or at the very least, a guard for the cooling fan under the car)</li> <li>Custom Pool Ball stick shift knob. Not as nice as a Shift Machine, but it was quite a bit more affordable. Mine is an Ivory ball, with a red Speed Racer 'M' inlay (the very top of the ball is clear, with the M under it, which makes some really cool looking shadows in the sun...)</li> <li>Silverstar headlight bulbs. Quite a nice difference. (And yes, get a full set of four..)</li> </ol> <p>Erik...</p>
  • Brake light mod… (pats self on back)
  • Metal Skid Plate.. (or at the very least, a guard for the cooling fan under the car)
  • Custom Pool Ball stick shift knob. Not as nice as a Shift Machine, but it was quite a bit more affordable. Mine is an Ivory ball, with a red Speed Racer ‘M’ inlay (the very top of the ball is clear, with the M under it, which makes some really cool looking shadows in the sun…)
  • Silverstar headlight bulbs. Quite a nice difference. (And yes, get a full set of four..)

    • Erik…

    ]]>         By: Alex http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17776 Alex Mon, 21 Mar 2005 01:57:55 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17776 <p>1.Had the rear fog light placed at the dealer before pick up. 2.Just got the iPOD adaptor delivered and am still deciding whether to pay for installation or do it myself. 3.Parcel shelf will be ordered today. </p> <p>Nothing will happen with my runflats for a while as I've gotten two punctures in my other car in the past year (had a spare in that one). </p> <p>I'll stick with my cloth mats for now as well.</p> <p>I like the idea of changing the brakepads to something a bit less dust producing when it's time for that.</p> <p>Still thinking about driving lights on the grill.</p> <p>The only performance mod I plan on is the turbo (possibly from SPI or maybe the PSI-FI set up comming out) in a couple of years. Otherwise plan on keeping it stock. Make it a real sleeper. Should be interesting in a convertable.</p> 1.Had the rear fog light placed at the dealer before pick up. 2.Just got the iPOD adaptor delivered and am still deciding whether to pay for installation or do it myself. 3.Parcel shelf will be ordered today.

    Nothing will happen with my runflats for a while as I’ve gotten two punctures in my other car in the past year (had a spare in that one).

    I’ll stick with my cloth mats for now as well.

    I like the idea of changing the brakepads to something a bit less dust producing when it’s time for that.

    Still thinking about driving lights on the grill.

    The only performance mod I plan on is the turbo (possibly from SPI or maybe the PSI-FI set up comming out) in a couple of years. Otherwise plan on keeping it stock. Make it a real sleeper. Should be interesting in a convertable.

    ]]>         By: Tim http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17775 Tim Sun, 20 Mar 2005 21:23:08 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17775 <ol> <li>Parcel shelf</li> <li>new shift boot and e-brake boot</li> <li>Alta CAI</li> <li>Whalen shift knob</li> <li>rear sway (H-sport)</li> </ol> <p>Next up is either a 15% pulley or an exhaust system. Probably the pulley. :)</p>
  • Parcel shelf
  • new shift boot and e-brake boot
  • Alta CAI
  • Whalen shift knob
  • rear sway (H-sport)

    • Next up is either a 15% pulley or an exhaust system. Probably the pulley. :)

    ]]>         By: ///ACS330Ci http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17774 ///ACS330Ci Sat, 19 Mar 2005 10:41:23 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17774 <ol> <li>JCW Tuning Kit</li> <li>KW V2 coilovers 3. 4. 5.</li> </ol> <p>Wheels and tyres will be next for sure =;-)</p>
  • JCW Tuning Kit
  • KW V2 coilovers 3. 4. 5.

    • Wheels and tyres will be next for sure =;-)

    ]]>         By: GoMiniGo http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17773 GoMiniGo Sat, 19 Mar 2005 07:28:48 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17773 <p>Mine:</p> <p>1 - My Glovebox Tidy, of course 2 - Parcel shelf 3 - 15% pulley - Your grin will get bigger 4 - Intake - more noise, so it must be better 5 - Whalen with my custom engraving - love this. Much better feel than the stock knob.</p> <p>GoMiniGo</p> Mine:

    1 – My Glovebox Tidy, of course 2 – Parcel shelf 3 – 15% pulley – Your grin will get bigger 4 – Intake – more noise, so it must be better 5 – Whalen with my custom engraving – love this. Much better feel than the stock knob.

    GoMiniGo

    ]]>         By: Dave http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17772 Dave Sat, 19 Mar 2005 06:27:06 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17772 <p>I've done a bunch of mods - JCW etc. One of my all time favorites the Whalen gear shift knob.</p> <p>Dave</p> I’ve done a bunch of mods – JCW etc. One of my all time favorites the Whalen gear shift knob.

    Dave

    ]]>         By: Goatherder http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17771 Goatherder Sat, 19 Mar 2005 00:13:18 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17771 <p>Hands down the best mod on the list is the Parcel Shelf. I cannot believe this is NOT standard on american MINIs. Also, as others have stated, the glove box organizer is right up there too. It changes a totally worthless "space" and turns it into an organized, smart, and efficient storage unit. Both of these I received from Out Motoring and are worth every penny!</p> Hands down the best mod on the list is the Parcel Shelf. I cannot believe this is NOT standard on american MINIs. Also, as others have stated, the glove box organizer is right up there too. It changes a totally worthless “space” and turns it into an organized, smart, and efficient storage unit. Both of these I received from Out Motoring and are worth every penny!

    ]]>         By: lawrence::otoole http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17770 lawrence::otoole Thu, 17 Mar 2005 17:01:48 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17770 <p>By "debadge boot" I mean take off the "COOPER" or "COOPER S" lettering, as well as any dealer stickers, etc. Cleans things up, especially on the S, as the lettering looked off-center to me.</p> <p>As for taking off the actual MINI badges, it can't be done without exposing the mounting holes, which would need to be filled in and resprayed. I've seen it done (both front and back) on some MINIs, and man it looks SWEET. Again, this is an instance where the S is better served, as the front badge looks quite squished between the grille and the scoop. If I could, I'd do it... however, my sheckles are better put to use elsewhere.</p> <p>This is my opinion of course. I know some people couldn't even fathom taking off their badges... I however have done it on all the cars I've owned. Personal preference, I guess.</p> <p>Anyways, to get back on topic, RHT3 put it best when describing the CAI... it was one of the first mods I did, and the sound really is incredible! Drilling or removing the "fire wall" really brings it out. Good for maybe 4hp? But the sound.... good for lots of open-window driving and a silly grin ear-to-ear...</p> By “debadge boot” I mean take off the “COOPER” or “COOPER S” lettering, as well as any dealer stickers, etc. Cleans things up, especially on the S, as the lettering looked off-center to me.

    As for taking off the actual MINI badges, it can’t be done without exposing the mounting holes, which would need to be filled in and resprayed. I’ve seen it done (both front and back) on some MINIs, and man it looks SWEET. Again, this is an instance where the S is better served, as the front badge looks quite squished between the grille and the scoop. If I could, I’d do it… however, my sheckles are better put to use elsewhere.

    This is my opinion of course. I know some people couldn’t even fathom taking off their badges… I however have done it on all the cars I’ve owned. Personal preference, I guess.

    Anyways, to get back on topic, RHT3 put it best when describing the CAI… it was one of the first mods I did, and the sound really is incredible! Drilling or removing the “fire wall” really brings it out. Good for maybe 4hp? But the sound…. good for lots of open-window driving and a silly grin ear-to-ear…

    ]]>         By: allan MICHAEL http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17769 allan MICHAEL Thu, 17 Mar 2005 07:20:37 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17769 <p>MCS: 1. 17% pulley 2. CAI- hmmm...... just for sound 3. Any lite aft.mkt. wheels 4. Mintex pads 5. Real tires</p> MCS: 1. 17% pulley 2. CAI- hmmm…… just for sound 3. Any lite aft.mkt. wheels 4. Mintex pads 5. Real tires

    ]]>         By: Alex http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17768 Alex Thu, 17 Mar 2005 05:47:21 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17768 <p>"debadge boot" Do you mean take off the MINI badge?!</p> “debadge boot” Do you mean take off the MINI badge?!

    ]]>         By: Theotherbruce http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17763 Theotherbruce Thu, 17 Mar 2005 01:37:57 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17763 <p>They moved the rear foglights from the top of the taillight down to where the backup light was. The foglight isn't available anymore as an added brake light.</p> They moved the rear foglights from the top of the taillight down to where the backup light was. The foglight isn’t available anymore as an added brake light.

    ]]>         By: Randy http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17767 Randy Thu, 17 Mar 2005 00:09:22 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17767 <p>Is there a reason that the brake light mod should not be done or won't work on a 05 MCS?</p> Is there a reason that the brake light mod should not be done or won’t work on a 05 MCS?

    ]]>         By: RHT3 http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17766 RHT3 Wed, 16 Mar 2005 22:29:08 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17766 <p>Cold Air Intake!</p> <p>Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-shift! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-shift! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-shift!</p> <p>Add a cat-back exhaust and you get bass with your treble.</p> Cold Air Intake!

    Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-shift! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-shift! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-shift!

    Add a cat-back exhaust and you get bass with your treble.

    ]]>         By: drew http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17765 drew Wed, 16 Mar 2005 22:23:03 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17765 <p>my two cents:</p> <ol> <li><p>glovebox organizer: got one of these before i even took delivery of my car. a must.</p></li> <li><p>bmw/apple ipod adapter: this is my new fave on my 2005 mcsa. the integration is perfect and it sounds amazing. a must for anyone into their music!</p></li> <li><p>rubber floor mats: i can't live without them. the rubber boot mat completes the picture too.</p></li> </ol> <p>seeing as there have been some mentions of performance mods, i might as well chime in on those as well...</p> <ol> <li><p>aux. guages: these are just flat out neccessary! shame on mini for not giving us owners with nav a way to monitor the oil temp! plus they look really cool at night ; )</p></li> <li><p>jcw air filter: i just had this installed two days ago. seeing as the full works kit is so pricey and doesn't even yet exist for the automatic s, i thought this would be a good way to kick a few performance horses into the system without breaking the bank. many will argue for cheaper solutions, but i'll gladly pay the premium to keep my warranty. either way, more horses is a good, good thing! provides a subtle poiwer boost throughout the entire range, but really kicks in past 4500 rpm when it's extra air flap opens and the supercharger starts to sing.</p></li> <li><p>finally, and taking a cue from the air filter, the jcw sports exhaust: i also had this installed two days ago and to me it completes the vibe of the car. perhaps it adds a horse or two, but it's more about the sound and look as far as i'm concerned. the stock mcs exhaust is great, but this one sounds more refined without any of the pop-pop-backfire sounds...just smooth, throaty growl with the ever present burbling sounds when coastingat high revs... just awesome!</p></li> </ol> <p>cheers - drew</p> my two cents:

    1. glovebox organizer: got one of these before i even took delivery of my car. a must.

    2. bmw/apple ipod adapter: this is my new fave on my 2005 mcsa. the integration is perfect and it sounds amazing. a must for anyone into their music!

    3. rubber floor mats: i can’t live without them. the rubber boot mat completes the picture too.

    seeing as there have been some mentions of performance mods, i might as well chime in on those as well…

    1. aux. guages: these are just flat out neccessary! shame on mini for not giving us owners with nav a way to monitor the oil temp! plus they look really cool at night ; )

    2. jcw air filter: i just had this installed two days ago. seeing as the full works kit is so pricey and doesn’t even yet exist for the automatic s, i thought this would be a good way to kick a few performance horses into the system without breaking the bank. many will argue for cheaper solutions, but i’ll gladly pay the premium to keep my warranty. either way, more horses is a good, good thing! provides a subtle poiwer boost throughout the entire range, but really kicks in past 4500 rpm when it’s extra air flap opens and the supercharger starts to sing.

    3. finally, and taking a cue from the air filter, the jcw sports exhaust: i also had this installed two days ago and to me it completes the vibe of the car. perhaps it adds a horse or two, but it’s more about the sound and look as far as i’m concerned. the stock mcs exhaust is great, but this one sounds more refined without any of the pop-pop-backfire sounds…just smooth, throaty growl with the ever present burbling sounds when coastingat high revs… just awesome!

    cheers – drew

    ]]>         By: Matt http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17764 Matt Wed, 16 Mar 2005 22:04:32 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17764 <p>i'm going to echo</p> <ol> <li><p>Rubber floor mats. Particularly in northern climes where road salt is more common than air.</p></li> <li><p>Glove box organizer, if you didn't get it from the factory.</p></li> <li><p>CAI, and drill out the fire-wall. definate trottle-response improvement, and maybe some power, i dunno.</p></li> <li><p>Brake-light mod, for 04 and earlier.</p></li> <li><p>pending... rear sway-bar.</p></li> </ol> i’m going to echo

    1. Rubber floor mats. Particularly in northern climes where road salt is more common than air.

    2. Glove box organizer, if you didn’t get it from the factory.

    3. CAI, and drill out the fire-wall. definate trottle-response improvement, and maybe some power, i dunno.

    4. Brake-light mod, for 04 and earlier.

    5. pending… rear sway-bar.

    ]]>         By: Dave R http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17762 Dave R Wed, 16 Mar 2005 21:30:48 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17762 <p>My 05 MCS should be delivered this weekend! I dislike both rubber and carpet mats, and have already purchased a set of SISAL mats for the car. Sisal is a native American fiber of the agave family, and the mats are made with a rubber backing. My source is www.daniels-auto-fashions.com. Excellent quality product.</p> <p>I used coco and sisal mats in my classic Mini (a 1961 Austin Cooper with original 997cc motor).</p> <p>Dave</p> My 05 MCS should be delivered this weekend! I dislike both rubber and carpet mats, and have already purchased a set of SISAL mats for the car. Sisal is a native American fiber of the agave family, and the mats are made with a rubber backing. My source is http://www.daniels-auto-fashions.com. Excellent quality product.

    I used coco and sisal mats in my classic Mini (a 1961 Austin Cooper with original 997cc motor).

    Dave

    ]]>         By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/16/top_5_mods_for_mini_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-17761 Gabe Wed, 16 Mar 2005 19:27:21 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/16/#comment-17761 <p>We've already done a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/20/top_5_performance_mods_for_the_cooper">Top 5 performance mods for the Cooper</a> but unfortunately haven't had time to do one for the MCS. I'll see if I can recruit someone to do an article in the next several weeks.</p> <p>And yes, from my experience switching from runflats is more difficult than installing an AUX port if you're doing these mods yourself.</p> We’ve already done a Top 5 performance mods for the Cooper but unfortunately haven’t had time to do one for the MCS. I’ll see if I can recruit someone to do an article in the next several weeks.

    And yes, from my experience switching from runflats is more difficult than installing an AUX port if you’re doing these mods yourself.

    ]]>