2007 MotoringFile Gift Guide: Performance

You like torque? How about 200ft lbs of it? Then the JCW engine kit is for you. It’s a simple dealer install that ups power to 189 (192bhp) and more importantly 200ft lbs of torque on overboost. It’s an upgrade that turns an already fast car into a monster. And the best part? It’s a fraction of the price of the old kit.

Price: $2100 (no including two hour installation) | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI

The magic bullet that makes the MCS go from fast to faster. No other performance modification can give you the bang for your that a reduction pulley can on a Cooper S. The Helix pulley has been honed by countless miles at the track and on the road. At 15% it’s as safe for the MINI as it is exhilarating for its owner. R53 MCS / R52 MCS

Price: $120 | Retailer: Helix13

Give the gift of direct airflow to your favorite MINI enthusiast. The new M7 Air Plate Diverter (APD) stops the migration of cool air from the lower inlet and forces it directly into the radiator for maximum cooling efficiency. CFD and road tested, the M7 APD is made of lightweight, carbon fiber that’s super strong and clear coated for added protection. R53 Cooper S

Price: $149 | Retailer: M7

Is it possible for a suspension to feel as compliant yet perform better than stock? The engineers and MINI and JCW apparently believed it was. With careful engineering and copious amounts of Nurburgring testing, the JCW suspension does just that. It enhances the car an aggressiveness that allows for more control in and out of corners while making it more neutral at the track. Oh and it has red springs. R50 MC / R53 MCS / R56 MC / R56 MCS

Price: Around $800-$900 | Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI

Give the gift of peace of mind. The M7 SRP reinforces the MINI’s strut towers and prevents the dreaded mushrooming that can affect all MINIs. Quick and easy to install, they are excellent gift for a MINI owners who have 17″ or 18″ wheels and live in an area where the roads are harsh. Fits all 1st Gen MINIs

Price: $129 | Retailer: M7

It’s true that OEM wheels can be on the hefty side. Due to the fact that they’re designed to with-stand all sorts of environments and owner abuse, MINI has engineered them like tanks. But tanks aren’t great on the track or even for spirited driving. We recommend OZ wheels and specifically the Ultraleggera and Superleggera series. To give you an idea of the savings one can achieve, the 17″ S-lites are 25lbs. The 18″ Ultraleggeras are 16lbs. Dropping 9lbs of unsprung weight at each corner is a present that just keeps giving and giving. Fits all MINIs Note: the Silver 18″ Ultraleggeras pictured are currently unavailable.

Price: Around $250 to $300 each | Retailer(s): Tirerack / OZ

While MINI made some strides with the manual shifter on the second generation, it still isn’t perfect. The number one complaint in most people’s list is the long-ish throws. With the Helix Short Shifter, you can kiss those goodbye. The best part? It also fits the R50 and R53 as well. (R53 MCS / R56 MCS)

Price: Around $45 | Retailer(s): John Cooper Motorsport

Litigation. The reason for warnings on coffee cups and the reason that your MINI didn’t come with 19mm sway bar from the factory. So it’s up to you to make things right and finally enjoy some neutral handling. Fits all MINIs

Price: $230 | Retailer: Outmotoring

ALTA Performance, again set the bar high for the competition! The new ALTA R56 cold air intake not only adds proven 10WHP and 10ft-lbs of torque to your 2007+ Mini Cooper S (AKA R56), but it also unlocks the sound from your turbo! With our intake not only will you hear the turbo sucking in and compressing the air, but you will hear the OEM blow off valve blowing off. (R56 MCS)

Price: $289.95 | Recomended Retailer: Outmotoring.com

For those looking to increase braking performance while staying OEM, the JCW brake kit is a great choice. Which is great because it’s really the only choice. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthwhile upgrade. The JCW Sport Brake kit has improved feel, stopping power, and is relatively easy to install yourself. (R56 MCS’s need not worry – they get the kit standard). Fits all MINIs

Price: Around $900 to $1000| Recommended Retailer(s): Morristown MINI / Knauz MINI / Patrick MINI / Otto’s MINI / MINI of Manhattan / Westchester MINI / Prestige MINI / All MINI Workshop

Designed and Made in England, the Miltek Exhaust has the benefit of looking similar to a JCW exhaust (even though the Miltek was first!) yet sounds subtly more aggressive. Dynos show it adds both torque and peak power while not sounding too brash. Comes with a lifetime warranty. R52 MCS / R53 MCS

Price: $695 and up | Recommended Retailer: Helix 13

Looking for an aftermarket exhaust that won’t break the bank? The MyMini MCS Exhaust is a great answer. But this isn’t some low-end exhaust. It’s 100% stainless steel, weighs in at only 24lbs and has a great full sound. It also comes with a full life-time warranty and is one of the few exhausts out there that is made in the USA. R52 MCS / R53 MCS

Price: $569 | Retailer: Minspeed

Want the perfect gift for a JCW owner? The ITG Cold Air Intake Filter fits the JCW intake and is completely re-usable. The ITG let you get rid of the limited life paper filter that comes stock with the JCW and replace it with something that is both cheaper and longer lasting. R52, R53 or R56 w/JCW Cold Air Intakes

Price: $80 | Recommended Retailer: Minspeed