This past March we featured a list of the top 5 non-performance modifications you can make to your MINI. These were things that were, in many cases simple to do, and fairly inexpensive. Our next topic in this series are the top 5 performance mods for the MINI. This month we'll discuss the Cooper.

The standard Cooper is an brilliant car and a great value. It may not have the mid-range power that the MCS delivers but it has almost everything else going for it. In fact from my experience in city driving you can't easily tell them apart. Because of this and for a number of reasons the Cooper is a great choice for the many of owners out there.

However MINI forums everywhere seem to be full of mainly MCS performance threads and modification information. Based on the info that's out there one would think that the Cooper's choices are limited. To some regard they are – buying a Cooper will indeed limit your opportunities to increase performance. First off, according to MINI engineers, the Midland 5-speed gearbox offered from 2002 to 2004 will not sustain much more than 135HP for long periods of time. Further the CVT can't even cope with much more than the stock 115hp.

But none of that should stop the eager Cooper owner from performance mods. Granted you may not want to focus on raw power and speed when modding a Cooper but there are many things you can do to increase performance. Just be fully aware that much of what, for an example, an exhaust or air intake will do will be more for the ear and less for the seat of the pants.

Most Cooper owners don't care to spend too much on performance – otherwise they would have probably opted for the Cooper S. Because of this we'll only mention items that are $750 or less in this list.

Of course this list isn't meant to be the end all be all in Cooper performance but it can certainly be used as a guide to some of the better things you can add.

Now on to the list…

(The number in parenthesis represents generally how difficult it will be to install each item yourself.)

5. Ditch the Runflats: On a Cooper they're meaningless as there's a usable spare under the boot. What's worse they do nothing but spoil the ride and worsen performance with their weight and stiffness. Check out the TireRack or a local tire shop for something that better meets your driving needs. Some Cooper owners may use this opportunity to go to a larger wheel or non-MINI wheel altogether. For looks it's hard to beat either of the OEM MINI 17″ wheels, the S-lites or the R90s. From experience I can say that ditching the runflats and then going with a larger wheel gives you about the same ride quality if not just a bit smother. But if you're needs call for something ultra-light weight you'll want to go most likely with a 16″ non-MINI wheel. Of course in the end this is all a personal choice and really depends on what you want from the car.(3)

4. Sports Suspension Plus: Yes this is a factory option but I can't stress enough how it improves handling and overall composure of the Cooper. If you already have your Cooper and didn't get this option there is one easy thing you can do to help bridge the gap…find an MCS owner who wants to upgrade themselves and have their left over springs and rear anti-roll bar fitted to your Cooper. Otherwise there are alternatives at #3…(4)

3. Aftermarket spring and/or rear anti-roll bar: Aftermarket springs are for those that want a lower and more aggressive look with a bit stiffer then even the ss+. What the anti-roll bar does is reduce body roll and give it a more squat feeling through turns. I would recommend the anti-roll bar first and then the springs if you can't do them at once.(4)

2. Cold Air Intake The Cooper doesn't enjoy the same HP gain in this area that the MCS does but you can get great sound and an impressive looking piece for under $200. I personally have experience with the Pro Mini cold air intake and even have a review of it on the right side of this page. However there are other units out that may deserve a look as well. (2)

1. Aftermarket Exhaust There are many options when it comes to exhausts for the Cooper. I personally recommend the Remus for it's engaging note, lack of highway drone and it's moderate price. However there are several out there that are also worth taking a look at. In fact most MINI owners probably don't know about MINI's own 100% stainless steel “sport” exhaust which is quite a capable product. Overall an exhaust will add a touch more performance, a great look, and a wonderful sound to your daily driving.(3)

Feel free to share your own ideas in the comments section with different ideas. And for all your MCS owners out there we'll be running this same article for you soon!