R53 Tuning advice/suggestions needed. n00b!

[sef341741]

Hi All,
Im Chris, a complete beginner to all things Mini, and this is my first post on here. Ive not long bought a 53 plate Mini Cooper S, pretty much completely standard, and I love it! I am looking for excuses to go out and drive it most of the time!

I just think it could do with more power, specifically quicker acceleration.

Now I know there are a number of things that can be done to achieve this (ive done a bit of research into this), however im on a reasonably tight budget , and im looking to draw on the voice of experience as to what order things should be done in, and even suggestions for which products / kits provide the best "bang for buck" in this situation.

Id rather leave any remap till last, but im open to suggestions on everything else.

Im in Scotland and would prefer not to travel to the opposite end of the country to get anything done, unless its totally worth it!

Can you all help with suggestions? Id be extremely grateful if you could!

Cheers
Chris

[Caveman]

The "biggest bang for the buck" performance mod you can do is having a reduction (15% - 17%) pulley fitted to the supercharger.

[sef341741]

Thanks Caveman. Im reckoning I wont want to go above about a 15% reduction as I dont really want to shell out for an uprated intercooler from the outset (Maybe something to follow! :-)) Any suggestions on kits?? ive heard that some pulleys are of better quality than others?

I meant to add previously, Do you think it would be worth an airbox / cold air intake upgrade (e.g. as opposed to something like a K&N panel filter) from the outset? My concern of upgrading to a panel filter is that it would be a bit of false economy in that other upgrades would work better in the long run and would be better just to do this in the first place.
Any advice?

[Caveman]

Go with the reduction pulley first. You'll also have to fit the appropriate size belt and colder spark plugs at this time.

1320MINI supply this package for £104.40.

[sef341741]

That looks pretty good, thanks for the info.
Ultimately im thinking pulley reduction, then cold air intake / airbox, exhaust then remap. Appx in that order.

[The Nun]

Be careful to make sure if its an old engine with a few miles on it, its up to it, otherwise it could be a bigger bang that will cost a few buck of your money!

[SimoneSmith16]

Quote: Originally Posted by sef341741 (original)

That looks pretty good, thanks for the info.
Ultimately im thinking pulley reduction, then cold air intake / airbox, exhaust then remap. Appx in that order.

similar to my idea but i already have my new exhaust

[sef341741]

62k miles at the moment but I will have everything checked over before starting anything.
Talking of exhausts, ive seen quite a few on ebay which look ok esp considering the price (Around £300 give or take). Would there be any major advantage of upgrading to something from an established brand over a cheaper stainless this that?