Hi Steve, Welcome to the Mini2 Forums.
There are a series of things you can do to your MCS that will enhance it dramatically. A few options are. Eibach or HR lowering springs, Coilover suspension kits, adjustable Rear swaybar, bush kits, adjustable control arms. I guess its going to come down to what you are attempting to achieve with the car.. if you want to track it then Go coilovers, street then just the springs, as the factory shocks are very good. Swaybar replacement can be sourced locally through Whiteline... infact i think you can get alot through them.
Brakes... well there OEM replacement (better Discs and pads) available.. steer clear from EBC completely if you will be tracking the car at all. Big Brakes.. hmmm Jury is still out on the advantages of those.. the car is not imensly heavy so a brake package that is designed to pull up a 1.4 tonne car on a 1.1ton car is a bit of overkill in many peoples books. Plus the likelyhood is that you will have to get Wheels that will fit over them. By all means yes they are a great idea, but you will need an engineers report and about $2400 or more. AP/Brembo/Tarrox/Willawood/M7 and a few others make kits for the MCS. Remember though your adding weight to the car with big brake kits.
Everyones going to have opinions about whats good and whats bad.... there is a stack of different brands available for the MCS.. look around do some internet research.. look through the Technical forums.. and make an informed decision.
Good luck and have fun, they are awesome handling cars once tickled a bit.
