Well the mini doors actually do sound solid when closing but windows feel loose and the rear hatch has it's rattles especially on bumps and I got some sorta squeak on my seat. Also sit down and lean on the mini door with your back and see how solid it is. Other then that it's a great car for the dough but change those brick tires(run flats)-they suck bigtime. Handles pretty well/decent gas mileage easy to park. Regards. Mike

 

<Well the mini doors actually do sound solid when closing but windows feel loose and the rear hatch has it's rattles especially on bumps and I got some sorta squeak on my seat.>

the dealer has a repair kit for the hatch that fixes the problem, under warantee
the seats do squeak, but I think that is just to remind you it's a British car...better that than lucas parts

 

Lol-actaully squeaks don't bother me. Only cars that ride like a boat does : ). I've been thinking about pulley/header/cat bypass and intake-what's good out there with after market guys? Regards. Mike

 

check out Alta for the intake kit . The intake absolutely makes power as does the reduced pulley.
I figure on having 195 or so hp based on dyno tests I've seen on similarly modded cars.
The lighter wheels and 16" tires also dramaticly changed the performance curve. the h&r sport springs lower the car and improve the cornering ability
I went for a borla exhaust after i was rear ended and needed a new exhaust, but it didn't make a lick of difference in performance.
my first mod was the alta mini antenna..eliminates the radio controlled toy car look.

there are a ton of shops and manufacturers offering pretty much the same mods, but check out these :
http://www.altaminiperformance.com

I'm in philly, and these guys are local to me and do great work, and have a large east coast following
http://www.helix13.com
perry

 

I looked into Promini as well as far as intakes go but would you say ALTA intake is the better one or all the same. Also Promini has a 19 % pulley versus 15% from ALTA(unless that changed). NE issues just using springs itself or you gotta do shocks too(a little lower would look nice). Actually I don't mind the antenna. I'm trying to put it on front of hood so it's really remote control look : ). Mike

 

nice part about the mini, just springs alone will lower without need for shocks or even a realignment.
I did my mods about 2 years ago and at that time the alta was the only intake.
there is not too much to it, basicly a foam filter and some bent metal w/a bracket to hold the computer box. seems like more than a few copycats have shown up
my pulley is a 17%.there is a 15 and a 19 %.
best bet for up to date info is to call some of these vendors and check on the mini boards
perry

 

Thanks Perry-which mini boards are good? Regards. Mike

 

You guys are really making me want a Mini Cooper S.

 

I had a mini S for 8 months then sold it and a month later bot the 996. It was a fun car and prolly got more looks in it than the current car. Its alot of bang for the buck--
Mike

 

www.mini2.com
or
www.northamericanmotoring.com

 

Get one you'll enjoy it. Definitely a good commuter car and occasional trackday sessions. I had to get one just due to the fact San Francisco roads suck and my GT3 was my daily driver-no fun driving in the city(bumpity bump in an off roading way). Regards. Mike PS-MrBonus-GT Silver is a great color : ). Thanks for the links Perry-I'll check them out : ).