So Brisby is looking pretty good, and I'm really happy with the tweaks and additions I've made recently. I do however have more plans in the works. After all, The Dragon is now less than a year away, and I need to beef up the performance a bit to tackle that run.
First off, is the standard HP upgrade for R53s, the cold air intake and pulley combo:
I'm going with the Craven Speed CAI, which will make my supercharger really scream. It runs right around $250, and I can install it myself.
The silicone intake inlet tubes, from Outmotoring, are not ribbed like the standard OEM tubes, so there's less turbulence and more air moving at a higher velocity into the supercharger. They are about $90.
The Alta V2 Supercharger 15% Pulley will instantly increase Brisby's boost by 15-20 horsepower, and it's a relatively cheap purchase at $130. Unfortunately, this isn't something I can install myself. Estimates are right around $300-400.
Exhaust systems are usually way out of my price range, but the Megan Racing Exhaust System looks like a good deal. It's not annoyingly loud like the higher end systems, but will give that very cool burble sound after letting off the throttle. Plus it's performance more than matches the more expensive brands at 6.1hp and 8Ft-Lbs. I can pick it up for $600ish, and probably a few hundred more for installation. Obviously, I won't be getting this anytime soon, but hopefully I can swing it by next summer. My only worry is the Michigan winter - Can these stand up to it, or will they end up rusting out the following Spring?
Aside from the transmission dropping out, my biggest fear is a tower strut deforming after crossing a railroad or hitting a pot hole, so I'll be getting a pair of CravenSpeed Strut Tower Defenders. $140 for a little peace of mind and they look pretty cool under the bonnet. Going to paint them red, lol.
That's about it for performance upgrades. I'll be cleaning up the interior a bit with some leather wraps from Redline for the downtubes, shifter, ebrake, and armrests. The large blackjack on the side of the car is still tempting, as well. Picking up these new rims would be a dream come true (17" Black Star Bullet), but at $1200, I'll have to keep dreaming for now. Unless someone out there wants to contribute them to the "Help A Poor MINI Cooper Get New Shoes" fund... Yeah, didn't think so.
~Ben
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