Modifying a standard cooper
Discussion
While I agree with the sentiment in theory, in practise I would be quite interested in a real answer to the question too.
My journey to work is 23 miles of b-roads each way every day. Currently I get about 38mpg in my Cooper and I don't hang around. I know an S would likely be more fun but it would also be a lot more thirsty. Just a few simple mods that would let it breathe a bit easier, make it happier to go to the red-line, maybe give it a little more mid-range and especially low-range torque would be nice. I'm not talking about massive improvements, just little things that make it run a bit better.
For example, on MX5s there is a simple mod where the ignition timing is advanced from 10 to 14btdc. It's nothing that makes the overall power any higher or even very visible on a power graph but it adds a bit of torque to the mid-range where it's needed.
I know there is a chip that can push it up to around 130bhp. Is this worth having? Would it have any detrimental effect on the economy in normal driving? Would it actually give that extra power on it's own or would it need a change to induction/exhaust? Is it all top-end power or is it an increase across the full range?
Any helpful answers to any of these questions would be appreciated.
My journey to work is 23 miles of b-roads each way every day. Currently I get about 38mpg in my Cooper and I don't hang around. I know an S would likely be more fun but it would also be a lot more thirsty. Just a few simple mods that would let it breathe a bit easier, make it happier to go to the red-line, maybe give it a little more mid-range and especially low-range torque would be nice. I'm not talking about massive improvements, just little things that make it run a bit better.
For example, on MX5s there is a simple mod where the ignition timing is advanced from 10 to 14btdc. It's nothing that makes the overall power any higher or even very visible on a power graph but it adds a bit of torque to the mid-range where it's needed.
I know there is a chip that can push it up to around 130bhp. Is this worth having? Would it have any detrimental effect on the economy in normal driving? Would it actually give that extra power on it's own or would it need a change to induction/exhaust? Is it all top-end power or is it an increase across the full range?
Any helpful answers to any of these questions would be appreciated.
Get some decent breathing equipment and maybe a chip - that's all you'll need for some more go.
I had a JCW exhaust on my Cooper, and the only difference was in sound, no noticeable benefit in performance.
I'd suggest a simple panel filter upgrade, such as an ITG filter. If you go down the root of an induction kit make sure it's a cold air intake, where the airbox is makes for terrible heat-soak.
Lohen can supply a plugin Bluefin remap, this can give another 18bhp I think (?). As mentioned before, Lohen do packages for the Cooper, but it's pretty costly, gives a maximum 150bhp on the LO3 package, and will drink like a Cooper S.
I had a JCW exhaust on my Cooper, and the only difference was in sound, no noticeable benefit in performance.
I'd suggest a simple panel filter upgrade, such as an ITG filter. If you go down the root of an induction kit make sure it's a cold air intake, where the airbox is makes for terrible heat-soak.
Lohen can supply a plugin Bluefin remap, this can give another 18bhp I think (?). As mentioned before, Lohen do packages for the Cooper, but it's pretty costly, gives a maximum 150bhp on the LO3 package, and will drink like a Cooper S.
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