Best Upgrades For A Mini Cooper R56 Or Countrymen On A Budget

[@HeyLookWhatICanDo]

Awesome, awesome, awesome video! Thank you for saving me months of research, guesswork, and replacing a timing chain! Can't say enough, thanks!

[@gaberson3819]

ok K&N folks! understand the R56 is direct injected. with a higher flowing air filter means smaller dirt particles, that the stock paper filter will filter out, will gum up your valves faster meaning poor running conditions and misfires.

[@RobDamnImFine]

No problem, but make sure you check back in the FALL this year. Helix always has the same discount in the spring and fall.

[@christofferlunoe1305]

I just bought a "chinese" made hi-flo alu Intercooler on ebay for 149$, and it was just perfect...had to make it fit a little but it was no problem. It instantly lowered the intake air temperature 10 - 15 degrees. So happy I didnt got robbed off by buying an established brand ..saved me like 300$ !

[@topdog19945]

yeah mini tends to sell products for a lot more than what they're worth. I'm friends with someone who works at my local dealership and I asked him what they recommend for spark plugs and how much they sell them for because I was going to do it myself. They suggest iridium plugs and they were selling them for $21 a piece! I went to a local auto parts store and got 4 of the suggested plugs for less than the cost of what mini wanted for 1. Back in February a nasty pothole dented my rear passenger rim and it was like $180 without the core charge. It was about $120 with a core charge. And then just last month, I needed some major work done on my 05 convertible. I needed a clutch replacement, air filter, and serpentine belt. My dealership wanted $2000 and possibly another $350 just for the flywheel, labor, and clutch. I went to my trusted mechanic and he replaced the clutch, resurfaced the flywheel, replaced air filter, serpentine belt, and tossed in a free oil change and fresh transmission fluid for about $1700. I didn't even realize it needed a those other things besides the clutch and since he had to do the same procedure to replace the clutch and belt, he did that as well.

[@BrandonWirtz]

When I'm back at the house I'll look up the torque I am traveling. Yes to the parts, but I also had the "resistor tune" which let me run rich so that I could take advantage of that air. That is now off and I have a Cobb Tuner.

[@kozmaz87]

Haha nice to see it is a common thing for mini doors to start hanging low down and not align with the body of the car anymore :)

[@TheKirklev]

Thanks Rob. Just bought new rims so may hold off on the intercooler for a bit but that's a good deal!

[@BrandonWirtz]

I just had the exhaust done. I started it my self, and took to a real place. getting everything cut and welded was a PITA.

[@BrandonWirtz]

None of the mods in this vid will hurt your emissions. There is some discussion as to if you will pass a visual inspection. Ask your dealer about the warranty if you do these things, since they are the ones who will enforce it. Some are asses and would voice your warranty for a change in oil filter. Some would let you swap your turbo. I have heard they are fussier on the JCW's because they are already "tuned" and some of the parts aren't up to snuff.

[@funguy7979]

That's perfect for this car. If it's 285whp then that sounds like a lot of fun. I would definitely buy this car with a turbo AWD.

[@CreativeSolutionsIT]

Read other post first. It made the powerband smoother overall. The downpipe adds 5-10. What am I missing? I am getting ready to change my intercooler, add the CAI, hood scoop, and delete pipe. I will do the exhaust next month.

[@BrandonWirtz]

If you keep the balance right, the stock ECU scales really well, I was surprised. I have a tuner and I am willing to get check engine lights for charge pressure on really hot days, or in the mountains I can get a few extra HP, but mostly it is just raising the time the over boost runs, and if you need that you are shifting wrong.

[@BrandonWirtz]

Later I did a proper tune, but initially I did a "resister" tune. (where you put a $3 resister in the right place to fool the sensor)

[@4WheelKid]

just to let you know, mini uses run flat tires which gets rid of a spare, so if you get a flat with your cheaper tires your calling a tow truck

[@BrandonWirtz]

If you get a "wider" thing to mount your tire on you upgraded the "rim" since you buy tires based on the rim size, not the wheel size.

[@BrandonWirtz]

I got a flat with the run flats, Had to call a tow truck. Unless you get a slow leak the run flats are not saving you from a "pot hole" blow out. Or a tire wear blow out. Just a small patchable leak which your TPS light would buy you the 8 hours it would take to go flat on.

[@BrandonWirtz]

Both, but with no turbo the advantage is small, unless you are optimizing for fuel economy,

[@BrandonWirtz]

It is a larger micron, and smaller surface area, and costs almost twice as much as the K&N I run.

[@BrandonWirtz]

I'm doing a "Kit soon" website to be announce sometime next month.

[@joecool022]

That's a nice bit of power. How much torque did it put out? So you have the intercooler muffler delete, intake, intercooler, catback exhaust with the factory downpipe with the cat?

[@MrRustpot]

I don't see a video on the Spectre install. I'm looking to do a few cheap things to give my Mini a little personalization. I see in another video it looks like you're using the stock tube and just have the K&N tagged on the end. What did you use, what did you change, and what kind of numbers did you see? I'm not concerned with HP, but if the car is a little more responsive with more MPG I'm all in for a few bucks.

[@RobDamnImFine]

If you are a NAM user online, go to the vendors of Helix.com. Right now until February 28th he is having a huge markdown for the intercooler. From $749 to $599 with a $75 deposit. If we reach over 20 people he will lower the price to $579 and free shipping too. It's a great deal you can't pass up on it.

[@BrandonWirtz]

I don't know on the 04... I don't know what the box looks like. For the most part "Heat soak" is a myth. there is a reason we have intercoolers, because air doesn't change temp easily. The heat coming off the engine doesn't do much to air going buy at 50 mph. in the 1/50th of a second it takes at that speed to cover that distance.

[@UnlinealHand]

Want to spend $1500 on your Mini to make it fast? Catless downpipe, $300. Manic Stage 2 Tune, $6-700. Ebay intercooler (same as the Alibaba one), $250. Do what you want with the remaining $250.

[@jeandandrea6757]

Front rotors and pads with that 250, you can get all 4 as well with 250

[@jeandandrea6757]

But also, dont you need a full exhaust system for stage 2?

[@csllover]

Whats the Ebay intercooler? Just an unbranded one?

[@jeandandrea6757]

Yeah, big ol' stainless steel intercooler for like 160-200$

[@DamianDaniels]

can you show or explain the removal of the stopper/plug from the hood scoop? would you be worried about this in winter/snow conditions? Thanks

[@kx250fforlife]

If you guys want a quick mini, get a 15% pulley, an alta cold air intake and a full exhaust. After that you can take it to a shop and get it tuned if you want, but trust me that little mini will be a rocket

[@InnocentPaperclip]

craig budweiser That's the R53! Don't forget that. Supercharged rather than turbo. Turbo is harder to do on a budget than what most people think. The supercharger pulley only costs $100 tops and gives 20 horsepower!

[@mariaherreros1232]

df

[@DreDredel3]

Hi Biz OfTech, I am looking to buy a used Mini Cooper S any year (2000 to last year's) any mileage (100,000 miles or less). Any Pros and Cons for those seeking to buy a used one? Things to look for, etc.

[@frankfitzpatrick5300]

Professional Automotive Engineer. here Without a wwheel dyno here . Most times you will be more than likely losing drivability , throttle response , midrange Etc. and POWER OUTPUT. Throwing performance parts at it Is like trying to hit a pinjata blindfolded . Sooner or later you'll hear a bang !

[@BrandonWirtz]

Frank Fitzpatrick a cell phone dyno works fine and if you watch I do wheel dyno. I very much doubt you are an automotive engineer, if you are, you are an idiot as many parts it doesn't take any knowledge to know you get more power. A bigger intercooler will be more power unless you already maxed out. Removing the down pipe muffler increase power in exchange for some noise. No dyno required.

[@edoloman24]

what does the turbo pipe resinator replacement with the aluminum thing do? How do you take the hood scoop off? is the interocooler worth it? do you notice a difference in speed or just health?

[@cmondons]

285WHP, just a int res delete pipe, intake filter, intercooler and exhaust? with no tune? are you saying the intercooler listed is the supplier for forge/alta? seems extremely cheap.. can you reassure me please? haha

[@becraftcorey]

How do you get that stupid plug out of the hood scoop do you simply take the screws out or is there more to it

[@ShortSponger]

hey so i went to the link to buy the intercooler and it says that that item is no longer available, do you know if they get more in stock? or are they done selling them do you think?

[@terencemiller6606]

How about more info on your K&N air filter swap? Part numbers for the filter and elbow please.

[@FakeGen3S550]

Make a video of how to put a quick release steering wheel on the Mini Cooper.

[@ndashadow11]

I have a '02 Mini cooper, it's not an S. Anyways, im wondering what mods i could start off with. Only thing i have right now is a Borla Catback exhaust. Any advice?

[@GabrielGalvan]

What would you recommend for a Mini Cooper r56 non s?

[@blowabs]

no. S only

[@kzsoren]

@a jewish bar of soap that's not an r56

[@kzsoren]

@a jewish bar of soap it had nothing to do with either of these comments so idk why u even replied that

[@kzsoren]

@a jewish bar of soap also YEAH RIGHT 380 bhp from turboing a 2008 non s lmao

[@kzsoren]

@a jewish bar of soap LOLOL I have a 2010 turbo s, you're assuming too many things XD

[@Gonzodagreek]

I've watched several of your vid's and looked at your list, but can not find the one showing front bumper removal. I'd like to see what's involved with that. Can you provide a link. Thx.

[@bpatryk69]

Great tips, Thanks for sharing!

[@gretre4560]

The link to the tune doesn't work. Can anyone please help? I have a 2010 mini s turbo 1.6

[@joecool022]

I have a 08 MCS - Based on dyno charts from Alta, I didn't think it was possible to reach 285 with a stage 3 tune on a non JCW car. Did you get a dyno, or is that just a guess?

[@Gonzodagreek]

Brandon, As a new (2013) Mini JCW owner, and go-fast kind of guy, I greatly appreciate your post on the subject. I being a California resident, my question to you is what have you to say about passing emissions with these various upgrades? Do you know which ones will and will not void manufacturer's warranty? Thx - Keep up the good work.

[@johnmcclanept2]

Do you need new hoses or clamps from for the FMIC if so can you put a link up where you got yours thanks.....

[@mikejohnson5345]

Thanks for the links.

[@5503561950s]

could you tell us specifically what we need for the k&n upgrade?

[@jacobebsen1]

wonder why didn't talk about the pulleys that turn the boost up to around 14 seems that would ad the most power for the least amount but what do i know

[@BrandonWirtz]

I have much wider than stock tires and rims running performance tires that are very sticky.

[@x1pyroveride]

I wanted to say thank you for making these videos. Ive been thinking of tradeing in my truck for another mini, "ive had 2 already 1973&2oo5" and im worried about when i start to switching parts out its going to cost a fortune.

[@BrandonWirtz]

Taking the car to 100+ MPH on closed roads that aren't as smooth as they should be. Driving on the 101 to SF Catching Air On the Hill leading up to the Corkscrew at Mazda Speedway and landing with the breaks full locked.

[@palamnaeus]

Wish I knew about the chain tensioner upgrade option earlier. I replaced my 3rd last year and am very suspicious of the noise under the hood right now... Do you have more info on what kind of tensioner that is?

[@broncobuddha]

I still dont see the k&n part number. Or am i missing it? And to clarify this filter will sit in the lower half of the factory box?

[@tomcatdcn]

I would like to see a video like this for the r53. Does anyone know of one? I'm hoping to get about 250 hp out of mine.

[@muertomaniaco]

Hi cool video, I'm curious to know who slam your door?

[@dennybarr6339]

I clicked on the link for the intercooler and it is for the 07-09 models AND it says it is no longer available. Is one available for a 2011?

[@Ayko07]

like watching your mod videos, i wish alta made accessport for the r60. i have to get the NM Eng tune.

[@Hicksbilt]

Where can I find the air filter that you suggest? I have a 2010 S and looking to upgrade on a college student's budget

[@billionchou738]

Hi what's the intercooler name and website that you mention is having the best price? thanks heaps!

[@Psychikaen]

It is a really nice video, like the most of your clips! I am actually subscribed to your FB channel and love the uploaded stuff. Your view on the religious matter is pretty concious and just cool. The mini is also a nice car xD I am saying so nice stuff about you, don't I XD

[@MustafaAlMidani]

Will AccessPort works with non north American MINIs?

[@Robertdesterk]

i wanna buy Mini cooper 2002 or 2004 which the best one to upgrade mini cooper S or mini cooper one or chill? Thax alot

[@callumgott1971]

Biz of Tech Could you share the link to the K&N filter? Would be much appreciated

[@johnpaulconnelly2495]

You had mentioned your tires are 1.5 inch wider than stock. I have a 14 CMS all4 and I been advised the 205/55r17 is the stock tire and I can only get up to a 225/50 r17. I want to go to a 245/45 r17 on a 17x8 rim.. u think they will fit? and/or rub

[@Bill-NM]

Can you say what model K&N filter that is? Looked around but couldn't find it. (I have an '09 non-S, do you know if it will fit?) Thanks...

[@sk7172]

Most of your advice seems pretty solid but K&N filters are a joke imho, I'd try a reusable foam.

[@BrandonWirtz]

Foam turns to chunks that can really destroy your engine. Especially if something goes wrong and you run hot, or you send a spark backwards down your intake, which happens with turbos.

[@DamianDaniels]

do you have a part # for the K&N straight filter?

[@BrandonWirtz]

Alta's Intercooler sucks. So does there "Cold air intake". I got a dyno, it's 278 but it was 102 in phoenix that day. She is a LOT faster on a 70 degree day, so the 285 number is based on seeing about a 3% improvement on 0-60 on cooler days.

[@TheKirklev]

Awesome tips in this video. I'm running a 2011 Cooper S. Do you know if there is a cheap intercooler option for me? That ali site says that it only works on 07-09... otherwise I would have ordered it already. Thanks dude!

[@giehayes8983]

For 3+ years people have been requesting a part no. for the K&N air filter and there's zero response. what's the deal?

[@drgopta2180]

PN E-2993 I am planning on the intake mod, I am going to use the K&N from my wife's 13 ford escape that has a 2.0L turbo. It looks like the one in the video and I already checked, it fits great on my 12 JCw. It is PN E-2993. If you can't find it, look up something that would will fit a 13 ford escape with the 2.0 turbo. I suspect the ford focus ST's that year are probably the same as well but don't quote me on that. Hope this helps people pick out the correct filter. Cheers.

[@user-wg7nw3mh2e]

how did you fit this? you attached it to a 90 degree silicone hose inside of the air box? What were the dimensions of the hose?

[@etteyafed]

why buy K&N? If you’re not racing with a big turbo it’s useless.

[@MrIllusionx]

K&N filter its good for the car ?? because my friend installed K&N filter and his turbo fall down

[@drewburack457]

what size pipe did you use on the intake? and which model filter?

[@CreativeSolutionsIT]

I am not disagreeing, but the math isn't really making much sense to me. A stock Mini w/Turbo is pushing 170 horses. Doing the "stage 1" upgrades and spending $1500 you said will get the Mini to about 285 horses. Can you elaborate please. I researched each part but the numbers do not come close. Cold air intake is 10-15 HP. The exhaust is 15-20 HP. The hood scoop really adds none but helps overall performance. Same as changing the intercooler. You said in your other video it wasn't more powerful

[@topgearmad12]

What's the part number for the K&N air filter and what pipe do I need for it to sit in the factory box?

[@MarioRBarrios]

Hello! Good stuff, keep it up. Do you know the part # of the K&N filter? Thanks.

[@TripieBluee]

Biz OfTech i dirent really understand what the name of the part you said to replace on the timing belt. Can you send me a message telling me in more detail i would really appreciate it. Thanks

[@eddynoriega8026]

could you do a comparison of stock to ebay intercooler nobody has ever done that (ive looked everywhere)

[@giovanni11214]

will the AccessPORT work on a base r56 model or only the S?

[@virgiliomaldonado9359]

Went to Alibaba webside for the $136.00 intercooler i didnt find, please can you put the link? Thanks

[@ryy-m1o]

Oh, the intercooler is not available now, is there any alternative?

[@DalyGutierrez]

www.aliexpress.com/item/FRONT-AMOUNT-INTERCOOLER-MINI-COOPER-S-1-6-Litre-Turbocharged-R56-R57-2007-2009/560179556.html

[@alexanderayala3908]

were is the plug for the scoop stoper ????

[@gateway316]

Oiled aftermarket filters on turbocharged cars are bad news. Over time the oil works it way off of the filter and clogs up the MAF sensor. Ultimately leaning out the engine and could possibly lead to a blown engine. Just stick to dry filters.

[@nickknightbmx]

At what mileage would you recommend redoing the timing chain ?

[@Neptune8]

What's the stock width of a standard r53 and r56 cooper s

[@YonniFui]

where can I get good rims/wheels for cheap and what size should I get, for grip

[@BumpintheNightTV]

I have a 2008 Clubman (non turbo), can i put a turbo setup on my stock motor without any major modifications??

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

Adrenalin Rush Wrestling No

[@RawGreySun]

What size tires do you have now???

[@tallperson117]

Hey do you know if there are any good aliexpress intercoolers for an R58 Mini? I really want to upgrade mine but the one you linked is no longer for sale.

[@privatedecker2point0]

Does this work on the 09 Clubman as well? That'd be really awesome.

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

Best way to spend your money: Manic Stage 1 Tune Ebay Intercooler (or Helix, but it's more expensive) That's all. Enjoy your 215 whp Mini.

[@csllover]

whats the Ebay Intercooler please?

[@tltoning]

Furkan Turfanda heard the intercooler is a waste of time for power. All it does is make the car cope with the power better and less strain. Air intake and remap will add more power. Put the k&n air intake on my car and then remap. Cars now pushing over 320nm.

[@alsn126]

I have a 2013 Mini Cooper base, would the parts all fit like the mini S?

[@BrandonWirtz]

Mostly. You may be unhappy with bigger tires. with out the power to leverage the grip you take a hit on mpg and acceleration. But things to make it look good are all compatible.

[@michaelmjmason1]

Can I add a turbocharger to my 2017 mini r56 hatchback 2 door? And, if so, would I have to replace my pistons bc of the difference in ratio? I hope that it would be an easy upgrade bc I would be making it into an s model in a sense. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[@BrandonWirtz]

Michael Mason it would likely be cheaper to just sell yours and buy an s. I don't think there is a 2017 r56. You mean f56?

[@virgiliomaldonado9359]

Thanks for the links!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@scooter1391]

Hello in your video u said that u have 285 at the wheel but u didn't say that the turbo was included I really don't see the cooper making 285 just on those u said u did intercooler,k@n intake,hot side delete pipe, did you say exhaust too. please explain all engine up grades to

[@N1njAk4]

What size K&N filter do i need to buy to make it fit like you said in the video?

[@Dabber422]

They no longer sell the Aliexpress Intercooler also the Accessport is no longer sold lol..

[@laughterofelijah]

New seller, same part, better price: www.aliexpress.com/item/Suitable-for-BMW-s-mini-cooper-SR55-R56-R57-R58-original-installation/32495225798.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.52.DYxdZL&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10065_10068_10000009_10000032_10084_10000025_10083_10000029_10080_10082_10081_10000028_10110_10111_10060_10112_10113_10062_10114_10115_10056_503_10055_10054_10059_10000044_10099_501_10078_10079_10000022_10000012_10103_429_10073_10102_10000015_10000035_10096_10000018_10000019_10052_10053_10107_10050_10106_10051,searchweb201603_1,afswitch_3,single_sort_3_default&btsid=a2abfbaf-3789-4edb-8d8c-dd2c475ced84

[@WeKnowYoureThere]

laughterofelijah That one is now unfortunately no longer available

[@themilktrayman7369]

WHICH K&N FILTER IS THAT PLEASE Some one must know enough people have asked but no replies?????????????

[@stephenstarling2578]

Look at k and n websites track it down at Autozone

[@doodbropoop]

your driving habits? you mean when you run into curbs and other shit that you aren't supposed to hit?

[@Laurs2727]

whats the model # K&N

[@TheMinikid22]

as of 2013 run flats are an option :)

[@kings4904]

How can i turbocharge my mini r56?

[@BrandonWirtz]

King S buy one with a turbo. It is cheaper than adding one.

[@DreDredel3]

K&N filter part number, I saw one at PartsGeek.com similar to the one he is talking about: K&N 57-0463 (which fits the 2002 Mini) and comes with clamps for $133.99 hope this helps. gotta love google search :)