Hey everyone!

So on new year's eve I became a proud owner of a 2009 JCW clubman, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

But before I go mod-crazy, I must ask, what was everybody's first mod? Do I get an intake first? Tune? Straight for an exhaust? Do all at once? Any input is appreciated.

 

Welcome to the family. We need pics to believe you, Good luck and remember to wave.

 

Mods?? Well, that all depends on what you want out of your MINI that you don't already have.
Bling? - shorty antenna
Go Fast? - ????
Turn Fast? - adjustable swaybar
Sound Fast? - intake or catback exhaust
IMHO the first thing to get is a CG lock to keep you planted in your seat. Then you can really feel what you need in the performance realm. Live with your car a while. They really take quite a bit of drive time and skill to max out their OEM potential.

 

Well, I'm planning on getting an AP as soon as I can, and a custom tune from a local shop. But my concern is, would it hurt to put an intake on before the tune? Or should I do both at once?

 

Welcome.

For a first mod we always recommend the NM torque arm bushing as it is cheap and will actually make an improvement.
A Forge Intercooler would be my first power adder.
Then a sway bar is by far the best handling improvement.

 

Tint the windows.

 

Do you have a torque arm bushing that makes an improvement on the R50? and is it a simple DIY install if you have wrenches and a jack?

Assuming you you support the engine from the oil pan with a jack, undo the bolt, swap parts, sip a beer, replace the bolts?

 

Do not put a jack on the oil pan! Use the jack points. I raised mine high enough to put the front passenger side wheel on a block, e-brake on,tires chalked, mt in neutral. Easy peasy 5 minutes from there. Tightens up shifting, and no vibration. Didn't want you to damage the oil pan. Good luck!

 

lol I wasn't going to jack the car up from the oil pan.
When I changed the motor mount on my Chrysler I supported the engine from the oil pan so that the engine wouldn't fall out of place when I unbolted the mounts.