Hey there everyone.......
I recently purchased a 05 MCS convert with 6k miles, and while I wasn't looking specifically for a convertible, I got a great price and the incredibly low miles sealed the deal.

On to the dilemma: I wanna mod this sucker, but I'm a little queasy about the inherent short comings of a convertible vs a hard top. Mainly, much more chassis/cowl flex putting a damper on good handling. Also, as you increase the power, it will even further stress the wiggly chassis. Question is: can I ever approximate the hard top in rigidity and handling, or am I wasting my money and time? Should I sell it and buy a hard top instead, if I really need that extra minutiae of performance? Can I at least come CLOSE?
Thanks for any input.

 

sorry, but i needto say.

6 THOUSAND MILES ON AN 2005

great buy, keep it and mod it, converts arent that much different than hardtops, a mini is a mini.

And welcome

 

If you have the itch to autoX or track, you're better off with a Tin-Top. A cabrio will really never make a competitive vehicle amongst the Tin-Tops.

If you just want better handling (stiffness) there are things you can do, such as a thicker, adjustable anti sway bar, or this....

http://www.waymotorworks.com/tsw-xbrace.html

 

I don't want to autox it, but I want to drive it aggressively and have fun.
I seen that brace too...so thats the best one in your opinion? It was either that one from TSX or the one from MINI Madness.

 

I too have an 05 cabrio S..but jcw. I have modded it quite a bit and have never felt any need to install braces or suspension (for now). First things to go were the run-flats, then a new wheel/tire combo..

It's still a fun little car. (No comparison with the tin top though, but gotta love the infinite headroom..)

Mod it, use it, then decide if you need suspension work/chassis rigidity.

 

for street driving I've never had a problem keeping up with those tin-tops in the twisties

 

Ok, great....but what have you done to mod your cabrio?

 

If your not going to be racing or autoxing for competition just get the cabrio and enjoy it.
Yes the TSW X brace will be a huge gain for your cabrio, you can also add the M7 strut brace that would be enough to give you some stiffening. Then just enjoy the car a cabrio and be fast too, in the real world it's 90% driver not the car.

 

I installed the M7 brace when I bought it, and I have a rear sway (19mm) to install, but I wanted suggestions for the best stiffening/handling add-ons from here. So you like the TSW brace? What about front control-arm bushings...is that useful, or a waste? Thanks.

 

I'm on a tight budget for modding for the R52 MCSa;

I live in the NYC area (Geography plays a big role in modding because of money)...Example: You bought 18" wheels, JCW Body Kit, lowered your car and you live in an area with big potholes and numerous uneven pavement...How long do you think those items will last?

I reversed my modding:

First, I did the one-ball mod and a drop in air filter first...one word...Cheap.

Second, I put a lower brace under the car to help get rid of some of the flex...It works...Do it!

Third, I dropped from 17" wheels with run flats to 15" wheels with non runflats...an experiment...50% better ride...I hate 15" wheels and will be going with the 16" wheels w/ 205-50-16 from our R56 MCS.

I will be adding IE Camber Plates to take care of the mushrooming, next.

I will be adding the ALTA CAI since it was only $128 with the Memorial Day Sale...Look for a Alta having another sale on July 4th.

I want to add the BSH lower engine mount and TSW upper engine mount...in that order since I just had the upper engine mount replaced on warranty.

Then the need for speed and handling...

17% pulley, injectors, tune, rear sway bar, Koni FSDs,

that's the goal that is written down for me.

 

Mod it and have some great fun. Unless you're real serious about getting around a track in the shortest time, you'll never notice the difference on the street. Even aggressive driving in the twisties. I have an 06 cabriolet with the full JCW package. That means engine, exhaust, strut brace, LSD, brakes, suspension. It flat out moves in the twisties and when my local shop (BR Racing in Los Gatos) took it out for a test drive to bed my new brakes, they commented on how tight it was. Yes, techincally the cab will flex a bit more than the coupe. But will it make a difference in 99.9% of your driving? No. For me, the fun of a convertible far, far, far outweighs any perceived advantage that a coupe has. A Mini is a fun car to drive and is why many Mini owners bought it in the first place. Being a convertible makes it even more fun. I don't understand why more Minis aren't convertibles.

 

Inmini...sounds like a good plan. Basically all the stuff I want to do as well...and I live in CT. What lower brace did you install on your car? If you like it, I might be interested in the same one.
Thanks.

 

Martinb...nice ride dude. I'm starting to feel better about my purchase. Not that I didn't love it already!

 

I don't have it...yet, but if Way says it's good, that's good enough for me.

 

Just get a brace to help the flex...I would do the IE Lower Strut Brace (Mason & MINI-Madness is the same) but the IE is cheaper ($165). OMP Brace ($135 at MINI-Madness) would be my next pick.

The GTT Mid Brace would tie everything w/ above...but I couldn't see paying $127 for the brace and $73 in shipping from the UK...so

I went with an Ultra Racing 4PT Brace...$179 w/ Free Shipping...it covers the same area from the GTT Mid Brace to the front of the car...I had to modify it by using spacers and zip ties to get under the plastic shroud or plastic protector...it took 10 minutes to put it on...stiffens the car...

If I had to do it over again...I would do what I said in the first paragraph...I would do just one...

Don't waste your time on a Front Strut Brace...just get the Craven Speed STD to help your mushrooming prevention...if your mushrooming is bad...go with the IE Fixed Camber Plates w/o the Strut Tower Defender Plates because it will be overkill...you could use your money on other MODs.

Modding with Mentality will keep your car running and your money in your wallet.

 

The best FREE MOD...is the "SEARCH" button...it will save you money, it will educate you, it will let you see the passion and experiences of other MINI owners have about their cars.

 

Quite a lot of options....
There's also the TSW brace, and the M7. Both look excellent too. But which one? I suppose I need to close my eyes and pick one. I looked up the Ultra Racing brace...looks really nice, and 179 seems reasonable to me. I just want to a good one...then I can rest my forever busy mind and enjoy the car.

 

If you go to www.bmw2002.com (Ireland Engineering Site)...you can see IE products...IE Fixed Camber Plates, Lower Strut Bar...a very reputable company.

If you want the TSW X-Brace...I would go to www.waymotorworks.com very reputable.

If you want the OMP Brace...I would go to www.mini-madness.com very reputable.

I would do the mods you can do yourself or have them done cheap...Brace, One-Ball Mod, CAI, STDs, Pulley, etc...remember labor costs $$$...

Example: I had the brace, one-ball mod, and drop-in air filter, wheels, and tires...parts and installation done for under $490 so far...at various times.

My biggest cost will be for my IE Fixed Camber Plates...I have the camber plates...I'm saving up for the labor costs right now...an alignment needs to be done also.

For me...a pulley wasn't the way to go first...I have a daily driver and I'm stuck in NYC traffic going 5-10 miles an hour each day...like all MINI Owners...need for speed and power is there...

My wife wants UJ Gauges done at HELIX in late July & August...that's when I'll be getting my 17% pulley...

 

All I've done to mine is craven strut defenders (STDs) 17% pulley, alta filter and scorpion exhaust. I do have lowering springs but haven't decided if I'm putting them on with the roads and snow here in CT.

 

I am currently modding the engine of my '05 MCSc, and here is my mods list on it:
CAI K&N
RMW Street Camshaft
450cc Injectors
Ported/Polished head
15% reduction pulley
Custom header 4-1, 2.5"
Custom exhaust 2.5", split in 2x2"

I have a RMW tune but I have to re-tune it because my stock header failed.

Cost is just below 6000$CND (parts, labour, dyno/tune included)

 

Sounds awesome.....no suspension mods? You must have increased the power to over 200 hp...it would need a suspension mod as well, no?

 

where in CT are you? I'm in Shelton. I'm putting together an ice cream run next sunday if your interested. link to the thread is here http://nemini.org/index.php?topic=808.0

 

For suspension/wheels, I have : 18x8 polished wheel with 215/35R18 with a 22mm rear sway at the maximum setting. But, with those wheels and the bad roads we got in Quebec, I think 16x7 with 205/45R16 will be a better choice.

I think after my re-tune, my MINI will be around 250hp at the bloc (or even more).

 

Ha...I live in bridgeport. If you want, PM me.

 

I just found a great thread that addresses many of the concerns that I've had: mainly, what braces have the most effect on a cabrio, and how close can it come to a tin-top?
From what I've read (many thanks to the awesome and ever restless OldRick)
the BEST underbody set up seems to be a combination of the front lower mount by Mini Madness, and the mid mounted brace by GTT. Minimal NVH, and REALLY stiff....maybe even better than TSW, even though thats an excellent second. Also, the M7 USS is right up there, but for value and price, the first set-up is best.