What is the easiest way to add HPs to my cooper?

 

Air filter, Exhaust....lighter wheels will help with the off the line unsprung weight....after that...I dunno...how about a turbo? LOL

oh yeah and header

but only if you are not going with the turbo...LOL

 

Simple. Sell it and buy a 2006 MC with 140 HP. You cannot go wrong.
Keep your current MC until they can take your order in July or August only a few months away. You'll have good resale value on your current MC if you don't have too many fun miles on it.

Not so simple. You can mod your MC but it's going to be an uphill battle because the current MC is already a tuned up MINI ONE. If you want HP you'd be better off with an 05 MCS with manual transmission- no nonsense power for the least money and effort.

MC mods -
Intake- drop in filters, Pro MINI, K&W typhoon all about the same HP- not much a few HP 1 to 4 maybe.
Cat-back exhaust- vary in loudness, all offer about the same HP about 2 to 5 HP tops. Milltek, Helix13, Rspeed, Remus, Borla, Magnaflow. Tips vary.

Not HP- go for improved handling!
Suspension upgrades are the same for the MC and MCS.
MC works with the 19mm Rear adjustable swaybar but all the lowering springs or coil overs will work fine for the MC as do lightweight rims and smaller diameter non runflat performance tires.

Not HP- go for appearance!
The MC is ideally suited for body work upgrades- add an aerokit, paint the wheel arches and sideskirts, add rally lights or stripes. paint your mirrors or trick out your interior. Doesn't make you more powerful but you'll look faster.

Most of all have fun. Be creative!

 

I guess I need to keep up with what's around the corner. I just took our '04 MCS up to drive a new MC, and the power difference was noticeable. The MC ran out nicely up over about 4K, but I think I've been spoiled. But if the '06 MC is going to be showing up w/140hp, well, that's closer to happyland for me. More choices. . .dang!!