Since its introduction to the U.S. market in 2002, the MINI Cooper and Cooper S have been among the hottest-selling subcompact hatchbacks on the market. Popular in road rally and autocross, as well as on the street, the new MINI has developed an intense following among driving and automotive design enthusiasts.
This book is designed to take the reader through the possibilities for performance upgrades, including step-by-step procedures for common upgrades including shocks and springs, brakes, clutch and flywheel, turbo replacement, supercharger pulley replacement, intake, exhaust, and even installing a limited slip differential.
Additionally, example cars are presented that show how many performance modifications come together to make a car that is well-balanced and fun to drive. Whether you are prepping your MINI for the street or for competition, this book covers everything by using real-world examples and detailed instruction with photography throughout.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: A Brief History of the MINI
Introducing Our Project Cars
MINI Spotter’s Guide
Building Your MINI Right
Chapter 2: Increasing Engine Power
How an Engine Does its Work
The MINI Engine
Engine Air Intake Upgrades
Exhaust Component Upgrades
Supercharger Upgrades
Intercooler Upgrades
Turbocharger Upgrades
Related Turbo and Supercharger Upgrades
Radiator and Oil Cooler Upgrades
Naturally Aspirated Engine Upgrade
Controlling the Engine: ECU Upgrades
Chapter 3: Improving Handling
Suspension Terms and Concepts
MINI Suspension Design
Shock and Spring Upgrades
Sway Bar Upgrades
Suspension Brace and Bushings Upgrades
Other Suspension Parts Upgrades
Wheel and Tire Upgrades
Alignment
Chapter 4: Improving Braking
MINI Stock Brake System
Upgrading Your Brakes
Chapter 5: Upgrading Transmission and Driveline
Electronic Traction Control
Manual Transmissions
Limited Slip Differentials
Clutch and Flywheel
Agitronic Automatic Transmission
Chapter 6: Interior and Exterior Upgrades
Adding Lights
Gauges and Indicators
Steering Wheels
Short Shifters, Shift Knobs and Brake Handles
Seats
Safety Equipment
Sound-Deadening Materials
Roll Bars and Roll Cages
Aerodynamic Devices
Chapter 7: MINIs in Competition
Autocross
Track Days
Time Attack
Hill Climb
Amateur Racing
Road Rally
Rallycross
Stage Rally
Car Show Competition
Final Build Sheets
Project R53
Project R56
Source Guide
Since its introduction to the U.S. market in 2002, the MINI Cooper and Cooper S have been among the hottest-selling subcompact hatchbacks on the market. Popular in road rally and autocross, as well as on the street, the new MINI has developed an intense following among driving and automotive design enthusiasts.
This book is designed to take the reader through the possibilities for performance upgrades, including step-by-step procedures for common upgrades including shocks and springs, brakes, clutch and flywheel, turbo replacement, supercharger pulley replacement, intake, exhaust, and even installing a limited slip differential.
Additionally, example cars are presented that show how many performance modifications come together to make a car that is well-balanced and fun to drive. Whether you are prepping your MINI for the street or for competition, this book covers everything by using real-world examples and detailed instruction with photography throughout.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: A Brief History of the MINI
Introducing Our Project Cars
MINI Spotter’s Guide
Building Your MINI Right
Chapter 2: Increasing Engine Power
How an Engine Does its Work
The MINI Engine
Engine Air Intake Upgrades
Exhaust Component Upgrades
Supercharger Upgrades
Intercooler Upgrades
Turbocharger Upgrades
Related Turbo and Supercharger Upgrades
Radiator and Oil Cooler Upgrades
Naturally Aspirated Engine Upgrade
Controlling the Engine: ECU Upgrades
Chapter 3: Improving Handling
Suspension Terms and Concepts
MINI Suspension Design
Shock and Spring Upgrades
Sway Bar Upgrades
Suspension Brace and Bushings Upgrades
Other Suspension Parts Upgrades
Wheel and Tire Upgrades
Alignment
Chapter 4: Improving Braking
MINI Stock Brake System
Upgrading Your Brakes
Chapter 5: Upgrading Transmission and Driveline
Electronic Traction Control
Manual Transmissions
Limited Slip Differentials
Clutch and Flywheel
Agitronic Automatic Transmission
Chapter 6: Interior and Exterior Upgrades
Adding Lights
Gauges and Indicators
Steering Wheels
Short Shifters, Shift Knobs and Brake Handles
Seats
Safety Equipment
Sound-Deadening Materials
Roll Bars and Roll Cages
Aerodynamic Devices
Chapter 7: MINIs in Competition
Autocross
Track Days
Time Attack
Hill Climb
Amateur Racing
Road Rally
Rallycross
Stage Rally
Car Show Competition
Final Build Sheets
Project R53
Project R56
Source Guide