Performance & Upgrades Frequently Asked Questions


Below are a collection of questions user have emailed, chatted or called us.  We hope you find it helpful.

Table of Contents



Turbo FAQs



Q:  I have a MINI Cooper year 2008 R 56 and would like to change the turbocharger for a bigger one so i can use it on the street, i would appreciate if you tell me which one is the simpler one I should buy, thanks.
A: Thank you for your interest with Mini Mania and our products.  Here is the link to the Super42 Turbo upgrade - this is a nice 'streetable' upgrade with minimal lag.  You can install a larger turbo, but the lag is not street friendly. This turbo alone is good for about 20-25 hp increase on a bone stock car.  However, to achieve maximum gains, you should also upgrade the intake, down-pipe, exhaust, and an ECU upgrade. Further upgrade such as the inter-cooler and plumbing pipes will also help to increase performance. Depending on how you drive, once you surpass 250hp, you should consider upgrading the engine internals such as pistons and rods. Best regards,  Mini Mania (2017)


Q:  I was referred to you by one of your co-workers. I have recently upgraded my turbo charge pipes on my 2008 mcs to a 2.5: pipe size. I am running a JM Turbo coopers E45R turbo. After I installed the new set up I notice that I can't get the boost pressure to hold at the 20 psi that I was previously getting. I have adjusted the waste gate actuator and that has helped. Did you guys experience the same thing when you upgraded the cold side pipe on the mini coupe in the you tube videos? Or, do I just have leak somewhere? 
A: My first thought is that there is a leak, those pipes flow a lot more air so if there was no leak you might have a higher air flow. If the pipes increased the air flow the extra air may be causing knock due to a lean condition and the ECU might retard the timing. I would recommend re-tuning the ECU for small boos pressure differences. If the change was drastic like 4 to 8psi I think that there is a leak.  Is the car running ok or does it drive like it has other drive ability issues, the turbo he has will make about 15psi with the BOV completely open and the WG fully closed. Let me know if you need more information. Mini Mania (2017)


Q: I have a 2007 Cooper S that is a street car but a little more humph under the hood would be nice.    I found this turbo and am thinking of ordering it.  Engine electronics are otherwise stock.  Would this be an acceptable choice or should we look for something closer to stock.  I might update the inter-cooler and exhaust down the road, but right now we're just trying to get it all back together again.   https://www.minimania.com/part/G2NME2801R/Mini-Cooper-Turbo-K03-42mm-Quick-Spool-Refurbished-Gen2-R55-r61  Thanks again for your time!
A: The K03 Super 42 turbo is a very nice upgrade.  Street friendly with a nice bump in power.  It 'can' be used on a stock car, but I would recommend you consider improving the down pipe and/or exhaust to reduce the back pressure.  At minimum, you should have your down pipe / cat 'refurbished' to eliminate back pressure caused from years of build-up.  We can arrange to have your down pipe serviced if you like.  An ECU upgrade will also allow optimum performance with the larger turbo. I hope this helps. Mini Mania (2017)

Exhaust FAQs

Q: I am preparing to replace a burnt exhaust valve on my 2008 Mini Cooper S, R56 body style, N14 motor. I am interested in purchasing everything that I will need to do this, is there a list that you could prepare for me? I am not asking to save myself time, just want to make sure that I get all parts needed and figured you could lead me in the right direction.
A: Thank you for your interest with Mini Mania and our products. Here is a convenient kit to repair and replace the cylinder head:  G2NMK8102 .  The MINI Factory 'Cylinder Head Gasket Kit' contains all new auxiliary gaskets and seals for refurbishing or replacing the cylinder head on your MINI - this includes head gasket, valve cover gasket and valve seals . There may be other parts you may need depending on the condition of the parts removed....   I hope this helps. Mini Mania (2017)

Break Pads and Rotors FAQs

Q:  What’s the difference/benefit from drilled and slotted rotors front and rear?  I have a MINI Cooper S.

A:  not much difference on the street, unless you live in the mountains. The big benefit with the drill & slot rotors is the improved cooling. Unless you heat up your brakes a lot, it probably won't make much difference for you.  It may be more of a 'looks' thing.  Mini Mania (2017)


Q: I replaced the pads and the rear rotors on my MINI Cooper S about a year and a half ago. The car has now done about 90,000. Do you think something like NMK3270 would be good?

A: Yes, the MINI Stage 2 Drilled & Ceramics Brake Upgrade Kit NMK3270 that is a great kit for spirited street driving and low dust too. Mini Mania (2017)


Q: I am currently replacing my brakes and rotors. Should I go for new sensors and lines too?
A: Yes on the sensors - they get brittle and will probably break when you go to replace them. I wouldn't do the brake lines though unless they are cracking and need replacing.  It's difficult to tell the difference with the ss lines unless you are hammering the brakes on the track.  Mini Mania (2017)


Q:  How often should I change by brake fluid?
A:  If its been over 2 years since your last brake fluid change, I would do that l.  Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years. Mini Mania (2017)


Q:  Are the EBC Red Ceramic low dust?
A:  Yes, EBC Red cuts down on the dust significantly. Mini Mania (2017)