Hello;  My MK 1 Cooper has definitely become Mr. Potato Head and while it will not win any car shows, it is a survivor.  Upgrades I have done as iit is a dual purpose vehicle that is autocrossed in the summer are: Dual line brake master cylinder (using the handbrake on the interstate can get exciting especially if one of the brake hoses lets go on the single line system), a wideband oxygen sensor setup, and an alternator.  The sensor makes tuning so much easier!  The alternator supplies constant voltage/current which is a nice feature especially if driving in inclement weather and the lights/windscreen wipers are working at their best.

As RICOv2 said, it all depends on your starting point.

IF your Mini is an average one (i.e. not a Cooper S or rare MK1) in good running condition you can think about modest, gradual upgrades, like better carburation, better flowing exhaust, e.g. a Freeflow system, better tires and wheels,etc.

If your Mini is showing its age, and needs some refreshing, you should consider things from the ground up.

•  - Good tires
•  - suspension refresh: replace tired, hard cones (rubber springs) , shock absorbers, knuckle joints, ball joints and tie rod ends, suspension bushings etc.
•  - make sure the brakes are in good working condition - the car was built with adequate brakes for its size and weight if in good working order, so upgrades to more powerful brakes shouldn't be necessary. The brakes are also only as good as the tires I have stock (later) 8.4" disk brakes that can lock up my 12" wheels with Falken tires, even when they were new.
• - make sure your engine is well tuned, including valve lash, ignition timing (and dwell if you have points), carbutration etc. Note all these things including the type and quality of your exhaust system work in conjunction with each other. Upgrading your exhaust (better flow not bigger sound) for example will necessitate changes to tuning. Adding a cone type air filter will affect tuning too. 

Once you have it running as best you can with what you've got, even a modest 850cc or 998cc engine can be really fun to drive. Driving quicker is more fun than just driving fast. 

Hi. It all depends on your starting point. 

I believe the most talked about modifications are increasing power / displacement to the smaller displacement engines. I started with a 1275, so I've never bothered with engine mods. At one extreme - folks will leave a nicely tuned 850cc engine and enjoy that. (They are lots of fun). At the other extreme, people install turbos, and even modern engine replacements, or electrification chasing power and acceleration. 

I think minis are fun even being driven slow, and I am inclined towards originality than creating a different beast, I've never chased power beyond stock. I try to keep mine running well to enjoy.

Exhaust mods are also popular. (To produce the correct tone of 'brrrooomm, brooom' and for looks). I have a twin center exhaust that makes a nice rumble...

In terms of comfort; I have only added the seat brackets. I am tall and these provide a tad more leg room by allowing the seat to move a couple of inches further back. I have done noting else. Minis are great fun to drive, but they do give you a beating in long trips due to the very short suspension travel, but you suffer with a smile on your face.

Now Aesthetically; this is where the sky is the limit... All minis become unique...

Do you have a mini? What have you done so far?

Hey everyone! I'm curious to hear your thoughts and experiences on the best modifications for classic Mini cars. Whether it's for performance, aesthetics, or comfort, what upgrades have you done to your Mini, and how have they transformed your driving experience? Feel free to share tips, photos, and stories about your favorite mods!

Regards,
Monica

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