).I've also seen several pretty interesting and extremely nice sounding video clips of the 3.5l with a Flowmaster, but I can't find any fitment info on their website...
worthwhile performance upgrades?
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minivini
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2012 8:12 am
- Car: 2008 EX35, 1973 Austin Mini (1275)
- Location: Greenville, SC
worthwhile performance upgrades?
After taking a little time to cruise the forum, I've seen a few things listed on here regarding upgrades. What are you using and what difference has it made vs stock? My first likely upgrade will be a CAI (because it won't ever be noticed by my wife ).
I've also seen several pretty interesting and extremely nice sounding video clips of the 3.5l with a Flowmaster, but I can't find any fitment info on their website...
).I've also seen several pretty interesting and extremely nice sounding video clips of the 3.5l with a Flowmaster, but I can't find any fitment info on their website...
Re: worthwhile performance upgrades?
For dollars spent vs gain I haven't seen any. Getting 2 or 3 HP by replacing the intakes or exhaust isn't a very good ROI. So what would be "worthwhile" is subjective.
I have always wanted a little better handling over HP and have been waiting for a sway bar kit to hit the market.
I have always wanted a little better handling over HP and have been waiting for a sway bar kit to hit the market.
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minivini
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Feb 02, 2012 8:12 am
- Car: 2008 EX35, 1973 Austin Mini (1275)
- Location: Greenville, SC
Re: worthwhile performance upgrades?
Hi and thanks for the suggestion. I agree than a CAI alone isn't a good ROI. I'm thinking more in terms of a longer term project including a cat-back system.
Regarding handling, I totally agree. I haven't yet had an opportunity to take the EX for a mountain run. I'll have a better idea what I'd like to do to improve it once that happens. After completely rebuilding my Mini from the ground up with a bias towards autocross (and maintaining a class G spec in NASA), I'm a firm believer in taking one step at a time with upgrades. That way I can both accurately assess the gain and re-learn the car's character afterwards. Plus, this particular car won't ever be a test bed for some crazy hot tuner build. Performance gains are great, but the gas mileage improvements (typically) are equally of interest...
Regarding handling, I totally agree. I haven't yet had an opportunity to take the EX for a mountain run. I'll have a better idea what I'd like to do to improve it once that happens. After completely rebuilding my Mini from the ground up with a bias towards autocross (and maintaining a class G spec in NASA), I'm a firm believer in taking one step at a time with upgrades. That way I can both accurately assess the gain and re-learn the car's character afterwards. Plus, this particular car won't ever be a test bed for some crazy hot tuner build. Performance gains are great, but the gas mileage improvements (typically) are equally of interest...
Re: worthwhile performance upgrades?
I put an R2C intake on my G37 and it really did seem to give a boost, especially in the midrange. Folks who have done before and after dyno pulls with R2Cs and Stillen 3s show 14 plus HP gains at the wheels, and that is without the forward motion that would generate more intense airflow for the car. Although I had hoped for an extra 2 mpg or so, it didn't happen. That along with not having to replace airfilters would save money in the long haul. I salvaged the intake when my G was smashed. Anyone know if it will fit on the EX's 3.5 mill? A casual glance at the stock intake suggest it is very similar to the one in the G's 3.7.