TSI Turbo Kit? A Plethora of Questions

[Casual Days]

Anyone with experience with TSI's mini turbo kit? TSI Turbo Kit (http://www.turbo-kits.com/mini_turbo_kits.html)

Would normal upgrades like a front mount intercooler and such allow me to surpass a Cooper' S's hp capabilities? Would I at least be able to match it?

Is is possible for the 6 speed to hook straight up to the NA engine? There really isn't any difference between the two engines is there?

I'm thinking of trying to special order a car with the 6 speed. Somehow, I doubt they will allow me..but it's a thought.

Currently I have been debating between a e36 M3 Convertible and a Mini Convertible. The M3 convertible has always been a favorite but the Mini convertible has always fascinated me. Any construtive encouragement for the Mini vert?

[SoCaL330CI]

That turbo is very small. I don't remember off hand what people were putting down in terms of power gains, but I'd be willing to bet it's not much more than 30 hp.

If you're looking at spending another 2-3k on mods, you might as well order the Cooper S, and do some basic cheap mods to it to bring it up above the 200 hp mark. With a pulley, intake, chip, you're already looking at 185-190 wHP. Since it looks like you're buying new, I thought I'd let you know, there are deals to be had in the used market (surprisingly not many though, these cars hold their value VERY well), keep your eye open for a 1-2 year old Cooper S with the packages you're looking for, and save a little money, plus you can't go wrong with that nifty hood scoop and those side vents! :D

As for the choice between the M3 and the Mini, I owned a '95 M3 coupe. I loved the car, but not having a warranty, on a 10 year old car, that's not exactly known for reliability to begin with... the choice to switch was an easy one. All it took was a test drive. The Cooper S's handling is ridiculous. One of the only cars I’ve ever driven that I can make a 90 degree right turn at 40+ with minimal effort. Plus, even stock, this car hauls!

That being said, I was never a fan of the Mini Convertible, for some reason it reminded me of the VW Beetle too much. But whichever car you go with, I guarantee you'll be happy :-).

P.S. I'm 99% positive mini isn't going to let you order a standard cooper with a 6-speed, but hey, doesn't hurt to ask... lol. Also, I'd try to stay away from the 02, 03 Coopers, I heard they had issues with the PS cooling fan being on the same fuse as one of the aux cooling fans or something, which caused the cars to overheat (low car, sticks and debris is prone to getting stuck under the PS fan). Some people had no issues, but I heard that warning when I was looking, so I figured I would pass it on. Also, it seems that the '95 M3's have more issues than the other M3's, maybe age, first year, not sure, but I would buy 97+.

Happy car shopping! :buttrock

[seewinnerslist]

Hey, I work for MINI.You cant order the cooper with the 6 speed but the engines are the same(internal and all) so a 6 speed will bolt up to it if you could find one at the junk yard(good luck). Honostly the best way to go between moded cooper or stock S is a stock S. Its only a $3500 difference to get the S and you get supercharger, sport suspension, sport seats, 6 speed, larger wheels, runflat tires, and a spoiler. Thats alot for only $3500.

Between an e36 M3 and a MINI, personally I would get an M3 because I like rear wheel drive cars but the MINI vert is a great car too, has a warranty, etc..