The top 5 performance mods for Gen 1 GP MINIs
Introduction
With over 10 years passing since the final Generation 1 MINI GP rolled off the production line, you'd be forgiven for thinking the king of the supercharged MINIs would lose its crown; newer, turbocharged power units have whooshed in where the R53 sat but they're all pretenders to the throne. After all, you simply can't beat that supercharger whine! Here are Lohen's top 5 tips for modifying this beautiful MINI.
1. Quaife Engineering ATB Differential
Undoubtedly one of the biggest game-changers for any MINI, the Quaife Differential is the modification widely regarded as paramount for high-power MINIs to improve performance delivery throughout the driving experience. Designed to provide smooth, constant traction for slippery conditions, the Quaife is one of the best diffs on the market for fast road and track use. If you've never driven one, make use of the Lohen demonstrator MINIs and you'll be amazed how it improves performance. Lohen strongly recommends considering a clutch and flywheel at the same time as installing a diff, to save on overall labour charges.
View Full Quaife ATB Differential Product Information >>
2. KW Automotive Coilovers
All MINIs benefit from lowering and the quickest of the supercharged era is no exception. On the top of the range MINI, we'd suggest whatever your budget can stretch to as adjustability just gets better and better as you head up through the variants. Lohen has access to KW Automotive Coilovers for the GP, the best option given the slightly unusual configuration of chassis components meaning you can't just fit any 'off the shelf' coilover. As with all suspension, Lohen recommends our in-house setup to get the very best from your MINI – we'll soon have you cornering on rails!
3. 17% Reduced Supercharger Pulley Upgrade
The GP1 was fitted with a JCW pulley so already benefits from improved performance over the Cooper S models. However, we always want more! The GP's intercooler is capable of coping with increased temperatures from reducing the supercharger pulley yet further, so why not?! Lohen has developed a 17% pulley upgrade package, including belt and plugs, meaning any GP owner can get the very best from the supercharger unit without breaking the bank. Highly recommended!
Shop our Reduced Supercharger Pulleys >>
4. Janspeed Manifold
What's the point finding all that extra horsepower in the front of the engine bay if you can't release the gasses quick enough to cope with demand? The Janspeed Manifold is a beautifully crafted 4-1 manifold section allowing for quick release of exhaust gas, adding a finishing touch to the power side of the MINI. You'll notice an improvement in mid-range power plus a nice, meaty exhaust note to boot.
See the entire Janspeed Range >>
5. Mintex M1144 Front Brake Pads
The standard brake setup on the GP is already decent so, if BBK's are out of budget, we'd suggest a nice pad upgrade to a Mintex M1144. You'll notice improved bite when pushing on at higher speed, perfect for those spirited drives with all your new-found horsepower. By teaming suspension, braking and power mods, you'll have a GP that's a force to be reckoned with.
Buy Mintex Pads for your MINI GP >>
6. Lohen Performance Head
For those of you looking to get even more from your GP1 then we recommend fitting a Lohen Performance Head and a set of uprated camshafts. The exhaust and inlet ports are CNC machined and precision cut whilst the enlarged exhaust ports remove restrictions in the head to allow for maximum power. Our performance head fitted to your GP1 improves top-end performance and provides increases to both bhp and torque. For example, In-house testing on an R53 Cooper S saw gains of around 20 bhp when this head was fitted. You can get a more in-depth understanding of the performance benefits of the Lohen Performance Head by reading this BLOG POST.
Buy the Lohen Performance Head >>
We have tuning options for all applications and driving styles so there really is something for everyone, and while these are our top modifications for the GP1 fitting one or all of them will make a huge difference. If you have any questions about tuning your GP1 or simply want someone to talk you through the tuning process then please contact one of our team members on 01785 859999 or sales@lohen.co.uk.