While the birthplace of the precursor to the modern hatchback is in France, the UK was the birthplace of one of the first and most iconic pocket rockets. Launched in 1959, this affordable, small, and economical vehicle was the way forward when it came to practical, everyday motoring that also offered fun on backroads.
The Mini may have grown in size since its inception; however, the true classic design has stayed relevant as the original model is still produced today. Like any classic car, a Mini needs quite a bit of TLC, and while there are other ways to keep yourself busy as a car enthusiast, working on your Mini is one of the most interesting ones.
Common Upgrades
Air Intake
One of the easiest upgrades you can make to your classic Mini is to replace the air intake with a new one or have the current one refurbished. Doing the latter keeps it as original as it can be, while the former makes it more modern under the bonnet. These popular classic Mini Cooper parts can introduce cooler air in larger quantities, thus improving acceleration and induction noise if you go for a beefier filter, trumpets or both.
Brakes
The very first Minis came with drum brakes all around, and although that changed with later models, drum brakes were still fitted to the rear wheels. Whether your Mini has both the front and rear drum brakes or just the rear, replacing them is key to a safer and better-performing vehicle. There are conversion kits that save you both time and money, which is what most enthusiasts go for.
Seats
Moving away from performance upgrades, the interior of your Mini might also need some refreshment, and seats are one of the most commonly bought classic Mini car parts for restoration projects. However, if you want to make your Mini more of a rally car, you can go for bucket seats that will hold you firmly in place, no matter the terrain.
Suspension
If you plan on conquering rally circuits around the country, you should also invest in a new suspension system that will take all that abuse and keep your Mini stable without issue. Cooper S suspension can make your vehicle quite rugged underneath and able to grab up those corners like a bulldog, but keep in mind that they are not as advanced as modern-day coilovers. These Mini Cooper parts allow you to adjust ride height and comfort while improving stability and cornering. Obviously, they also cost more.
Wheels
Proper wheels are needed, too, as the suspension alone cannot handle everything the road or path underneath throws at it. Usually, classic Minis require large profile wheels, which not only improve the handling and ride quality but also make for improved suspension travel, as this way you have more sidewall. These Mini auto parts can help make your vehicle more forgiving in poor road conditions and challenging terrain.
Steering
Power steering wasn’t standard on cars back then, especially on a small car like the Mini when it was first introduced. With a power steering kit, you can make your Mini feel modern without sacrificing its true nature, being a legal go-kart. Some kits allow you to switch between no power steering assistance, like it was back in the day, to a level of assistance where you can turn the wheel with just your pinky when needed.
Soundproofing
This type of upgrade isn’t available within certain dimensions, and it varies depending on how well you want to soundproof your Mini. The most common areas where you can install soundproof materials like MLV, butyl and foam are the doors, floor and roof. Adding more material means you’re also adding more weight, which can increase fuel consumption and slow down your Mini when exiting corners.
Exhaust
If you want or need to replace your Mini’s exhaust, you can either get a refurbished one or a custom-made system that improves scavenging and performance. Larger piping and fewer bends made of stainless steel is the most common recipe for a better-sounding vehicle, too.
Flywheel
More aggressive acceleration means nothing if you can’t keep the momentum going. This is why a lightweight flywheel is a must on your Mini if you plan on making it fast on the straight, not just on the bends. This way, you can row through gears quicker as there is nothing to slow down the gears and the rest of the transmission when shifting.
Engine
One of the most overhauling upgrades you can take on under the bonnet is to swap the original engine for an N13 engine made by BMW. This can improve acceleration, driveability and efficiency; however, it’s more expensive than getting a turbocharger A-series engine in there or turbocharging your own vehicle. The A-series is also more robust and easier to fit.
