2004 MINI Cooper S - Improving Aerodynamics

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Originally Posted by InsightfulRay

Dave, I have a 2009 Mini Cooper S JCW model. It gives me the best of both worlds. I can easily get 46-48 mpg on a steady 55 mph highway jaunt. I typically average 45mpg+ per tank since 90% of my driving is interstate. When my "Mr. Hyde" gets the better of me I can occasionally blast down an on-ramp because it has 220 hp in a 2750 lb. car and I can STILL net that 45 mpg figure per tank. Really enjoying this website and all the great ideas.

Nice! Thanks for your reply, A JCW would be awesome! Do you put it away for winter?

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Originally Posted by Mifunego

I am so jealous - great mpg but still fast and handles like a slot car... I'd love to have a JCW Clubman for my DD, but that $30k+ price is too big a pill to swallow. I figure it would take me about 9 years to offset the price difference from my MS3.

Same with us!

[lamb.chop]

any updates from MINI's anywhere?

Cheers

Chris

[some_other_dave]

I've got a 2012 "Justa" Cooper. The only mods are a ScanGauge and tires run just under max sidewall. I'm averaging 50 MPG over the last six weeks or so.

-soD

[mcrews]

dang dave....

i'm jealous!!!

[iplaysdrums]

i actually sold mine a couple of years ago. never managed to get more than 33mpg, though i imagine that's just as due to my heavy foot/lack of talent as it is to the thirsty supercharged engine. i've currently got a '96 accord wagon, which i'm looking to mod (beyond removing the antenna, which i've done), but it's tough to find the time and energy between work, school, and family.

[lamb.chop]

My 2003 MCS is currently averaging 46 mpg (UK gallons).

Have removed spoiler & fitted poverty spec MINI ONE steel wheels, tyres & wheel covers pumped to 40psi.

Use lots of cruise control in 6th & keep it below 3000rpm (hard!).

Going to use front number plate as lower grill block.

Also have -15% SC pulley, uprated IC, custom map, DIY Hybrid CAI, MSD coil pack & leads, colder plugs,.......

Cheers

Chris

[some_other_dave]

Don't be too jealous--it takes a good bit of work to get those kind of numbers out of a "straight Cooper". It'd be even harder in an MCS--not only is the S model slightly less efficient, but the temptation to stick your foot in it is even greater.

At least I can get my speed jollies going around corners without slowing down! Remember, every MPH you bleed off is an MPH you have to spend fuel to recover. So if you don't slow down....

-soD

[Varn]

Good point about not slowing down for corners to save fuel, I use that technique too. We should however consider that driving efficiently also being careful to prevent burning up your tires.

[some_other_dave]

I'm afraid that's one area that I'm not very good at conserving. I actually like replacing tires, because it gives me a chance to try out new ones...

-soD