Not aware of any 'cons' with the hood mounted insulation. The only unknown is compatibility with the intake kit that connects to the scoop.  Be careful with this type intake since the engine rotates as much as 2-3 inches in both directions - not sure how you can have a permanent connection from the scoop to the engine...

The turbo heat shields may or may not be compatible with aftermarket turbo upgrades - it depends on the turbo...  Another reason why the hood mounted insulation might be a better solution.

Cheers,
Ken

Ken,

Thanks so much for your reply, I found it helpful! Sorry for my late response. 

I was looking at 2 different heat shields other than the hood-mounted insulation because I thought they might look cleaner, but also because I could later add either a top-mounted intercooler or a cold-air intake induction kit that connects to the hood-scoop. Are there any pros/cons to the insulation option?
           Like could the the other shields limit my options for getting a different turbo? 
Thanks,
Morty

Hey Morty, welcome to the forum!

Best to follow the manufacturers recommendations for oil types. For the 2009 mcs, the owners manual lists: 0w-40, 0w-30, 5w-40, and 5w-30 FULL SYNTHETIC oils.  "these oils can be used for driving at all outside temperatures".  Most MINI dealers use 5w-30 for all models up thru 2015. 5w-30 synthetic is recommended for temps from -22F to 95F.

Catch can is a good and popular upgrade among 'car nuts' type.
High pressure fuel pump - not aware of any 'upgrades' , only new replacements are available from MINI
Intercooler upgrade - most beneficial in warmer climates but it is always good to lower the intake temps
Walnut blast is good 'if' you have carbon buildup
Frequent oil changes  - we strongly recommend this to keep the turbo happy

Bypass valve - we have seen the diaphragm fail in the stock units - take a look at the DV+ upgrade
Heat shield - recommend the under hood insulation add-on

The only way to monitor the engine oil temp is to add a gauge, or get an OBD blue tooth device and use an app on your phone.

Here is a maintenance guide for your MINI.

As for performance upgrades, it depends on you goals / expectations and your budget.

Cheers,
Ken

Hi There,

I have owned my stock 2009 MCS for about 9 months now, I bought it with roughly 65k on the car, and I am now approaching 73k. It's time for my second oil change, and I wanted to get an understanding of 2 different oils I should get, that will be the best fit for me (one winter and one for summer).

I am live at decently high altitude (5300'), I fill up with 91 octane premium, and I do about a 70/30 split of city driving/highway driving. In ABQ it can be as low as 5-10 degrees below 0 (degrees Fahrenheit) during the winter, but still as warm as 85 (degrees Fahrenheit) on a sunny winter day. During the warmer months its usually never lower than 40 (degrees Fahrenheit) and as hot as 115 (degrees Fahrenheit) on a hot day.

        Some things I am aware of: 
I should probably get an oil-catch can, a high-pressure fuel-pump upgrade, and a larger intercooler.

I should also look at a walnut blast on the intake valves, change the oil closer somewhere around every 3,500 to 4,500 miles.

I'd also be interested in upgrading/replacing the stock blow-off valve's spring and doing something to heat-shield the turbo, both to protect the paint/hood-scoop, and for performance benefits. 

        Some things I am looking for:
Advice on the best oils I could use for the cold and warm months, based on my area/driving conditions. 

Opinions on the initial changes/upgrades I'd like to make. 

How do you all monitor your car's engine/oil temperatures?

Advice on any regular maintenance I should be performing and anything I can do to make this car as reliable as possible. I want this car to be my daily, but as I learn good care and preventative practices, I'd like to make improvements to my car's performance. 

         A bit about me: 
This is my first car forum, and the first car I will be modifying to any extent. I want to make it more reliable, and learn about any possible issues that might arise. I'd like to learn the preventative practices I can implement now to have an easy time taking care of and improving this car.

If you wish to lend me a hand, I can gladly give you more specifics of the direction I'd like to take my build (I say build very hesitantly). Thanks for your time!!! 
-Morty