I've loved the new MINIs since they came out and now I finally own one. My wife and I decided to consolidate our vehicles (since we carpool together 4 days a week anyway) so on Memorial day we traded in her '03 Miata SE and my '08 STI on a 38k mile 2007 MCS with the JCW kit. So far this car has been the perfect marriage of our previous cars. The hatch practicality and turbo fun of the STI and the handling zeal and economy of the Miata. We're loving it!



I knew before we bought it that the car was slightly modded, but we didn't notice the blow-off valve sound until we nearly home with it. Good sound insulation on these little R56s! The JCW catback may have been drowning out some of the noise on the test drive.

The mods that I'd noticed were the ALTA silicone pipes (hot and cold pipes) and the block-off for the "noisemaker". When we started hearing the loud blow-off valve sound I took the intake off to see if the previous owner had installed an aftermarket blow off valve. The filter box has the JCW logo (as expected) and there's an ALTA foam filter inside (not expected!). I can't see the throttle body but I'm assuming there's an integrated OEM bypass/blow-off valve built in? There's a nipple sticking out of the throttle body assembly facing the driver's side of the car.. but nothing is on it. It doesn't seem to be drawing or pushing any air when the engine is running.

So, here's my question, is the stock blow-off noise that loud (can be clearly heard 50' from the road while driving by and shifting into 3rd "Pshhhhhh *chortle*") when the noisemaker and hot pipe muffler have been removed? Or did the previous owner install an aftermarket blow-off valve that I can't see without crawling under the car? I'd prefer to have it run silent and not vent to atmosphere. Any help is appreciated.

Also, I have some gashes in the cold ALTA pipe from a screw on the cylinder head. I read that was normal and I'm assuming that's why ALTA doesn't sell those anymore. I'm planning to replace that pipe with an NM in the next few months.

 

Welcome to the forum, don't have any of these items on my car, sure someone will answer your questions.

 

Thanks for the welcome!

 

...apologies in advance because I can't answer your questions but wanted to wish you a warm welcome and many happy years of motoring. The MINI family is awesome...so I'm sure several someones will pick up on your questions and have you fixed up in a jiffy. Enjoy that sweet ride!

 

Woot! I can post now!!! Jeez. Welcome to all.