I posted this in the S forum and got zero help so I figured I'd try here. Most apeople are swapping from R50 to R53 exhaust etc so you all may know better what I need to do.

I've gone and installed a Borla R50 exhaust on my 03 Cooper S. I purchased a rear valance for the bumper for an 03 base model. All the mounting tabs lined right up but it is ~1/2" shorter in vertical height than the S version. The corner trims on the bumper hang down past the base model valance. I looked at the Mini Atlanta online parts fiche and there seems to be only one version for the base model. I read on this part of the forum that people were using the S trim on their cars with no trouble. I didn't see any part numbers referenced. Just to use the pre facelift version. Which is what I did in reverse. Anyone have any idea if any version of the base model lower valance will line up with my S bumper?

I've cut the bumper trim for now but would really like to lose the center cutout. Here is a picture of it(excuse the dirt it rained today)-

 

I thought about doing the same thing as it would save a lot of money

 

How about a sound video of the exhaust you put on

 

You might want to find a wrecking yard...MINI's go fast, bit even a wrecked bumper can likely yield a few useful parts!! Plastic parts tend to be pretty darn cheap at most "used car parts emporiums".
I kinda question if the R50 exhaust can handle the flow rate of a modded r53....But there is a weight savings, and a $$ savings! But it is your car, I just Wish you had BEFORE and AFTER DYNO numbers!! Heck, same day would have been AWESOME!!
Experimenting is what creates innovation!!
Question though...any Drone? I know early single sided r53 exhausts were light, but were DRONE PRONE.

 

I have no doubts the exhaust will flow more than enough. It uses the same size piping as a stock R53 exhaust(2 1/4") with at least four less bends. After that who knows what tortuous path it takes through the dual mufflers. Then there is also 4-6 feet less piping to travel through. I'd also keep in mind that cars like a WRX use 2 1/4" piping and are making 20-50hp more than I am.

Sound wise at cruising speed it is way quieter than the Ireland exhaust I took off. The loudness is directly tied to how much go pedal you're giving it. Cruising down the highway it's audible but by no means loud or overbearing. Drop a gear or two and floor it and you know it's there for sure.

The cost of the plastic parts isn't a concern. It's just getting the right ones.

 

Some not so great videos I quickly made this afternoon.

 

I did a "one ball mod" (cut the right side resonator off) used the bend off resonator to reconnect the left side muffler. It still retains the dual tips in center and it only cost $53 with tax.

 

I wanted to get rid of the center outlets. I have a hidden hitch on my car and they prevent you from getting the pin through the receiver. You can't get your hand up in there to put it in. Also they add two unnecessary 90 degree bends. The one ball is a good cheap way to go though.

 

It turns out I need the side trim pieces from the R50 also to go along with the lower valance. I've got everything all mounted up now. I really like the way it looks. Anyone who knows anything about Minis is going to be a bit puzzled by my car. I now have the R50 single exhaust, R50 gas filler cover and the black R50 side scuttle trims.

 

Looks good I like your setup.

 

This is absolutely perfect IMHO, looking to do the same down the road. CONGRATS

Did the exhaust hangers work-out ok with this set-up too?

Thanks in advance!

 

Love the way that looks. I just did the one-ball on mine for the time being but it sounds great IMO. Definitely like the look of yours though.

 

Thanks for posting this.

I'm looking into putting an R53 bumper on my R50. I thought the only issue would be swapping out the black trim pieces, and this thread confirms it. Looks great.

Anyone have an extra R53 bumper?

 

Great job. Look and sounds great.

 

Want to swap out the 3 valances? Haha. No seriously, want to?

 

Cool project! I have a Borla on my R50, fits nice and tidy.. want to just swap cars?

 

Thanks for all the info on this. PM's have been greatly appreciated!!

 

Looks clean . Nice job