I would like to have a little more power in the power band range for my 2005 MC 5 spd, between roughly 4-5k rpms, without decreasing any other performance aspects.

Would a new cat-back exhaust, say a Borla or Miltek, increase horsepower, but decrease low end torque thru less backpressure? If so, it is not something that I can do because I need all the low end torque I can get. Perhaps the money would be better spent on MTH? Or GIAC? or any of the other chip remaps?

So I guess my question really is: Is an exhaust really worth the money to performance ratio? and, What would be the best ECU remap? for price, performance, etc.

Just to clarify, this is for a 2005 Cooper 5spd, non-S.

Thanks!:smile:

-Steve

 

So, have all the MC owners been banned recently without my knowledge?
Where are my brothers and sister at?

 

Not really, for the Cooper. At least, not if you're looking at hp and torque alone. There just aren't very signifiant gains to be had. I haven't seen credible numbers for any MC exhaust above about 8 hp.

Of course, then there's the improvement in the exhaust note, which is purely subjective. For me, it's enough to tip the scales to an aftermarket exhaust, even though prices are still very high.

I haven't seen or heard anything about low-rpm torque decreases, either.

 

Would that be 8hp at 6800?

 

Well, since you were very clear about having an '05 Cooper, I wasn't sure if you wanted to hear from other years, but I often get the compliment from MCS owners that I've got one of the fastest Coopers around.

I've got a Moss MINI intake, MTH ECU, Remus Exhaust, Magnecor plug wires. None of these mods are really known for substantial HP, except for MTH. My Cooper definitely sounds awesome at idle and WOT, but I'd say speed has more to do with working the gearbox, keeping the AC off, keeping weight down (1 driver) instead of 3 passengers, shifting late--keeping the revs up--cruising at 4,500 rpm all the time, and having a lead foot.

IMO, as long as it sounds good, looks good, and feels good, then doing everything else to wring max power from your ride just comes from experience driving it.

 

The RSpeed exhaust for the Cooper seemed to add a bit of torque yet it doesn't seem to be available anymore.

 

Agreed.

And a nice sound while doing this will make it more satisfying, too.

 

The Remus does provide anice sounf for the Cooper. That is what I had on my 03 Cooper

 

Having heard Richard's Cooper in person (OctaneGuy), I can tell you that it sounds AWESOME. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it sounds better than my cat back Borla, and I mean that. Hearing his made me regret spending the money on the Borla (don't get me wrong, I still love my Borla ).

 

I have a Rogue cat back with a Pipercross intake. It is noticably peppier above 4,00 rpm. If you want performance from a cooper, learn to drive above 4k.

 

Wow KiLO!!!!
It's also one of the reasons I'm hesitant about upgrading to an '06 Cooper. I just love everything about my current configuration. Great sound, good power, etc.. Going to be hard to replicate it, especially since a lot of things aren't transferable between model years.

 

Yeah, I totally agree. I like having my '02, and while I like the newer ones, I just don't like them as much.

 

If horsepower is your main goal you need to get a full cat back. The remus sounds amazing and looks just as good, but it doesn't remove the most restrictive part of the exhaust and thats the resonator. Granted the remus seems to be only 2 hp behind others that i have seen dyno'd on here and other places....so i would still say its worth it if thats the sound you want.

I have a borla and love the sound now that i have had it for a year. I can definitely feel a lot of pep from the exhaust, especially now that i have the ECU tuning and intake. Those three things can be had for a relatively cheap price (Intake: $100-$150, MTH is cheap, exhaust $400-$500) and the accelertation is quite noticable and the car sounds great.

Really any of the exhausts you choose for the MC will give you about the same power and acceleration. So i say choose the one with the best look, sound, and price. You really cant go wrong. We really need more modified coopers around here

COOPER POWER

 

What year is yours? As far as i can remember you have been here since i got here, which was nearly 3 years ago . I plan on keeping my 02.....i just cant imagine giving it up.

 

OK, so an exhaust or ECU remap? I like my mpg, and would sacrifice a mpg or two for more performance... A bit more power in the 3500-5000rpm range is what I'm looking for, without loosing low end torque or a lot of mpg...
For regular Cooper...

Thanks

-Steve


P.S.- Thanks for the replies rally- I would like to do a cat-back when I have the cash, maybe miltek, and the MTH, but the process seems confusing and pehaps a bit shady... Any help with that?

 

If i were you i would get the exhaust first. Its the best "bang" for the buck. I'm not saying that you get more HP necessarily, but with the exhaust you get power AND looks AND a great sound that you will LOVE to hear every time you drive.

ECU's are great, but i would only get one after i had done intake and exhaust.

I was really afraid of the MTH too, seemed a bit sketchy. I finally dived in when money was burning a hole in my pocket and i couldnt be happier. I really didnt want to spend 500 dollars on a chip just for an MC, so the cheaper MTH really is worth it. Let me know if you want to know more about this process.

And in terms of MPG....modding doesnt seem to do much I have the MTH, borla, and typhoon intake. And on a 4 hour drive (all highway) in 98 degree weather i got almost 39 MPG (by my calculation, not the on-board computer). Granted i have the CVT, but that was a HUGE shock to me considering the modding. On VW's modding the engine will kill your MPG, but it seems that the MINI doesnt mind too much (atleast as far as the MC goes)

 

I had a nice detailed post and then my 16month old son slammed my keyboard and completely wiped it out!

Ok, so to summarize what I was saying--exhaust and intake mods didn't cause my mpg to drop--just my foot on the pedal. Once you do those mods, you will want to hear the engine roar, and that's what causes the mpg to drop, of course it's also music to my ears! My wife who occasionally drives my MINI is ultra conservative--she never listens to me to keep it in the 4K range--she's always in the low 2's. But she will easily get 28 to 32MPG while I'm luck to get 24MPG.

I would do ECU first if performance is what you are after. MTH isn't expensive--skip the tuner version at $300 for now--even the base one will result in noticeable power improvement. An intake is a nice complement as that will make your engine roar each time you step on the throttle and even a cheap $100 Moss MINI one makes a huge difference--that's what I got.

I did exhaust after intake, and ECU primarily for $$ reasons, and it's a lot harder to hide an exhaust from the wife.

The exhaust and intake to me really complements the extra HP I get from MTH in terms of sound. Try watching an action movie without the sound!!

RallyMINI
I got an '03--July build.

 

I've got an '06 on order, and have been researching this as well. I understand that the Miltek cat back is a good choice if you want to add power, get a mellow sound w/o drone. I'm checking on whether the later model Coopers have any fitment issues with this system. I also thought that I read somewhere on NAM that Mini had improved the stock Cooper intake for '05 - if so, I'm not sure that there is anything other than sound to be gained from that avenue. Reducing wheel weight (unsprung weight) is something that you can do with the Cooper that will somewhat improve ride, handling and off the line grunt. Good luck

 

Another '06 person wanting more info.


I know eventually MIB will have Exhaust, Header, and Intake Mods.

 

Its not as much an improved intake as it is altered. As far as i know, the changed were made due to the fitment of bigger tranny mounts on the newer cars. So a corner of the box was cut off.


weight is our number one strength and should definitely be focused on when tuning a cooper. That and tranny response.

 

i dont know how much we know about the 06's....but if its like the 05s then you shouldnt have too many problems.

The K&N typhoon intake kit will fit, but it will be tight. So that should work pretty well :smile:

Exhaust wise, they changed the 05 hangers didnt they? If so then you will need to find a company that is producing the newer hangers, or have your local exhaust shop weld up some new ones for you (cheap and easy).

ECU i would believe to be the exact same....MTH works on 05's....so i'm sure once the 06's come out he will include those.

Anything else i would ASSUME works, like throttle body, and headers, etc. I dont think they changed those things at all.

 

MTH works with 05's and 06's no problemo. I have it on my 05 Cooper and love it.

 

I just have to chime in here. I love this forum. I finally feel at home, surrounded by fellow Cooper owners.

I am learning a great deal as well. I'm also learning where all my money is going to go...