since warrenty is a problem these two upgrades seem to be the easiest and least stressfull for me to upgrade.
Ive noticed quite a few threads like this... however I was wondering which two work together the best and preferable under 7 or 8 hundred dollars?
sound and performance.

atleast until I can afford a MCS motor swap

 

Are you talking about a CAI and catback for a Cooper or for an MCS? And, what year?

 

Haha a MC. and a 06 mc with that.

 

Is there a MINI club in your area?
If so then go to one of their events or even an autocross in your area- maybe some MINIs are there and it is legal for all classes of MINIs to have cat back exhausts.

For the MC
There are a few intakes out there- some can scrape the bonnet inner lining.
You can also just drop in an aftermarket foam, K&N or green performance filter.

If you like louder exhausts- check out the Helix13.com exhaust for MINIs.
Otherwise the Milltek, Remus, Borla, Magnaflow are all possible.

A recent issue of Grassroots motorsports magazine had a write up on MC exhaust upgrades- didn't really show that much of a power gain with any of the cat back exhausts.

 

I really like the Helix13 cat in my MC, but, as minihume said, it is LOUD...not obnoxious, but you, as well as the people 2 blocks over, know you have it. With the windows up, however, it has a nice drone.

 

Im a big fan of loud and drone. its probably my age but that definatly fits the bill

I wanted an exast in the 300 range, i looked at the helix13 yesterday but if I recall it was over 500?

 

I also had a Helix system but had to give it up because, among other complaints, the neighbors were not pleased.

Aftermarket exhausts for MINIs are on the expensive side. If you want to spend $300, your options are pretty limited. In fact, I think you'll have to either pick up a used one or have a local shop build something for you.....or you might get lucky on eBay.....

The Megan might be a good choice if the group buy happens (I see you already found that thread), but sound clips are all we have to go on so far.

I've tried a few intakes and my favorite so far is the AFE - it's a semi-cold air intake and it sounds great in concert with my Larini exhaust.

 

Yeah, the Helix13 IS pricey, but it's nice and has been on my Cooper since May, '04 with no significant problems. I'd have gotten something else, but the guy who installed it only had this one in stock so I went with it. Since then, I've heard of the others, but catbacks for Coopers are pretty limited, I think. Lotsa people get the Magnaflow, but I hate the look of that "coffeecan" on the back.

I just LOVE the Milltek Sport on my S, though...has that great burble.

 

ya I was happy with running straight off the hearders

but its not quite civilized and I want something legal ^__^

anywhere in the 300 to mid 400 range is what im looking for. cause i need it kinda fast haha

 

Check out the ITG filter and exhausts from MyMini at myminiparts.com.

 

how does their sports exhaust sound?

 

Also check out this thread about a new exhaust available soon at a very reasonable price.