this has been bugging me for sometime now and i gotta let it out

i'm choosing between one of the following (or any combination):

1. Detroit Tuned BBK for 16" wheels (used or bnew)
2. Volt exhaust (bnew) + header
3. ANY reputable catback (used) + header

why consider getting a used reputable catback? i live in the philippines so if i were to buy a catback from the U.S., i'd have to pay sea freight through my friend's contact so i don't mind getting a used exhaust as long as it's fresh. the only bnew exhaust that i can find that's under $500 (cheapskate) is the volt exhaust + $110 shipping to the freight forwarder in CA

how much to have a catback shipped to the philippines? $225-240 that's why it's crucial to find an exhaust that fits the bill

i'm also considering the DT BBK mainly because it's relatively cheaper compared to other BBK kits...and the money i save ultimately goes to shipping costs

how do i use my Mini? trackdays with friends about 4-6 times a year, very spririted mountain driving about 6 times a year. i'm not considering coilovers because i would like to have a "street" suspension setup (and it would add bragging points to beating other cars who have coilovers ) i'm ok with the stock suspension, i just added Eibach springs, powerslot rotors, hawk pads and Advan AD07 (and a 19mm swaybar soon). other mods done to my Mini are in my sig

any inputs would be greatly appreciated. thanks

 

a suggestion on the exhaust/header - you might want to see if OBX is available since they come out of the far east - this might save you some shipping $$. In the states the exhaust cost about 300 delivered and the header about 200.00

There are plenty of threads on the header and a few on the exhaust. I happen to run both so if you have any questions drop me a line.

 

I'd go for a one-ball exhaust upgrade with an electronic cutout the way Thumper on this site has done it (I believe that's his screen-name), it looks like a great way to get a budget exhaust and it has that stealth aspect to it as well. Combine that with a header and some upgraded brake pads with stainless steel lines and you'll be good to go.

 

Bahamabart: yup, i've read the numerous threads on the OBX header...but the exhaust? i'll have to look into that one. what again are the main concerns regarding the OBX header? (all i remember is that when laid down flat, some of them aren't completely flat)

Deviant: electronic cutout? on the exhaust?

 

Best bang for the buck is a pulley and a tune. You've got the pulley so why not try a tune. MTH gives a good result and their process allows guys like you who don't have other options to get a good base flash that you can do yourself.

 

do you have any brake fade on the track with your current setup. While I think the dt bbk is a great kit... the reality is that a bbk is not really necessary in 99% of cases. I have one and the only reason i do is i got it used off the marketplace for a price i couldn't pass up. If i had to do it over again i would not buy it.

As for exhaust I would personally get a one ball and a header such as obx with a cat.

Do you have camber plates? if you do track days camber plates make a profound difference in the handling of this car.

 

Big_Dog: there's a shop here that does dynapack tuning (partial throttle tuning), i'm definitely looking into that

minismusprime: you got a point, i don't do wheel to wheel racing with my buddies, so basically i really slam on the brakes ONLY on my hot lap, i take it easy on my out and in lap thanks for the input

 

I've got an Alta system coming off tomorrow. I've heard quite a few systems and it's one of the best out there. Plus, it's a single can exhaust, so shipping will be far less than the normal designs. I'm only replacing it because the header I'm getting requires a custom rear section to fit. I don't expect the new system to sound better by any means.

 

Can you load a dyno pack?

 

Based upon your current list of mods in your sig, I recommend a header/exhaust combo. It will definitely allow your engine to breathe a lot easier and probably free 10-15hp.

If I were you, I would get:

1. OBX header- Like others have said, buy from ebay for around $200+ shipping.
2. Doug Thorley exhaust- This is a super good bargain on a brand new exhaust. My friend, Aaron, the owner of OutMotoring, had this on his R53 MCS for a while and it sounded great. It's only $475+$75 with a resonator. Not sure what international shipping rates would be though.

Or if you are looking at a used exhaust and saving some $$$, I would look for a Milltek.

 

PGT: i've been looking at your ad for some time now...tempting

Johan: the brand of the shop's dyno is dynapack, think they use a different software to tune cars. they usually tune by 500rpm increments (partial throttle tuning)

cooper99: yup, the OBX seems like the way to go, but i'm concerned that my Mini might lean out with a header + exhaust combo, which means i may have to push through with the tuning early which i can't afford now, which is the reason why i'm looking at catbacks

the doug thorley exhausts are indeed a bargain...but the tips are...umm...nevermind LOL

there is/was a used milltek on the selling section posted a few days ago, i jumped at the opportunity but someone may have been already 2 steps ahead of me...

 

Thanks, but is the motor under a load when tuning or in other words is there resitance added from the dyno to make the engine work or bog?

I don't have any experience with a dyno pack.