Can anyone give me how much HP and torque I would gain from aftermarket headers for my Cooper S (headers and stock exhaust). And how much more would I gain if I get the complete exhaust system (headers and catback).

I already have the pulley and I'm trying to decide which mod i would get next, the powerchip ECU or headers.

Thanks!

 

Aloha and Welcome to MCO johnD,
It's hard to say exactly how much HP and torque is truely gained by these upgrades. Most people try to estimate. If you want to talk to someone try RandyBMC since he sells all of these options.

Most people think the Powerchip ECU is a good choice at $690. It complements the other upgrades and works over a broad range of rpms. It would void you warranty for the engine I would think- if the dealer knew about it and you had trouble but you can return the ECU back to stock with some effort.

The Headers vary in price right now from about $650 to $1300 and Cat and Dog Racing is trying release a new ceramic coated header that might be worth a look.
We have asked for Dyno numbers. A rough estimate of what a header might do is about +6 to 9 HP depending on other upgrades. Helps sometimes in the midrange to higher rpms- results vary. Some have sport Catalytic converters. Ceramic coating helps the header exhaust fumes to run hotter and still limit that heat from getting into the engine bay and heating up everything else like the intake air.

An upgraded exhaust also adds some to HP- maybe 6 to 10+HP depending on the other upgrades.

There hasn't been much info on Dyno numbers that really compared these options so you need to be a bit aware of the hype of various upgrades. There are some dyno results for the Powerchip ECU.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...orum=11&15

 

Thanks minihune.

I have the read the thread about Cats and Dogs headers and I'm looking forward to it. I hope the price won't be as high as some. Is the london header same as the supersprint header? What brand is the header priced at $650?

 

Current headers are a bit limited yet. London Stainless is not the same as supersprint.

Mini mania sells theirs with sport cat for $750
http://new.minimania.com/web/item/NME1004/invDetail.cfm
and they sell a header with no cat for $650 (off road use only)
http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NME1003/InvDetail.cfm
Which is the same item minus the cat for more power-less legal however.

Here's a little on headers from RandyBMC's past post:
There are also replacement headers - which is the part that comes right off the engine (the head to be more specific) and includes the catalytic converter (the part the cat-back systems described above bolt to).

Three manufacturers have tackled this piece - London Stainless (also known as Quicksilver), Supersprint, and Mini Mania. There is also the Milltek header, but I'm still figuring that one out... All three are finished well, some require more fabrication than others to make them work. The LS/QS unit is the best out there in my opinion for it's design and dimensions - the larger you make the diameter of the tubing, the more power the S seems to make. That would only hold true to a point, and then you would start going tooooo big and have other issues to deal with. The flow rate of the cat itself also matters when trying to make horsepower. There is more restriction in the stock cat than in the aftermarket cats, so another opportunity exists to free some horses (always good for the animal rights folks). The Mania header is very nice because of the quality of the unit, the cost of the unit, and the sound for some. It is louder than the LS. It runs $750 with the cat (compared to $1300 for the LS) but makes about 4-5 hp less than the LS. The Supersprint is pricey too, and it requires some fabrication to work so far, but that is being addressed.

see
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...amp;topic=8885

RandyBMC sells both London stainless $1300 and Mini Mania headers $750
see http://www.mini-motorsport.com/exhaust-mcs.php

Mini-madness has the London Stainless discounted right now to $999 which isn't bad
(RandyBMC might be able to match this price) see
http://www.mini-madness.com/product....1=219&3=28
Here's more from that page:
The ultimate in MINI exhaust technology.
The original manifold has four short primaries and a restrictive collector followed by two catalytic convertors in series. These catalytic convertors have cores with about 500 cells per square inch (cpsi) giving a flow area of approx 60%. The Quicksilver manifold and Sport Cat has four longer tuned-length primaries followed by a single free-flow Catalytic convertor. This Cat has a microscopically thin Fecralloy metallic core of 200 cpsi to which the essential Platinum and Rhodium are applied at a much greater density (25 grams per cubic foot compared to 10 grams on a typical aftermarket product). This all results in a flow area of approx 85% whilst remaining clean enough to meet emissions requirements.

Key features include:
* Dyno tests show a 12 bhp improvement and increased mid-range torque.

* The Fecralloy metallic core is very durable, far more so than the ceramic cores typically used.

* This incorporates a triple-wall flexible section to a much higher specification than the twin-wall OE item - To allow for the greater loads imposed by a tuned engine.

* Accelerated gas-flow draws heat away more efficiently to reduce under-bonnet temperatures - particularly important for a tuned engine.

* The two original oxygen sensors are retained in their correct position for the proper operation of the OBD2 (on board diagnostics) system.

Here's the London Stainless site:
http://www.racecar.co.uk/quicksilvermini/
just click on the manifold option
-----------------------
For details on the supersprint (via Promini's site) see
http://www.supersprintna.com/exhaust...iS_system.html

And Cat and Dog is working on their own header (option for cat or not and ceramic coating) which is still not ready- stay tuned- should be quite competitive in price.

_________________
ALOHA

 

We are the sole authorized importer for Milltek Sport who are the producer of the "London Stainless" header and "Quicksilver" header. $895 US. -Pete, Stratmosphere

Milltek Exhaust for Mini

 

Thanks minihune for the very imformative reply.

I've read in a thread that the mania header only produces 3.5hp. Looks like the London/Quicksilver is the system to go with, if only it had a better price. But I'll be waiting for the cat and dog header for sure.

Stratmosphere:

Is the milltek header same as the london/quicksilver? How much HP and torque gain did you get from it and where in the power band?

 

Not to beat it to death, but yes the Milltek is actually what has been labeled as the London or Quicksilver header. Randy and Mini-Mania have both tested (and use) this piece and can vouch for the superior performance. They are also both Milltek dealers now as well and you can buy directly from them. -Pete, Stratmosphere

 

I just ordered the London Stainless header from Randy @ Mini Motorsports
last Friday for $900. He said that the Miltex and the LS were one and the same and that he was able to work out a new price.

 

>>I just ordered the London Stainless header from Randy @ Mini Motorsports
>>last Friday for $900. He said that the Miltex and the LS were one and the same and that he was able to work out a new price.

Furioso:

What mods do you have on your car? Have you installe dthe headers? How do they perform?

Please give me an update since I would be getting the milltek/london header soon. thanks!

 

>>>>I just ordered the London Stainless header from Randy @ Mini Motorsports
>>>>last Friday for $900. He said that the Miltex and the LS were one and the same and that he was able to work out a new price.
>>
>>Furioso:
>>
>>What mods do you have on your car? Have you installe dthe headers? How do they perform?
>>
>>Please give me an update since I would be getting the milltek/london header soon. thanks!

MINI is stock except for the MINI-Madness intake. Expect to have header soon (ordered 0n 8/8).

Waiting for JCW kit to arrive at dealership for install.