I new to NAM. My CR/W 5speed Cooper is scheduled for production this Jan. My spec includes SS+ and sport seats, 16" 5star wheels, DSC (which I am not sure was worth it) fog lights and xenons . I can't wait! I have had my toyota truck (0-60 in 15 sec, ugh!) for 16 years and I am ready for a new car. I was wondering about two specific performance mods: exhaust and intake.

Exhaust- after reading various threads I think I am interested in the following two- the helix or the borla. I like the looks of the helix, however there seems to be conflicting info on the actual performance gain. Suggestions?

Intake-should I just replace the filter with a K&N or go further? What impact will that have on the warranty? Are there any negatives?

And do either affect smog check viability in California?

Thanks for the help

 

I can't help with the exhaust but I've had K&N filters on a couple of different cars, (not my MINI). I'm almost positive they did absolutely nothing except lighten my wallet by about $40.


R.E.

 

I have the Borla and love it... but the Helix is very nice, too. It's a matter of personal choice, really. I think the Borla is a tad bit louder. Supposedly the Helix produces more power, but in my experience they are about equal.

On the intake, I highly recommend the BMP/Promini intake... made a huge difference on my car. I had a drop-in Green Filter replacement before that, and it didn't make a noticeable difference... the BMP/Promini intake did.

Neither should affect your smog check in CA, but I could be wrong... someone else out there might be able to answer better!

 

Hey miniswami,
Welcome to NAM. Since you're in Calif, then you need to be aware that only CARB certified parts will officially pass emissions -- since the testers will hear the louder parts and know right away you added something. Although these performance parts (exhause and CAI) will actually pass emissions (no problem at all), you may be "caught" with them at that time. Some here have posted that police have actually pulled them over in Calif and ticketed them too. I am just cautioning you, not telling you not to do it. Some have put non-CARB certified parts on their cars and then taken them off when they go for emissions testing. I also heard that there are not many CARB certified performance parts out yet, but hopefully by now there are more available. I'm sure others here on this site can tell you more, as many live in Calif.

 

Go to a MINI meeting near you and listen to all the systems you can. My preference is the RSpeed, but I consider Joe a friend and not just a parts seller. If you are near San Diego, you are welcome to hear and drive my car.
Chris

 

First off, read this thread to see what us nutty MC owners have done...

MC Mod Thread

 

Thanks for the info and link. I am up in wine country (Calistoga) so San Diego is a bit far. I will continue to search the threads, the other exterior mod would be euro fenders without side reflectors...

 

>>Hey miniswami,
>>Welcome to NAM. Since you're in Calif, then you need to be aware that only CARB certified parts will officially pass emissions -- since the testers will hear the louder parts and know right away you added something. Although these performance parts (exhause and CAI) will actually pass emissions (no problem at all), you may be "caught" with them at that time. Some here have posted that police have actually pulled them over in Calif and ticketed them too. I am just cautioning you, not telling you not to do it. Some have put non-CARB certified parts on their cars and then taken them off when they go for emissions testing. I also heard that there are not many CARB certified performance parts out yet, but hopefully by now there are more available. I'm sure others here on this site can tell you more, as many live in Calif.


You won't pass the smog visual inspection with an intake. But an exhaust should be fine...I got ticketed with an intake and had to get a smog check. I put the stock intake in and brought it to be tested, they said nothing about my magnaflow exhaust.

 

I would seriously challenge ANY Intake or Exhaust Claims before purchasing.

I do believe the MC has some GREAT Potential and that Thread linked by Dandp was a good read.

Some Hot MC's out there...

-West Coast Coopers