So I have about $1000 to spend on new parts and am wondering what I should do/get. Current set up is in my sig and I am leaning towards performance over style this time around so here are my options. Please suggest other things or brands. Not planning on tracking my car and really just looking for a little more boost for my DD.

Option A.
- Invidia Exhaust from Downpipe back
- NM Air Charge Pipe
- NM Air Discharge Pipe
~$900

Option B.
- Invidia Exhaust from Downpipe back
- Helix Stepped Intercooler
~$1300 (a little over budget but seems like the way most people will say to go)

Option C.
- Helix Stepped Intercooler
- NM Air Charge Pipe
- NM Air Discharge Pipe
~$1100 (again a little over but willing to do)

Note:
- Tune is out for now since Im in a 2011 MCS and most are still being worked out seems like (i.e. Alta AP)
- I'm sticking with Invidia for an exhaust. Read below.

I am looking to get more of a slight performance gain rather than looks. Going with the Invidia for no cut install and yes I know going to a shop and getting a custom will be cheaper. I really like the sound/install of the Invidia though.

So please tell me what option you think is best this time around and feel free to suggest different things and brands.

 

I would go with option B. The intercooler seems like the best way to get more HP from what I've been reading.

 

I'd say B as well.
Im looking to do a fmic soon.
Good luck

 

Yeah I want to but will it really do anything with the stock diameter pipes? Its a little more than I want to spend this time around which is the main reason Im hesitant about Option B.

As with FMIC brand... Helix seems to be #1 right now...either of you research and find otherwise?

 

Where are you getting an Invidia turbo-back exhaust? From my knowledge, they only market a cat-back exhaust.

BTW, the only way to make power/torque from the R56 exhaust without a tune is to have a catless downpipe. The 'high-flow' catted downpipes out there are kind of pointless since you'll still get a downpipe related CEL.

Buy the FMIC now and don't let the rest of your cash burn a hole in your pocket. If power is your goal, you need an ECU reflash PERIOD.

I will be as bold to say you should invest in more things besides a tune for a new R56 S. Sticky tires, the stock suspension leaves MUCH more to be desired, and of course don't forget that you need to stop better

 

B or C

 

ECU tune will come in due time. I want to get parts that will compliment the tune first and by then the 2011 tunes will hopefully be fine "tuned" by then.

Brakes? Who needs them? I am running the stock brakes right now and they seem fine...for now. Im not tracking and for now run stock 16s in the winter so a BBK wont be financially in the works for a little while still.

Tires...have new Contis and I am already lowered to my liking with new controls arms and endlinks, one the current suspension sees a fair share of wear I will be on to coils but I just went the spring route this past fall

 

I'd go for option "C". It's closer to your budget, the pipes will clean things up a little, (muffler and noisemaker delete), and your engine will appreciate the cooler air.
As I understand it, big gains aren't made from changing the exhaust, although I am changing mine as well.
You're going to get the exhaust anyway, just have to wait an extra week or two. Good luck.

 

Option B: of the three you mentioned.

I learned my lesson on those pipes. More trouble than it is worth.

Countryshane is right about the other upgrades, you need a new car as well.

 

B!!

Don't waste your money on pipes

 

Yeah I must admit exhaust is probably more for the sound than performance...just been researching them longer and was planning on getting one first before a FMIC.

I need a new car? Hmm interesting
What lesson with pipes did you learn? Do tell

 

How are you liking the Helix and Invidia setup? Did you run the two without the Riss DP at all? How long have you had them?

 

By the time you add all the stuff that country is talking about (which is correct), you about paid for another car!

Leaks, no power add, blow outs, etc... Just ask the vintage NAMers like thumper etc...

 

Pipes = Boost(less) tubes

 

I assume thats mostly joking around considering everything above and what ive put in already only comes to about $3k when I paid a fair penny more for for the car.

Leaks and such...from the pipes? Just in general? All cars are going to leak eventually, right?

 

So I can gather more recently

 

Good suspension = 3 - 5K
Tune = 0.5 - 1K
Rims and tires = 1.5 - 2 K
Braces/other suspension = 0.5 K - 1 K
Brakes (F & R) = 2 K
Install (if you do not do it yourself) = 1 K

And that does not include the look good parts. And you will need to know how to make it all work together, i.e. tune the suspension, etc.

Now the car is pretty good.

 

Do you even own a MINI?

I see where you are coming from but dont want the thread to get too off topic about this. Cars are expensive, I am aware, but I love my MINI to death right now and until I decide to go better I like the do what I can. Im sure most people can understand that.

 

Only the outside looks like one

You are in Boston so you are pretty close to the mpg (Mini Performance Group), our club out of Albany, NY. Many of us are heading to Watkins Glen Longest Day for open track with BMWCCA Patroon on June 13 (Monday). You want to see and ride in a bunch of modded Minis (on the track), that is the time and place.

 

I LOVE my Invidia...and I love my Helix IC....it does exactly what it is supposed to do and fits perfectly unlike some other IC's.

I've had the Invidia since I had around 1k miles....so for 52k miles. And only recently have I been running the riss DP with it. Sounds good with the stock DP, and downright mean with the catless dp. Drones a ton with the catless though...but I like it


Haha vintage NAMers!

But yes, they are just a waste of money. Cause more trouble than its worth, especially when the stock tubes work just fine. If you want to spend some extra money after everything else, then maybe.

 

Ah now Im so tempted to spend more than I should at once....You install yourself? If so how was the intercooler install? PITA?

Any issues with the Invidia install? Ive heard mixed things about alignment and it loosening up for a lot of people.

 

I installed both myself...

The intercooler is easy, but the stupid plastic pop-it tabs on the bumper will make you want to kill someone. But other than that its such an easy job.

The exhaust is easy too, I had no problem with fitment or alignment. I did have the rear section come loose once, but i just tighetened it back up and its never come loose since. However I will say that since I've installed the Riss DP...I had to bring the whole exhaust forward a bit (the Riss DP was ever so slightly shorter than the stock DP). So I had to undo each section and re-align and tighten it down, and pretty sure it's leaking a little at each joint now. I think I'm just going to have the sections welded together like Bigprefed did.

 

Looks like I will be calling Way and getting my Invidia and Helix delivered for Labor day install.

 

Called Way this AM and he highly did not recommend the Invidia, says they are known to be junk. Took his word for it and just went with the Forge IC instead for delivery on Friday and install this weekend.

10 mins ago I decided I wanted a Magnaflow...ordered from performance peddler and got a great price but have to wait a week for delivery and maybe two for install :P

Now I have empty pockets for a little while but think I went the right route

 

Invidia known to be junk? Lol...never heard that...they're huge in the Japanese world.

Sucks he talked you out of it, its the best sounding exhaust out there. Oh well, the less people that run it, the cooler it makes mine