ive got an R53 with and im trying to figure out what mods i still want to do. Currently it has the following
-Alta CAI
-15% pulley
-one ball mod
-OCC
-Alta Air Diverter

I know i need to do bigger injectors and a tune and i would like to do a cam as well, but i cant decide if i should do an aftermarket exhaust also.

im satisfied with the sound of the one ball but i dont want to do the tune and injectors till im done with my bolt ons. im worried i will i should have done the exhaust, after one im done with the injectors and tune though. Is the power gain of an aftermarket exhaust really worth it about 750 bucks or should i just be happy with the one ball?

 

I'm also curious... I kind of doubt it's "worth it." The only reason I'll replace my one-ball is because I think my 6-year-old muffler is leaking! I doubt I'll see any real power gains.

 

im kinda thinking the same thing in terms of power. i haven't really looked at the condition of muffler though.

 

Check the actual muffler and if still intact...

-NS1 Cam
-400cc Injectors
-Jan Tune

 

I was thinking
550 injectors just because
An r*w street cam
Waymoyorworks tune cuz he's the closest to me. I'm in florida

 

A header and a oneball...interesting combo.
Without a header, the one ball is mostly about sound, and weight, with a bit of power..without the header, most exhausts only claim 5 or so added hp...
so very $$ per hp...not sure with the header...

 

I was able to get the header from another Mini owner. It was brand new and a good deal. But ur uncertainty is the same as mine. Because of the header is it worth it to get an exhaust

 

I would buy an exhaust. I dont think its the best bang for buck especially that you already have a one-ball.

But if you go for injector/cams and tune, the airflow will probably be better with a proper exhaust.

U might as well get one in order to extract everything you can

 

Mgrant. U make a great point. That's kids what I was thinking and was looking for opinions. Money is a slight opstical though

 

Deciding which exhaust will be tough too. I'm kinda thinking either the stratmosphere or the magnaflow If I get one. I think I'm leaning towards the stratmosphere right now due to the better torque #s and the fact that the magnaflow will probably be crazy loud with the header.

 

In that price range, don't overlook Billy Boat. I think it's probably my favourite sound, and the route I'll be going...

 

The billy boat actually sounds and looks a lot like the magnaflow. I really like the sound of the magnaflow. It had a nice deep growl, but I have been able to find a clip of it with a header

 

Yes a catback is expensive but we've seen really good torque gains with a Milltek or Stratmosphere exhaust. Other exhausts will give good HP numbers but you won't get the torque.

 

I have the same set up as you on my 05 MCS except for the header. I've had the one ball for about 3 years. I prob would not have made the jump to the cat back but I was rear ended a few weeks ago and the exhaust system was damaged so I upgraded with a Milltek. Sound and quality is awesome. Way is right, huge difference in torque. That was the first thing I noticed, it pulls like a train after 3k rpm. The only prob I have had is the check engine light came on the next day. I need to get that sorted out. I am guessing its the O2 sensor confused with all the air thats being pushed now. In your case, I think it would make an even bigger improvment. You also bennifit from an ignition upgrade as well. With all the addtional air and fuel you are pumping, a strong clean spark would def be in order. Good luck with the mod madness. Anyone else have issues with the CEL after exhaust upgrade and if so, how did you sort it out?

 

My cel came on with the header but that was because I have no cat. Find out what code triggered the light. That will give u a much better idea what's going on.

I ended up ordering the magnaflow today after finding a great deal on it and realizing the stratmosphere didnt have quiet the volume or tone I wanted.

Way- I hope to be visiting u in the near future. I really need get my car some bigger drinking straws and a proper tune. The cam is still up in the air. Not sure if it's worth the investment and if I wanna dig into the motor. I'm thinking the rmw street or first level race cam, most likely street though. None the less the car has never been tuned and needs a proper tune.