So I've been searching around and I found a few links to products that people have put on their 2010 and below MINIs to make the turbo sound a little louder.

I haven't seen anybody do this on a 2011 however.

The most promising product seemed to be:
http://www.waymotorworks.com/ddmwork...et-intake.html

Does anyone know if this is compatible with the '11 or what level of mechanical ability is required for install.

Are there any other easy modifications I should know about that would make the car sound better or increase power a little?

 

Just drive around with this guy and everybody will know that you are heavily modded.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXDNx...eature=related

 

yeah i just make the noise myself when i shift, gotta have the windows down and sun roof open so everyone can hear. i gotta be careful not to boost when i go past the cops incase they defect me.

 

I have this one...NM CAI makes my turbo sound great. It's exactly what you're looking for. It even has a CARB certificate. Look here:http://www.nm-eng.com/231/11/0/2607/...ntake-kit.html Even a lightly trained helper chimp could do the install so you should be able to do it also.

 

That dude is pretty crazy!

lol, this is a cheaper option for sure.

Very cool, so it makes it loud enough to hear without listening for it I assume?
Are there any performance or economical benefits to adding something like this?

 

Oh yeah you'll know you have a turbo... It sounds great! You should be able to get it from Way Motor. I think he carries the entire NM line o products. Look here: http://www.waymotorworks.com/nm-engi...-2011-mcs.html

I wouldn't expect a big performance improvement from any of the basic mods like this, but it does sound cool!

Good Luck

 

Nice. I will definitely try it out in a few weeks. Thanks a lot!

 

DoS...

http://defendersofspeed.com/store/pr...p?id_product=6

 

That looks a little more involved than I'm comfortable with. On my old car, no problem but I don't like the idea of messing too much with my new MINI.

I found one of the NM intakes on cragslist for $200. Think I'm going to get it. The guy said he had it installed on his clubman for a few days but he didn't like how loud it was.

Are there any drawbacks to buying a used one? I can't see any.

 

The install is actually fairly straighforward. If you're even the slightest bit interested, drop me an email.I'll send you our prospective buyer's instructions if you're looking for more detail on the "how-to" for the DoS CAI.

-Clint

 

I second the DoS intake. I just installed one myself yesterday. It's actually very easy. The install instructions are very detailed.

Works great and sounds just as good!

 

when you all talk about the psh noise, do you mean the fun sound that the GTI makes?

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...se-makers.html

 

Yeah, like that

Also, I saw that Melangell has this metal grille installed in the hood scoop. Is that something I should do? It seems like a really good idea but it also kind of seems like it would be easy for rain to get in there if driving on the highway.

 

If you want the blow off noise from the turbo, I'd just get a cone filter and directly bolt it on the MAF sensor. For me it works and doesn't put a dent in my pocket. The cone filter its like around $20 at autozone and a $1 for some zip ties to keep it in place. 50,000 miles later and no CEL codes or anything.

 

did you get a hole saw for the bulk head?

 

Yea, I used a hole saw. Some people have used a dremel but the hole saw is so fast and easy I went that route.

You can borrow one from DoS if you don't own one, which is what I did.

 

So I purchased the NM intake kit. I found it from a reseller for $246 new with free shipping. Chose the free shipping option which they said would take 7 days, turns out they ship from about an hour north of LA and I got the kit next day.

Anyways, installation took about 45 minutes and was super easy. It sound really great and isn't ricey loud. I love that when you drive economically the car sound essentially stock but when pushing it you can hear the turbo wind up and the bov working.

Thanks for all the advice guys!