The downpipe(catless) will give you bigger gains in the higher RPMs, that would help during track time or if you want to run it on a drag strip.

Going the bigger turbo route isn't worth it unless you plan to do the above as I stated. In autocross I would think it's a waste of money when it's all about suspension in that.

 

I do plan on making it a track car in the future. In that scenario I would probably go with turbo back. That won't be for a while though. I'll hold off on the turbo. What are some things I can do that make a difference? I planned on getting a lighter fly wheel. So would getting DP be a bad idea, or any exhaust upgrade for that matter? I'd still like to get a nice sound out of it and some HP.

 

Honestly, not much since you don't want your boost to be spiking high. I'd stick with 16-18psi for your MCS, if that's what you have.

A full turbo back exhaust would be nice. Stick with 2.5", nothing bigger, 3" exhaust systems are a waste for our small turbos. No a DP would not be a bad idea even with a lighter fly wheel. I just don't see how anyone could spend $2k for an exhaust system but go cheap on suspension parts. Get a good exhaust system and run it with your DP. But suspension is important to not go cheap on.

As for some ideas for HP: FMIC, DP, and tune. Other than that, you don't need other boltons. Then start with your suspension and you'll be happy unless you want to do exterior mods. I'm just finishing up my mods now by lowering my car, I regret not doing it first honestly.

Good luck!

 

Nice! I plan on using coilovers. What is yours dropped on? I will start with suspension. I also wanted to get a stage 2 clutch at the same time I did the flywheel. I really dislike how soft these clutches feel, does your Mini's clutch feel really lightweight? My Mom's Mini feels much harder and it's way more comfortable. Before performance, I would actually really like to be comfortable while driving. And one of the things that bothers me a lot is the terrible throttle response in in sport mode as well as the light clutch. I had driven my Mom's Mini for a while and I haven't been able to get used to the newer Mini's throttle and clutch. Does your Mini does this? I regularly revmatch but I still can't do it in the newer ones with the crappy throttle response.

 

I just spoke to Chad(Detroit Tuned) last night what route I'm going. I won't be having my MINI for too long, maybe another two years before I decide to trade it in. So I'm not going to track it. I'm doing the Koni Yellows/H&R springs(spacers too) setup within a month or so. I've been trying to see which route is better for my everyday commute.

I'll definitely be buying coilovers for my next car without a doubt.

 

Sounds good, think you will be doing camber plates?

 

Scooby,
As a daily driver, how tolerant are you with drone? I had a stratmosphere exhaust, which sounded wonderful above 3500 rpm, but made me deaf at highway speeds. There are lots of threads about exhaust changes and opinions. I'm happy with the factory JCW exhaust that I have now. Everyone's opinions are different.
It also depends on budget. You can spend north of $1000 on exhaust without trying hard. The cheapest thing you can try is to remove your resonator and 2nd cat with a piece of straight pipe. If you don't like it, then put the resonator back in.
Do you have a relationship with your service advisor at MINI? You can always ask him what they do for the inspection. Mine (here in NY) told me that they just check for an active CEL, and they don't do a visual check on the exhaust. Maybe you could ask him about the factory JCW exhaust, since they don't have a 2nd cat. Ask if your car would pass inspection with the 2nd cat and resonator removed, because you want the sound louder.


Have fun,
Mike

 

I don't really use the high way that much so droning wouldn't be much of a problem. Once in a while do I need to use the highway. I had no idea they did checks at dealers. I had always gone to the station. I haven't had to do an inspection with a MINI so I haven't gone through the experience. So you can get it checked at a MINI dealer?

 

The n18 JCW exhaust has a 2nd cat. Ask me how I know. I just don't understand why MINI..why?

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

Wow, I wouldn't have thought that the exhaust changed from N14 to N18. On the N14 version, the resonator is really long (about 20", IIRC). Is the resonator short on your JCW, or is there not one?


Here in NY, the dealer can do inspections and emissions testing. It may be worth a phone call to see if they have an opinion on your mod plans.


I'm just sensitive to drone, some guys may not care too much. I'm not 18 anymore....




Have fun,
Mike

 

From how it looks on my JCW, the 2nd cat and resonator look identical to the n18 MCS. Just the muffler and tips are different.

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

I would agree to just remove the 2nd cat and resonator. I'm really happy with it especially since it only cost about $100.

Next, I think I'll try the JCW factory muffler.

I did the resonator delete first then drove around for a week or so then did the 2nd cat delete. That way I could compare the difference. I've been toying with the idea of putting the resonator back in just to see what it alone sounds like.

To me there is no drone on the highway. Occasionally while driving around town I'll get a weird resonance for whatever reason but it goes away as quickly as it came.

This is fun just to screw around with without spending a lot of money. It's really hard to get accurate representations from Youtube clips because the sound recording device might not be very true to what it sounds like in person.

If you do cut the pieces out just make sure to save them so you can put them back if you want.