Doing performance upgrades to by R52 JCW and wanted to get a better header. However increased noise is an issue. Didn't know if there is a header that is an improvement over stock but still relatively the same sound level as the stock JCW exhaust.

 

That's going to be an issue, even keeping the rest of the exhaust system entirely stock, the better headers are simply going to be louder.
I've had both the RMW shorty and the Mynes V-2 (IMO the 2 best performance options out there) the RMW has a slightly lower tone and is slightly louder than the V-2 under normal driving, where the V-2 has a slightly higher pitch and is slightly quieter under normal driving, but louder and "tighter" (sorry couldn't think of any other way to describe it) under WOT.
Over all I do prefer the sound of the V-2 with a JCW exhaust over all the other exhaust options I've heard for the Mini, but again that's just my personal opinion.
And both perform almost exactly the same, I think the V-2 has the slight edge at high RPM's, which if better flowing up top, could account for the louder WOT tone, but unfortunately that's only with my butt dyno, don't have any comparison numbers to say for sure.

Hope this helps a little.

 

If its louder its got to be faster, right? It comes down to how much money you want to spend. In the mix of things, there are other mods much cheaper that will get you more horsepower. You turn your own wrenches?

Hmmm, and a Vert JCW. Not that I have any preferences . . . .

 

There's also the Milltek header. Do a search here, lots of opinions.

 

I recently added the RMW header with 200 cell cat to my JCW (R52). I was concerned about how much extra noise there would be with the combination of less restrictive exhaust pipes and less restrictive cat.

I am surprised how relatively quiet the setup is. At light throttle, I can barely tell the difference. At wide open throttle, I am busy steering, no time to listen!

On overrun, I do get a nice burble that I didn't get out of the stock system. Very satisfied.

Regards,
Jerry

 

Thanks! I got a Mynes V-2 in route to me. Will get a cerakote thermal finish done and get it installed.

 

Any header that actually gives you a gain in power is going to increase the noise. If it doesn't get louder it isn't giving you power.
The Milltek sounds pretty good without being too loud.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/millte...fold-pipe.html

 

Thanks Way. Working on an order for you now. Just waiting on labor quotes for the Cam.