which exhaust header works best w/ the jcw upgrade? is the fit good, w/ no rubbing? how about sound w/ jcw exhaust? how about expected power increase?
thansk

 

I have the Milltek header. Felt that it improved the mid-range and top end of the
RPM range. Did it myself. No problems with fit. Would recommend to others.

I also have the JCW kit.

Didn't really notice a dramatic difference in sound. But the sound is quite
distinctive in the mid and upper ranges. No annoying resoundance (?).

 

These are in stock and ready for shipment! -Pete, Stratmosphere

http://www.stratmosphere.com/milltek_mini.htm

 

If you happen to be going to England you can buy (& ship home) the JCW header & straight pipe. Otherwise you can wait untill late Sept. when it will be sold via Mini dealers as part of the forthcoming JCW product line. This will avoid potential warranty issues w/ JCW/BMWMINI should you be concerned

 

Lebrunseven,
Aloha and welcome to NAM. In most cases the JCW kit doesn't really need an exhaust header although it IS a common dealer added mod in my area. For $900-$1000 you can add the Milltek header but will find that the power gains in HP and torque are rather limited. Yes it is in the mid range to higher rpms but maybe about 5HP more or less at best. Why? because the JCW kit exhaust is considered more not less constrictive compared to other straight through high flow cat-back exhaust designs like the Magnaflow and Borla Race. These other exhaust systems stand more to gain from a header mod than the JCW kit does.

You still can get some power gain from the Milltek header, minimal extra sound, but it is a costly mod and the money spent would be better off on lighter wheels or suspension mods which are also lacking in the JCW kit.

Don't consider a header with no race cat even though the prices will be less and the advertising is enticing. No dyno tests done independently show that there is much to be gained from any header without cat.

For you I would not suggest an exhaust header as a early mod but maybe as a really late mod once you have done many other upgrades. The installation on a header is very straightforward and about one hour's work. It has two O2 sensors.

 

Sorry, but I'd have to disagree with MINIHUME. After having the JCW kit installed, I waited several weeks before installing the header. By the time I was ready to install the header, I was sort of disappointed with the JCW. I was very happy with everything except when reving from 5,000 to 7,000 RPM.

After installing the header, there was a noticeable improvement. It is now a joy to take through the gears. There is an improvement in torque as well. With the DSC off, I can easily control the spin of the tires all of the way thru first, maybe 20 feet in second, and chirp third. To keep going through the gears is addictive. I love this car. I should add that I don't drive like that alot, but...

Earlier this year I added the 63 mm throttle body, and that has made, in my opinion, the upgrade complete. I had taken the resonator off thats immediately after the cat, and found the drone at certain RPM's annoying, and but it back on. Personnally, I like the JCW exhaust. I've heard from others that its more restrictive, but I can't feel it. I like the distintive sound at the lower RPM's (doesn't draw attention), but when you wind it out, I love the sound.

MINIHUME, your most likely more knowledgeable in these upgrades, and I'm sure your probably right about the progression of modifications, but I just wanted to add my own experience with the JCW kit.

Again, I love this car!