Hi everyone. This is my first post (although I've been getting information from this forum for about 2 months). Anyway...'05 MCS w/ manual tranny. 99K miles. Now that, that's outta the way.. My main motivation for posting is my based in the results from doing my first two mods to my R53. I've had it for 6months and have always enjoyed driving it. This isn't my first hot hatch and it isn't the first time that I've modded but, it is my first time owning a car with boost. Today I installed Way slotted rotors and EBC redstuff pads on the front. The old ones were shot and I, as a rule of thumb, always upgrade parts when they need replacing. Also, I installed a 17% pulley kit also from Way. I am VERY VERY pleased with the results. The parts that I got from Way (as far as I can tell so far) are great in quality, are of smarter design than OEM, and easier to install. And the results are oustanding. My previous hatch was an '03 Civic Si with full bolt-ons, cammed, lowered (correctly), short-throw.. etc and the results from all that arent equal to the gains that i've seen from installing this couple-hundred dollar kit from Way. Yes, I know I needed to tune my civic but I still don't think it would've been as enjoyable as what I put on my Mini today. Also Kpro (Honda tunable ECU) is 900$ and a good tune is $500ish so I passed. Anyway, Ways pulley kit totally met my expectations (and even surpassed them as my ECU relearned) and made my MCS run like it should've from the factory. Great torque curve, power at almost anywhere in the tach, much improved power at upper revs, and it sounds FANTASTIC. No more fading out of the S/C up high. I could go on but you get the jest. Bottom line..I'm loving boost and the parts from Way are outstanding. Wish he were local to me. Struts/shocks are next as my stockies are reaching the event horizon lol. And, I'll be getting them from Way when my finances have room. After that, I'm thinking injectors and ECU upgrades to address the almost certain leaning out of my a/f ratio. And no I haven't forgotten ..supporting mods...I'm open to doing a CAI but exhaust for R53s are stinkin pricey!! I may look into a good header, custom piping (from a good shop) with stock mufflers. I dunno..But I do know that I won't be selling my first born to invest in a 650-800$ cat-back! Anyway, that's the short and sweet of it. Thanks for readin, folks.

 

Welcome!! Sounds like you know what you're doing! Way is a Great source for upgrades! He always has quality stuff, and very easy to work with. (Nice guy too)
I would suggest 2 things. Strut Tower Defenders, to prevent mushrooming, and a rear sway bar. Not too expensive, and the sway bar will add to your already great handling!
As far as a exhaust, I have the Borla Race, and love it. Not obnoxious, but adds a mean pop and burble, without droning at high RPMs.
It is in the $800-$900 range, but great when the time comes. Also a good CAI is a must. Really adds to your sound. I have the DDM Works and love it since its a true CAI that's sealed off from the crazy heat our Super Charged engines put out!
Enjoy your new MINI! Hopefully it brings you as much enjoyment as Mine has brought to me!