So I looked under my hood today just perusing around and from what I gathered there is an intake of some sort coming from the front of the grill back to what I'm assuming is the air box then another "pipe" from that to the turbo. There is also a "pipe" running in/out of the turbo over and down with what appears to be a cone air filter. Is the latter a cold air intake or am I stupid and shouldn't be looking at things I know nothing about.
I almost wish I knew someone around here that knows all of these things that I could have them show and explain everything to me. I can take pics if needed to help explain what I'm trying to describe. Thank you all

 

You'll get a detailed response. Just wait. Haha.

 

Sounds like you have an open air intake, but as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

If you want to learn more about your MINI, just read the forum every day. It will eventually come together, though it may lead to a smaller bank account as you find more and more things you want to buy

 

Yah no kidding on the bank account comment.

 

The pipe that leaves the turbo and goes down next to the radiator has a muffler on it, (the bulging black plastic thing) and then leaves that muffler and runs down to the turbo intercooler which sits in front of your radiator down at the bottom by the lower part of the front bumper. Then there is a return set of pipes leaving the intercooler, coming up on the passenger side across the top and back to the passenger windshield side where it turns downward again and goes under the airbox.

 

Yup, thats how it goes. Intake tube next to the headlight to airbox, then a tube from the airbox into the turbo, and then all the stuff you said. So it seems fine, but a picture would help

 

I'll try to get some pics if it will ever quit raining