I'm pretty much finished with upgrading my suspension and I need to make a choice on the next upgrade, do I go the route of a stage 1 on my ECU, or do I get a catback exhaust (the only thing I've done with my stock exhaust is a muffler delete).
I've priced the stage 1 at around $600.00, and we all know how much a quality catback exhaust can be.
so what do you guys/girls think.

 

Stage 1 for the best bang for your buck.

 

Honestly you should do the mods before doing tuning. And most important I would do a larger intercooler as you will have gains from it alone, but will really need it with a tune to go with the increased boost and intake temps.
I would suggest a Forge or Wagner
https://www.waymotorworks.com/07-coo.../intercoolers/

 

I agree with WMW. The Forge and Wagner intercoolers are sweet pieces of equipment. They are really high quality. This has been the summer of mod upgrades on my son's 2011 R56. We started with the AEM CAI and strut brace, then moved onto an Invidia downpipe back exahust. This past weekend we did the Wagner Tuning intercooler and a Cravenspeed short throw shifter, with the NM Engineering shift cover box and Cravenspeed shift boot delete. The next step he wants is to get a MarioKart tune.

Here is a list of everything we have done so far
https://www.waymotorworks.com/nm-shi...box-cover.html
https://www.waymotorworks.com/craven...5-r56-r57.html
https://www.waymotorworks.com/craven...cover-r56.html
https://www.waymotorworks.com/invidi...haust-r56.html
https://www.m7tuning.com/mini-cooper...ning-200001049
https://www.m7tuning.com/cold-side-i...ed-mini-cooper
https://www.detroittuned.com/aem-col...mcs-2011-2014/
https://www.aemintakes.com/catalog/p...05r-strut-bar/

 

Please do favor at your self and DONT tune your ECU before you tune your car.
Its car have its OWN "Recipe"...
R56 need..
1.Intercooler(wagner comp is the best currently out there)
2.Intake(Aem is the best currently out there)
3.Exhaust. If you have no problem with the regulation of your state/countr go for a Decat otherwise go for 63.5mm exhaust with a racing catalyst.
4.Recilculation Valve(or blow off if you like the sound(personally i hate it)) I would choose Forge.

All these are
600euro Cooler
400euro Intake
100euro Decat(or even less) +euro for catalyst or full exhaust
4.150-200euro

You can also buy some cheaper cooler+intake but please DONT tune ECU without those 4 simple things.
Minis have some serious PAIN with Intercoolers so you MUST change it if you tune it.
Intake will also help your engine be cooler and its already hot in there(not enough space not good airflow)
Valve is A THING because most of the OEM valves dont "shield" good and you have pressure loss.

Keep it stock or Tune it Proper.
Cheers mate

 

Thanks for all your input, my funds are extremely limited so it will be a slow roll on the upgrades, my first goal looks like the intercooler, and then on.

Again, thx