Im driving a 05 R50. Stock everything just starting to get into some mods/upgrades.

First will be wheels/tires (OZ Ultraleggera) and a Rear sway bar (Alta 19mm)
But after that, between a CAI and an Exhaust what would be most wise? I want the car to sound classy, without seeming like a punk kid with a loud car. Something that sounds of quality deep and gets loud at high 4000 rpm.

Was looking into Borla exhaust's and DDM intakes (or K&N)

Suggestions related to this and suggestions totally down a different path are greatly appreciated.

 

I have a Megan racing car back on my wife's r50 with a CVT. It sounds good. Not obnoxiously loud and gives it a deeper note. Stock intake for now. Its on the list. You won't get a lot of power with the minor bolt ons without doing some head work and headers and a tune. Keep us updated on what you do

 

I have an 04 R50 and Have the Megan racing exhaust as well. Its got a great sound and isn't extremely loud as said above. i also find that it doesnt drone on the highway, just quiets right down. my friend has the R50 JCW exhaust on his and that one sounds really nice as well as does the magnaflow. I havnt heard the borla in person so I cant make any notes on that. no matter which one you choose, it will make the car sound a whole lot better than stock.

As for CAI, I made mine myself to save some cash (student). just went to a performance parts store and got filter, prebent aluminum pipe (in correct diameter), slicone coupler and clamps. cost me about $100 bucks in Canada. If you go this route aslo dont forget to connect the other hose coming from the valvecover. I just drilled a hole in the aluminum tube and screwed in a male end from an air tool and connected it up.

In my oppinion, the exhaust should be done first. the CAI complements the exhaust note so having a good one as a baseline is key.
HTH
Cheers,

 

the CAI, you wont notice much in sound, i enjoy the magnaflow, but i have the r53, it would sound different. the ultraleggeras made a huge difference with me, definently felt peppyer. it was about 10-15lb less per wheel from going to s heavys with runflats to the ultraleggeras and summers.

the CAI will give you the option of being able to clean your filter, and easy enough to make your own for cheap. or buying one for the name =)

DDM is nice

 

How does your exhaust look? Is it rusty and falling apart like many do? If so, you might want to start there.
I have a Milltek on my S and it does exactly what you want, quiet unless you get on the throttle with a deeper note at all times.

 

Thank you all. Im mainly wanting to start at the tires/wheels because Im needing to replace them soon. As well as the need/want for a bigger size. My stock tires are TERRIBLE.

I always heard a CAI is better first you will enjoy the sound before it gets droned out by an added exhaust. The reason why its last of the order is because its the most expensive and my stock exhaust is half-decent looking.

Im a student and on a budget. I will be purchasing OZ ultraleggeras tomorrow (craigslist). We will see how that goes.

 

I would start with cai. The stock exhaust can handle the additional air. Then tires, you're going to want good grip on the turns, then the pulley then exhaust. That's how i did my r53.

 

On a r50....
Go straight to the exhaust....
Maybe a panel filter rather than a CAI....a CAI..most folk unknowing make a HAI...might change your throttle response a bit...but will add a fraction of a HP at best...

 

Yes I know the CAI won't have much impact apart from the noise and looks, but it is relatively cheap, and the noise improvement would be nice. A deeper note instead and high winding is what Im looking for.

 

Yeah. Probably will do that, just doing the wheels first though. Just got my ultraleggeras

Going on vacation tomorrow, will post when they are on.

 

Where did you find a Megan exhaust in Canada? I'm in the same boat.

 

I got it over the border at Detroit tuned. Great price and awesome service. Highly recommended

 

I just got a 2006 R50 with 84k on the clock. Previous owner never did much beyond regular maintenance. Said she changed the plugs 4 years ago (!) so, I've book the car in for an inspection of the plugs and drive belt. Going to change the cabin filter myself, and have ordered a CAI from aFe POWER.

Magnum FORCE Stage-1 PRO DRY S Intake System; MINI Cooper 05-06 L4-1.6L 51-11151
http://afepower.com/shop/details_new...6L&&brandID=52

Went this route for 2 reasons - it's a dry filter, and it has a shroud that seals off hot air from the intake when the hood is closed.

Stock exhaust is still in good shape. Will be going with Megan once it needs replacing.