R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 What to do on my MINI ?

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Old 05-24-2018, 11:00 PM
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What to do on my MINI ?

Hi.. I have 2002 R53 mini cooper S

I have done OBX cat-back exhaust , delete resonator. however; i barley hear pop sounds.

so , I was thinking what if I do the straight pipe ? :D

is it sounds like honda civic ? after straight piping with OBX exhaust ? should i get a header ? is it not gonna hurt my engine ? i dont know....

my mini has 135,000 miles on it and couple months ago I installed new supercharger (old one was not working well).

what should I do next tune ? I want my engine healthy as long as possible.

I need some help T..T
 
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Old 05-24-2018, 11:02 PM
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this is current my mini with OBX cat-back exhaust .
 
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Old 05-25-2018, 07:58 AM
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A reduction pulley on your supercharger is the biggest bang for buck mod. and change the spark plugs to one colder. Way sells them both.
A header will definitely make it louder. An air intake will make it louder still. I would find that very tiresome, but YMMV.
 
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Old 05-25-2018, 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Bini88
I have 2002 R53 Mini Cooper S. The car has an OBX cat-back exhaust without a resonator, but I barely hear pop sounds.

I was wondering if that would change if I ran a straight pipe, would I hear more pops?
No, the runoff is a function of the car's programmed tuning, you will not increase the runoff by running a straight pipe.

Originally Posted by Bini88
Would it sound like Honda Civic if I ran a straight exhaust with no muffler?
It will sound like a Honda Civic that has a straight pipe on it.

Originally Posted by Bini88
Should I get a header?
Depends on your intended direction with the car but headers for Minis are not cheap, especially when you consider performance gains against cost.

Originally Posted by Bini88
I'm concerned about the negative effects of modifications on the longevity and health of my car's engine.
Then don't modify it.

Originally Posted by Bini88
what should I do next tune?
I have no idea what to do with this sentence.

Originally Posted by Bini88
I want my engine to remain healthy as long as possible.
Then your money is best spent on maintenance and addressing known R53 issues.

Originally Posted by Bini88
I need some advise, thanks in advance!
You got it! As a side note, I think that non-resonated OBX exhaust sounds pretty good in the video you posted.
 
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Old 05-25-2018, 12:25 PM
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Thank you for your comment !
 
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Old 05-25-2018, 12:25 PM
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thank you !
 
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Old 05-25-2018, 04:01 PM
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I agree with Derek86. If you want your car to last long, then don't modify it. Anything you do to your car affects the balance between longevity and performance of your car.

Though having said that, there are some parts in our MINIs that are a bit overbuilt so they can take on some mods with only slightly increased reliability risk.

Mods on my car:
1) thicker rear swaybar
Benefit: reduced understeer, faster change in direction
Risk: faster rear brake wear, weird tire wear pattern on the inside tread. Faster rear tire wear. Rear swaybar bushings need replacing more often.

2) 15% reduction pulley, cooler temp plugs, shorter belt
Benefit: more power
Risk: More torque steer, risk supercharger longevity (though mine seems to be lasting fine, though noisier), bushings wear faster, slighly underpowered stock brakes. Risk the shock tower mushrooming issue. If it's a manual transmission, then clutch wear is slightly higher.

So as long as you are willing to assume those risks, then go for it.
 
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