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Just did a quick cursory search and nabbed that pic, thought it was a Miata but I guess not.
In the meantime was reading a copy of Performance Mini and saw that a guy had the same complaint as me except that he actually had a resonated Milltek, the solution for him was to add another resonator --- so he's running a double resonated system!
He has a Scorpion header too, so maybe it is just a loud thing due to design or something?
Looks like it could be a Helmholtz chamber to reduce drone?
That's the answer! Some of these Mini exhausts would do well to have one added! Would really cut down on the drone that I remember from my Quicksilver exhaust!
I have most of tinkering experience from Honda's, so the big names I know are Mugen, J's, Greddy, Blitz, and HKS. I always wished Mugen, or J's made a tubular manifold for the R53 as they were one of the only manufacturers to make any power on the higher strung Honda's. Could have really nice to meld a bit of JDM and make some power at the same time.
Originally Posted by Oldboy Speedwell
Yeah, I wish I would have been hip to how rad the R53 is much sooner, would have loved being around this place when NAM was poppin' large and the aftermarket was boomin'.
Sadly, I was late to the game.
Somewhat astounding to read some of the older threads and the number of responses are to the moon.
But,
I'm glad to be here now and I think it's still a pretty lively joint, and such a better interface than FB or whatever many people have migrated to. Old school forums are the best platform for sharing information in my opinion.
JDM again tho.
Noticed that old style gauge faces are quite popular in Japan.
Modeled after the classic Smiths which was fitted to the originals.
I look back fondly on the meets I used to go to back in the mid 2000's. The excitement for the car was palpable, and it made you feel like part of a big family. I miss being able to go to MINI meets in my local area and talk shop with other owners. I'll bring my GP to BMW only meets, and I might see one other MINI, if any. I hope as MINI's start to become collector's cars - the R53 already seems to be going that way - that I'll see more!
Facebook is not a replacement for the forums; it is so hard to look back and find any important information. You basically need to be part of the active thread and glean as much information as you can before it disappears into the abyss.
Love those gauges on the JDM MINIs. In the Honda scene, you'd import as many JDM only parts to put on your car. I wonder if there's any Japan only R53 parts that can be imported?
Originally Posted by Oldboy Speedwell
Cool!
I was totally clueless that such a thing existed.
Here's one on a Miata:
They're a necessary part of well designed aftermarket exhaust system. In the Honda world, my friends and I kept modifying pieces of pipe - varying the lengths of the pipe- at 90 degrees of the exhaust flow to try and cut down on the awful drone we'd get on our 3inch exhausts. We got most of the drone to subside, but it was only in specific parts of the RPM range. We were not engineers, and were literally just copying the stock exhaust's design. Someone much smarter, with coding skills ended up finding the right length and width for the total volume of the exhaust, but specific to just that one setup. Anyway, I'm rambling.
I look back fondly on the meets I used to go to back in the mid 2000's. The excitement for the car was palpable, and it made you feel like part of a big family. I miss being able to go to MINI meets in my local area and talk shop with other owners. I'll bring my GP to BMW only meets, and I might see one other MINI, if any. I hope as MINI's start to become collector's cars - the R53 already seems to be going that way - that I'll see more!
Facebook is not a replacement for the forums; it is so hard to look back and find any important information. You basically need to be part of the active thread and glean as much information as you can before it disappears into the abyss.
I need to get myself to a meet, probably not as jam packed as yesteryears but would still be much fun.
Fairly short drive to MOTD for me and I'm not there for some reason, usually I'm working but happen to be off this year at the right time.
Back in the day NAM would have big threads whenever MOTD was happening,
not so much anymore though it seems.
MOTD 2012:
Still,
probably a good scene goin' on right now and would be much fun I'm sure.
I'd hate to hijack your thread but since you posted the link... I love the MiniMax gauge faces. The Model 1001 with white illumination is very old school. ~$800 seems a little steep though, at least for me.
BTW, you're an amazing resource for images and videos. Like our very own Google for all things Mini.
I'd hate to hijack your thread but since you posted the link... I love the MiniMax gauge faces. The Model 1001 with white illumination is very old school. ~$800 seems a little steep though, at least for me.
BTW, you're an amazing resource for images and videos. Like our very own Google for all things Mini.
Wow yeah, that is pricey!
I didn't even check the price.
They appear to be more than just gauge faces and come with some doo-dad that probably allows for LED's and different illumination color options?
The JDM stuff has long been notoriously expensive though, so there's always like an added tax for that it seems.
I've been casually looking for a set of Mugen MF8 wheels for my R53 for awhile and haven't came across any sort of bargain unless I'm willing to settle for replicas.
One way to score is with the auctions, I've never done it but they have overseas sites that specialize in assisting to get what you want, like buyee.jp for example.
I had a thought that might not be as popular, but works amazingly well at killing drone and mitigating excess cabin noise. I installed sound deadening. I pulled out the entire interior and lined everything. It cut the interior noise level by over 5db. Best of all my doors now close like an old Mercedes. Very solid. It added about 50lbs, but was worth it for the noise abatement. I can enjoy my hk stereo now. Ymmv
^^^ I didn't install interior sound deadening mat but did install Hushmat insulation above the exhaust tunnel heatshield foil. Had some left over from related projects on my buddy and my Can-Am Maverick Sport XRC side-by-sides, so used that with acceptable success. The material is heat-rated but I wouldn't want it in close proximity with exhaust components. Pics of that in my thread topic but here are links (noting AutoZone was lowest online price found plus 20% off coupon with free shipping at top of webpage on $100+ order amount).
I almost hate to distract, but thought sharing two clips from AXing my 06 may be of value to someone hunting for maximum whine.
I set up two mics when I run on competition days - one just above the exhaust tips and one tucked back under the brake lines by the left cowl. I’ve found this placement replicates the real-life ratio of whine to exhaust pretty closely. Whine is certainly primary and exhaust secondary.
Between a conical foam filter, the Alta intake box requiring all but the bottom of the OEM airbox to be removed, silicone tube to the throttle body, 17% pulley, and rev limiter set at 7000 I think it’s about as much whine as you can possibly get from these little M45s. Even through a helmet it’s pretty piercing at the top end, and I always get comments back at paddock about how loud the SC is.
I almost hate to distract, but thought sharing two clips from AXing my 06 may be of value to someone hunting for maximum whine.
I set up two mics when I run on competition days - one just above the exhaust tips and one tucked back under the brake lines by the left cowl. I’ve found this placement replicates the real-life ratio of whine to exhaust pretty closely. Whine is certainly primary and exhaust secondary.
Between a conical foam filter, the Alta intake box requiring all but the bottom of the OEM airbox to be removed, silicone tube to the throttle body, 17% pulley, and rev limiter set at 7000 I think it’s about as much whine as you can possibly get from these little M45s. Even through a helmet it’s pretty piercing at the top end, and I always get comments back at paddock about how loud the SC is.
I almost hate to distract, but thought sharing two clips from AXing my 06 may be of value to someone hunting for maximum whine.
I set up two mics when I run on competition days - one just above the exhaust tips and one tucked back under the brake lines by the left cowl. I’ve found this placement replicates the real-life ratio of whine to exhaust pretty closely. Whine is certainly primary and exhaust secondary.
Between a conical foam filter, the Alta intake box requiring all but the bottom of the OEM airbox to be removed, silicone tube to the throttle body, 17% pulley, and rev limiter set at 7000 I think it’s about as much whine as you can possibly get from these little M45s. Even through a helmet it’s pretty piercing at the top end, and I always get comments back at paddock about how loud the SC is.
Source - this day I ran a resonated Milltek. Shift into 3rd around the 1 minute mark gives a nice sample of whine through the rev range.
RAD TO THE MAX!
Thanks for sharing the videos --- love the balance of ratio between whine to exhaust sounds, fan-friggin-tastic!
btw nice driving and smooth lines too!
Must say that from your clips, I prefer the sound of the Invidia.
I was very very close to getting the N1 but decided to go with Scorpion so it'd be a full complete system in combo with their header.
I can only hope it'll be quieter than the non-res Milltek.
:
Speaking of which,
I guess here we might delve into the topic of proper fitment --- I've seen quite a few photos of installed systems that are so ill-fitting that they melt the trim away, and indeed with the Milltek I just fitted it wanted to sit too high and I had to use several washers to lower it.
That's definitely one aspect that the factory unit has over the aftermarket because factory fitment is almost always precisely on point whereas with aftermarket it may require some fiddling to get it right.
When I was researching the Invidia, I came across this pic which illustrates it well where poor fitment does the trim melt, and just about every aftermarket exhuast is the same so it ain't a dis on Invidia because a short search will reveal most the other brands suffer from imprecise dimensions as well although a good number of people seem to get lucky and have a perfect fit, depends on the individual car I reckon, as well as if the hangers got welded on slightly out-of-whack which isn't too big a deal because you can bend them to fit...
...blah blah blah LOL
Here's that pic I was talking about:
Some people are okay with that, but I am not.
Last edited by Oldboy Speedwell; Apr 30, 2022 at 05:22 AM.
Now at 350 total miles driven on the new non-res Milltek.
Just got back from throttling my favorite local test road, not much of a mountain really but still fun for so close by.
A somewhat short road that I go up then turn around for trackback, end up overheating my brakes on the way up and back down is scary due to brake fade (I see Wilwoods in my future!).
Amazingly, this thing has further mellowed and it's to the point now that with "normal driving" it is almost indistinguishable from the JCW system, just a little throatier and much more fierce at 4k and above, or WOT, it absolutely howls and it has grown on me, gave me yummy butterfly tummy + wide smile grin from hearing it, almost the perfect system for window-down summertime motoring...
...but still slightly too loud when romping on it because I'm overly self-conscious and feel like a **** when blasting loud around rural residential areas where the sound carries off into the distance like I'm announcing to proclaim what a badass hotrod boyracer I am or something.
If I had chosen the resonated Milltek I think it'd be a keeper because the tone would surely be down a notch, but gawd am I a ******* or what? It ain't like I got money growing out my ears and here I am layin' down loads on exhaust systems before even testing out how the Scorp header sounded with the stock JCW system.
Carry on my wayward son, and motor hard!
Last edited by Oldboy Speedwell; Apr 30, 2022 at 10:33 AM.
^^^ If were me and if not too late to cancel the Scorpion order, I'd buy just the Milltek res-pipe section, install that, sell the non-res here and call it a day. Having gone from res to non-res, then back to res and now non-res, resale on those in as-new condition is a reasonable return on the original cost for the #1 popular aftermarket brand. I sold my Milltek res-pipe to a forum member a few weeks ago who had pm'd me with comparison questions and ended up selling that to him without advertising in forum classifieds. He too had an aftermarket header and the Milltek non-res was too loud for his wife's liking. I'll pm you offline with his username to see how his swap went...
^^^ If were me and if not too late to cancel the Scorpion order, I'd buy just the Milltek res-pipe section, install that, sell the non-res here and call it a day. Having gone from res to non-res, then back to res and now non-res, resale on those in as-new condition is a reasonable return on the original cost for the #1 popular aftermarket brand. I sold my Milltek res-pipe to a forum member a few weeks ago who had pm'd me with comparison questions and ended up selling that to him without advertising in forum classifieds. He too had an aftermarket header and the Milltek non-res was too loud for his wife's liking. I'll pm you offline with his username to see how his swap went...
That is an excellent suggestion, and would give me a good dent o' dosh into getting a brake upgrade too, but the train has already left the station and appears to be readying to take flight at Heathrow...
.
.
...no regerts tho.
I'll just chalk it up to the skool-of-hard-knox and say it's a learning experience.
May keep the Milltek too because one day I'll have another R53 and it'll be a GP or a Checkmate or possibly even an MC40.
Actually sorta stoked to be able to test these 2 systems back-to-back firsthand and evaluate what I think.
Also always glad to throw support to Orranje because they've done such good for the R53 gang and I just think that they're a cool outfit.
NAM member tweedbean did a wonderful little viddie on their origin story...
^^^ I highly enjoyed @Tweedbean's video! I'd watched several in his bookmarked series on R53 & R56, however was unaware of his former affiliation with Orranje while noting I'm one who had been mispronouncing the name (ironically figuring Dutch vs UK origins).
That wrist tat made me laugh, 'cus I chose this t-shirt to wear today to the local "Chrome in the Dome" indoor car show! Be very glad that I removed it before taking this piccy!
Since the shifter was going to be a little shorter I swapped out my Raceseng Contour for their Hydro since it's a good bit taller of a ***,
and I love it too!
Their graphite finish is a perfect match for anthracite interior as well.
:
I'm not hardcore enough yet to cut my console for a CAE or Coolerworx, although the idea does greatly appeal to me and if I drove a car with one installed then I might fall in love and be convinced, but until then I think I'm happy with what I got now.
Was actually pursuing an RTD variant at one time not long ago because their version installed with no cutting...
...and did actually contact them for details but did not commit.
Was a bit sketched just in my gut, they made a good few of them it seems, but long-term quality is questionable and they've quit producing them for some reason?
One of the first mods I did was to install the Coolerworx shifter. It was honestly one of the best mods I've ever done on any car. It's really amazing. I saw that your place in Italy had one as well. It might be worth seeing if they have one in stock. As always ymmv.
The shifter is nice but the stitched dash and the gauges dials in post #69 are fantastic!
Last night, I took the R53 out on real roads (ie out of the neighborhood) for the first time in 7 months. At that time, the car was on a stock airbox. Installed the JCW box while doing a bunch of other work this winter. Anyway, it was the first opportunity to push the car a little and hit higher RPMs. Love the SC whine. Love it so much that I wouldn't mind if it was a little louder (just a little). Not ready to try any mods just yet, I'll live with it for a while first.
One of the first mods I did was to install the Coolerworx shifter. It was honestly one of the best mods I've ever done on any car. It's really amazing. I saw that your place in Italy had one as well. It might be worth seeing if they have one in stock. As always ymmv.
Yes, actually I'm already convinced that it'd be a worthwhile mod because rifle-bolt action and total precision would be so rewarding. I've seen numerous reports from people with heavily modded R53's when asked what their favorite mod is the reply is almost universally CAE/Coolerworx shifter!
I'd likely go with CAE when if ever the time comes, but as of right now I just don't want to cut my console and aesthetically I'm not exactly keen on the look of the thing which is ironically sad because I'm a longtime rally fan and that style of shifter is obviously the doggies danglies...
...been a slow-burn process with my resto-mod, actually more resto than mod LOL, and I sort of enjoy the gradual piece-by-piece build up (my wallet can only handle so much at one time!) as I become familiar with the renewed and modded feels --- my R53 remained as-is stock from factory for the most part for a good couple of years and getting to know it in that form was a great experience, right out of the box a 2006 JCW is quite wonderful, but with select added mods it becomes truly a special weapon of full-glory funtime.
Originally Posted by dmath
The shifter is nice but the stitched dash and the gauges dials in post #69 are fantastic!
Yeah,
those do look great and options are out there,
Redline Goods is a reputable company to deal with...
slight edit:
after logging out and then revisiting noticed that the word "******" is asterisk'd out LOL can I write "wonker"? Perhaps an alt could be "w4nker"? Dunno, but odd like North American Motoring censoring UK-English naughty words, like bloody "****" fer chrissakes! Tried to write just "***" and it got overlord edited as well haha I despise puritanical nannying in regards to linguistic expression, bunch of "mewling quims" trying to be noble angels and save the world from pottymouth yobbo jobbies LOL
edit again:
went back to delete the hyphenated "Works-*******" and change to compound instead --- seemed to work!
:
WorksWankers
!
! ! !
Last edited by Oldboy Speedwell; May 1, 2022 at 04:39 AM.
That dude is too cool --- he's the guy that hooked me up with my genuine aero side skirts and I'm truly thankful he was willing to ship from UK.
Sadly not installed them nor the Bremmen aero front bumper yet as they've been continually on stand-by until I get to the exterior-resto portion of my build which will hopefully be later this summer.
I love the look of the JCW leather dash, and appears like he did a killer job with it on fit n' finish,
are they being sold as of right now?
Asking price?
Somewhat conflicted though because I love the simple minimal anthracite and interior colorway just meshes together harmoniously, so most likely I will just keep mine as it is.
What would be friggin' great because I suck at navigating FB, is a resource thread here relating to JCW reproduction parts listing what it is, how much $ it is, and links to contact details on who to obtain it from.
I've seen lots of neat stuff, even some things that weren't officially ever factory-produced, but some creative resourceful person with good imagination has came up with and decided to make, but often it seems many of the parts are limited short-run production and need to be bought before they disappear...
...like at one time it was very easy to find affordable high-quality re-pops of JCW center caps for example, but not now or perhaps I'm just clueless about how to find them?
Got these a couple years back and the quality is most excellent:
