So i just finished the install, and took it for a test drive. First impression, i feel a slight difference in the turbos responsiveness. Best part so far though is the ability to hear the turbo spooling, and i think i can actually hear the recirculating valve open and discharge better. Which i never realized how slowly it actuates. Which is why i really wanna get the forge uprated valve and add the alta recirc valve spring i already have to it for better turbo response.

anyway, install was easy, i broke the mounting bracket for the factory air muffler hose, oops. but the mini engine bay definitely wasnt made for large hands. Took me a little over a half hour!

 

I replaced mine with a metal pipe months back, but seriously I cannot justify in my mind any real difference in the car besides removing a useless piece and perhaps (insignificantly) lowering intake temps.

Do you really feel a difference? I'm calling placebo on this. (Hope you don't mind).

An uprated spring actually WILL make a difference. The car will keep the boost more during a shift so it'll feel peppier to you. No real power gain though.

 

No offense taken my friend, I'm new to the mini world, so if I say anything stupid I'm ok with it lol. I've been in the boosted world before with my scion tc, but maybe it's the added engine sound and the ability to hear the turbo more that makes it seem more responsive.

Definitely not a power gain felt, but I think removing an air restricting unit that close to the turbo has to allow for easier spooling(based on no professional knowledge) lol

I appreciate the input!

 

Well, it's all controlled by the ECU, so there are very few things (as is my novice understanding) that can be drastically changed with out a flash of the computer.