Which modification would benefit me more, an evolve catless downpipe (I don't have an aftermarket fmic or the budget to ceramic coat the dp) or a DOS CAI? I have jb+ with a custom jcw exhaust (no resonator) and I want to do another mod under $300. Which of these two would benefit me more?

 

Do you want more exhaust noise or more intake/turbo noise?

Mike

 

It really doesn't matter to me, I want something that's actually going to help the performance out a little bit, but a bit more exhaust noise won't hurt

 

Suspension… A 22mm RSB is the best "bang for the buck" mod. A DoS CAI will sound great… HP wise not so much. IF you have to deal with emissions, like we do in Seattle. Down pipes throw codes… you'll really need a tune. Want to buy a Craven Short shift kit?

 

Best bang for the buck mod is nitrous.

 

Sorry read that wrong* edit

 

A tune is the only way these days to get noticeable gain in hp and torque, you get the boltons and then get a tune. A Battle/DNA tune only runs double what you're wanting to spend, that is if you really want more power or just noise.

 

Battle tuning is good to go. Customer service is incredible and the time John will spend with you so that you know what you are getting into can't be beat.

 

Seriously learn before spending cash... You are asking because you don't know and are relying on people to tell you what to do. LEARN!!!!!

 

I have a n18 engine, there are no tunes out there for it besides the jb+ if I'm correct? I have the jb+ installed and I'm very happy with it for now. I just installed the RSB, so I'm really only in-between a DP or the CAI, I'm very aware neither do much on performance but which one would benefit me more? I'm not concerned about emissions as I can swap out the DP when I get stickers an so on, the jb+ is considered a tune so I can run that with a DP and I have the cantool to keep the CEL off. Basically what I want to know is, is a downpipe worth getting without having a aftermarket fmic or getting it ceramic coated?

 

+1
Sound is sound. Listen to my car people - woopee.
Handling is visceral. MINI's are meant to take the twisties where everybody else hits their brakes and slows down, MINIs down shift and accelerate right on thru. THAT is fun. Spend some time reading up on Paddy Hopkirk, No. 37 and the mid '60 Monte Carlo Rallyes. That is what Minis and MINIs love to do. It's all about handling. Like some guy said before: "If you can't go fast with 90 HP, 900 won't help you."

 

i have springs and a 22mm sway bar, i live in boston. very happy with how it handles and its not like theres a ton of twisties around me. I'm pleased with the suspension and am looking into a CAI or a DP.

 

From everything I've read the downpipe is the better bang for your buck. If you've already got the catback (I assume it's 2.5") you should get some horsepower by eliminating the cats and matching your catback diameter. I'm going to buy the catless downpipe from way soon, how hard is install on our cars?

 

Yea I have 2.5" piping, but from what I understand having a catless DP without a bigger intercooler could actually hurt the performance rather than help, since the dp would get hotter. The dp seems pretty easy to install, just the bolts from the turbo, the o2 sensor, and the clamp that holds the dp to the rest of the exhaust.

 

You are correct... No tunes for the N18 engine except the jb+. None at all.

 

I'll have to research into the temp thing. It doesn't make sense to me that eliminating the cat would make it hotter. With better flow out of the turbo and through the exhaust I would think that the temps would be slightly better. Unless the dp is made from a type of metal that retains heat more than the stock dp.

 

Many tunes are available for the N18. RennTech, Manic, etc. See the thread in the gen 2 section

 

I think your sarcasm is dripping onto the floor and making a puddle.

There are ecu tune options for the N18, but they are not accessible or convenient to everyone. So unless you have a shop close by that can flash your ecu, the jb+ might be your best option. I live in utah and there isn't a single shop in the state that I can find that can tune my car. If I could be without my car for a week I could pull the ecu and send it to be tuned, but I can't be without my car. I have the jb+ as well and until obd tuning is available, the jb+ will do fine.

 

I am perfectly happy with the jb+, it's convenient for me since car is still under warranty, I am not interested in sending my ecu out, or takin a drive to go get it tuned. I asked a simple question on this thread, is it worth getting a DP without a bigger intercooler or getting it ceramic coated...? I am simply not interested in getting the car tuned by someone or other suspension mods and so on. Just want to know if the dp is worth it, if not then I will be purchasing a cai.

 

That's what I thought, I feel the temps would be better since it's not as restrictive but I thought I read here somewhere that it's pointless in getting a dp without a bigger intercooler

 

Definately go for DP, the hot gases spend more time in a catted DP than it would in a much more free flowing pipe (DP). You get the sound that comes with it and should gain some HP and some great sound, a CAI won't do either of those. It wouldn't hurt to start saving up for a catless DP.

 

If you get a catless DP be ready for your car to smell. I had one on for a day and thought it was horrible. Brand new car and it smelled like a beater.

 

Does your Akrapovic Exhaust include the 100 cell cat/DP?

 

No. I had a catless DP from Way. Nice piece but couldn't take the smell.

 

This thread smells of creator advice and pipe dreams. Seriously just waste the money on track days and learn how to drive your car then go from there. That is what I wish I had five instead of spending the money that I have on the car to the point where it doesn't make sense too get rid of it.

Sent from me being awesome around my MINI!!