1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Exhaust Questions - Which to buy?

  1. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    For an $800- $900 budget just buy the Milltek and you will never look back.
     
  2. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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  3. trouble1943

    trouble1943 New Member

    Nov 9, 2012
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    JCW Exhaust???

    Just wondering what people think about the JCW exhaust. I know this is an older thread, but thougt I'd start here before starting a new one. I am the happy owner of a 2007 Mini Cooper S convertible (R52) and am planning on adding a JCW exhaust in the near future.

    Anyone with experience with the JCW exhaust? Pros and cons? Sound and performance?

    Thanks!
     
  4. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Milltek period.
     
  5. oldvet53

    oldvet53 New Member

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    #33 oldvet53, Dec 4, 2012
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2012
    Thanks for the heads up Redbeard. I may just try a one ball for the time being untill I can save up for a $800.00-$900.00 Cat back system.
     
  6. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    I just purchased a Borla and very happy with the results. Nice throaty rumble at rest, nice sound when stepping on it and a very acceptable noise at highway speeds

    Keep in mind that a cat back system is going to be a pretty expensive noisemaker without some sort of downpipe. The whole system is what gets you a performance gain.

    I have the WMW downpipe and it seems to be adding a nice extra punch

    I was about to get a Millitek however they were/are having real availability issues and I was tired of waiting. If in stock they are another notable choice.

    Preface this is all for a R56
     
  7. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    On a technical note about the two mufflers mentioned only and not the system they are part of. The Magnaflow has a better CFM rating of the two mentioned. The MINI R50/R53 can utilize 396 cfm of exhaust flow. Most of the systems available with the chosen muffler used rates even less then that.
    Another thought would be to look at systems that gives the total CFM for the completed system or for systems that at least have either a DynoMax or Magnaflow muffler attached to it.You might find it hard to get total CFM rating from anyone on their systems though.

    The quality of the sound is an individuals taste. The performance is formula calculated and rated by CFM flow.
     
  8. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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  9. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Another great option is to find a custom exhaust shop and see what they can do for you. They will be able to give references and even a chance to listen to some of there work.
     
  10. CrazyIvan

    CrazyIvan New Member

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    I have a Magnaflow system and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great sounding system
     
  11. Thumper460

    Thumper460 Active Member

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    I did this... called Magnaflow, got the numbers for their two mufflers, bought them. ( $92.00 ea thru summit racing) Made a trip to my friendly exhaust shop. Had a cat back system built for $225.00 total !!( including the original cost of the two mufflers!!) 2.5 dia!! Love the sound!! just a thought....

    Just me.................................

    Thumper
     
  12. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    Here's another take on DIY exhaust

    I rolled one with some guys I've used for exhaust work on a lot of cars. Too loud by miles. I thought it would give my kids hearing problems. It's behind (well, next to) my shed. I think Mike's way may be a good one for the budget minded. Without some guidance on parts selection, it's easy to end up deaf or with some serious drone.

    If my car were track only, I'd keep the exhaust that I built on and wear earplugs when driving. But it made the F355 F1 with race exhaust across the street seem quite....

    Matt
     
  13. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Ha Ha, Matt, that's a funny visual, I can almost see that guy "neck wrenching" his head every time you pull away from your house.:D
     
  14. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    Always my advise as well!

    My experiments in sound and size the 3" now carefully stored under the house. ...auh what..... can you speak up..... my ears are ringing...

    And the 2.50 which was nice but rough for how I usually try to do projects.
    old systems now laid to rest.
    2.50 left 3.0 right

    [​IMG]


    Current exhaust is battery delete for straight pipe DynoMax 534cfm Turbo style case wrapped center pipe and cut out.

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

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    When my wife would drive the car...

    you could hear it coming from quite a distance away. And yes, when the local Ferrari owners are commenting on how loud your car is, with 1/2 or 1/3rd the cylinders and about half the revs, you know it's loud!

    Keep in mind running a header makes a BIG difference in sound, even if you do run a cat.

    Matt
     
  16. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    you make more noise then a "heard" of Harleys

    Now I know who makes all the noise up in them thaaar hills... lol

    I like the thermal wrap myself. You not only can get the benefits of maintaining the exhaust velocity by keeping the exhaust temperature up but the added bonus of a much quieter exhaust system.

    Matt you wrote a great article about exhausts in MC2 a while back.


    In test mode......no cat no resonator muffler only felt mine was considerably quieter then most other MINIs with cat back aftermarket systems.

    There are drawback to the wrap. When applied you itch for days and it looks like st*t when everything else is polished plated or powdercoated. lol

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  17. charitable cooper

    charitable cooper New Member

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    Thanks to everyone for their imput. I will be addressing a couple of issues brought up in the thread with my garage, before installation. Not being a motorhead I always appreciate the advice and opportunity to learn from those who do know.

    Thanks
     
  18. M^Cubed

    M^Cubed Member

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    Stratmosphere/Milltek is the very best sounding I've heard and I think I've heard pretty much all of them for the most part.
     
  19. JCC

    JCC New Member

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    I saw a Milltek installed at a Metroplex MINI DIY day recently. Appeared to be VERY well built. It looked really nice. I wasn't around for the sound test. I understand that Stratmosphere is built to the same specs, but is not identical. Not made by the same company even, but I could be wrong on that.
     
  20. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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