Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S New Project - Taking the Buzz out of Gnat

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by Nathan, Mar 7, 2013.

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    As a few of you know my MINI is not exactly stealthy when it comes to the exhaust sound. In fact it has become louder over time, to the point that it is even starting to annoy me at times. It's darn near impossible to have a conversation with someone in the passenger seat and a few dates I've been on have cited the loud MINI being a child's car as reason not to go out again.

    When the shifter cables were being replaced it was brought to my attention that the cat converter is hollow now. So I'm spewing pollution out in the air as well. Killing two birds with one stone, the first step in quietness, or at least reduced noise levels is to replace the catalytic converter.

    To that end a brand new Random Technologies Ceramic core cat converter was delivered to M/A World HQ today. Installation appointment has been set for Tuesday, March 19.

    Updates to follow...
     
  2. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    ..."not exactly stealthy" is an understatement!

    T-shirts?
     
  3. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    What did you say? I was behind Nathan for an hour the other day and I still can't hear.
     
  4. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Hmmmmm.... I didn't know they could convert cats now.... Does this process make them into dogs??:devil:
     
  5. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    No no it's to change their religion
     
  6. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    :cornut: Yeah..........it converts them to Animists:crazy::lol::lol::Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  7. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

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    Nathan,
    Glad you are quieting down the Gnat.

    But if these chicks can't appreciate the MINI.... then screw them!
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I find that a loud exhaust helps to drown out her voice from the passengers seat.

    Slow down blah blah blah.....huh what did you say?
     
  9. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    You should try driving a rally car with a loud exhaust and no interior! I've driven rally cars as daily drivers since 1987 and never get bored with noise although a 5 hour drive once had my ears ringing for 3 days! just turn the stero up dude!
     
  10. goaljnky

    goaljnky New Member

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    Umm..that's what he is trying to do... :devil:
     
  11. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    ^^^ :lol::lol::lol:
     
  12. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    This thread sucks. The title implies a voyeuristic opportunity to witness a public intervention, where Nate is shamed into not getting buzzed anymore. instead we get religious pets. Let's get this OT, folks!

    [​IMG]
     
  13. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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  14. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    Nate if she can't handle the GNAT....she aint worth the time...Let her hear the exhaust as youre dropping her at the curb....


    Loud pipes save lives
     
  15. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Dropped the MINI and new catalytic converter off with our local MINI guru today.

    We'll see if adding catalytic converter back into the mix will quiet things a bit or not.

    If not then it is time to start looking at mufflers in the rear. Conveniently there is a monster sized Jegs store nearby with a huge selection of mufflers in stock.
     
  16. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    Do tell...Who be?
     
  17. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Best Motor Werks They have been doing a fine job keeping Gnat running well.
     
  18. peep

    peep New Member

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    Good luck but I have to agree with Monica -- if the girl cant handle the noise, she aint worth the boy...

    Ok - i tried to rhyme, but...well you see how well I do that...so...if it was annoying you, thats one thing...but please dont go a changing to just please someone else...

    On the flip side, you should have done a before and after vid.
     
  19. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Oh we'll let you know about an after. If we can hear after being behind Nathan for 30 minutes then it's quieter. :lol:
     
  20. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    New catalytic converter installed by Anson at Best Motor Werks. It is quieter in the car when cruising. There was a bit to much traffic on the way home to really wind it out and see. When outside the car it's not much different though. There is a big change in the volume when getting on it and crossing the 3500 RPM mark, it still has the rasp it had before.

    Thinking I will live with this for a bit and see if I need more quieting. If so, then I'll need to look at rebuilding the entire exhaust from the cat back being it is all custom now and has been modded a few times already.
     

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