Muffler vs. Catback

[mini552]

the more I read & research, the more I'm convinced that there isn't any meaningful power to be gained with a catback exhaust on a Cooper - particularly down low, where some indicate there might even be a loss.
I love the lower tone and growl of some of the mellower systems like Miltek, Remus, etc. Has anyone simply fitted a new muffler to the existing Cooper system to get the sound benefit? I'd like a lower tone, nice growl on acceleration and NO DRONE at cruise.

thanks

[atl05mca]

Mini552;

I don't think anyone on this board has done this kind of mod.....

But I'm with you....after looking at what's on the market, paying $400+ for a modest gain in HP / torque doesn't seem like much bang for the buck...

I've been looking at a Magnaflow Univ. aluminized muffler, either the 2" offset / offset #11234 or the offset / center #11224....have already cut out a cardboard template so I can first mock it up with my muffler guy....

My hold up is I've got to figure out how to hang it and whether I can use a sleeve clamp to join the muffler with the stock pipe (just in case Mini notices and makes me put the stock back on)....plus I've got to get the wife out of the car long enough to mod it...

Hope to do it by end of Jan 06.......will post to the board then....

[Torkor]

Why not mod the original muffler? I did, and I couldn`t be more satisfied. Better flow especially at high revs, a nice deep sound, no droning and an occasional backfire at the track. And best of all: No bling factor, just OEM looks!
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