Best Exhaust for an 07 Mini Cooper S?

[panda81]

Looking at exhausts and trying to figure out the best one, just would like some input from people,regarding a couple issue

1.Performance
2.Sound
3.Bang for the buck

I guess on a side note I am getting the ram air intake from DDM works if that helps out at all, and thanks in advance

[Gilboyto]

I love my ALTA turboback personally. I did run into some fitment issues with the v-band right behind the brace below the car rubbing. (yes, I fabbed that part after paying 1100 dollars).

One thing about ALTA though, is their exhaust is VERY quiet it seems. Its gotten louder over time but you cant really hear my car unless you are behind it. I had a few friends standing on the roadside at MINI while I ran past and they could only hear my turbo until I fully passed.

[ThumperMCS]

Everyone is going to say they like whatever exhaust they own for the most part...

So, with that said, I love the Invidia. Compared to the Alta, which as Gilboyto said, is very quiet...the Invidia has such a deep, full sound to it. It's generally not loud in the car, but has a lot of volume from the outside. I'm always shocked to hear my car when someone else is driving it and I get to hear it from the outside...sounds awesome. Sometimes after long drives it can get a little loud, but I love it.

I've had numerous compliments on it before, even had people at stoplights tell me how good my car sounded.

[inimini2007]

You're going to have to listen to some of the MINI owners exhaust, sound clips, advice, and research...the one you pick for you is going to sound good, performance, and bang for the buck heard by your ears...

I'm leaning toward Invidia or Stratmosphere...Upscaleautomotive.com has the Invidia for $558.99 at the moment...Magnaflow is just loud for my taste...

[inimini2007]

Alta has their Drop-In Flat Panel Filter for $27.99 on their Year-End Clearance Sale...I picked one up for my R56 and R52 ($17.99)...That's more money I can save for the Exhaust.

I thought the Ram Air Intake is for the R53.

[inimini2007]

My Bad!...The Race Intake System (RIS) from DDM Works is excellent!

[panda81]

I heard great things about Invidia stuff, one of my friends has an Invidia exhaust on his WRX and it sounds good, quick question though, is Magna Flow available for the r56? and what performance gains did you see from the Invidia?

[Gilboyto]

I may have to check that exhaust out too...dont get me wrong the tone from the ALTA turboback is very nice, but it doesnt seem to carry a full range. It really opens up above about 3-4k, but anything below that it sounds weird to me.

[PoktRokt]

Check the stratmosphere website for their video. Mine sounds just the same, a bit deeper with my ED DP, but I have also received a lot of compliments, the best being at a mini event and one guy looking for exhausts said mine sounded the best of them that were there.

[countryboyshane]

Oh boy you really asked for it. Prepare to be totally confused in a couple of weeks. Thankfully using the search tool on NAM will yield a lot of exhaust clips and feedback. Everyone on here is generally helpful and will give you the honest truth about parts.

The DDMWorks RIS is an awesome mod, especially when you start getting some speed on the road and ramming some air. I also have their exhaust that features a Magnaflow muffler, which I love, but you're gonna pay a bit on the premium side. Combined with my "modified" downpipe, it's VERY aggressive sounding at WOT but I can control the volume if I'm not using the throttle like an on/off switch. Torque gains are ridiculous combined with my other mods

[dunphyj]

i have an alta turboback myself but i'd have to agree with Thumper... Invidia is a WONDERFUL sounding exhaust! a few friends of mine have them and while i do love my alta exhaust Invidia is just flat out addicting... especially with a combo like exhaust Depot's downpipe and the invidia... it's REALLY fun!

[btwdriver]

I am going through this selection process again, I previously had the Alta turboback. Does anyone have any experience with the Way Motor Works Exhaust? I am also probably going with a catless DP, has anyone had any issues with them? Other than the P0420 that I am already used to?

Thanks all.

[tgs91]

Originally Posted by btwdriver

I am also probably going with a catless DP, has anyone had any issues with them? Other than the P0420 that I am already used to?

The other one is you will not likely pass a state emissions inspection with a catless

I have heard some folks get blackmarket ones but thats well illegal

Theres also the ethical discussion of the added carbon into the environment but I'm not gonna get on my 'green' soapbox other than point it out.

[BlckJCWGhst]

Originally Posted by dunphyj

i have an alta turboback myself but i'd have to agree with Thumper... Invidia is a WONDERFUL sounding exhaust! a few friends of mine have them and while i do love my alta exhaust Invidia is just flat out addicting... especially with a combo like exhaust Depot's downpipe and the invidia... it's REALLY fun!

http://exhaustdepot.stores.yahoo.net/exder56do.html
Would YoU Really Pay 700 Bones For This ? I Mean If It Actually Keeps CEL's Off My Dash Then I Would But Idk

[dunphyj]

hahha no actually i'd just stick with my alta and get that O2 sim Riss sells... may be expensive but sure as hell is worth it if it actually works... even if it is over priced but lets face it... the MINI market is just overpriced to begin with, if you compared MINI aftermarket with say Honda aftermarket it's just flat out sad how much more we pay for a shorter piece of "fill in the blank". but that's a rant for another time...

[Porthos]

I got a great steal on a JCW exhaust and I would reccomend it because it has a great sound, looks good, and is covered under warranty.

[tgs91]

Originally Posted by BlckJCWGhst

http://exhaustdepot.stores.yahoo.net/exder56do.html
Would YoU Really Pay 700 Bones For This ? I Mean If It Actually Keeps CEL's Off My Dash Then I Would But Idk

I've talked to Hector the owner of Exhaust Depot as well as other people I trust to be 'in the know'. The occurrence of CEL's goes up the closer you get to the current model year. 09's > seems to be real sensitive.

I've also talked first hand to a 07' owner and he is throwing no CEL's.

Fact of the matter is ANY aftermarket downpipe is gonna cost ya.

[tgs91]

Originally Posted by dunphyj

hahha no actually i'd just stick with my alta and get that O2 sim Riss sells...

I don't think the 02 Sim is even available and by the sounds of it Riss is on very shaky ground. I personally would not hand over any cash to these guys unless I was in their shop and I had product in hand

[masterd78]

Invidia!!!!

[BostonR56S]

Depends what you want in the sound, my exhaust is deeper than the invidia, and almost half the price going custom- 350 vs 650(jscspeed price)

comparo video:



Stock vs my magnaflow (0:44 shows the exact parts):



Magnaflow under load:


From inside: (with sunroof tilted)



And now sure if you can see this one, but its an alta turboback vs my dpback
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...1&subj=9032395

[Porthos]

Originally Posted by tgs91

I've talked to Hector the owner of Exhaust Depot as well as other people I trust to be 'in the know'. The occurrence of CEL's goes up the closer you get to the current model year. 09's > seems to be real sensitive.

I've also talked first hand to a 07' owner and he is throwing no CEL's.

Fact of the matter is ANY aftermarket downpipe is gonna cost ya.

I got the steal from Hector's buddy on that JCW exhaust.

[minipete07]

ALTA is good performance but its been nothing but a headache!!! Welds breaking off the mounting brackets and CELs....ah!

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by minipete07

ALTA is good performance but its been nothing but a headache!!! Welds breaking off the mounting brackets and CELs....ah!

I assume you are talking about the dp?
I have no issues with my Alta catback, (well besides traction control light flickering more often when I get on the throttle)

[Dahveed]

+1 on the Stratmosphere. It's beautifully made and sounds incredible!

Originally Posted by PoktRokt

Check the stratmosphere website for their video. Mine sounds just the same, a bit deeper with my ED DP, but I have also received a lot of compliments, the best being at a mini event and one guy looking for exhausts said mine sounded the best of them that were there.

[ALTA_Jarid]

Originally Posted by minipete07

ALTA is good performance but its been nothing but a headache!!! Welds breaking off the mounting brackets and CELs....ah!

99 percent of performance downpipes with throw CELs, ALTA is not the only one.