MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - Your MCS exhaust reference thread. Videos. Sound clips. etc

smportis · #1 03-26-2004, 04:28 PM

[NOTE: As of March 13, 2008, I am volunteering to take this reference thread over for the previous owner who is no longer active. I will try to add new exhausts, and correct any information that is not right or out of date. Additional postings with new information are much appreciated. Kudos to the original poster, ABTSportsline, who is no longer a MINI owner for putting up the original posting back in 2004.
Scott Portis, smportis]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Introduction
New Information
Updated Information
*New* Exhaust Survey Results
Help Needed
Exhausts R53, R52
1. One-Ball Exhaust
2. Milltek
3. Alta Sportone 2.5", Polished, Stealth
4. UUC
5. PlayMini/Scorpion
6. Magnaflow
7. Borla Street & Sport
8. QuickSilver
9. SuperSprint
10. B&B Triflow
11. NRP
12. Ireland Engineering
13. Mini Madness - Madness V2
14. Megan Racing
15. JCW Exhaust
16. Invidia Ti N1
17. Webb Motorsports
18. Skunk 2
Exhausts R56 - Coming soon

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NEW INFO
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July 28, 2009 - Mini-Madness v2 videos added
August 21, 2008 - Exhaust Survey Results added below, at top.
August 21, 2008 - Added Webb Motorsports videos (see #17 below)
August 21, 2008 - Added Invidia videos (see #16 below)
August 21, 2008 - Added JCW videos (see #15 below)
April 20, 2008 - Megan Racing Catback (see #14 below)
April 20, 2008 - MINI-Madness V2 Catback (see #13 below)
March 13, 2008 - Ireland Engineering Catback (see #12 below)

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UPDATED INFORMATION
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August 21, 2008 - Thanks to bee1000n - Added/Updated video/audio from this post for a whole boatload of types (from a post later in this thread)
August 21, 2008 - Updated video/audio for Megan Racing and for IE Catback (thanks AutoXCooper.com)

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Exhaust Survey Data
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In 2008, we took a survey and got > 250 results from R50, R53 and R56 owners on their exhaust preferences. The results from the survey are here: Survey PDF File (Page 1 - Cooper Results. Page 2 = MCS Results.)

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HELP NEEDED:
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From looking through the last 4-5 pages of the thread, I need to add:

MiniSpeed
Volt
OBX Catback(?)
Palo Uber
TCS Sportline exhaust
Coast to Coast titanium cat back system

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Exhaust Reviews
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Below are pics and clips of most major exhausts for the MCS that I have been able to acquire over the last couple of years. The video/audio files are all Right-Click Save-Target-As style... the video files are all different types... wmv, quicktime, mpeg... If you see something here incorrect, please tell me so i may fix it. I obtained my information from various vendors and websites.

Thanks to Randy Webb, OutMotoring & other mini owners for the pictures. Thanks to many mini owners for taking the time to record the video/audio clips!

1. One-Ball Exhaust
Review Last Updated: n/a
Price: $50~$275 (50 bucks at your local muffler shop, and up to $275 for Helix's professional & recommended mandrel-bent replacement system.)
Composes: One-sided, Two-piece System
Power Gain: 2~3hp, 1 lb/ft torque
Piping Diameter: Same as stock: Stock pipe size at the cat is 2 1/4". The pipe connecting the resonator to the muffler is 2 1/2" (thanks rl48mini)
Weight: ~25 lbs.
Description: The "One Ball" is a slang term for taking the stock exhaust system and removing a muffler. Slightly louder than stock, but serious weight savings are a plus. Very popular with the track racers and autocrossers. Not big on power, but big on budget!
Video & Audio Clips:

Clip of OBX Header with One Ball Exhaust (thanks to Kentiki) - http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/62242/ppuser/18768

2. Milltek Sport
Review Last Updated: 8/21/08
Fits: R53, R52
Price: $899 - 945 at various sites
Composes: double-sided 3-piece quick-fit system.
Power Gains: around 9 horsepower and between 7-9 lb/ft torque
Piping Diameter: 2.5"
Weight: 31 lbs.
Website: http://www.millteksport.com/
Description: All stainless, provides greatest gains in hp & torque of any system available as of March 2004. Almost as quiet as stock system but lower tone. A well respected UK producer of exhausts for multiple auto manufacturers for after-market customization.

Video & Audio Clips:
(Links below added 8/21/08, thanks Bee100n)

(Image courtesy of www.stratmosphere.com - an official US distributor of Milltek)

3. Alta Exhaust System Polished R53 & Stealth R53
Review Last Updated: 8/21/08
Price: $675 for Polished, $850 for Stealth
Fits: Fits ALL Cooper S models 2002-2006
Composes: single-sided system, 2 pieces.
Power Gains: around 8 horsepower, between 5-7 lb/ft torque
Piping Diameter: 2.5"
Weight: 22 lbs.
Website: www.altaminiperformance.com/
Description: All stainless. Tips come pre-treated to resist discoloration. Oval Tip and dual tips available. Older units had some fitment problems (around 2004 timeframe when hangers were changed). Also, older units reported discoloration of tips due to flow problems. Alta has claimed to have fixed this.

Video & Audio Clips(*Added 8/21/08*)

Alta Exhaust System Polished R53

Dual Tips & Oval Tips (Images Courtesy of www.altaminiperformance.com )

Dual & Oval Tips (Images Courtesy of www.altaminiperformance.com )

4. UUC
Review Last Updated: n/a
Price: $875
Composes: dual-sided system, 4 pieces.
Power Gains: around 6-7 hp and 7-8 lb/ft torque
Piping Diameter: 2.25"
Weight: 34 lbs.
Website:
Description: All stainless, said to be one of the most beautiful systems on the market. Noise is not as loud as the Magnaflow, but not much quieter. Definitely runs up there with the loudest systems.

5. Playmini / Scorpion (exhaust is the same rebadged for UK/US)
Review Last Updated: n/a (* Note: 8/21/08 - Data for Scorpion is outdated. Website below appears incomplete and for Europe only *)
Price: $550 (US version)
Composes: dual-sided system, 3 pieces.
Power Gains: unknown
Piping Diameter: unknown
Weight: 32 lbs.
Website: (UK) http://www.scorpion-exhausts.com/Car...?model=116#bot
Description:
Not much is known about this system, and there is a debate as to the design. After the Y, the piping diverts the opposite direction for the flowing gases. No Dynos have yet been published for this system as of March 2004. System seems to be very popular in the UK.

6. Magnaflow
Review Last Updated: n/a
Price: $550~$600
Composes: dual-sided system, one piece?
Power Gains: between 8-10 hp, torque unknown
Piping Diameter: 2.5"
Weight: 34 lbs.
Website:
Description: All stainless, loudest of known exhausts.

Video & Audio Clips:
(*Added 8/21/08*)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aS5zLOLnZ6g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=980CGIDzi-Y
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VtUim3IaiNc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVsz0NyS-R4 (inside)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HdkMF9Qnkes (RMW Header, Flowmaster Resonator, Magnaflow Muffler)

7.1 Borla Street
7.2 Borla Sport
Review Last Updated: n/a
Price: $650~$700
Composes: dual-sided system, 6 pieces.
Power Gains: (Borla claims) 5 hp, 8lb/ft torque (Borla Sport: 9 hp, 8 lb/ft torque)
Piping Diameter: 2.25"
Weight: 34 lbs.
Website:
Description: All stainless, the Borla system is closest to stock sound. The Borla Sport system is as loud as if not louder than the Magnaflow.

Video & Audio Clips
(*Added 8/21/08*)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CHiCwlOjAW0 (Street)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jKMka0DAff4 (Race)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-oh3PISJiEc (Race from inside)

Borla Street:

Borla Sport:

8. Quicksilver
Review Last Updated: n/a
Price: $750~$850
Composes: single-sided system,
Power gains: around 7-8 hp, 5-6 lb/ft torque
Piping Diameter: 2.25"
Weight: 20 lbs.
Website:
Description: All stainless, single or dual tip designs available. Seems to be the most popular of the single-sided systems. Loudness is more than Borla Street and Milltek, but less than UUC and Magnaflow.

9. SuperSprint (Both Street & Sport)
Review Last Updated: n/a
Price: $1200~$1500
Composes: dual-sided, 4 pieces (if you keep your straight pipe, or 5 without)
Power gains: unknown (one dyno run shows 19 hp with header and cat)
Piping diameter: unknown
Weight: unknown
Website:
Description: All stainless, this system offers a stunning array of configuration options. 5 different tips styles are available (Viper, DTM, dual-round, dual-rectangular, and Promini-RS). Mufflers are at an angle - not straight-facing. System is by far the most expensive available. Not the prettiest of the systems, but from one of the most respected companies.

Video & Audio Clips
(*Added 8/21/08*)

10. B&B Tri-Flo
Review Last Updated: n/a
Price: $870~$1100
Composes: dual-sided system, 3 pieces
Power Gains: unknown
Piping Diameter: unknown
Weight: unknown
Website:
Description: All stainless, this system is available in 3 tip designs: DTM, dual-round, or single 5.25" oval. Not much else is known about this exhaust, and not many people (if any at all) ever post any information or user feedback about this exhaust.

Video & Audio Clips

(Image courtesy of http://www.minituner.com )

11. NRP
Review Last Updated: n/a
Price: $650~$700
Composes: single-sided system, 2 pieces
Power Gains: 7 hp, torque unknown
Piping Diameter: 2.5&
Weight: 22 lbs.
Website:
Description: All stainless and similar to the quicksilver and Alta, this item differs in only that it has less-finished tips (not as nice). And since it is a single-sided system, this means it is tough to hang. Minor fitment issues.

NRP Video Clips
no clips at this time.

12. Ireland Engineering Mini Cooper S Stainless Steel Cat Back Exhaust
Review Last Updated: 3/13/08
Price: $340
Composes: Single-sided system, 3 pieces
Power gains: unknown
Piping diameter: 2.5"
Weight: unknown
Website:
Description: Single sided, 304 stainless steel, polished. Comes in 3 pieces with cat-back pipe, muffler, and twin tips.
[NOTE: As of 3/13/08, NEED FEEDBACK ON SOUND, POWER, WEIGHT, ETC FROM CURRENT OWNERS AND OR IE OR OTHER RESELLERS.]

Video & Audio Clips:
(*Added as of 8/21/08*)

13. MINI-Madness - Madness V2 Catback Exhaust
Review Last Updated: 8/21/08
Price: $849 (Stainless), $949 (Black) At Mini-madness.com, may be cheaper elsewhere
Composes: Two-sided system, 3 pieces
Power gains: unknown
Piping diameter: 2.5" to 3"
Weight: unknown
Website: http://www.mini-madness.com/
Fits: 2002 to 2006 MCS
Description: According to their website: Fully polished stainless steel exhaust featuring a 2.5 inch pipe diameter to 3 inch flow path. System fits all R53 Supercharged MINI Cooper S models manufactured from 2002 to 2006. Excellent deep tone and no drone along with a healthy dose of horsepower and torque.
Video and Sound Clips:

Drive by: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_21H00EsvBw
PolePino's Garage view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy-b9DKkSXY
YakiMini13 Night view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfiNo...e=channel_page
YakiMini13 Drive By: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8VOj...e=channel_page

(Images Couresy of www.mini-madness.com)

Also comes in Stealth Black:

14. Megan Racing - MR S Cat Back Exhaust (Model Number : MR-CBS-MC02)
Review Last Updated: 4/20/08
Price: $540 - 599 (depending on location)
Composes: Two-sided system, 3 pieces
Power gains: Manuf claims "6.1Whp & 8Ft-Lbs. gain across the powerband"
Piping diameter: 2.5"
Weight: 38.2lbs
Fits: 2002 to 2006 MCS
Description: OE-Style Cat-Back system that incorporates a Split-Dual Exhaust system. T-304 Stainless Steel exhaust. Weighs in at 38.2lbs. Full of large bends and two large mufflers.
Clips:
NOTE: This clip is for an R50 (non-S) Cooper, but is the only clip at the moment:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1521957226413519553&pr=goog-sl

(Image Courtesy of www.meganracing.com)

15. JCW Exhaust (*Added 8/21/08*)
Details to come

Video & Audio Clips:

16. Invidia (*Added 8/21/08*)
Review Last Updated: 8/21/08
Price: $650 - MSRP $879
Fits: 2002 to 2006 MCS
Composes: Two-sided system, 4 pieces
Power gains:
Piping diameter: 2.36" (60mm)
Weight: 22-29 lbs
Website: http://www.invidia-usa.com
Description: Attractive product. Titainium tips. Mandrel-bent, SUS304 Stainless piping. From the website "These exhausts are engineered to produce strong mid to top-end power gains, as well as an increase in horsepower and torque."
Video & Audio Clips:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xwah2pkIKco
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nZcNIa_QzQ0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=owayEwsbzNU
http://youtube.com/watch?v=69SCy7Xth0s (inside)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9egyHkdMXcQ (inside)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=di8u0FddjwA (drive away)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=I8OxPj4I0pE (drive away)

(Image Courtesy of http://www.invidia-usa.com)

17.Webb Motorsport (*Added 8/21/08*)
Details to come:

Video & Audio Clips:

18. Skunk2 (* Added 8/21/08*)

Details to come
Video & Audio Clips:

19. Cross Exhaust Titanium
Review Last Updated: 8/21/08
Price: $1700
Fits: 2002 to 2006 MCS
Composes: Two-sided system, 4 pieces
Power gains:
Piping diameter: 2.36" (60mm)
Weight: 22-29 lbs
Website: http://www.cross-na.com/
Description: According to the website: "Lightweight stainless steel with special welded on Titanium Tips. Weighing in just between 22 lbs. this exhaust system is the lightest stainless steel / Titanium model on the market for the MINI. Special technology that is used during production allows Titanium and stainless steel to be welded together that gives the CROSS Sport Semi Titanium exhaust system a sporty titanium look with out the high price. [Although at $1700, I don't know what price we'd be talking about ... ED.]
Video & Audio Clips: N/A

(Image Courtesty of altaminiperformance.com)

Grimace · #2 03-26-2004, 04:33 PM

Wow, talk about doing a service for your fellow motoring brethren. Mini enthusiasts are a breed apart, there just ain't no doubt. Thanks much for this, I look forward to your additions.

**10851CS** · #3 03-26-2004, 05:10 PM

>>Wow, talk about doing a service for your fellow motoring brethren. Mini enthusiasts are a breed apart, there just ain't no doubt. Thanks much for this, I look forward to your additions.

I agree, however, I am looking for the sound clip of Borla Street and Borla Race (aggresive).

Any one have them?

Thanks,

Earl

BuckeyeMCS · #4 03-26-2004, 07:19 PM

Nice work!
Thank you!

ABTsportsline · #5 03-28-2004, 06:19 AM

ok, did some major additions....

1) added supersprint movie clips courtesy of Zamirz
2) added some borla sport clips from Madness....
3) added a four-way exhaust clip (stock, borla, quicksilver, magnaflow) source unknown, but believed to be from Webb's car...
4) added some magnaflow clips

enjoy.

minihune · #6 03-28-2004, 06:37 AM

ABT,

Thanks for the exhausting exhausts summary.
For the Quicksilver the torque gain is about 5 to 6 ft lbs.
picture of QS tailpipe
Loudness is more than Borla Street/Milltek but less than Magnaflow/UUC

Some comments-
I know it is tough but the power gains are more useful if one knows at what rpm is the peak HP and torque.
Also for some of us that are trying to combine exhausts with headers and pulley upgrades, it might be good to know which of these exhausts are more free flowing:
UUC, Magnaflow, Borla Sport, Milltek
and which are more restrictive:
Stock, JCW kit, Borla Street, QS

Any plans to add JCW kit exhaust as an option and for comparison reasons?

Now that you have set the standard in exhausts for the MCS,
Maybe the MC owners are feeling left out?

It's logical to think the same sort of comparison with product photos and pictures of MINIs could be done for lowering springs vs coil overs, etc.

I think this sort of summary info makes this site #1 for MINI enthusiasts.
Excellent work ABTsportsline! :smile:

_________________

Aloha from Hawaii

ABTsportsline · #7 03-28-2004, 07:06 AM

thanks minihune!

maybe you can make this a sticky. as far as peak hp and torque, i don't know where this was achieved for each exhaust - i didnt do testing myself. I just scoured the net and watched forums for months to get all this. I apologize to MC owners, i only pursued the MCS information because that is what i have and am interested in. I could do an MC thread, but that would require a lot of time and research, and definitely wouldn't be out right away. I will get to work on one if there is enough demand.

as far as which exhaust works better with header, freer flowing, etc... i do not know.... we can all assume which are freer flowing based on volume and power gains... if anyone DOES know this, and they wish to share with me, i will definitely update this thread with that information. (including where on the tach most gains are felt for each exhaust).

I haven't included the JCW kit because i have found absolutely no dyno or proven information on that kit's exhaust alone. It seems that most people get the complete kit, not just the exhaust. i was unaware that you could buy the exhaust alone. Again, if anyone has this information, please let me know!

Cheers
-ABT-

**Stratmosphere** · #8 03-28-2004, 06:57 PM

This is GREAT! Nice bunch of information. Hey...we have the Milltek "NON-S" catback on the way for the first time in the USA. Hoping this one is a winner with customers too. Stay tuned. -Pete, Stratmosphere
www.stratmosphere.com/mini.htm

ZAMIRZ · #9 03-28-2004, 07:05 PM

ABT, way to bring this post here man :smile:

BTW, could you please edit the post by my videos in the supersprint section to say "sport" or "loud", so people don't confuse my obnoxious exhaust with the quieter version of the supersprint

thanks,

amir

miniraider · #10 03-29-2004, 01:00 PM

i have ridden with some one that has borla race on MCS to me that is the best sound so far, magnoflow to loud for me. has any body cut there left baffel off how does that sound, if any body has it please put on the site i like to hear it.what about ac schnitzer?
thanks to every one that has taken the time to do other drivers work.
looking for a borla race muffler?

minichrist · #11 03-29-2004, 01:32 PM

Very nice write up. Good job.

I installed my Borla "race" (sport) about 3 weeks ago, and have put about 700 miles on it. And about 500 of them were done at once on a round trip to NY. I figured this would be the true test, 4+ hours each way with new exhaust and my wife. No complaints. In fact she slept most of the trip. Conversations at highway speeds were not a problem. No droning.

I am completly satisfied with the fit and finish. The clamps that Borla uses are brilliant. My only concern is an infrequent rattle emminating from the tips at "rough" idle (I say rough 'cause since my upgrade to v.36 I get this infrequent drop in idle RPM [topic for another thread]). It will reverb through the whole car. I've stood behind my car and witnessed it. I can actually apply pressure to the tips and it will stop. It's not rubbing anywhare I can see ie. battery shield/rear skirt/valence. It appears as though it's coming from within the tips.
Looks like I'll be crawlin under again to give eveything a couple more turns, and make sure there's no heatshield in the way.

I did find this thread which has a great review on the race/sport:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB_14&file= index&action=viewtopic&topic=14715&sta rt=0

dandp · #13 03-31-2004, 09:13 AM

I think Rogue Engineering still sells an MCS exhaust as well, they have clips and such on their site.Rogue Homepage

miniraider · #14 04-09-2004, 02:31 PM

hey guys i did not think changing the exhaust would make that big of diffrence!
i was surprised to see how much the cars power changes and better it realy performes, i got the borla race and it was easy to install but removing the old exhaust was not so easy..........highly recomand that you change the exhaust system...........

talent7 · #15 04-10-2004, 08:44 PM

I don't think an audio clip is needed for the Borla Street system. Just listen to the stock NMS system, and you've pretty much got it. I will say, that I preceive the Borla to be quiter at freeway speeds and there is less 4-cylinder "buzz" from the Borla over the stock. This is the system MINI should have installed as stock. With the rear seats folded down or the windows open, I can hear a slight "popping" or "burble" from the exhaust when lifting off the throttle. This I never noticed with the stock. Oh, and by the way...the Borla mufflers are better hidden above the rear body work than stock, and the pipe tips look great and do not change color. The system "grows" when hot, so the tips stick out about 1/2" more until that long straight segment of stainless cools down.

Flyboy66 · #16 04-11-2004, 09:06 AM

I would like to hear a sound clip for a Scorpion exhaust in person

_________________
Louis Zamudio,
Houston MINI Motoring Society, President /

03' MCS IB/W, Lapse Blue, Pkg 1 & 2, ...New 04' MCS CR/B on Order

miniraider · #17 04-13-2004, 12:42 PM

hey by the way the borla race sounds great . what should i do next maybe intake does that make as big as difference as the exhaust made.
if ui get chance i will record the sound off my exhaust , how can i posted for people to hear? i can not hear the brola sound when i go on it . i do hear the part that there is a comperson made with all four exhaust standerd,borla street,quicksilverand magno..........thanks to every one..........

dcsmd007 · #18 04-26-2004, 09:21 AM

Great thread!

Since JCW exhaust is available from the dealer, it should be added to the file. For a base line comparison, it might be a good idea to have the standard exhaust on it as well. :smile:

Here's a link containing standard exhaust and JCW exhaust sound file.

early_apex · #19 04-26-2004, 10:23 PM

I PMed ABT a few days ago with those files and hopefully they will get added to the main post.

section8 · #20 05-11-2004, 06:19 PM

JUST ORDERED MY BORLA RACE, THANKS TO THIS SITE IT WAS ALOT EASIER FOR ME PICK THE ONE BEST SUITED FOR MY TASTE. ALSO I CURRENTLY HAVE THE K&N TYPHOON CAI, BUT AFTER READING ALOT ABOUT ALTA SYSTEM , I'M WONDERING IF I SHOULD SWAP?
THANKS AGAIN THESE FORUMS ROCK!

orthomini · #21 05-18-2004, 03:30 PM

>>JUST ORDERED MY BORLA RACE, THANKS TO THIS SITE IT WAS ALOT EASIER FOR ME PICK THE ONE BEST SUITED FOR MY TASTE. ALSO I CURRENTLY HAVE THE K&N TYPHOON CAI, BUT AFTER READING ALOT ABOUT ALTA SYSTEM , I'M WONDERING IF I SHOULD SWAP?
>>THANKS AGAIN THESE FORUMS ROCK!

do a search for the thread on hot air intake. very informative.

manoo · #22 06-26-2004, 09:02 PM

thanks for the 'sounds'. still sorting through the aftermarket choices... any chance of a sound clip from the mcs rspeed? so far my favourite is the milltek. thanks for the great job you have done.

Thameth · #23 07-04-2004, 12:07 PM

Hey where did you guys get that the one ball system (cut up stock) only gains 1hp? http://www.fasttoy.com/fb18.html has a dyno done locally showing 9 hp. I want to do this soon on a dynojet and get before and after also to show any gains.

Luifer · #24 07-05-2004, 09:41 PM

Any body have heard the Remus on the S model

I need some info and sounds

JP Money · #25 07-06-2004, 10:35 AM

Remus makes one for the MCS. Here are 2 pics. I found some sound clips. They're on this web site.