I got a good deal on a very slightly used, virtually new Borla exhaust for my MC. I just got it on and let down the lift to see how it sounds. Boy am I pleased with how it sounds. It's EXACTLY what I wanted it to sound like.

With the car in the air I couldn't see exactly how the muffler/outlet fit in the rear opening. Once I put the car on the floor I see that I need to run the lift back up and adjust it a little for cosmetic reasons.

Other than that easily fixed problem it's just great.

It was very difficult to choose an exhaust without listening to all of them. Many of you here offered various different comments about the ones that you had heard. I got enough comments here and from talking to a few people that I was able to make the right choice. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to describe a noise or a vibration in written text, but with your help we managed.

Thanks to all!!

 

Congrats on the Borla. I have had mine since 12/02 and have loved every sound that has come out of it. The Borla has a nice mellow note, it has just enough bass. Just loud enough, but never over bearing. :smile:

 

Glad you like the borla with it's big 4" tip.

A good low sound and good product easily found at many aftermarket exhaust specialists across the country and easy enough to install yourself.

Now your friends and family can "hear you" from several blocks away coming and going.

 

Got any pics yet?

How is the performance (seat o' pants)?

 

The 4" tip is just something that I have to live with, we all must make compromises. I am willing to live the 4" tip for the great note that the Borla puts out.

The really loud note arrives when I pass through the 4500rpm range. I really try not to hit that range at 0530 on the way to work. In reality, the note is just above the stock Cooper exhaust and not offensive in any way. No RICE here.

 

Seat of the pants, great, but since I installed it 18 months ago, there is no way of really telling. As for pics take a look here - http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/gallery_4041.html sorry only have a pic of the 4" tip. You can hear it here - http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...t=54607&page=3 go down about half way and follow the next link. They all sound great and different.

 

I've heard the Borla on a MC, and they sound exactly how the car should sound. I'm glad you enjoy it. :D

 

I think the 4" tip is rather good. Anymore would be excessive. It really says "Aftermarket Borla!"

You bring up a good point with ANY aftermarket exhaust. There is a point under load (throttling up) at a certain rpm where the exhaust may be louder or even drone a bit. If you learn how to use your throttle and stay a little bit off of it at that point or pass beyond that point then you'll be fine.

Usually as you go downhill or coast or are using minimal throttle the noise is also minimal. It may depend a little on which gear you are in.

The Borla for MC idle is very good. I agree no RICE.

 

Awesome, LilRedMini! I'd love to hear it. If you video ~ via digital ~ your MC (on the street/a cruise/autocross/track), please send it my way (I've got lotsa MBs to spare) @...

erik_tanaka@hotmail.com

Thanks & keep motoring hard!

 

Yes, the 4" tip is a little much, but since it is scalloped and the edge is rolled it's not at all mistaken for a coffee can on a Honda Civic.

The only way I have to make a wave file is with my pda, and I don't know the quality. I should have taken a picture while it was still on the lift. I think you can see it better looking straight at it, rather than down. I'll try to get a picture and wave file as soon as I can. I'm kind of covered with things to do for the next few weeks.

I live WAY out in the boondocks, so I don't have to worry about waking the neighbors.

 

Has anyone tried yanking the resonator out of the Borla catback on the Cooper? Mine's sounding pretty mellow these days, and I was thinking that yanking the resonator might liven up the sound a bit...

 

What type of intake do yuo have???? I have a PiperCross Viper CAI, with the inlet hose disconnected. While cruising around town or on the INterstate, very mellow, too almost no louder than the stock exhaust. When I hit >4500 rpm in 2-4th gear, the resonator drops down about 2 octaves. I will see if I can get a recording of it. Stay tuned.......

 

I've got the Borla exhuast (with the round mufflers) on my MCS and I love it. Has a nice throaty tone. If you drive by cars that have an alarm w/ impact/vibration sensor it can set them off or at least make them chirp vigorously. Pretty funny.

 

We just put a Borla on our MC. I was afraid it would be to loud for me but I have been surprised by it. Have a K&N intake, but there didin't seem to be much difference from the stock intake. Should be putting it on a dyno in a few months to see what the HP increase is.

 

I've got the BMP/Promini intake...

 

I have finally found the file that I have been looking for. I have zipped it and it is too big to be allowed here. If some one can point me to a place that I can place it or would like it sent, just let me know. The file is 7.6mb zipped and is a 30 second clip. It was made about 18 months ago.

 

Some make the 4 inch tip sound like its a hideous overbearance. Its not. If you had to cut the stock bumper to fit, yeah... but you don't. It fits nicely.

 

If it's not hideous, how 'bout a pic? I've seen the view from above looking down on it, but not from behind at street level. Anyone with that view care to post it?

 

I will try to remember to get a straight on picture of the tip the next time I have it on the lift.

I am an old codger and was very much afraid that it would look like a kids Honda with a coffee can, but it does not.