That just goes to show that the sound of these exhaust systems is VERY subjective. Randy Webb thinks the Milltek exh is louder that the Scorpion, only slightly louder than the JCW. I found no drone at any speed. I drive a combination of country roads, freeway and city 25 miles each way to work so I've heard it in varying conditions. With the windows up at 70 mph it's hard to hear over the road noise from the tires and the stereo. Under heavy throttle the supercharger whine is still slightly louder, (CAI with holes in the plastic divider). With the windows down the sound is sporty but not too loud (for me). If anything, I wish it wasn't quite as subtle a sound but I didn't want to deal with a system that was too loud. Before the Mini I drove a 69 Chev truck, lowered with a big block and Flowmaster exhaust. That thing had a drone at 30 mph that could cause a headache. Much worse with the windows up. This is after lining the inside with Dynamat Extreme.
The best bet is to listen to as many different systems as you can until you find the right one for you.

 

ok... after another long drive with the new exhaust and some friends' comments.. i think i jumped the gun on the conclusion of the scorpion

eveyrone loved the tip... another point i like about it's construction etc..

driving on the freeway the tire noise and exhaust noise is almost the same tone.. i had the ac on too... and i can still hear a bit, tho it's not intrusive at all drone... what i heard the day before was probably because the window was down.. when the window's up the exhaust is hardly noticeable

driving on the street with my windows down it defenitely sounds good... not 'drop dead beautiful' but a very non-rice sound nonetheless

and for the price? i gotta say why none other mini exhausts are priced in the same neighbourhood, and offer same amount of enjoyment i get out of it?

 

Mine arrived on Tuesday, I installed last night. Nice sound, straightforward install, I recomend using silicone spray to make the extraction of the stock brackets easier.


Compared to the other systems out there at much higher prices, the Scorpion cat-back at $495 plus $20 shipping is the way to go for the budget conscious (married w/ children) modder.

 

Well I've been off for a while, not that anybody cares although I did promise an update to the exhaust install. What can I say, I've been enjoying the (fill in the word) out of the car!!!!! :smile: This was exactly what I wanted in terms of exhaust, no drone, no rattling, great tips and a kick butt sound! Oh did I mention the price?!!

I've taken some photos but don't have a web site to host them so if people really want to see the hardware and pieces of the system and how it comes just email or PM with an email address. The only hitch I came across during the install was that I wanted my tips closer to the bumper so I ended up taking it to a muffler shop for that. No huge cost but the difference in look to me was justified.

Man I love this exhaust!! I was on the Miltek kick for a while. Friends of mine had one and yes it also kicks *** but man for the extra ponies I just couldn't justify the cost. I know people are in different situations in life and that makes up some of their choice but I'm glad I could afford a Miltek but saved instead and got this one, no regrets!!

The best advice for somebody looking for an exhaust is find somebody with one and go for a drive!

 

How hard did you all have to crank down on the clamps at the slip joints? I did them pretty darn tight, and I just heard my second exhaust leak this morning. I thought I had fixed it on Sunday, but the connection on the rear drivers side likes to leak a bit. I guess I'll crawl under and readjust the pipe, and crank the screw until it can't stands no more.Still deciding on what I think about the exhaust overall.

 

ElonCoop,

My exhaust took about three adjustments to get it where it had no leaks and even exhaust tips. Just be patient and you'll get it where you like it. The WOT sound with the s/c screaming and the CAI sucking air is wonderful with the windows down. Makes that morning commute fun for a change.

 

I didn't see anywhere in here where the pipe diameter was mentioned. Can anyone confirm the size?

 

2.25" diameter.

 

i've recently picked up a PlayMINI system for my 03 MC (non S). Unfortunately it was shipped without the rear hanger support system. I've made the initial attempt to contact the seler I bought this from, but would like to see if there are other avenues I can use if the seller does not have the part.

I'll attach a pick that was posted a few pages back of an S system that was shipped with the bracket I am in need of. Reading through the posts it appears that the bracket was also included in the S package, but not neeeded.

Does anybody have the bracket laying around? Anybody looking to pass it on to a good use? Give me an idea of $$ wanted, etc.

Your help is most apppreciated. Without the hanger assembly the exhaust is not all that useful.

Many thanks.

 

Through the magic of the internet and MINI forums it looks like I have one on the way.

Many thanks to all you out there that responded, and a big thanks to Mike who came through in a big way.

I'll post pics of the install and all the needed components. I still need to get out to pick up the correct SS bolts and U-bolt. hopefully by the end of next week I'll have it all together.

Many many thanks again.

Jeffrey

 

It is 20k miles later and I still LOVE my Scorpion Exhaust. It has really tuned. It is quiet when cruising and Screams when romped on. Excellent quality and very well priced. (Two Thumbs Way Up)

 

and I like it more with each passing mile!

Let's hear from other high mile aftermarket catback users. How have your systems held up, has the tone mellowed or has it developed a drone? I still love the cruising noise (no drone) and the WOT rasp when the s/c and CAI really come into their own with this system.

100% satisfied with my exhaust. A great, reasonably priced system.

 

90% satisfied.. now i think its not loud enough!

so far, one thing has occured on mine, and its one clamp of the exhaust started to rust and lose the grip, making it obnoxiously loud at one point... i had it welded together to ensure it wont happen again

i get tons of compliment for them, its always great to hear the crackle crackle pop noise when you pull into a parking lot filled with street tuners, and they all take notice of the tiny mini!

overall, excellent price, excellent sound, hp gains? who cares when its this pretty and good sounding!

 

20K on mine and it's still sweet!!! Great sound, great look, great price, what more can you ask for!!

 

I realized I haven't posted a my impressions since helping a buddy with my install about 6 months ago

Like others, this thing sounds great! I especially dig the burble and used to drive around in second gear around town just to hear it everytime I let off the gas ...and personally I think the tips are exactly what the MINI should have been. I like the beer cans but now they look WAY too small! I like the Scorpion tips better since they are rolled on the edge to give a more substantial look than the thinness of straight pipes.

 

I installed my scorpion exhaust back in July and I love it! It has a nice sound at WOT and burbles everytime you let off the gas or downshift. The only issue I have with the exhaust is that I get a slight vibration at idle. I can not figure out what it is. I checked under the car and the exhaust is not hitting anything. But this does not set me off from owning the system. I absolutely love it!

Garrett