Drivetrain Scorpion Exhaust
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
>>Keith,
>>
>>Ar e you saying it weighs 30lbs? Also, what warranty does it come with? Did Brian tell you?
Drill holes in it to make it lighter.
I guess the group buy is out. Someone else needs to sell this exhaust.
>>
>>Ar e you saying it weighs 30lbs? Also, what warranty does it come with? Did Brian tell you?
Drill holes in it to make it lighter.
I guess the group buy is out. Someone else needs to sell this exhaust.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: brookfield NH
>>>>Keith,
>>>>
>>>>Ar e you saying it weighs 30lbs? Also, what warranty does it come with? Did Brian tell you?
>>
>>Drill holes in it to make it lighter.
>>
>>I guess the group buy is out. Someone else needs to sell this exhaust.
I don't see a problem at all with a price of $550 for a stainless exhaust that looks and sounds as good as ones costing much more. Just because they don't want to do a group buy doesn't mean they are a bad company. If somebody else sold it for $600 and offered a group buy for $550 would you buy it from them?
>>>>
>>>>Ar e you saying it weighs 30lbs? Also, what warranty does it come with? Did Brian tell you?
>>
>>Drill holes in it to make it lighter.
>>
>>I guess the group buy is out. Someone else needs to sell this exhaust.
I don't see a problem at all with a price of $550 for a stainless exhaust that looks and sounds as good as ones costing much more. Just because they don't want to do a group buy doesn't mean they are a bad company. If somebody else sold it for $600 and offered a group buy for $550 would you buy it from them?
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
>>>>>>Keith,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Ar e you saying it weighs 30lbs? Also, what warranty does it come with? Did Brian tell you?
>>>>
>>>>Drill holes in it to make it lighter.
>>>>
>>>>I guess the group buy is out. Someone else needs to sell this exhaust.
>>
>>I don't see a problem at all with a price of $550 for a stainless exhaust that looks and sounds as good as ones costing much more. Just because they don't want to do a group buy doesn't mean they are a bad company. If somebody else sold it for $600 and offered a group buy for $550 would you buy it from them?
its the principal of the thing, not the price necessarily. In all my years in first the Honda crowd, then the VW crowd, i've participated in too many group buys to remember. I have never seen a vendor flat-out say "i don't like group buys". This economically doesn't make sense. You sell your item at a slightly lower price, but are guaranteed x number of units sold. If done right, this helps the vendor move units and get priority over the new supply. To top that off its easy sales. Vendors reputation is escalated, word spreads in forums like these, and they earn later business for other items. thats how group buys work.
WebbMotorsports has been doing this on another level for a long time with its Pulley parties.... and look at the reputation he has now.
Same would have been for Bavarian Motorsports. Based on what i've read in this thread, they are uncooperative with the consumer and ignorant on their own product offerings. I can say they are in no immediate danger of receiving any business whatsoever from me.
and what else do they lose: the most powerful thing of all - word of mouth recommendations. When someone asks where to buy x product, you think i'm going to rush to say their name now? as a former car salesman, i can tell you word of mouth is the best advertising of all.
but anyway, the exhaust itself seems nice.
Randy reviewed it on his site saying it gives around 5-6 horsepower. this is great for the price. whats' 2 extra horses anyway? Not worth the 300 more milltek wants to charge.
dgsweda - i look forward to hearing your review and clips. :smile:
-ABT-
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Ar e you saying it weighs 30lbs? Also, what warranty does it come with? Did Brian tell you?
>>>>
>>>>Drill holes in it to make it lighter.
>>>>
>>>>I guess the group buy is out. Someone else needs to sell this exhaust.
>>
>>I don't see a problem at all with a price of $550 for a stainless exhaust that looks and sounds as good as ones costing much more. Just because they don't want to do a group buy doesn't mean they are a bad company. If somebody else sold it for $600 and offered a group buy for $550 would you buy it from them?
its the principal of the thing, not the price necessarily. In all my years in first the Honda crowd, then the VW crowd, i've participated in too many group buys to remember. I have never seen a vendor flat-out say "i don't like group buys". This economically doesn't make sense. You sell your item at a slightly lower price, but are guaranteed x number of units sold. If done right, this helps the vendor move units and get priority over the new supply. To top that off its easy sales. Vendors reputation is escalated, word spreads in forums like these, and they earn later business for other items. thats how group buys work.
WebbMotorsports has been doing this on another level for a long time with its Pulley parties.... and look at the reputation he has now.
Same would have been for Bavarian Motorsports. Based on what i've read in this thread, they are uncooperative with the consumer and ignorant on their own product offerings. I can say they are in no immediate danger of receiving any business whatsoever from me.
and what else do they lose: the most powerful thing of all - word of mouth recommendations. When someone asks where to buy x product, you think i'm going to rush to say their name now? as a former car salesman, i can tell you word of mouth is the best advertising of all.
but anyway, the exhaust itself seems nice.
Randy reviewed it on his site saying it gives around 5-6 horsepower. this is great for the price. whats' 2 extra horses anyway? Not worth the 300 more milltek wants to charge.
dgsweda - i look forward to hearing your review and clips. :smile:
-ABT-
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
>>dgszweda1, you let the team down!!!
>>
>>
>>Just kidding - I may end up going the same route. I need to decide between the Magnoflow for $510 or the Scorpion for $550...
fueledbymetal, what did you decide? Once I saw that he group buy thing turned into the debacle I had predicted, I just placed my order. I didn't want to still be deliberating about PayPal or credit cards on Saturday. Instead I hope to be installing the thing.
>>
>>
>>Just kidding - I may end up going the same route. I need to decide between the Magnoflow for $510 or the Scorpion for $550...
fueledbymetal, what did you decide? Once I saw that he group buy thing turned into the debacle I had predicted, I just placed my order. I didn't want to still be deliberating about PayPal or credit cards on Saturday. Instead I hope to be installing the thing.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
I haven't put on an exhaust in 20 years. Does the Scorpion come with lock washers for the clamps? If not, what is the bolt size of the clamps so I can go get some? Are there any MINI gotchas for which I need to be ready?
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Park, MD
Well, I've taken the plunge as well.
I had really wanted a custom system, but I couldn't find a single shop in my area that could make mandrel bends. With all of the exchange rate nonsense going on, I figured this exhaust will only get more expensive when the current stock runs out. The Magnaflow is the only exhaust I could find for less, but I believe my wife (& neighbors
I had really wanted a custom system, but I couldn't find a single shop in my area that could make mandrel bends. With all of the exchange rate nonsense going on, I figured this exhaust will only get more expensive when the current stock runs out. The Magnaflow is the only exhaust I could find for less, but I believe my wife (& neighbors
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta/Amsterdam
>>Well, I've taken the plunge as well.
>>
>>I had really wanted a custom system, but I couldn't find a single shop in my area that could make mandrel bends. With all of the exchange rate nonsense going on, I figured this exhaust will only get more expensive when the current stock runs out. The Magnaflow is the only exhaust I could find for less, but I believe my wife (& neighbors
Randy had a few good comments about it at the end of this post
http://www.webbmotorsports.com/forum...hp?p=3519#3519
I think the exhaust will be great. The power seems not so bad at @6hp and the weight is still 10lbs lighter than stock. I think the tips blow the Miltek out of the water, but still aren't as nice as the UUC and JCW. The sound is pretty good. Randy said it sounds just like the JCW, which has a pretty sweet sound to it. I am thinking this will be a pretty darn good exhaust especially for the money. Even though a small number of people have installed it, everyone has been very happy which is better than the original Miltek and the UUC.
>>
>>I had really wanted a custom system, but I couldn't find a single shop in my area that could make mandrel bends. With all of the exchange rate nonsense going on, I figured this exhaust will only get more expensive when the current stock runs out. The Magnaflow is the only exhaust I could find for less, but I believe my wife (& neighbors
Randy had a few good comments about it at the end of this post
http://www.webbmotorsports.com/forum...hp?p=3519#3519
I think the exhaust will be great. The power seems not so bad at @6hp and the weight is still 10lbs lighter than stock. I think the tips blow the Miltek out of the water, but still aren't as nice as the UUC and JCW. The sound is pretty good. Randy said it sounds just like the JCW, which has a pretty sweet sound to it. I am thinking this will be a pretty darn good exhaust especially for the money. Even though a small number of people have installed it, everyone has been very happy which is better than the original Miltek and the UUC.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
Well, that's four of us, I believe, to add the ranks of Scorpion owners here on NAM.
Four was all bavauto had left, and I'd be willing to bet that the Scorpion is going up with the next shipment so that it can be overpriced like all the others.
Mine has been shipped and will arrive tomorrow or Thursday. I'd better get some jackstands.
Four was all bavauto had left, and I'd be willing to bet that the Scorpion is going up with the next shipment so that it can be overpriced like all the others.
Mine has been shipped and will arrive tomorrow or Thursday. I'd better get some jackstands.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
You have to love FedEx's efficiency:
Mar 3, 2004 7:58 am Arrived at FedEx Destination Location PORTSMOUTH NH
Mar 2, 2004 9:28 pm Arrived at FedEx Ramp LONDONDERRY NH
Mar 2, 2004 7:49 pm Left FedEx Origin Location PORTSMOUTH NH
Mar 2, 2004 6:02 pm Picked up by FedEx PORTSMOUTH NH
My Scorpion will have 200 miles on it when I get it.
Mar 3, 2004 7:58 am Arrived at FedEx Destination Location PORTSMOUTH NH
Mar 2, 2004 9:28 pm Arrived at FedEx Ramp LONDONDERRY NH
Mar 2, 2004 7:49 pm Left FedEx Origin Location PORTSMOUTH NH
Mar 2, 2004 6:02 pm Picked up by FedEx PORTSMOUTH NH
My Scorpion will have 200 miles on it when I get it.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
notpaddyhopkirk, Darksky, others:
The Scorpion has stainless flexible band clamps instead of the solid U-clamps that I have seen on other systems. Did any of you have problems with these over time? Did any of you switch to solid clamps?
Also, are you supposed to use some kind of compound on the slip-fit connections?
The Scorpion has stainless flexible band clamps instead of the solid U-clamps that I have seen on other systems. Did any of you have problems with these over time? Did any of you switch to solid clamps?
Also, are you supposed to use some kind of compound on the slip-fit connections?
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
>>notpaddyhopkirk, Darksky, others:
>>
>>The Scorpion has stainless flexible band clamps instead of the solid U-clamps that I have seen on other systems. Did any of you have problems with these over time? Did any of you switch to solid clamps?
>>
>>Also, are you supposed to use some kind of compound on the slip-fit connections?
pics!!!!!!!!
>>
>>The Scorpion has stainless flexible band clamps instead of the solid U-clamps that I have seen on other systems. Did any of you have problems with these over time? Did any of you switch to solid clamps?
>>
>>Also, are you supposed to use some kind of compound on the slip-fit connections?
pics!!!!!!!!
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta/Amsterdam
Pre-Review of the Scorpion Exhaust:
I just received my Scorpion Exhaust from Bavarian Motorsports today. I am having it installed on Monday by R-Speed in Atlanta. So if anyone is interesting in coming to watch, it will be done at 4:00pm.
I wanted to give my initial review of the ordering/receiving process of the product.
I ordered the exhausts after reading this and other posts about the Scorpion. The price, looks, and sound appealed to me. Randy Webb has stated that the Scorpion exhaust looks and sounds quite similiar to the JCW. Also, this is the same exhaust that Playmini sells. They relable the exhaust as there exhaust. I ordered the exhaust from Bavarian Motorsports since they are the sole distributors of the exhaust in the US. The cost of the exhaust was $549, and $21 for shipping.
I was disappointed in my experience with the customer service at Bavarian Motorsports. While there service has been touted as very good, my experience was different and may not be indicative of the overall department. It may also have to do with the fact that they primarily deal in BMW parts and the Mini is a new business venture for them. There knowledge and specs of the exhaust were very poor. I talked with two different service reps at Bavarian, but neither knew the weight of the exhaust, dyno information, and any real information on Scorpion as a company. No was able to tell me the warranty of the product as well. All things that I felt the customer service should have been either aware of, or pointed me in the direction to find the information. Also we were unsuccessful in dealing with them in securing a group buy. It appeared that the customer service department was unaware of the concept and were unwilling to budge on the price even when we were willing to purchase there entire inventory at a previous sale price that they had on the exhaust. Besides these deficiencies, the ordering process went smoothly with no issues.
When I came home today I saw the box propped against my garage door. It looked like it whipped around a few times by a fork lift, then thrown off the delivery truck. I have attached two pics of what the box looked like. I felt the packaging job was terrible. The contents were not secured, and the cardboard box was not much thicker than poster board. Very thin cardboard, especially for a large bulky metal object such as the exhaust. I will say though that the exhaust was well wrapped inside, and there doesn't appear to be any damage to the exhaust (Fortunately).
I will post a new thread with my entire review including digital soundclips of before and after, next week.
My general feeling at this point, is that Bavarian Motorsports should increase there customer support knowledge of their Mini products. While this may be an anomoly that I experienced, I felt that out of two individuals I should have received some information. The packaging of their shipped products should be improved. I think they have a lot to offer the Mini community especially since they stock some unique items.
Box as it was delivered untouched by Me.
Box moved to a horizontal position on my Garage Floor.
I just received my Scorpion Exhaust from Bavarian Motorsports today. I am having it installed on Monday by R-Speed in Atlanta. So if anyone is interesting in coming to watch, it will be done at 4:00pm.
I wanted to give my initial review of the ordering/receiving process of the product.
I ordered the exhausts after reading this and other posts about the Scorpion. The price, looks, and sound appealed to me. Randy Webb has stated that the Scorpion exhaust looks and sounds quite similiar to the JCW. Also, this is the same exhaust that Playmini sells. They relable the exhaust as there exhaust. I ordered the exhaust from Bavarian Motorsports since they are the sole distributors of the exhaust in the US. The cost of the exhaust was $549, and $21 for shipping.
I was disappointed in my experience with the customer service at Bavarian Motorsports. While there service has been touted as very good, my experience was different and may not be indicative of the overall department. It may also have to do with the fact that they primarily deal in BMW parts and the Mini is a new business venture for them. There knowledge and specs of the exhaust were very poor. I talked with two different service reps at Bavarian, but neither knew the weight of the exhaust, dyno information, and any real information on Scorpion as a company. No was able to tell me the warranty of the product as well. All things that I felt the customer service should have been either aware of, or pointed me in the direction to find the information. Also we were unsuccessful in dealing with them in securing a group buy. It appeared that the customer service department was unaware of the concept and were unwilling to budge on the price even when we were willing to purchase there entire inventory at a previous sale price that they had on the exhaust. Besides these deficiencies, the ordering process went smoothly with no issues.
When I came home today I saw the box propped against my garage door. It looked like it whipped around a few times by a fork lift, then thrown off the delivery truck. I have attached two pics of what the box looked like. I felt the packaging job was terrible. The contents were not secured, and the cardboard box was not much thicker than poster board. Very thin cardboard, especially for a large bulky metal object such as the exhaust. I will say though that the exhaust was well wrapped inside, and there doesn't appear to be any damage to the exhaust (Fortunately).
I will post a new thread with my entire review including digital soundclips of before and after, next week.
My general feeling at this point, is that Bavarian Motorsports should increase there customer support knowledge of their Mini products. While this may be an anomoly that I experienced, I felt that out of two individuals I should have received some information. The packaging of their shipped products should be improved. I think they have a lot to offer the Mini community especially since they stock some unique items.
Box as it was delivered untouched by Me.
Box moved to a horizontal position on my Garage Floor.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: USA
FWIW, that's Bavarian Autosport should you decide to write a letter.
I didn't even give them a chance to show me how little they knew about the Scorpion. Customer service was quick and courteous and the package got to me a day early with no damage to the box.
Make sure you have your clamps and bolts. They are in a small plastic bag.
How much are you being charged for installation? Are you going to keep your stock exhaust?
I didn't even give them a chance to show me how little they knew about the Scorpion. Customer service was quick and courteous and the package got to me a day early with no damage to the box.
Make sure you have your clamps and bolts. They are in a small plastic bag.
How much are you being charged for installation? Are you going to keep your stock exhaust?
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
dgsweda,
thanks for the update! that is ridiculous as far as the shipping... i have received packages from ebay wrapped more securely than that!
i agree with you on BavAuto's customer service.... lackluster at best.
look forward to your sound clips.
are you going to dyno?
thanks for the update! that is ridiculous as far as the shipping... i have received packages from ebay wrapped more securely than that!
i agree with you on BavAuto's customer service.... lackluster at best.
look forward to your sound clips.
are you going to dyno?
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Tustin CA
>>>>notpaddyhopkirk, Darksky, others:
>>>>
>>>>The Scorpion has stainless flexible band clamps instead of the solid U-clamps that I have seen on other systems. Did any of you have problems with these over time? Did any of you switch to solid clamps?
>>>>
>>>>Also, are you supposed to use some kind of compound on the slip-fit connections?
>>
>>pics!!!!!!!!
MCS22004,
The band clamps work great. I prefer them to U clamps, which I think are cheap and nasty. I haven't touched the system since the install: no leaks, no losening, no probs.
Eric
>>>>
>>>>The Scorpion has stainless flexible band clamps instead of the solid U-clamps that I have seen on other systems. Did any of you have problems with these over time? Did any of you switch to solid clamps?
>>>>
>>>>Also, are you supposed to use some kind of compound on the slip-fit connections?
>>
>>pics!!!!!!!!
MCS22004,
The band clamps work great. I prefer them to U clamps, which I think are cheap and nasty. I haven't touched the system since the install: no leaks, no losening, no probs.
Eric
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: brookfield NH
Most exhaust comes with the same instructions you get with a sheet of plywood. None, sorry I couldn't resist. Also I wouldn't suggest using any type of exhaust goo on the joints as someone else had mentioned. This will most likely cause more harm than good. And on a multi-piece exhaust like the scorpion, get it all in position and check all your clearances before you start tightening up the clamps and the main flange to the stock converter. But exhaust on a new car is about the easiest install there is. The bolts aren't rusty, and unless you mud bog your mini, you probably won't even get dirt in your eyes lying under the car. Good luck.