I own a 2006 Cooper S and considering getting my first aftermarket exhaust... Since there are so many exhaust systems out there my question is which one should I get... Money is not an issue... I want an exhaust that has a huge jump in performance and sounds great... Not necessarily load and annoying but something that will keep my neighboring cars at awe... I was thinking the "Alta Sportone" because it looks like a simple lightweight system and I have had good experience w/ them before ... What do you all think?

 

go alta! thats the system that im putting on my 05!!!!

 

I would suggest the Borla Sport. Great performance and sound. It can drone a little too loud inside the car when you apply a little load at around 3000 RPM when cruising on the highway, such as when going up a hill. I would usually just downshift to get the RPMs up and eliminate the drone for that short period. That slight inconvenience was well worth the great sound all the other time. I had the Borla Sport on my 2003 MCS.

I now have a Milltek on my 2006 MCS GP. The Borla Sport was a little too loud for the GP because of the lack of rear seat and rear insulation in the GP. The Milltek is great if you want a little louder than the JCW exhaust but not as loud as the Borla Sport.

 

RMW!

 

+1! Especially since you said money is no object...

 

Well after two cat-backs on two different cars I've found that an exhaust won't give you a huge jump in performance, but it will be a noticeable gain. The gains will all be relatively similar unless you get a custom exhaust or something RMW syle. Check out the exhaust thread that is sticky'd for lots of opinions about sound/performance/ease of installation. I've always been intrigued by the Borla myself, although I don't own one. I went the 'ebay' exhaust route and I couldn't be happier. Worked out great for me.

 

I have the Minspeed setup and i LOVE it! cant beat the price and the performance is top notch!
http://www.minspeed.net/MCS.htm

 

I think the two best options are a Milltek exhaust or an RMW exhaust. The Milltek makes good power and has a terrific tone without being overbearing or annoying. The Full RMW exhaust, combination of header and catback, is probably the best exhaust for these cars. Incredible sound. They are more money but truly worth it.

Check out the Helix exhaust page here or call our shop (215-739-8800) for more information.

 

Anyone doing exhausts for a Clubman??

 

Is the Minspeed exhaust a bolt on or do you have to cut and weld? From the picture I can't tell if it goes all the way to the usual back of the cat. flange.

Edit: oops, just re-read the description and saw "Header-exhaust gasket included" so I guess that answers my question.

 

Check out the clubman forum!

 

Well I have some bias here of course , but we do make a REALLY nice system for the car. The latest versions offer different tip choices, finish options and they fit, look and sound great.

You had good experiences with us in the past, let me continue to impress you. Let me know what other information I can add to help seal the deal!

Chat soon!

 

The ALTA install is nice and easy, and can be done fast if you have the car up on 4 jack stands. Has a really great sound and will turn some heads when you get on the gas. Just my .02

 

Glad everything went smoothly! Let me know if I can ever help in the future and thanks again for the business!

 

I was gonna say you can do the alta. looks good for sure. and you hear good things about it.
Plus adam is in the thread Reping this stuff. so thats cool.
I have the Miltek and love it.
The Rmw Is Loud loud so keep that in mind.

 

There are many exhaust systems available to you but if you have had good experiences w/ ALTA previously and was happy, there is not much to think about.

Now about getting a huge jump in performance thats not going to happen. None of the exhaust systems available for the MCS give a HUGE jump in performance on their own.

You should do a search for Alta catback and read up on any issues others have had w/ the system. I really don't recall any but discussions about single sided as opposed to dual sided.

 

Thanks guys! There were some minor issues with early systems vs. the current versions. While the parts were a-ok, some clients had a hard time with the installation adjustments. The newer versions are more user friendly, they are lighter weight, use v-band connections, are about 50% cheaper to ship and have multiple tip choices.

Hope that helps! Thanks again!

 

I just found the coolest exhaust system to hit the market. All the ricers are buying them up fast. So, everyone better start ordering them before they are all gone.

 

Russian no wonder

 

I wish I had seen that exhaust before i bought my alta.... but im very happy with my choice great sound and performance. I have the older version so it was a bit tricky to make it line up just right in the bumper cutout but other than that very easy installation.

 

stupid subliminal advertising!!! i just ordered the milltek. see you next friday

 

Good info here! I have been doing some research myself and I like the Milltek because being quiet is important to me.

 

when the tell you quiet you have to realise that its a relitive term.

 

Any exhaust with some sound dampening material can make it tolerable...I just added Raamaudio BXT which is like Dynamat Extreme and significantly quieted the cabin--I've got an Invidia exhaust which isn't extremely loud, but loud enough on long drives to wish it were a little quieter especially with the back seats removed. Good luck with whatever exhaust you end up with.

Btw, I guess I was saying "quiet" to you as the driver--not quiet/tolerable to those in your neighborhood, lol.

 

I'm basing it on the videos and sound clips mostly, but I do know what you are saying. Any aftermarket exhaust will inevitably be louder you're right.