A while back someone posted that they had modified their stock exhaust - basically taking out one side of the rear silencer

any idea if this works i.e makes power - seemed like a cheap and cheerful way to reduce restriction at low cost

I am sure pipelengths and what not come into play but if it gives a boost over stock would seem worth a go whilst I decide on a true replacement

comments? -if you can point me to the prior thread would appreciate it

 

helix has been modifying the stock exhausts by cutting off one side, eric told me he gets more hp just as much as some of these expensive aftermarket exhausts.

 

His name was thumper460, give him a pm and search for his thread (I think it was titled "lightening speed and +3mpg&quot.

 

>>A while back someone posted that they had modified their stock exhaust - basically taking out one side of the rear >>silencer

Yes, here is the thread
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=12949

>>any idea if this works i.e makes power - seemed like a cheap and cheerful way to reduce restriction at low cost

Yes it makes more power- ask Eric at Helix. Not sure how much more, Maybe as much as the street Borla.

>>I am sure pipelengths and what not come into play but if it gives a boost over stock would seem worth a go whilst I >>decide on a true replacement

Well it was reported that the MCS now gets 30 mpg which was +3 compared to before the exhaust mod- I don't know of any exhaust mod that gives +3 mpg. And there is a better deeper exhaust note and better power. So if you ask me for under $100 this IS the true exhaust replacement on a budget.

So what could possibly be bad about this mod. ??
First - you have to cut the exhaust- well this isn't as bad as it sounds because you can make a short bend connector which is the mod and then still have the old resonator that can reconnect to give you your old stock exhaust back albeit with some extra bolts and joins. Relative cost about $80 and the trust in someone that knows how to do it right.
Second- the stock system is very heavy and you have all the weight in the mod going to the drivers side which means the remaining exhaust is all on the left so the car is a bit heavy to the left- not as good for driving performance in terms of balance. Quicksilver and stock MC all have exhaust on the right to balance out the weight.
Third- the stock system isn't stainless steel and will eventually corrode and rust. But it will last a few years- maybe as long as eight if lucky and you drive mostly on the highway.
Fourth- It ain't pretty but it works for a budget mod. The afermarket exhausts like the UUC are built to last and over engineered. It's art that makes noise. $875 introductory price- what a bargain for ten times the cost? You decide.
Fifth- It is louder but in a good european sports car way. If you really like the stock exhaust sound and don't want louder then you are better off not trying this mod. In fact, it might be louder than the borla which is just a bit louder than stock which is actually a good thing for some people.

My opinion is that this is a neat mod for less than $100. Nobody in my area has done it so I have not heard it. I have my old stock exhaust so I guess for $100 I should do the mod just for the heck of doing it and maybe sell my old Quicksilver which retails new for $799. Ouch! for a 21 pound system.

 

Thanks for finding the thread

now - does anyone know of a good exhaust fabricator in MI?

I did a similar mod to a a prior car (took out cat) and ended up making a new hole in the valance - love my MINI way to much for that to happen so will not be a DIY project