Over the weekend I managed to drop by Hector's A.K.A Exhaust Depot to get a downpipe installed. After a year of waiting for someone to find out how to make a downpipe that DOES NOT cause any CEL, Exhaust Depot finally came up with the solution!

The downpipe fits just like OEM with the same spark plug locations to allow the top heat shield to install just the from factory. I took the car for a spin to see what its like and I have got to say . I knew the downpipe adds power but not this much power! The tires just break loose in all second and most of third.

I drove back to Miami after a few miles of playing with it and came back to Miami CEL-free after 300+ miles of some spirited motoring . With stock boost levels the downpipe remains CEL-free. Even with my Unichip installed, I am still remaining CEL-free playing in the 19+psi boost levels and expect to see boost levels rise with the downpipe installed!

Rich buddy, thanks for coming on up and giving Diego and I a chance to make you a happy camper (Customer). Thanks also for staying longer and allowing me to make that prototype catback system!

I told you that you would see a significant difference with the DP on. You have a lot of mods so i think you yield more from it than some one with a stock mini would. I forgot to ask you about the lag. Did the turbo kick in sooner?
Glad you made it home safe!

I would not know about the turbo lag because these turbos always spool so quick but it did not hinder any low-end power so I guess it spools at the same time. I will try to see today if it does but I doubt it.

I you still running the stock cat-back? I am running a Millteck so this new DP should be awesome!

He has a custom catback on his which uses the stock flex and connection.

It was a pleasure Hector, had tons of fun and knowledge how things work lol.
I have a custom catback from the OEM flexpipe back, I will be selling it though locally for $400. It is 3" stainless with magnaflow 3 inch inlet and outlet.

If I were to do it all again I would get the Exhaust Depot 3" downpipe instead of my Alta. I took a gamble with it and I lost . Don't get me wrong, it performs awesome with my Alta catback, but having to monitor my CELs weekly is beyond annoying.

Alta makes some nice products but putting a cat that causes CELs on the majority of Minis is unacceptable.

End rant...

Selling already? You want 2.5" don't you!

have you had a cold start 8+hrs then drove on a hwy at 70+ for more the 10 miles yet?

There are a couple of my DP out already in 3" with no cel, however those replaced both cats and it had to be welded to fit the stock or aftermarket systems . THe difference with this new DP is that its an actual bolt on to the stock/invidia/borla etc systems which connect tot he factory DP.

Yea, I let the car sit there for a few hours getting worked on before I took a 250-300 mile trip back home. I also went to work today which is a 25 mile drive on the highway, the trip back home was 80-95mph and to work and back is around 75-80mph.

Haha yeaaa I want a 2.5" catback now!! I'm selling mines.

That's too bad. I almost went the Alta route on exhausts, but the CEL problem steered me clear. I have the Millteck catback that I bought used (for a great price) and I am VERY happy with it. If I didn't already have the Millteck, then I would go for the entire system ED is offering.

this is the catted one correct? or did hector become even more genius and make a cel-free de-cat?

It is catted

The way these cars are, I don't think it would be possible to run a de-catted DP without ever throwing a CEL

My car threw an emissions CEL stock... effing mini.

Im sure i can come up with something to run a decated downpipe but my cow-ledge electronic books are full of so much dust that I wont be able to differenciate them from my old comic books.


I have a setup right now that will desensitize the second o2 but it will eventually still trigger.

i have my decat and i dont throw a cell all the time just most af it haha

LOL. PM me if you want a fix so you dont get the cel as often.

Awww wow that sucks, I didnt think the stock exhaust system would trigger a CEL . Too bad you didnt make it tonight though . The weather has been on and off lately, it needs to make up its mind.

Aaaahhhhh! Where's mah DP?

It's killing me. Checking the front door everyday.

Santa clause came by this week in a pair of swim shorts and took it.

He is scheduled to drop by my house on Friday!!

Sweet - post up your impressions once the instal is complete!

So I got my DP today. I was all excited. Then, as I was staring at I it occured to me that I don't know how to install it.

I haven't really looked at the exhaust yet though, so maybe it is really straightforward. The top is easy enough as there are holes where bolts go, duh. Well, I'll just have to get under there.