Iv been searching for a couple weeks now for an Exhaust for my 2003 MCS, and i cant decide which exhaust system sounds the best. Right now im leaning toward alta or borla. i was hoping i could get some opinions on them and if was another brand that is better. Thanks

 

As far as price, quality, sound, looks and ease of installation my vote is for the Invidia.

 

I must be getting old, or grumpy - but here's the thing...

As you might imagine, the topic of exhausts has earned thousands of posts in many many threads here.

I do appreciate that the built in Search is a bit tough to use, so perhaps I could suggest this?

Use Google, and add in the "site:northamericanmotoring.com" expression to the other search terms that you supply. That works really well.

Suggestions for search terms - "best exhaust", "sound clips", "Borla", "Alta" etc.

It's all here - just do a wee bit of mining.

Of course "best" is rather vague, as folks do look for a variety of qualities in an exhaust system - from maximum torque gain, to "pop and burble" to "no drone", to "really loud".

I personally would recommend (just for entertainment) the thread "Duh... big mistake" which discusses the impact of aftermarket exhausts on marital relations.

Kind regards,

Charlie

 

if u look at the sticky titles exhaust reference and feedback in this forum you'd find all u need to know

 

Or that! Thanks.

 

yeah i missed that my bad

 

After reading countless threads myself, a lot of people have said the alta gives out way too much drone. However, is also probably the best build quality of any exhaust out there.

I also keep reading about people suggesting you should custom make your own instead for a cheaper better route.

IMO if i ever get to upgrading my exhaust on my MINI. I think invidia is the one I'll be going with.


youtube reveals a lot of search results too.

 

Best exhaust depends on what is your goal (sound, power, weight, cost).
The Miltek or Stratmosphere are a good compromise of power and sound.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/02-06-c...mance/exhaust/
Borla Sport (Race) has a great tone, a little louder but with a little interior drone.

 

I haven't seen the Invidia up close in person but from the photos I've seen online the weld quality on my Statmosphere exhaust is superior. It's such a shame to cover them up, so much so I removed the fake grilles in the rear bumper. It's personal preference on sound, but I love how my Statmosphere sounds, no rear seat, and cut up rear bumper (no grilles and removed a majority of the heat shield) at high revs it sounds like no street-able four cylinder should!

 

no weld quality issues here

 

I was there the day the above video was taken. To me the Magnaflow sounded much better. I haven't ridden in the cars but standing behind them listening it just sounded much better. but then again these are R56 not R53. I'd say check out the scorpion exhaust. was under $600 shipped when I bought it.
start up and rev
http://youtu.be/PXmjQkCFRs8
dyno run
http://youtu.be/KG9EZ--ROLY

 

i've got one car with Miltek and the other with Alta Stealth. Miltek is a little louder but both are nice. Not too load and not too much drone. The Miltek is a little louder overall.

 

Another vote for the Milltek (mine is on an R53), but your question is like "Which ice cream flavor at Baskin and Robbins is the best?".

 

I have a Milltek and love the sound. Buddy has the Strat and IMO thats the exhaust to get. Sound is almost identical, but the quality is light years better. If you want louder, remove the resonator, or install a $900 header...

 

Milltek is hard to get a hold of right now... I just installed an Alta on my 06, I don't notice the drone and love the sound.

 

I like my JCW exhaust. When I decide I want more noise I'll probably just take out the resonator. My factory exhaust had an annoying drone on the highway which is completely gone with the JCW.

 

Just to further confuse the OP (you asked, right) - try out my Google search approach and add "Remus".

 

thanks for the opinions. looks like Milltek could be the winner, anyone have any experience with the Madness V2 Catback Exhaust, from the videos iv heard they sound really good.

 

Stratmosphere! No drone, no rice rocket imitations, same specs and quality as Milltek, but cheaper. Stainless steel also.

 

I've got to throw in my vote for the Invidia. For a double sided system with great quality, no drone, easy fitment, and for about $600 delivered, it's hard to beat.

 

Stratmosphere and OBX header. Nice deep tone and no drone.

 

is this the stratmosphere system????? http://www.stratmosphere.com/product/1062/208\

 

Yeah, that's the one...

Read here: http://www.waymotorworks.com/stratmo...3-hardtop.html

Listen Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Mk4oAjFHc

 

build your own :P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCyav...eature=related

 

Probably the best bet!!! The guy I got my R53 from had the exhaust custom built and it was under 300.00. Nice FAT, polished, stainless, mandrel bent pipe. Not too overpowering as far as sound.