Hello,

I own a 2006 Mini Cooper S, and have been wanting an aftermarket performance exhaust system. I was leaning towards Borla because they have a great history of quality and performance.

The only issue... There are two systems for the Cooper S from Borla!

There is the Touring (Street) version and the Aggressive (Race) version. Which to choose when there is not much information found for dyno results and sound clips that are labeled and decent quality?

With assistance from Borla, I was able to test both systems on my Mini and make a video with them installed to help any one else who is considering an aftermarket performance exhaust system for their vehicle. This video is the demonstration for both systems on my Mini. All the footage was captured with a GoPro Hero camera.

There are no further powertrain modifications (at this time), so this is the sound on a stock engine.

There is a gain with both exhaust systems, but the Aggressive has a larger increase. The sounds from both systems are a low sounding smooth tone. The Aggressive one is louder, but not as loud as the title "aggressive" would lead you to think. With the windows up, the Aggressive is slightly louder than stock while cruising in cabin, but with the windows down you can enjoy the sound where it is noticeable on cruise. The Touring is about the same sound as stock when cruising, windows up or down.

The main area you hear both systems is on accel. The Aggressive is louder than the touring, but it is not a bad sound. Both systems give an enjoyable, smooth, deep sound. In the lower RPM range is when you here the rumble more noticeably.

Just a note that Borla and I discussed about the video, the tips for the Touring system should extend slightly past the bumper as the Aggressive one does.

Hope this helps with choosing an exhaust system for your Mini!

Enjoy the video.

 

Excellent! I've been waiting for such a comparison of those two models. Thank you!!

 

No prob. The real thanks goes to Borla with their support.

 

Excellent video; thanks for sharing!!

 

Just installed Borla Street on R52. Sounds same as your video. Seems only slightly louder than stock, and not as loud as JCWs I have heard and deeper than any other. Also car seems to have more low-end torque, and runs smoothly at 1,500 RPM, yet very rev-happy.

I was looking for more performance without sacrificing or increasing subdued sound of stock too much. Decision based on older videos and opinions on NAM and other sites.

15%, CAI, Evotech tune, DOS (copper) IC. Stock injectors, cam etc.

Question for anyone: Would Crower NS1 street cam, and, or JCW 380s make much of a performance difference?

Thanks!

 

I have had their street exhaust on my car since early 2003. The sound is distinctive and unique around here. At the tire shop, I can tell when they start my car up as I sit in the waiting room.

 

Great Video! Getting the Borla S-Type installed tomorrow on my 2012 S. I'm a little nervous because I live in a quiet upscale beach community, so I'm sure my neighbors will be "thrilled" with the new sound! LOL

 

I bought my 2002 MCS last June, and it already had the Borla Race installed. At first I was a little worried that it was too loud. I did not want a Rice-Burner sound. After a few months I grew used to the sound, and really started to enjoy it. This year at AMVIV 9 here in Vegas, I was able to hear many different exhaust systems, and compare to my sound. Some were very loud. Some had lots of Pop and Burble. I started to get a little pop and burble envy.
When driving my MINI, I can here the exhaust, and while the car is still warming up, I can hear lots of P&B. After she's warmed up, the P&B is less noticeable in the cabin. Then I shot a video with my GoPro mounted on the rear bumper tail hook, and finally heard the sound. I was so happy and impressed! Very low, and aggressive sound! There isn't much Pop, but plenty of Burble. This is the exhaust I would have picked. It doesn't scream for attention, like some I've heard. It doesn't go unnoticed either. If you just start the MINI up and drive, it sounds like a sports car. If you stomp on the gas and speed away, it sounds like an angry MINI. I've seen more than a few heads turn to see where that sound is coming from!

 

Got my Borla "aggressive" exhaust yesterday at Mach V Motorsports in Sterling, VA. Other than it sounding freakin' awesome, I would say if you own a Mini Cooper, this is the place to customize it! All the staff are incredibly friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Evan did the work on my car, and was extremely thorough! They never once tried to up sell me, rather they informed me. Highly recommended for their prices and service. A local place (Atlantic Motor Sports) wanted $300 for an exhaust install and Mach V did mine for $135, not to mention had the lowest price on the product by far ($749). I even left my "man purse" at the store only to realize I had done so an hour later, and Wayne waited for me for 30 minutes until after they were closed so I could pick it up. While it's a 200 mile drive from my home in Virginia Beach, it is now my Mini customizing home!

 

Just an update -

I have had this exhaust system for almost a year now, and I am still loving the sound! I think it sounds better than it did when first installed. It seems the mufflers have broken in and I am not having any issues with any part of the system. It is always fun to find a super sensitive car alarm and set it off with revving the engine.

I really do hope that this post helped people with their exhaust shopping. I want to thank everyone once again for their help with the project, and those who contributed to my research before I did the video/dyno.

 

Same here, i love love my borla aggressive exhaust on my 03mcs. it sounds amazing, lots of popping and burbling after it warms up. no regrets. heres a link i shot to compare between the stock and borla aggressive: