I understand that Minis have two cats. So does this mean that this downpipe back exhaust is legal in some states? I live in Texas and there aren't any abnormal restrictions on cars and stuff.

http://www.nm-eng.com/275/0/0/2614/n...st-system.html

If it is illegal does anyone have any suggestions for a nice exhaust that doesn't sound like a Fart Can or Ricer? I'd also be willing to just hunt down someone to pass my car on inspection if need be. :/

 

Many many wonderful threads already on these forums..... Search young padawan.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...at-delete.html

I've found this before, but I'm still not sure what to make of it. The document posted in this link states that any removal of where a cat should be is illegal. So does this mean that even if there are two cats in a mini it's illegal to replace one? D:

That's really my question.

 

It's technically illegal but I'd think that as long as you can still pass a sniffer test then you should be fine. I don't think anyone has had to have an R56 smogged yet so the whole "will I pass" question is still up in the air for everyone.

I have a 100 cell cat on my Akrapovic DP and a 2nd cat delete while living in California. If I can live in possibly the most liberal state and get away with it, you could probably live in possibly the most conservative state and get away with it too.

I'm honestly not sure where you could get in trouble for not having proper emissions controlling devices on your car. Obviously if you got it smogged they would fail you but I don't see a standard traffic stop ending in your car being towed away because the officer laid down on the ground to see if you still have your 2nd cat or not.

Supposedly here in CA there are random checkpoints setup sometimes, kind of like a DUI checkpoint but they have a mobile smog station that they check "random" cars on and will ticket/tow if you're illegal but I've never seen one or heard of anyone being stopped for one.

 

That sounds about right to me. What do you do about state inspections? (nice ride btw)

 

Thanks!

I haven't really considered state inspections. My MINI tells me the next state inspection is due in 2015. I think I'll worry about it then, I still have the 2nd cat so if need-be I'll have it reinstalled for $40 before the inspection. I'll probably have moved onto a new MINI by then anyways.

 

Make friends with a great shop and have them swap to stock whenever you needa get the test performed

 

Yeah I wish I knew someone who worked in a place that does inspections. :P I'm in Austin, Texas.

 

Have you considered the NM Eng. cat-back system? The nice thing is that it does not affect your emissions since both cats stay intact.

http://www.nm-eng.com/275/0/0/1473/n...st-system.html

I have one on my R56 and I really like it. It has a nice deep tone and a little rumble. Something you may want to consider.

 

Yes, the only thing I worry about is the whole cutting process involved with fitting the exhaust. Did you do it yourself or have a shop do it? Oh and by the way.. Do you have the lowering springs from NM as well? Looks nice.

 

I had a shop do it. NM provides installation instructions that are included with the exhaust system. They tell you exactly where to cut and provide simple assembly instructions.

I do not have the NM lowering springs (1.2" drop). I have the H&R springs (1.4" drop). Jerry at NM was talking to me a couple weeks ago and they are considering making springs with a drop similar to the H&Rs. I am perfectly happy with my H&Rs. If you are good with just a 1.2" drop, the NM RS Alpha springs are excellent products.

 

Just go to the most ghetto looking inspection place you can find on the east side. They tend to not check anything. They are also more open to over looking certain things if dead presidents become involved.

 

Calforhelp, are you just ignoring the CEL caused by the downpipe or have you had your ECU worked on?

 

I'm ignoring it for now but I'd like to get rid of it. I started a thread HERE trying to find a way to disable the CEL.

 

2 things:

The Akrapovic Delete R: "designed for use with the Akrapovič exhaust system in combination with standard ECU settings and will eliminate possible engine check error codes caused by the improved emission flow." $289 I'm pretty sure no one has been able to delete the cell short of having it tuned out, the above notwithstanding.

Are you running the Akrapovic DP with your stock exhaust minus the second cat?

 

1. That's what it does. There is a guy using it on his 2013 and says it works so, so far this is the only verified method of removing the CEL on an N18.

2. That's right. I have a thread HERE with a sort of review and video.

 

Thanks, Cal. I am getting that itchy spend money on MINI feeling again and it's either BC coil overs or Akrapovic DP. After I posted my ealier post I went to your other thread and realized that you had already addressed the Akrapovic Delete R.

Damn it, decisions!

 

No problem. The DP has my vote, you'll notice a huge improvement immediately in throttle response and low-end power, the turbo seems to spool maybe 150RPM quicker too. Keep an eye out in the marketplace, I've seen a few Akrapovic DPs pop up there for around $450.

 

Nah....get the coilovers. You'll have much more fun lowered than with little power you'll gain from the downpipe. With the downpipe you'll lose torque at lower RPMs, but gain it in the higher RPMs. Not work it unless you really go all out, all at once for power gains.

But if I were you, I'd do coilovers. It has always been my first mod on cars and it'll always turn out to be the best decision. You'll make the power up later, but what is power if your handling isn't as good as what it should be without a proper suspension...

 

......... Damn it!

 

DP makes you sound really cool.

 

turbos sound expensive to mod.

 

What's causing your CEL? Just your down pipe?

 

Cal.... Thinking of Akrapovic DP paired with VIP DP back exhaust... Thanks for your input. I think I'll wait till tax time to do suspension and then as my warranty goes away (or maybe before) do a tune. With the exhaust and my other mods, I think the Dread Pirate will be a monster!

 

The DP itself isn't causing any problems. The O2 sensor after the cat that is in the DP is receiving too much flow which triggers the CEL.


Melangell,

Sounds like a good combo! I was also going to say that the suspension will cost more. Seems like you have your timeline all figured out. I have mine figured out too. I actually went as far as making a spreadsheet with part links, costs, etc all color coded and such. I'm a bit obsessed lol.