Just yesterday I installed my Scorpion cat back on my R53. The tips were touching the cutout in the bumper and melted it a bit. I fixed it by carving away and reshaping the cutout with a razor, looks fine. Unfortunately I had to melt some before I realized that I need to adjust the hangers to drop the pipes down a bit in the back. Problem is, I'm not sure how to do this... I also don't even know if its necessary anymore now that they barely touch the cutout portion anymore after some trimming... they just touch a bit and cause some vibration, but no more melting. Should I leave it alone now? Or should I drop the exhaust to somehow bend the metal hangers to allow for more clearance? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Can you post your thoughts on the quality, sound and performance of the scorpion?

Good luck with the hangers!

 

I listened to all of the clips on youtube of the Scorpion catback a countless number of times before I decided to purchase it. I ran across it on ebay.co.uk from Roadrunner motorsport and I could not be any happier with the level of service they provided. Initially, I had never even heard of the Scorpion name before as most people speak of the Milltek or Alta, etc... For about $750 shipped I got what I believe to be an expertly crafted, well engineered exhaust. However, one flange bolt was missing from the packages and the screws provided to mount the inner hangers on the exhaust were not even long enough to fit the hanger to the exhaust. It was easily fixable and once I did it mounted up well. The welds on the system look great and flow looks very smooth. The sound initially did not get the reaction from the kids next door that they had hoped for, and even I thought it was a bit mild. Now, after a few hundred more miles it is getting more throaty and I love it more and more. The neighbors can hear the pops now when I get home, but its not the least bit annoying. My first drive on the highway was great, as a slight drone was present, but again, not annoying. I have very little experience hearing mini cat backs in person, so I have none to compare it to, but mine sounds great IMO. I wouldn't want it any louder. Performance seems to be increased very little, but some... I knew that the factory system was competent and I would not see huge gains from this cat back. My 15% pulley and DDM CAI blow this upgrade away in terms of performance. But they all complement eachother well. The SC whine is still the most apparent noise inside the car while driving, if that gives you a better idea. Overall, I picked the Scorpion because it seemed the most unique, and those tips in the back look awesome! I'll post some pics and vids shortly!

 

You just need to put some washers underneather the four rear hangers. So, between the unibody of the car and the mount itself. Pretty much every aftermarket exhaust for the MINI I have seen needs washers to drop it down a bit in the rear. And yes, if the tips are touching at all, or so close as to be worried, drop it down!

 

Thanks a million! I was gonna do that with washers but was unsure whether the mount not making complete contact with the unibody would cause a problem with vibration or something. I will definitely do that now. I have carved so much of the rear valence out now that I feel I may need a new one. Fortunately it is just the black plastic part and it is easily replaced... I think. The tips still re-melt itself to the plastic every few days and I just step on it to break it free and cut more of the plastic away... It's getting really annoying and I cant fully enjoy my exhaust with this on my mind. I'll go ahead and fit some washers in there and see if I need a new rear valence after I make some clearance. Thanks again!

 

I created a new thread with a video for the scorpion cat back. The washers did the trick! Just waiting for my new rear bumper spoiler to arrive so I can replace it now. Mini here in MI wanted almost $90! I found it from Mini of South Atlanta online for $65 shipped.

 

Awesome! Glad it worked out for you. I've had to use the washers on both of my MINIs with aftermarket exhausts.