Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R53) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Recommended exhaust for my R53

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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 11:10 AM
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Recommended exhaust for my R53

Hey everyone, Im looking to change my stock exhaust on my 03 MCS. I've seen many different videos on youtube of different type of exhausts.

Which exhaust sounds the best for R53?

My options where Magnaflow, Madness V2, Borla.

I want something better than the stock but not to loud.

Any suggestions you guys have is appreciative.
Thanks.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 11:35 AM
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My friend has an R53, and let me tell you. The Borla sounds amazing! Check videos on YouTube but it won't do it justice.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 11:53 AM
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Miltek!
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 12:01 PM
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Invidia is perfect.

If you get a good header...then I recommend the JCW.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 12:02 PM
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Could always one ball it and see how that works for you.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by r53beast
Hey everyone, Im looking to change my stock exhaust on my 03 MCS. I've seen many different videos on youtube of different type of exhausts.

Which exhaust sounds the best for R53?

My options where Magnaflow, Madness V2, Borla.

I want something better than the stock but not to loud.

Any suggestions you guys have is appreciative.
Thanks.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...clips-etc.html
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 12:53 PM
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If you want "something better, but not loud", look at the milteck, stratous, or even the jcw....the scorpion, imported by bav auto is not bad imo for the $$...
The ones you listed ARE the louder ones around.......
The thread abouve is a great start, but imo go to a mini event, and listen, maybe bum a short ride in a car with the exaust you want so you can hear it, windows open, and closed. Some exausts sound great for 5 minutes, but the drone or volume can become tiresome fast.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 12:54 PM
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Borla is known for a great sound but tends to be louder, I'm not sure about the volume of the Magnaflow. I've heard really good things about Miltek, people can't say enough. Invidia owners love that system too.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 12:55 PM
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I second Invidia as well!!
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 01:08 PM
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https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...clips-etc.htmlGot to the most recent post on this page... way at the end. If you can get that exhaust for 50% off you'd be crazy to get anything else. It's super super light weight compared to the exhausts you listed.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by r53beast
Hey everyone, Im looking to change my stock exhaust on my 03 MCS. I've seen many different videos on youtube of different type of exhausts.

Which exhaust sounds the best for R53?

My options where Magnaflow, Madness V2, Borla.

I want something better than the stock but not to loud.

Any suggestions you guys have is appreciative.
Thanks.
Stay away from Madness motorworks he is a ----- less than honest
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 06:06 PM
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Be sure to check out the Stratmosphere Flashpoint, same power and sound as the Milltek just easier on the pocket as we are going to have $50 off them next week.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 06:48 PM
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^ thats probably your best bet. From what i have herd its a miltek copy and a pretty decent one at that.
I have a miltek and have been happy with it.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 05:28 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions guys!
 
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 06:43 AM
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Everyone's favorite will be the one they own. Go to a mini event of some sort and take a listen around.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 06:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Longboard110
Everyone's favorite will be the one they own. Go to a mini event of some sort and take a listen around.
Yep. Milltek is the best overall quality, sound and fitment. Invidia has good value with more aggressive sound. Borla fits well initially because it's in many parts, but has some longevity issues (and don't be fooled by the 'million mile warranty'--it's a crock).
 
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 06:59 AM
  #17  
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I loved my Stratmosphere exhaust. Worth every penny.
Exactly what you described. It was throatier than the stock exhaust but not obnoxious, and definitely more power. The day I drove it home I took this video:
 
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 11:14 AM
  #18  
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I had a Borla Sport (Race) on my 03 MCS which sounded great but droned on the highway at certain loads requiring a downshift to change the exhaust tone. The resonator died and the muffler was tearing at a bracket so I got a warranty replacement but I had to pay a lot for shipping to get the replacement exhaust.

I tried the Borla on my 06 MCS GP and it was a little too loud for the GP with no rear seat or insulation. I think the JCW exhaust is too quiet but I agree would be good with a header. I tried the JCW without a resonator but I did not like the sound. I now have a Milltek which has a good sound with no drone. So Stratmosphere should be a good choice.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 07:10 PM
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This is probably a stupid question, but how could you get a Larini exhaust? Is it sold in the U.S. or only in Europe.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 07:27 PM
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One more vote for Milltek here.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 09:26 PM
  #21  
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When my JCW wears out, I will replace with Milltek. Best sounding IMHO!
 
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Old Feb 19, 2013 | 07:02 AM
  #22  
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With the miltek exhaust do you also have to buy the manifold header? or can you put the exhaust with the oem header? Thinking about going with the miltek exhaust.
 
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Old Feb 19, 2013 | 07:38 AM
  #23  
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Milltek and Stratmosphere cat-back exhausts both work fine with oem header.
 
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Old Feb 19, 2013 | 07:44 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by quikmni
Milltek and Stratmosphere cat-back exhausts both work fine with oem header.
Thanks!
 
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Old Feb 19, 2013 | 03:27 PM
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MOTD 10 Exhaust Sound-Off

Here's the exhaust sound off from MOTD last year courtesy of MSFITOY .

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8EA9B34F57F6041B
 
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