I had a 2008 Solstice GXP with the LNF, direct injected, twin scroll, 2.0L. I had my motor running a little higher boost for about 320 horsepower with the stock turbo and inter-cooler. The Solstice had the same issue that the R56 MINI has and that it is so dang quiet. The Solstice also had center exhaust. I installed a straight pipe cat-back with no muffler. It sounded a bit more throaty but not too loud at all. Between the little turbo and the cat, most of the noise was muffled nicely.


I don’t understand why Mini put on a resonator and a muffler on the Turbo S to make it so quiet. Can I purchase a straight pipe with a nice looking tip from a vender? The R56 is so fun to drive but I miss having a decent exhaust note. Spending $500-$800 on a cat-back is ridiculous, it only costs $100 to $200 to manufacture a stainless cat back.

 

When you market a car to the general public, it makes perfect sense why there is a muffler and resonator. Not everyone has a hankerin' for exhaust noise. Many exhaust shops will be able to cut up your stock exhaust to your delight.

 

The Fiat 500C Abarth doesn't have a muffler and they sound fantastic. The Dodge SRT4 didn't have a muffler either if I remember correctly.

Abarth pictured:

 

I have just my resonator left on my 2012 s and it sounds great. Not much drone either

 

How did you set up the exhaust hangers? Do you have pics?

 

I'll take a pic in about an hour when I get home

 

There they are

 

Different makers have different expectations for their markets based on their target audience for the automobile. This is really a silly argument to start attacking MINI because they chose to keep their exhaust note somewhat civilized and you're mad they're not louder. By all means, if you want to have a straight pipe back from the catalyst have at it.

 

It seems the majority of people remove the resonator and keep the muffler. Some keep the resonator and remove the muffler as discussed here. What's the sound difference going to be between the two. Anybody have video off the muffler removed bit still have a resonator?

 

I'm not going to lie, it sounds like complete crap without a muffler on a MINI. On some cars you're able to get away with it, but not on a MINI.

 

I was actually really surprised at how awesome the Abarth sounds! And a buddy of mine has a SRT 4 with prolly one of the best sounding exhausts I've ever heard! I also use to have a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 with a Turbo XS CBE matted to a catless DP and I also thought it sounded amazing to. It also came without a muffler. I think Mini did just fine with the development of the JCW exhaust which I believe is one of the best sounding exhausts for the Mini. Delete the resonator or add a catless DP and its pure heaven.

 

I work for a mini dealership and I show my car. I always get complements on how it sounds. All preferences.

 

Some say this sounds like crap, I think it sounds awesome with the exhaust burble and turbine whistle.

 

Do you have any videos of the sound on startup and acceleration? I have not heard any videos of the muffler delete with resonator still there. I have heard that he resonator removed with the muffler still there drones really bad.

 

I guess it depends on the person, my resonator is removed and I love the sound, in and outside of the car.

 

A MINI sans muffler and resonator is a lot more loud than the stock Abarth exhaust in my experience. For what its worth I've only been in an Abarth for about 30 mins total but I found it too tinny for my preference. A JCW without the resonator and cats is perfect to me but I completely understand why MINI sells them with the setup they do.

 

i think some people have muffler and resonator confused. i see pictures of a car that looks to have no resonator and still has the muffler....

either way, sound clip. or we will continue to say it sounds like crap!

 

I have a catless DP, with a catback and no resonator...sounds really good. I don't think it is too loud unless you get on it, but it does drone with anything over 75mph, especially on moderate load. A few people who have been in my car don't like it, but then again they drive toyota corollas.

 

Do you got any videos? I want to hear inside and outside the car. I am gonna get a catless DP and custom exhaust w/ magnaflow muffler(have it) with 2nd cat off and resonator added.

I love loud but not that much inside the cabin to vibrate my ears lol

 

Then buy an Abarth...

If you want a different exhaust on your MINI, buy one or make one. It's that simple.

 

i took off my muffler on my Invidia exhaust and it sounds great but is loud with no rasp at all. Slight drone though at cruising speeds but dont mind it at all