Hello everybody,

I am the proud owner of a 2007 Mini Cooper S (46,100 miles) and (6-year/100,000 warranty) would like a more free flowing exhaust to increase the torque and horsepower, then if AEM makes a California version of their air scoop intake system that be nice also! I'm not to familiar with exhaust tech talk so be easy on me. I'm willing to be flexible a bit with regards to my warranty, my Irvine Mini/BMW dealer didn't seem to bothered by a warranty issue even though said MCS had a Borla exhaust system on it.

Dealer stated they don't see many Mini's straying from factory upgrades, seriously?! I've heard of drone before but don't know what that is, but from the sound of it it sounds annoying! Do all exhausts systems perform the same but just sounds different or is it a little of both? Yeah extreme newbie here!

I have been looking at Supersprint mufflers along with the matching Supersprint resonators.

Thanks and much appreciated for any advice!

Regards,
Systemlord.

 

First off congrats on your Mini! The possibilities are endless when it comes to Mini's they are so customizeable, and many Mini owners take full advantage of it. Your dealer may not see a lot of customized Minis, but I know my dealer was all about customizing even before I bought mine.

The drone is the sound that you hear inside the car when you are stepping on the gas and driving. So if you are taking a long road trip or you have a long commute, think about the sound and vibration you'll be hearing/feeling inside the cabin. Some people can't stand it, I personally don't mind it. You won't have a problem with drone if you have a resonator. I just installed Alta's 3" exhaust on my JCW and I replaced the resonator with a straight pipe and it sounds amazing. Most people don't want to go for a 3" set up unless they're tuning it. But you can check out their website and look at their 3" set up.

When it comes to exhausts, you have plenty of options, but from your post, it looks like you already have a Borla exhaust on it? If so, it's probably a 2.5 in set up, which is more free flowing than stock. Stock exhaust is 2.25in set up. For the most part, all exhausts will perform relatively the same, the sounds will vary greatly.

I would suggest just checking youtube for video clips to see which one sounds the best. Also, if you skim through the forums, you'll read about some other people's experience with certain exhausts. It'll help you narrow down your choices. I've heard the Supersprint on Youtube, and I wasn't too pleased with it, but it is all personal preference. You may love the sound, someone else might not, but it's whatever makes you happy.


Keep us updated, post pics if you can.

 

The Alta's 3" exhaust sounds awesome and looks well made. I'll probably go for a resonator, when you say tuning you mean tuning the on-board computer? If so does this mean that the Alta cat-back exhaust system isn't for me since I'm not going to be tuning right away?

Is this exhaust system legal for California?

Thank you for you reply!

 

Yes, sorry for not explaining, when I say tuning, I mean flashing the on board computer so it provides more power to handle a 3" exhaust. Honestly, you can go for Alta without tuning it, but you won't get your money's worth. I have my car tuned so it worked out perfectly for me.

This exhaust is not legal in CA. Most exhausts aren't legal in any states, mainly because of the sound, but there are some such as Borla and Magnaflow that are approved for most states. Since you have Borla, you can check magnaflow as well as Milltek, Riss Racing, DDM, Akrapovic, the list goes on.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using NAMotoring

 

Just curious, if you already have a Borla why do you want to change?
Which Borla do you have (T = Touring or S = Sport)?
There are many exhaust options for the MINI and I also have a Borla (S) exhaust on my Cooper S, so I can only speak of Borla but I also did a lot of research before I decided to purchase the Borla and am completely satisfied with there quality, fit and sound (absolutely no drone).

 

Which Borla setup did you go with?

 

I went with the Borla S on my 2013 Cooper S.
Before I ordered it, I was a little concerned that it may be to loud but after I installed it, it was much quieter than anticipated and I now think it's perfect.