Hello,
Im new to NAM but have been reffered here numerous times. Anywho, i need some advice on an exhaust system (cat back), any ideas on the best or favorites of anyone? i was thinking of getting a NM engineering cat-back. What are your thoughts? obviously i want some power gains and a great sound.
Thanks everyone!

 

I just picked up a quicksilver dp back with dtm styled tips. It does not have either a a cat or resonator, it does have a small muffler but nothing major. As for gains, they claim 16 hp 30 lb tq. I don't know how accurate they are but I did notice a difference.

 

I'm not gonna comment on pie in the sky horsepower gains. But, that being said, I like the looks and sound of my CNT Racing system. The only reasonably priced system I found.

 

Oh okay cool, now will it fit a stock r56? even without the cat? and will it trip the engine light? Also where did you purchase it?

 

Okay great vetsvette, thanks for the help. where did you order it? cause all the ones i been looking at cost around 850 to 1000 dollars, i just want a good medium obviously, HP gains and definitely a good sound.
Thanks again!

 

http://www.cntracing.com/CNT-Racing-.../cb-07mini.htm

Can also be found on ebay. I bought mine from another NAM member in the classified section.

 

Yes it fits just like oem and no it doesn't throw a code because it deletes the secondary cat that's not monitored. And I bought it off of a friend.



Its obvious which is stock and which isn't. As for sound here's the video we just did the other day. Please ignore my ********* of friends.

 

Here's more pics of the quicksilver.

 

Sorry but there aren't gains in the Cat back only on a Turbo MINI. I know many companies claim these big numbers but it's total BS. I've done a ton of testing and the best we've ever seen was 3hp. So don't buy it for power, buy it for sound. If you want power you'll need a downpipe.

As for exhaust, the Akrapovic is by far the best. It fits perfect every time, looks awesome, and no drone.
Otherwise the NM and the Invidia are alternatives at a lower price, but not the quality the Akrapovic has.

 

I couldn't bring myself to pay more for a system for the Mini than I did for the Magnaflow system on my Vette. The high dollar systems are nice, but for me personally, not worth the fare.

Picture of my CNT.

 

I had the same question last summer and ended up going with the NM DP back exhaust. I listened to countless videos on the sound of each exhaust I was considering. I didn't quite like the note the Invidia was making. The Akrapovic was just a lot of money comparatively, and with no decernable hp gain with a turbo system I chose to save money and sacrifice a little beauty. The beauty of the Akrapovic exhaust is they also manufacture a Downpipe and sell a CEL light eliminator as well. So if you continue to upgrade your MINIs exhaust system you can have the entire downpipe to muffler exhaust from 1 manufacturer. Which is nice. Plus the carbon fiber tips just add a ton of pop to your MINI.

Now that I'm done promoting an exhaust system that I don't have, I love my NM Engineering Downpipe back exhaust. It's not too obnoxious at low RPM and sound absolutely wonderful when your into the throttle. Slight droan on highway speeds but nothing that can't be overtaken with the radio. I chose the downpipe back model instead of the catback. I didn't want to cut the stock exhaust up.

 

WOW that is a very inexpensive exhaust set up! $299?! How have you enjoyed running it?

 

Go with the NM or Indivia. I say that because you won't be happy with the drone from cheaper exhausts. I would know. Drone isn't fun on highways, believe me it's like your ears become deaf when you step out your car.

Good luck.

 

Very nice tips

 

I obviously like it, otherwise I wouldn't have suggested it. I haven't experienced the dreaded "drone" at speeds up to 70mph. A catless DP may contribute to droning, but I won't be adding that until I finish some other work and get a tune. The one suggestion I will make is to use U style stainless clamps vs the hose type clamps that come with the system.

 

Bought mine for $299 . Fitted it 2 days ago. The sound is the best the shop ever heard. We TIG welded the 2 joints to be sure of no leaks.
Clamp up first using the clamps provided to be sure length etc is correct;tack weld; then drop,remove clamps and finish weld. The clamps provided are good but will not seal completely so welding is advised.
Make sure the larger very cool blue tips are 1/4 inch clear under rear skirt and extend beyond skirt a bit for visual effect.
Do not use the regular U exhaust clamps as they will deform the tubing making it impossible to separate if you have a leak.

 

Well gentlemen, seeing all the responses and feed back I've gotten, which is greatly appreciated, thanks so much for the time to respond. I think I'm going to have to go with the CNT exhaust, i can't beat the price and if no significant power gains will come from it, I'm going to have to go for sound and appearance. The NM was my next choice, that and the akropovic look and sound great but thats just too much money for a cat back system, being a private in the army doesn't pay too well lol. I am however a little worried of a "drone" on the autobahn because i regularly cruise at or above 95mph, but we will see what happens. Again, thank you to everybody for the help, I'm extremely excited to see what information i can get next.
Thanks, Ray Whittaker

 

I did however just find a Militek full exhaust system, down pipe back for 850 dollars! any thoughts on that? or stick with the CNT cat back?

 

Way knows his stuff. I've bought all my MINI toys almost exclusively through him. It's nice to support small businesses too.

Akrapovic is HUGE in the two wheel world.

 

+1 for the Akra.

It's pricey. I got super lucky. Got a good deal from someone parting out their MINI. The fit and finish is just superb. Sound is perfect and the c/f tips look awesome.

That being said, NM eng was my second choice. Let's face it, we buy it almost entirely for looks/sound. Drone gets old really, really, fast. I would save for a bit to ensure you get the exhaust you want.

 

If you're gonna go Akra, you might as well go iPE. Blows everything outta the water and having the valvetronic capabilities is hands down the best of both worlds.

And when it looks this good from the rear, wooo weeeee....

 

Waymotorworks, what is your thoughts on this whole setup? http://www.waymotorworks.com/milltek...-downpipe.html
Seems like a pretty sweet deal.

 

I uses akrapovic cat back and downpipe with after installed i can feel faster throttle but a few days past i get used to it.
+1 with waymotorworks
Im quite sure that if u want the performance u must go for downpipe but the sound u must get the cat back which akrapovic their craftsmanship is very best but however it's not loud as i wanted but the tone and sound is just perfect
So i think ipe is very good option u can switch from light volume to loud volume bc sometime u want to show people how's the beast doing or sometime u want some peaceful sound

Cat back will not cause engine light but dp will sure do cause of emission controlled
Happy buying !!!

 

I know what you mean, I've had the Akrapovic system TWICE, so I know what it sounds like. It's too subtle for me, and the iPE fits both needs, it can be subtle when off, and throaty in ON position. Akra and their carbon tips are amazing, don't get me wrong, iPE has been the holy grail of exhausts, especially if you're spending that kinda money.

 

i went with the factory jcw muffler and i am very happy with it.