I traveled through Atlanta Friday afternoon on the way to Nashville to visit in-laws. Being curious about what I've seen on their website and the recent I stopped in to see what RSpeed had to offer. In their showroom was a shiny new MCS exhaust I had seen at

THIS LINK

and asked Joe Alfonso about it. He proceeded to take me for a spin in his '02 MCS with the exhaust installed (and some 18 months old). It sounded VEEERRRRRY nice. Having been at the Exhaust Shootout at the Dragon a month ago, I remembered being a little disapopinted at how quiet and high pitched the entries seemed to be - none of them struck me as "aggressive", lower pitched, and throaty. (I did miss the dual Supertrapp though!!!).

The RSpeed MCS exhaust is throaty, deeper sound than I remember the others, and in the short run we did (about 1.5 miles) there was no hint of drone. It is a very nice exhaust of high build quality - clean welds, smooth bends, etc. It now ranks first on my list of candidates when I do my exhaust later this year. I do, however, want to see the numbers. Joe is offering some incentive to pay for some dyno time for anyone interested. Any takers?

....and no, I didn't get any compensation for this outburst!!!

 

Which of the Rspeed exhausts for the MCS are you referring to (that you are writing about) the last month's straight tip version (I think this is the one you saw) or the this month's slash tip version?

Did you see both?

RSpeed Circuit Cooper S Performance Exhaust System 2002-2004 $695 with straight tips.
http://rspeed.net/mini/item.asp?dept...p;prod=M20-175

R Speed Type 2 Stainless Mini Exhaust 02-04 for $595 with slash tips.
http://rspeed.net/mini/item.asp?dept...p;prod=M20-176
Note: will not fit Cooper S' with a build date past 01/04 - please check your build date before ordering.

Note there is a difference in price of about $100 or are these prices soft due to shipping costs from europe or fluctuating exchange rates? If so is one of these priced in a more stable market?

The other item of reality is sound does not equal power- either HP or torque.
An independent before and after dyno needs to be done for both these exhausts before we can say anything about how they actually perform. There is no way to tell what is going on without that information. You can go only on price, looks, fitment, and sound. It's good that it doesn't drone.

_________________
MINIlani home of Jasmine Trias

 

>>Which of the Rspeed exhausts for the MCS are you referring to (that you are writing about) the last month's straight tip version
I believe it was the this one V both the one for sale and the one on the car had stright tips.
>>RSpeed Circuit Cooper S Performance Exhaust System 2002-2004 $695 with straight tips.
>>http://rspeed.net/mini/item.asp?dept...p;prod=M20-175
>>
Joe indicated he was surprised at the overwhelming interest in the slant tips verses the straight tips.

>>The other item of reality is sound does not equal power- either HP or torque.
I agree - " show me the numbers" - but all else being close, sound would tip the scale for me
>>An independent before and after dyno needs to be done for both these exhausts before we can say anything about how they actually perform. There is no way to tell what is going on without that information. You can go only on price, looks, fitment, and sound. It's good that it doesn't drone.
>>

Joe seemd very willing to subsidize dyno time to get independent numbers published here.

 

>>The other item of reality is sound does not equal power- either HP or torque.
>>An independent before and after dyno needs to be done for both these exhausts before we can say anything about how they actually perform. There is no way to tell what is going on without that information. You can go only on price, looks, fitment, and sound. It's good that it doesn't drone.
>>

Minihune,

Why is power such a determining factor? Most dyno results show that the various exhausts make little to no power and that when they do make power they are all about the same amount. Randy is the only one that has shown any real power claims on these exhausts, which makes the numbers a little suspect. All we see at best is 2-5hp from anyone else. I haven't seen anyone else get 10ft/lbs of torque from a UUC. But everyone touts hp claims on these exhausts, even when they are 1 or 2hp difference, which I can guarantee no one will be able to feel. I think Redline got it right, and in my opinion, the only thing that really matters in the exhausts is price, looks, fitment, and sound.

 

... and weight. :smile:

 

dgszweda1 -

Well put!

I have been talking with Joe at R-Spreed quite a bit as of late. The two systems are entirely different. The one that currently comes with the straight tips is made in Germany and comes with a life time warranty. The one with the slash tips is made in the USA and comes with a 1 year warranty. Based on some of the reponse to the slash tips, Joe is looking into getting some of the German systems made with slash tips.

Also, the one with the slash tips (US made) currently has some fitment issues with the center resonator that Joe is trying to resolve.

Best bet is to talk with Joe directly to get any necessary information.

 

I have the Type 2 on my car at the moment, though there are fitment issues. I took pictures this past weekend but have encountered difficulty sending them to Joe and loading them here. I am working on getting the pics to Joe first, then I'll put them here for everyone to see.

FWIW it's been an absolute joy working with Joe. He's a great guy, honest, and willing to go the extra mile to help out. Will post pics as soon as I get it all worked out...

Marty

 

hummmm... I could use a little more noise off my Milltek...

 

marty what happened to the dyno session you were gonna do?

 

Hi!

I have the RSpeed BBK (Type I) on my MCS since Thursday. Out of town right now but did get to drive for a day or two. For sure it is louder than stock. Can't hear it unless you get on it. Can drive it quiet or WOT. Louder than my friend's Borla Street. He really likes it a lot. I like it too so far. I keep thinking it is pretty loud, but standing by it and having someone rev it, it is really not. Looks like stock system. Cannot see "cans" protrouding under right and left sides of the car like the stock system. Give me a few more days.

 

I now have more experience with my RSpeed MCS cat back Type I. I have finally driven the Interstate and have some impression at speed. The unit is slightly louder than stock at 80 mph in 6th. No drone! Nice tone! Happy with my selection.