Hey, gang. Let me start by saying that the only mods I've done so far are a green air filter and a stubby antenna!

But, I got the itch and I'm really close to ordering a Borla cat back. 2 questions:

1. How easy (or hard) are they to install?

2. Does it void the vehicle/service warranty on the car?

Thanks!

 

Wasabi man, I have a Borla race on my MCS. The hardest part of the install was getting the stock system off the damn hangers. Best to grease them slightly and squeeze it through with a large set of channel lock plyers. Install is a breeze, I did mine on my back in the garage, woke up with a stiff neck from holding my head off the ground, but thats all:smile: I don't see why it would void the car warranty at all either. good luck.

 

The Borla install is not too bad for the mechanically inclined. Much easier to do with a lift but can be done a little slower with jack stands. Lots of parts and clamps so make sure it is not leaking.

Helix13.com is a good source for Borla street or Race exhausts for the MCS- just ask them for a competitive price.

Any cat-back exhaust upgrade will void your exhaust warranty but the upgrades are so much better than stock it doesn't really matter.

You should be good to go. The Borla street is quiet while the Race is more aggressive.
Both are similar in power gains with a slight edge to the Race. Borla is a very popular exhaust for the MCS in my area.

 

Food for thought. If you replace your exhaust with a cat back exhaust, what exhaust will MINI have to warranty? The catalytic converter is on a different warranty that is 10 years and 80k (at least it was with BMW) and I doubt there would be problems with your exhaust header.

 

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the Borla. I had the Borla race installed, but chose to have it welded together over using the clamps. Total cost for install and welding was $130.00

 

Cool.

Just ordered it. Should be here in a week or so! I'll post a follow-up.

Thanks for all your input!

Now, the hardest part of the upgrade: waiting.

 

I've had the Borla for about a year and a half now. I love it. I ran the car up onto low ramps in the front and it was pretty easy to install. If you can get your MINI onto four jackstands it should only take you an hour for the install.

 

Yeah, a buddy of mine has four jackstands and has installed a Borla on his Camaro SS (yeah, yeah, I know, I know...) -- this should be a breeze.

 

Yeah, yeah, I know... "Holy old thread, Batman!"


Well, it took me a while to get it and to get it on the car, but it was fairly easy. It took about an hour, as stated, when you don't count the time polishing it and basically goofing off!

With about 200 miles on it now, it's producing a really pleasant note, has a nice growl, and I can feel its effect on the car. Great mod!


So, here are a few pictures from the install at my friend's house.


(Jack stands were just a precautionary measure -- two jacks were actually holding the car up.)

 

Hey String...

Do you have any sound clips of your exhaust? I'm trying to track down some sound and video clips of all the cooper exhausts I can...

Thanks!

 

No, I don't, unfortunately. Maybe I can snag a video with my sister's dig. camera this coming weekend. I'm a loser without one -- but Christmas is coming.... But, with the option of buying an exhaust system and a camera, well, the exhaust is just going to win! I'll post here when/if I get that vid.

 

Hey kilo....ive got the borla on mine that i can get a sound clip...i've been trying to put it up on our team board for a while, but dont know how to host it? If you want i can get that to you...just let me know what type of clip you want (idle, interior acceleration, exterior revving etc.)

 

Hey, sweet! Could you send those to me when you send them to KiLo? If so, PM me when you have them and I'll give you my e-mail address that will accept them.

TIA

 

Hello!


we have sound clipsfor the borla here in this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=22968&page=3

on the same page is all the DB levels and tech info. good luck.

chad

 

Yeah, but isn't that for the MCS? Rally, String and I are talking about the Cooper :D

 

There are clips for the stock MC and a Borla catback MC in that thread. All the others are MCS clips.

 

Sweet, I'll take a closer look.