I'm looking to get a cat back system for my 2004 MCS. I've read the Milltek is pretty good and the Borla is good but loud.

What is everybody using out there and are there any performace gains?

Any input will be appreciated!

Steve

 

Borla has two systems , street and sport. The street is somewhat the same voulme as the stock S but with a lower tone. The " sport " is a bit louder but not as loud as say a magnaflow. Neither drone on the HWY and as for performance that would vary depending on what else you have done motor wise and what you plan on doing in the future.

 

Find the thread on Exhausts. Compare exhaust notes. I love my Magna Flow. Probably the loudest--so if noise scares you stay away. I really like the tips and what I see of the actual mufflers --stainless--looks sharp. Ofcourse, I am a chrome kind a guy. Nick

 

It all comes down to the exhaust note you prefer IMO.

I have the Borla race. I think it's pretty loud and like it alot. The borla puts out a low exhaust note and burbles when you let off the throttle.

Magnaflow has a higher pitched sound. Check out the sound clips or hookup with someone that has the system your thinking about and decide. good luck man!

 

Ive got a video clip of my Magnaflow from inside the cabin under light, and then hard acceleration.... I havent really heard a Magnaflow from outside of the car, but james and I did trade MINIs for a few minutes once and here is my impression from inside noise:

Magnaflow: Much louder but deeper cabin sound
Borla Race: Quieter and a bit higher pitch

Again, I cant vouche for exterior sound of a Magnaflow. I know that the Milltek is VERY quiet, probably not much louder than stock.

http://www.motoringcentral.com/mov/MOV00234.MPG

 

I had the Borla street which added power but was quite civilized. I now have the Miltek header to catback and it is decidedly louder. It does sound great in the twisties but at highway constant rpm it does drone (pressure build up). We are going to check the install today and see if we can isolate it better. The Miltek seems to open up the engine more. I'm going to the dyno in a few weeks and see if any real power was made or just the psychological louder=power phenomenom.

 

I would recomend you have a look at Randy Webb's web site and check under the FAQ link.

http://www.webbmotorsports.com/index.php

 

I went with Randy's advice and got the Milltek. It should be here any day. I had Borla systems on two of my other cars. One had a horrible drone. But I heard both the street and the race Borla systems at a Pulley Party, and they sounded good. The MagnaFlow sounded great, but I thought it might be a little too loud.

 

Update....after rehanging the Miltek, lowering maybe 1/4 inch, the drone/pressure is gone. The car sounds great and is performing very well.

 

I've had the Miltek for about 4 1/2 months, now. Very happy with it. No problems after a little adjusting with different hangers to center the tail pipes (check Randy's installation info). I like the sound, not too loud. The dyno numbers were among the best for hp increase. I also have the Alta CA intake (and 15% pulley), and, as Randy commented, with the Alta CA intake, the howl of the supercharger is definitely louder (at least from inside the car) at full throttle than the exhaust. It's a nice install, too.

 

Check out the Scorpion cat-back as it is about $200 - $300 less expensive than the Borla, Milltek or Magnaflow yet delivers great sounds and looks sharp. I think other threads have debunked the supposed gains in hp from cat-backs, so its really a matter of personal taste and audio likes. I'm very satisfied with my Scorpion, and the kit comes with hangers for both the early (02-03) and late (04 to present) MCS.


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