Ok, so I've gathered that it may in fact be my header (Madness header) that makes my exhaust so much louder. This is a three part question.

1) Does anyone have specific numbers for gains/losses for switching from stock to the madness header?

2) Is it possible to quiet down the existing system without removing the header (Silencer, ect).

3) Is the even? definatly the issue?

The Alta exhaust looks VERY similar to mine, but it sounds sooo much louder on my car, so I can't imagine how a design so similar could have such a different exhaust note. The only thing I can think of is that the header is making the exhaust 15-20 db louder and more "Buzzy"

If you haven't been following my previous thread reguarding exhausts, Click Here for info on what type of exhaust I have.

 

1. Your bound to lose some HP. Headers always make more HP than stock.
2. Yes, a good speed shop should be able to add some kind of extra resonator. Also venturis may help. Look at the borla web site where they talk about venturis to quiet down the borla race exhaust http://www.borla.com/warranty/
3. See http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...aust+shoot-out although they are talking a different header you will see a 7db difference between with and without headers. I would assume it would be the same. You can most always tell a V8 with headers from stock exhaust manifold. I don't see why the MINI would be any different.

 

Dude the noise is from the exhaust. Headers dont make THAT much difference. Headers actually make it sound better, not louder.

Look how small your muffler is! Thats the culprit right there.

If the exhaust is too loud just get another one. JCW is one of the quiet ones, and I highly reccommend it.

 

Thanks for the links :smile:

 

So many people with so many view points is making this confusing. Whats a good source for a JCW exhaust (And some clips)? After last night I've been leaning heavily towards the Scorpion exhaust (PlayMini).

 

Some exhaust tend to just be loud (i.e. Borla)... So even if you remove your headers, if the exhausts are just plain loud, it won't make that big of a difference.. It is true, that some design of headers can make some exhausts louder, because of the faster flow/more air, thus more sound...

What is the size of your piping? That also contributes to noise.. You can of course make it smaller, but you will just affect your air flow... My exhaust is 2 1/2, while some aftermarket are using 2 1/2...

I have the ALTA and very happy with it.. It's not loud at all, but I have heard one w/ a Milltek headers, and it's a good combination.. no droning whatsoever.. The reason why yours with the same design is louder than the ALTA is probably the muffer you are using. Go to an exhaust shop and change it to a quieter muffler or add a resonator in line if you don't have one yet... That should quiet things a bit..

Have you asked Madness how their headers sound like w/ different exhaust? They can verify if it should be loud or not. If it's not meant to add that much loudness, change your exhaust... (JCW, Milltek, Alta are quiet ones)... If those headers make it loud, then go Milltek all the way and sell the headers...

I grew up in LA, so it's not good to get some attention from the PO PO...

Good luck!

///Gilbert

 

Most dealers will NOT sell you a JCW exhaust ... its just part of the Tuning Kit. From time to time they appear on Ebay. Check the UK site. Sterling in VA will do it. see http://forums1.roadfly.com/mini/foru...6723926-2.html
Sometimes people have them for sale. See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=50303

For a sound bite, just go to the JCW web site and click on the tuning kit and the sound bit. Be aware, though, that it is extremely deceiving. It is NOWHERE near as loud as on that tape.

 

I have an e-mail into Mini Mania to find out if they sell anything to quiet the exhaust down. In the mean time, does anyone in the LA area have a recommendation for a good exhaust shop near Woodland Hills? I may shop around to get a few opinions on how to quiet down the exhaust.

 

unless you have an rsx or a celica

 

A really good one that I used to go to back in '98,actually the only place I took my car, was located in the other side of town, La Puente side... called VALLEY MUFFLER.. Really good place, and did a lot of modification/mandrel piping and stuff... Not sure if they're still open though, check on Yahoo YELLOW PAGES. , Another place is George's MUFFLER, in La Puente... You might want to post this question in the SO CAL section of NAM...

///Gilbert

 

I know first hand that system that you have is not a loud exhaust. I don't know why some people insist on arguing the point. I suppose it could be defective or something, but I doubt it. NRP stuff is made to last.
I will bow out now.

 

I can't imagine what could be making my exhaust so loud then. The concensus seems to be that no headers increase the sound of an exhaust by 20-30 db.

 

I'll do that.