I think if you get some dynamat material, and evem maybe just put a little soundproofing fome on the underside of the hatch cover, it will kill 40-50% of what you are tanking about. Bass is a hard thing to fight because it goes in all directions. I have plans to put in Dynamat in the doors, and floor soon. Maybe even before the exhaust. So it should be interesting to compare!

 

D,

I had the quicksilver on my car for a couple of days and it is a fantastic system.

The sound levels are fine so you should have no problems. It gives horsepower gains and gives the car a good aggressive sound.

I have been meaning to get a good sound/video clip but I have to track down my buddy that's running it on his car (easier said than done)


Kelly

 

Thank you for that report D.

My brother asked me what I'll be doing with the stock exhaust.
"Hang in on a wall I suppose" I can always bolt it back on and sell the magnaflow or move to another system if I find it's not right for me.

I'm 48 myself and found it amusing when the family and I were surrounded by "fast and furious" youngsters on the way home from dinner last night . I'm thinking the magnaflow will sound much better than that yamaha 125 dirt bike sound... and hope it doesn't provoke too much attention.

Maybe I'll stay in after dark...
"Gentlemen do not motor about after dark"
:smile:

 

d-mini-ero -

First, thanks for being so candid. Second, I have the same problem with exhausts as you. There is a certain low frequency immited by most aftermarket exhausts that I simply cannot tolerate. Needless to say, I've sold or returned all but 2 exhausts that I've tried on other cars. So, I really appreciate it when I find someone with a similar taste; it saves me a lot of money :smile:. I'm looking forward to your review of the the Quicksilver as it is clear the Magnaflow is not for me, based on your comments.

BTW - I don't think this "problem" is related to age, I've had it since 35; of course, to some this is probably old too :smile:.

Thanks!

 

Dennis (d-min-ero) I'm close to the big 5-0 myself, and have been a guitarist since middle school years, much of the time as loud as possible (I'm also in education, like yourself- middle school teacher). I had a jam fest 40th b-day, and the volumes in the large room where it took place were ridiculous. A day or two later, my wife was vacuuming, and the sound of the vacuum was boring into one of my ears- very irritating, but obviously not due to decible level. I'm sure that I did some midrange damage from the party. Since then, I've been aware that often it is frequency and not sound level pressure that can cause my sensitivity. I have reformed my playing to jazz and fusion, and on occasion wear plugs. I'm having the dealer install a Remus exhaust when my MC gets here (another week or two, ) and I hope there are no sound issues. Gabriel Bridger wrote a good review of the system on his website, so I'm going that direction expecting to enjoy it. If I don't, I'll probably do as you did, and change things out, as I'm not going to go motoring w/ earplugs. I didn't buy a MINI to make it harder to listen to!!

 

sleepless.....thanks for your input. I think you are spot on with your comment about low frequency. I makes sence. It's not really "just" the volune but a combo of "volume " & a specific low "frequency ' that causes to issue.
I'm going to order the QS from Randy ...probably after the Bear Mountain MINI Meet this comming Sunday 2/9. From what Randy states the sound is quite different...and hopefully this will ..be a good solution.
<<BTW - I don't think this "problem" is related to age, I've had it since 35; of course, to some this is probably old too . >>
I just stopped laughing from that remark....rofl. I'm the oldest person in both our training locations...by I'd say 20 years or so..... that remark truely hit home.:smile:

fms.....thanks for your comments as well :smile:. The vaccumm statement hit close to home for me, as I CAN NOT be in the house when my wife vaccuums... I just , can't tolerate it.. I know that is surely a frequency issue. On the music....side of thigs, i have an 18yr old son/bassplayer who is also into fusion.. so I'm with you there as well
<<If I don't, I'll probably do as you did, and change things out, as I'm not going to go motoring w/ earplugs. I didn't buy a MINI to make it harder to listen to!! >>
This AM, I actually bought some ear plugs . My youngest and I wore them as a test, and we found ourselves yelling at each other in the car ..to have a conversation...lol. The exhuast will surely go , before I succumb to wearing ear plugs on a regular basis.

Thanks guys...I appreciate the input

Peace,
D

 

I've had the Magnaflow for a couple of weeks now on my "S" and I must be getting used to because the loudness really worried me at first but now I really enjoy the sound of it. The difference in performance is really amazing!
I am now starting to have some fitment problems. First the tailpipes rubbed on the plastic burning it just slightly. There seems to be alot of movement in the mounting system. I also have a rub (or something) when the car idles. There is a slight resonating sound and I guess there is something touching the exhaust. Well, back to the muffler shop tomorrow.

 

rrmixn,

I haven't had any problems here, in fact, that's one of the reasons I liked the Magnaflow so much - its fit. I would make sure the installer covered all the bases - no broken rubber hangers, tightened clamps, etc.

Let me know if you have any other problems and what the installer says - I will relay any problems at all directly to Magnaflow.

Randy
720-841-1002

 

D-mini-ero,

Foam ear plugs, made by Hearos, are the best. They don't apply too much pressure (any foam plugs will do in that respect) and are easy to get in and out. I use them motorcycling and after trying a bunch of stuff have settled on these.

I know it sounds a bit AR to go on and on about them, but they work. Bike shops'll stock them.

Long-term, though, I'd switch out the exhaust were I in your shoes. Good luck!

Jeff

 

Hi there Dennis,

I too am on Long Island and recently picked up a DS/MCS.
I would like to purchase your Magnaflow from you, if it is still available.
The Mini Madness intake and Magnaflow are both modifications that I wish to perform. Please do let me know if you wish to let it go, I am located near Huntington.

Thanks,

Brad :smile:

 

um ......

d-miniero's car rocks !!

lol

 

Anyone have the Magnaflow with the Aero kit ?
I am curious about the fit.

Thanks in advance.

 

I have the aero kit and my Magnaflow is coming this week. The stock tips fit fine, so I can't imagine the new Magna's would be a problem. (pleeezzz)

 

hmm ...

You can't imagine that it won't fit ? or you won't imagine, lol
Does anyone have Magna/Aero in production?
I will pray with you CCM :smile: Those Magna tips are like Trumpets.

 

Randy, I'm back from the muffler shop. Nothing 30 seconds with a plazma torch wouldn't cure. It seem the front flange (nearest the resonator) is at a slight angle. The pipe comes off the flange at a slight angle, not quite straight. So the first hanger seemed to move to the driver side after a week or so and contact the tunnel just slightly. We cut off about 1" with the torch and no more rub.
When the guys first installed the system they mentioned that some of the hangers were to long and had to be cut. When we first installed the exhaust I also noticed that the tips were not quite straight but it seems that it comes from Magnaflow that way. I dont know if their jig is off or what but I have noticed the same thing on other cars as well. It's very minor but noticable.
To fix the rub on the rear valance I wired the rear hanger with safety wire to limit the side to side movement (which seems excessive) and everyone is happy for the time being.
Thanks for all your help and info. Rich

 

more details...:smile:

Here is an e-mail thread I sent to Magnaflow directly...and below is a response by Jim...a tech I assume.
It's informative in my opinion and gives yet another....point of view.
================================================== =======
Hello Jim,
Thank you for your response.
The new system has a maximum of approx 700 miles...to date.
I will keep the system on till 1000 miles as per your suggestion.
Thanks for you assistance.
I will keep you posted as to the outcome
Regards,
Dennis
----- Original Message -----
From: muffler
To: Dennis Miniero
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2003 5:34 PM
Subject: RE: Mini Cooper S


Hi Dennis,
The system was designed to put out the least amount of noise as possible without restricting the exhaust flow. If the system has not been on the car at least 1000 miles, you may give it a chance to mellow out. The noise absorbing material inside the muffler takes about that long to "Break In" and mellow out. If it is still not satisfying after the 1000 miles, there is not a lot more you can do to quiet it any more. I would probably try to find someone that may be interested in purchasing the system from you. But before you do anything, give it a chance to properly "Break in"
Jim

jcates@magnaflow.com
Jim Cates
Direct Sales Manager
MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust
1-800-990-0905 ext.1167
Fax (949)858-3600
http://www.magnaflow.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Miniero [mailto:dminiero@optonline.net]
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2003 5:46 PM
To: muffler@magnaflow.com
Subject: Mini Cooper S


Morn'n,


I own a new MINI Cooper S 2002
I've recently had your Magnaflow Exhaust System on my car..
It seems to be constructed to an excellent standard.
I applaud you for your craftmanship.
This exhaust system has increased the cabin noise significantly.
Under normal driving conditions it maintains a pleasant deep bass tone and sounds fine under 65 MPH.
When I reach highway speed of over 70 MPH, the exhaust "drone" is prominent and unbearable.
What can be done to ....reduce this unbearable droning sound....??????.
Awaiting your prompt reply.
Thanks in advance.


Regards,
Dennis Miniero
Sales Director
Director Of Continuing Education
New Horizons Learning Center of LI
6080 Jericho Tpke.
Commack, NY 11725
http://www.nhli.com
Office: 631 499 7929 ext 116
Fax: 631 499 5540
Cell: 516 551 5517
E-mail:dennism@nhli.com

 

I found a fix just crack your window just a bit,and listen how much that bassy sound goes away,then roll up your window,and listen.But who's going to ride around with there window open

 

The saga continues....
The magnaflow exhaust is officially...OUT.
It is quiet again....:smile:

I expected a substancial loss in power..but I can't honestly f ...that I feel a tremendous loss of power now.
Let's see what happens as the ECU updates itself...????
I surely will report any changes.

Hi Ho.... QuickSilver :smile:

It's another waiting game again..unfortunately....

Peace,
D

 

>>Well y'all, thanks for all the input.
>>Here's my...."proposal"
>>Randy, I'm willing to buy the QS system and have it installed here in NY...It seems the QS has enough of a power increase and a more subtle sound/tone. In all honesty I'm not at all concerned w/ what the tips look like. I'm looking for max power and minimal sound increase.
>>It seems no one has any ideas or comments about "sound proofing" so I must assume that it is probably a dead issue. As I inquired before, is there anything out there that will help ???????
>>
>>I'll sell my magnaflow for $500 (I'll pay for shipping).
>>It cost me $648 in total (shipping included)
>>
>>This seems very fair to me. It's a great system, as long as you understand the noise factor. As Randy stated ..I do like the sound.. it's just the dronning in higher speeds on the parkways that I'm not comfortable with.
>>
>>It was only driven by an old dude...with old ears....:smile: rofl.
>>Any one interested please contact me at (cell)516 551 5517 or dminiero@optonline.net
>>
>>Thanks in advance
>>
>>Peace,
>>D

do you still have the magnaflow on your car?
i would like to hear it, you will be at bear mountain on sunday, right?
if so i will hear it then
i'm interested in purshasing the exhaust system (maybe from you?)

 

koolmini...
it's out..i took it off my mcs.
i will be there...
hopefully someone else will have one ...sorry

peace,
d

 

>>koolmini...
>>it's out..i took it off my mcs.
>>i will be there...
>>hopefully someone else will have one ...sorry
>>
>>peace,
>>d
>>

you still have it up for sale?

 

with all of these comments about how loud and droning the Magnaflow is... Has anyone tried changing out the resonator with a longer or larger one? Or even changing the resonator out with a glasspack? And changing out the exhaust tips with tips that have resonators built into them? IMHO, the droning and loudness in the car is not caused by the "free-flow" of the performance exhaust system. But, rather it's caused by the lack of shielding around the exhaust pipes. On my Hondas I had the same problem with the droning sound getting to me on long drives. However, I changed out the resonator on my Greddy exhausts with a glass pack or resonator and that seemed to do two things for me; 1) make the exhaust quieter INSIDE the car, and 2) make the sound alittle deeper. The resonated tip also helped to accomplish the same. That's just my opinion though...

 

I just had to register and add my $0.02 to this topic. I am not yet a MINI owner and watch this site to stay abreast of all the developing improvements and modifications. I have to commend all of you who are pioneering, to my benefit when I can finally afford an MCS. A baby on the way currently takes financial precidence.

In the mid 80's I built a heavily modified Ford Fiesta (don't laugh, it ate 911 Turbos for breakfast). Performance stuff for that car, in the US, was very scarce, so I fabricated my own exhaust system. The factory exhaust exited out the side of the car, just behind the rear tire. My first pass at the new exhaust exited straight out the back (left of center, inline with the high-flow muffler). Similarly to d-mini-ero's description, the sound was wonderful from idle to moderate around town speeds; but at highway speeds there was a deafening drone that left my ears ringing after a long drive.

Realizing that perhaps the stock side exit had a purpose, I modified my system to exit at the same place. The difference was unbelievable, night-and-day different. The car was nearly as quiet as stock at highway speeds but still had that sweet sound around town.

Given that most of the sound eminates from the tip with the escaping exhaust gases, its logical that dumping that sound into the air flow moving down the side of the car instead of into the vacuum created behind the car will do a better job of taking it away from the car. I've used the same approach on other cars I've owned and found it makes far more difference on hatchbacks than on sedans where the passenger compartment is separated from the exhaust tip by the trunk cavity. I can't help but think it could make a big improvement here.

I realize there are fabrication as well as asthetic issues with side exhaust exits, but it might be worth a try. It wouldn't be to difficult to modify one of the current aftermarket systems to exit out the sides behind the rear tires. One would need someone with stainless welding skills/equipment, and a willingness to carve up a pricey new exhaust system. Given I have neither the car, nor the exhaust system, I'm not in the position to try it. How about you guys at MC Motorsport? It would make great feedback to your exhaust vendors!

Please make comments and certainly post results if you try this mod.
Sorry about the long post - My wife says I talk too much too.

James

 

James,

Welcome to MCO!

Your wife would think I talk too much to .

I haven't tried that yet, mostly because of the fitment issues. It would take quite a bit of fabrication. I was thinking a side exit would be cool for the track, but the unibody doesn't seem to agree with me. Maybe if all of the other development projects finally quiet down, I can start looking at that again.

Honestly, the Magnaflow isn't that loud - it's nowhere near as loud as, say, a megaphone on a Porsche or a glasspack on an old Ford, or - heaven forbid - a rotary on the track! If it were, a different acoustic solution would be higher up on the priority list.

Randy

 

Dennis,

Does the unistalled Magnaflow fit in the back of your Mini?
If so, bring it into the office and I will pick it up there.
Cash, of course, let me know. :smile: