So, I'm looking at putting together a straight pipe exhaust (2.25" or 2.5") from the cat. back with a Borla muffler (Turbo or ProXS), Borla tip, a resonator. Of course, I'll be removing the battery box to make room for the straight pipe.

Anyone have any advice for me? Does anyone think this system will be obnoxiously loud, or kill torque? I know there plenty of people who have done the straight pipe exhaust, but has anyone done this setup?

Thanks!

 

Split it.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=58329

 

Stricks, I did basically what you're saying, except with an oval Ractive tip...

I did this a couple of years ago, and chronicled the whole thing on MINI2 (search in the Performance forum there with key words "muffler of choice"). This is what I have post cat, all 2.5":

- SuperSprint center pipe, with resonator
- 10" (I think) extension to reach tunnel end
- Borla Turbo #40659 muffler, center/offset, inverted for proper valence exit (no bends needed!)
- Ractive oval tip

The "entire" catback is like 17 or 18 pounds, and the sound is very pleasant, pure Borla. Randy Webb has commented that it is not even as loud as the loudest aftermkt choices, so nothing to get you in trouble with the law...



Older photo, but shows what I've done...

 

TonyB -

The beauty of your exhaust lies in its clean pure simplicity.
congrats.

 

If your going to remove the box do yourself a favor and follow Tonys lead. It's all spelled out for ya.
Very sweet and no cludge

 

i have done a similar system, no resonator, muffler replaced with a Magnaflow muffler, it is torquey, not terribly loud, but considerably louder than stock and lot of popping, loving it.

 

TonyB and Berk -- do either of you have problems with the floor of the boot getting hot from the muffler position?

Berk -- is your muffler right where the battery used to be, like Tony's? And is your Magnaflow a center/offset oriented vertically also?

 

robert, i replaced the new muffler in the same place with the old one on the left driver side, and the resonator is removed. On the other side, i was kinda concerned about the weight, however it does not make a big difference. This was very experimental, i will get something more professional together in the forthcoming months including a header.

 

Stricks, heat has not been a problem. I wouldn't put the battery on top, for weight, and possibly heat reasons though... I put mine (Braille) on the passenger side. I believe I used 1/8" thick aluminum to cover the void left by the battery box, and coated it with a material that has heat resistant properties, and also deadens sounds. It's all in that thread I think...

I just copied this from my gallery as it shows the clearance, and the coating over the plate that I fabricated: