Afternoon Folks,

Yes it snowed again in NY (in March may I add which is truly unusual), and this AM during the beginning of a late season snowfall......
the long awaited QS EXHAUST....WAS INSTALLED :smile:

******tada.... trumpets blare******

I haven't had a chance to fully test out different driving speeds/conditions as I never got out of 2nd gear today...(lets call it a max of 30MPH), due to the slick roads and snow conditions.

OK enough background....&....theatrics

1st impressions.....

1. the stock exhaust is "definately"..... quieter !

2. the QS is louder than I expected it to be. (I might change that to significantly louder...but not quite yet, as I'm being...reserved and patient :smile

3. IMHO the stock system..........DOES NOT DRONE

4. IMHO the QS system.............DOES DRONE

These are just my 1st impressions..... given a truly limited tesing situation as the snow ....has put a damper on my driving ability.

****additional note...unrelated to the above comments....
Toyo's Proxes T1S's are NOT SNOW TIRES...:smile:


You will be hearing from me again regarding this QS system as soon as I can really put my MCS thru it's paces and see how it's affects the performance.
For those interested : I now have installed the madness air-intake, rear swaybar, QS exhaust, 17"ROH rims and Toyo's T1S's..... as far as performance mods go.

Peace,
D

 

could you post a pic? would love to see it ...

 

I thought that was a Magnaflow thing, not a QuickSilver thing.

 

Here ya go sambusik...
I just ran outside to snap some quick pic's




Peace,
D

_________________
2002 MCS:PS/B, w/Lapis Int.

 

very very sharp. I really like

 

what's that white stuff on the ground ?

 

>>2. the QS is louder than I expected it to be. (I might change that to significantly louder...but not quite yet, as I'm being...reserved and patient :smile

I just installed a Quicksilver system too. I would agree with this comment. But I love it! It does drone a teenie bit on the highway, but it is still quieter than the Magnaflow system.

Owen

 

WHERE DID YOU GET THE QS EXHAUST SYTEM AND HOW MUCH WAS IT ITS GOT TO BE CHEAPER THAN THE MAGNAFLOW AND WHAT IS THE HP GAINS YOUR CLAIMED TO GET?? THANKS

 

It's not cheaper than the Magnaflow, actually. He got it from Randy @ MINI-motorsport.com. I ordered the Madness intake from him which is scheduled to arrive tomorrow! Randy has been a great addition to this site. He is very knowledgeable and his customer service is top notch! He's highly recommended.

 

d-mini-ero

Congrats on finally getting that system installed. I know you've been waiting impatiently for an eternity. My impression from your pictures......looks sharp, really sharp..
I was sorry to see your post.... "IMHO the QS system.............DOES DRONE".
I remember your trials and tribulations with the Magnaflow system. Hope this system serves you better. I can't help wonder what it will be like once the snow leaves as snow is very sound dampening. Time will tell...I'm sure I'm not the only one who want to hear your final impressions.

How do you like the rear sway bar mod? Care to boast? Any deceleration injuries from rapidly changing g-forces?

How 'bout the tires? Again with the g-force question....What was the final size? rim size? etc. Were there any rubbing issues?

 

I have SO had it with this snow already! d-mini-ero, thanks for your posts. I can't wait until you can give the quicksilver a good test. I'll be anxiously awaiting your results.

 

TwoMINI's,

>>I was sorry to see your post.... "IMHO the QS system.............DOES DRONE".
>>I remember your trials and tribulations with the Magnaflow system. Hope this system serves you better. I can't help wonder what it will be like once the snow leaves as snow is very sound dampening. Time will tell...I'm sure I'm not the only one who want to hear your final impressions.

I'm really looking forward to testing this QS system....when we get a nice day here in NY to just...DRIVE
>>
>>How do you like the rear sway bar mod? Care to boast? Any deceleration injuries from rapidly changing g-forces?

I mentioned in an earlier post that for the type of driving I do, I'm sure I do not gleen the max performance gains afforded by the rearsway bar.
It truly makes the car feel 'tighter ' is all I can ...really report.
I hope some day to bring this MCS to Auto-x World, and maybe then I will be able to fully understand and enjoy the benefits of this swaybar. If you are a "regular" driver, your money is better spent IMHO...on "power" gains.
>>
>>How 'bout the tires? Again with the g-force question....What was the final size? rim size? etc. Were there any rubbing issues?
Toyo's Proxes T1S' size are 215/45-17.They fill up the wheel wells, and look full and are extremely aggresive. No rubbing issues , except I did have my 2 average weight kids in the back seat a few days back, ran over a bump on the h'way and did feel a bit of a rub in the back rt wheel. No other issues at all. I must say they are terrific!!!!!!

Peace,
D

_________________
2002 MCS:PS/B, w/Lapis Int.

 

Hey Greatgro,
>>I have SO had it with this snow already! d-mini-ero, thanks for your posts. I can't wait until you can give the quicksilver a good test. I'll be anxiously awaiting your results.

I fully agree...
Let's all chant....NO MORE SNOW!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully I'll be able to have a nice drive tomorrow, and see what this exhaust is made of

Peace,
D

 

the exhaust tip looks sweet!
i really like the look, very boxster esque!

 

>>Let's all chant....NO MORE SNOW!!!!!!!!

Dennis,
We got ice and then snow on top this morning -- Oh Joy!! I'll look for your update post with interest.
Bluesmaster

 

>>what's that white stuff on the ground ?

As an old Southern guy said to a friend moving to Boston "...and when you see that white stuff on the ground? That aint grits."

Jeff

 

I did two things to reduce the droning on my QS which I've had for about 6 weeks. First I installed two glasspack resonators, one in front and one behind the central mount. These straight-thru units don't seem to affect the performance but absorb some of the drone.

Then I convinced myself that the aluminum heatshield in the central tunnel under the car was vibrating in sympathy with the exhaust. I ripped it out aft of the cat for about five feet. The rear heatshielding seems to be more solid and less prone to vibration, so I left it alone. In place of the front heatshield, I installed adhesive-backed aluminized heatproof cloth from http://www.pegasusautoracing.com. I am pleased with the results of the combined changes. I hope this helps.

 

Cool, but if you can't live the noise and drone, I call first dibs on the QS if you decide to sell As for the snow, I had to drive from PA to CT and it was not fun, even in an AWD Mercury Mountaineer. I used to love snow, until I got my MINI. I'm still jumping back and forth on the STI, EVO VIII, price will dictate what I get, but whatever is ends up being, I'll probably love snow again then.

X2

 

THe MINI is absolutely a blast to drive in snow, er, snow under 5 or 6 inches, that is. After that MINI is a little over it's head...literally! But less than that the MINI is like a tank and has great traction with the ALL-Seasons. Snow tires must really be great. There don't seem to be any limitations in the snow either as far as handling and speed. Or at least I haven't exceeded MINI's limits...yet!

 

I installed my QS exhaust last weekend. I agree there is a drone but it is within my tolerance. Maybe it is just me getting used to it but after a few days of putting my foot into it the tone seems to have mellowed.
I was a bit shocked at the weight of the stock exhaust. Thought I was prepared when I took out the last bolt out, but have large bruise on my leg from where it dropped. An extra set of hands would have been nice.

 

>>I was a bit shocked at the weight of the stock exhaust. Thought I was prepared when I took out the last bolt out, but have large bruise on my leg from where it dropped. An extra set of hands would have been nice.

Same here. I kept on picturing myself getting hit in the head with the stock exhaust tips as it thundered to the ground! Luckily, that didn't happen. The stock system is a beast!

 

Well it's official --
I have followed D-mini-ero down the path of Quicksilver and Madness swaybar. After a good solid drive on a nice sunny day on dry roads my feelings are:
Qs is much quieter than Magnaflow. It is plenty loud.
Qs drones very similarly to the Magnaflow but is not nearly as annoying.
At 75 plus mph Qs is much less annoying than the Magnaflow.
My butt Dyno tells me the Magnaflow is slightly quicker but the louder exhaust noise is an influence.
I can now hear induction noise that I didn't notice before. Drowned out by the Magnaflow previously.
Madness swaybar is pretty much invisible during regular city driving. Mine is on the end "soft" position.
Swaybar is very noticable the first time you corner hard. It does just what Ficcion, DID, and Randy BMC say it does:
Removes the feeling of understeer, balances the car, and kicks out the back end when you get off the gas while cornering -- Way Cool
This is a great mod in my opinion.
I now have Madness intake and swaybar, Quicksilver, Evotech ECU, and X-lites with 205/50/16 Yoko AVS ES100's.
Everything is very smooth but it needs to go faster/harder -- The pulley seems to be the only way to do this......
If you don't want to spend JCW money. And I don't, won't, can't, (need to stay married)
Bluesmaster

 

I've had it with this snow too, there is absolutely none at our local mountains!!! Where am I supposed to snowboard and ski?? If it doesn't start snowing more soon I'm going to be pissed.

 

>> I used to love snow, until I got my MINI. I'm still jumping back and forth on the STI, EVO VIII, price will dictate what I get, but whatever is ends up being, I'll probably love snow again then.
>>
>>

To clarify: I don't have a problem with the MINI and winter driving. I just want to open my sunroof, put the windows down and anjoy some nice warm weather motoring. On the way home today, my baby was sandblasted by the truck in front of me. Thank goodness for uphill passing zones.

X2

 

<<<<<<
You will be hearing from me again regarding this QS system as soon as I can really put my MCS thru it's paces and see how it's affects the performance.
For those interested : I now have installed the madness air-intake, rear swaybar, QS exhaust, 17"ROH rims and Toyo's T1S's..... as far as performance mods go.

Peace,
D
>>>>>>>

Hello again Folks,
It's now tomorrow and I'm back....!!!!!!

I did as previously stated have the system installed yesterday. My buddy said it was not as smooth an install as the magnaflow and had to make various adjustments to get it to fit properly. ...(the tip took a while to center...etc...etc).

I drove the hell out of the car today as most of the snow is gone.

My findings ........... as follows:
The power increase with this QS system felt "minimal" but that is just my seat of my pants opinion.
The QS is certainly not as loud as the magnaflow ...
I'll repeat that....
The QS is certainly not as loud as the magnaflow ...
that much is certain.
It is louder than stock... and today after driving it for many hours....... I can definitively add....MUCH louder than stock.

Some facts which you should consider while listening to my opinions....
I am 50 years old...I have never before owned an aftermarket exhaust. i have owned many different types of cars...from an Shelby AC Cobra to a Austin Healey 3000. I speak here from the perspective of someone who...
had the stock system as original equiptment on my MCS
then installed the magnaflow...
then returned the car to stock...
then installed the QS.....

My MCS is not a race car. My MCS is a econosport car, that cost me approx $25K.
My MCS was underpowered by my standards and I am attempting to add "bolt-on" power/stability at a reasonable price proportionate to the original price of the car.
May I also add again.... that I am 50 years old.
Please read this post with all these factors....in mind.

My opinion is that the QS has the same drone as the magnaflow... surely not as loud , but present. There is no denying the presence of this drone.
On a scale of loudness/droness....from 1-10
The magnaflow is an 8-9.
The QS is a 6.
The stock system is a 1-2

The sound volume/drone in the cab does indeed level off
to an "acceptable" (not sweet,kewl,or any other 20something word) volume
at 32000 rpms., in all gears. At levels below or above 3200 rpm the drone is ....too much by MY STANDARDS.

My MCS is....AGAIN.... NO LONGER FUN TO DRIVE...is MY statement of fact.
I must do something to...remedy this situation....AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I again called my buddy who installed the system (who by the way thinks I'm
totally insane by now. May I add at this point there is surely a certain percentage of people here who probably feel the same :smile: and surely a percentage who do not...:smile:
Before he installed the system said .."Dennis I do
this for a living (over 20 years)..I see how it's constructed you are not gonna like it.. It will drone" He suggested a resonator. He said chances are the drone would
diminish and the overall power decrease would be negligent., although he
can't/won't gurantee it , as he would have to do dyno testing to confirm actual numbers.

I am returning to ..exhaust system land.... again...... tomorrow!
Yet another magical mystery tour :smile:

This whole exhaust thing has certainly gone in a direction that I never expected it to....go .
It has been expensive, time consuming and has unfortunately taken away from the absolute joy of owning/driving/enjoying this wonderful econosport car.

It was all my conscious choice, so I am the only one who must endure ...

For those interested ......
Please check back tomorrow...
Same Bat Time...
Same Bat Channel :smile:

Peace,
D


_________________
2002 MCS:PS/B, w/Lapis Int.