I want to get a CAT back for my '02 "S". Anyone have an opinion or expirence to share? I'm interested in an improvement in the exhaust song, but do not want to go too radical.

 

I got the miltek on my 2006, and I love it.... You can hear over it, but it still has an obvious difference between stock.

 

I run a scorpion on my 03. Great value for the $$. Read up on this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...arket+exhausts

 

I put the Milltech catback on a few weeks ago...Not obnoxious, Not Ricey, No drone but you can hear it growl when you get on it. great fitment too..No rattles etc..(If I did it,,,anyone could...and I am not happy under 16" jackstands..but I did have the basic tools and a Mapp gas torch to loosen the bolts on the oem exhaust (2 bolts to the Cat) that the HULK put on!!).

Got my vote
best description=purrs at idle....refined and deep on the move but.....
Like all catbacks...You definately know it ain't stock!

 

I to have a Miltek and love it, but LDG is designing their own and should be awesome. I totally trust LDG for any of my MINI needs. Oh, LDG is Luckydog Garage in Glenwood MD, Howard Co.

 

We have tested everything under the sun, and helped design the Milltek. I have to say of the exhausts available, I like it the best. We are working on a revolutionary system in house, but it won't be in the same price range (it is super-trick though!), so keep an eye out in the next month or so...

Hope that helps!
Randy

PS - We have Millteks in stock

 

Was just talking to John about his LDG system....been holding out for many months waiting on this system. Once he gets it in the shop you can bet on me being there the next day for an install....and of course I will be posting sound bites, pics, and whatever else you want to see!

Randy - keep it up...very interested to see what you come out with next.

 

But how is the sound/loudness compared to the Milltek?

 

All things considered I like the Milltek and that is "how I roll"

 

Milltek fan here too. Exhaust & headers.

 

Well, one of the many changes we made when we brought the unit in-house is technology we are working on patenting that allows the removal of the muffler internals to adjust packing and sound levels and tone (that's on the valve closed side). That allows for things such as headers and cylinder heads on cars and stock componentes on other cars, as well as personal taste. If you want it louder, you can pack it loose, if you want it quiet, pack it tight. If you want to scare children and your next door neighbor's wife, open the valve and run unmuffled!

So, to answer your question, it varies. It can be as quiet as the Milltek (something we've been working on over a year), or as loud as a Supertrapp.

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

Now that I run a header, and high flow cat, I feel the Milltek is really a great catback. Well built, good looking from the rear (and who doesn't like a good looking rear?), and a low grumbly sound that doesn't yell "what you want with that rice?" A fart in a tin can, it is not!
Horse power, smorse power...who cares? I never spent a nickel on my MINI to get more horse power, damn it.
Great to have you back, Randy!

cheers,

 

i always hear about the milltek and honestly i think the sound of the UUC exhaust (though a little pricey at $850 - $875) is that best and its said to have good performance gains

 

I have (and love) the Milltek. My friend has the Magnaflow, and that seems just a bit louder, and perhaps a bit raspier. It also has much larger/noticeable exhaust tips, or TRUMPETS, as I call them. They flare out, and go well past the bumper edge, so they're more noticeable.

I like the Milltek's sound, and how well it fits into the bumper. It looks like an OEM fit...

(sorry for the big picture)

 

If you go the OBX route you can pick up the header and the catback for the same $$ as the other catbacks discussed here. The obx exhaust is not a full catback - you will reuse the stock center pipe. No catback alone is going to beat a header/catback combo.

Or just do a header w/ a 1-ball

 

Yes, you'll get more horsepower by getting both headers and a cat-back, of that there is no doubt, but there are other things to consider with going that route. For most street MINI's, one could argue that headers are not necessary, and add much more noise than we'd want for a daily driver. Also, most aftermarket header systems cost a lot of money. You also get problems with the catalytic converter in an aftermarket system. I know one very popular model has had repeated reliability problems with the cat needing frequent replacment. That's a PITA!

If you're fine with a really loud (like scare children and the elderly loud), then a header might be right for you, provided you have another $600 to $800 laying around.

 

I agree a header is not for everyone however for street the TQ is very nice and useable. Headers don't have to be loud - a header + a 1-ball exhaust is not loud at all and proabably the best system out there. Headers start at 200 bucks and w/ install about 400.00. Everyone loves the larger aftermarket high flow cat - just recycle your stock cat they hold up just fine!

 

my headers didn't make my car any louder at all. It only gets loud when you combine an aftermarket catback with headers.

 

I started as you did OBX Header + 1-ball and then got seduced seeking more sound and sexy tips. By adding the OBX exhaust I got the sound and sexy tips but I did not get a better exhaust system.

The header / 1- ball combo is a great street system - useable TQ in the mid range and HP grunt up top.

 

Check out this thread too

 

I had the Borla sport... I likes it but thought the sound a bit too loud. especially on long drives. The drone at freeway cruising speed would drive me insane so I switched to the Miltek. Sounds much more refined and sporty without being too ricey or obnoxious. To be honest I didn't really notice any significant difference in terms of performance but I LOVE the sound of my Miltek!!!

 

Oh you tease!