I'm considering three exhaust systems for my MCS:

• Invidia
• Larini
• Milltek

I like the look of the Invidia tips. Sound clips I've heard make it tough to tell what it really sounds like. I figure the build quality must be decent; it's from Japan.

I haven't heard 'in-person' the Larini, although the video clips of other cars on their website sound nice. The build quality seems excellent.

I've read about numerous quality issues with Milltek, and that's a concern to me. The sound seems good. I prefer the look of the Milltek tips, though.

I want a system that has a 'serious' low tone to it. Really, I want a Ferrari, but the exhaust on the MINI will have to suffice in the interim. I don't want to get a headache from loud noise or droning. I don't want the car to sound like a rice-burner.

So - what to do

 

Adam, get the miltek. You changed the alta intake and enjoy the webb with less noise, the miltek is pretty quiet, really it's only loud when you jump on it

 

+1, although i personally prefer the sound of the invidia, the milltek is quieter

 

yeah, I heard the invidia on a sound byte, it sounds pretty ballsy Personally, i'm going for the borla street

 

Milltek

 

Definitely Milltek. It has the necessary quiet as you drive, punctuated by the nice burble as you gear down.

 

Have you considered talking with a local custom exhaust shop? You can get a system built for a lot less and it will probably perform better than any of these. You can have any muffler/resonator put in you want and customize the tips the way you want.

 

The Miltek quieter? I had my car side by side with a car with a Miltek, his was louder.... & the sound of the Invidia is nicer ( personal taste, besides my wife likes it ). Although, if I had to do it over, I realy like the bends & construction of the Larini but $$$$

 

can't beat the Invidia's sound, build quality, fit, etc. i read here on NAM that Helix carries them now at something like $650, which is not bad at all. i love mine. always get compliments on the sound.

 

I'm not sure if by "exhaust system" you are including the header or not. However, if you mean the "cat-back" then I agree with the Milltek recommendation. For a header, downpipe and cat, though, I like the new OBX offering from Helix, which provides an OBX header integrated with a catalytic converter so that it can be bolted right into the place of the OEM header and cat. The Milltek header is the only part where I have heard of problems (with the cat) burning up. The Helix OBX header uses the OEM type cat which I think has been shown as pretty good stuff. I am running a Milltek, and I love the sound (not ricey).

I am waiting for the Helix OBX header to arrive in a couple of weeks. I ordered it without providing the OEM cat (so it was an extra $100 "core charge") and so I get to keep my complete OEM header and cat, plus Helix is ceramic coating the whole unit for me and delivering it in 3 weeks for a total of $606.50. I'll post results after it's installed (maybe first week in January).

 

I really like my miltek!

 

Anyone have experience with the new ALTA 3" exhaust?

 

I'm replacing my Magnaflow with a Larini next month. I love the Magnflow but after the head, cam and header it is too loud or my work. It was perfect before I did all those mods. Also the Larini can be purchased with a front resenator to make it even quieter. I have heard all of them and like the sound, look and quailty of Larini. If you call Victor and Mini Works he will give you a good deal for a NAM member.
P.S. I'm selling my Magnaflow with custom 3.5" tips. The tips are the best I have seen. Even after I get the Larini, I will be putting the Magnflow 3.5" back on.

 

Show us your tips! lol

 

1. Quote:

   Originally Posted by MisterCooper

   Show us you tips! lol

You dirty boy! maybe later

 

Don't forget if you buy any exhaust that turns out to be just slightly too loud, you could always quiet it down like Mario did!

 

I like the Milltek but have not heard the other 2 you are considering...

I have had a DDM custom cat-back ptototype, Milltek, WMS prototype, Borla street and stock.... listened to many at the various meets.... many are really nice

but for me...so far

I think the Milltek sounds like the car should..... throaty and meaty without driving me out of the car.... a header adds a lot to the sound..... i.e. louder

 

i got the 2.5 alta with the alta header... id imagine the 3" is x3 in sound, maybe more

pre-header:
quiet at idle and below 3500...
WOT kicks in nice (imo) a lil raspy, could be ricey to some, nice growliing burble

post-header:
still quiet at idle and below 3500...
WOT kicks in LOUD at times even sounds like im running a test pipe... rough growliing burble w/ POPS and snaps

oh btw- im running the ALTA optional cat

i like it a lot... for track heads its badass, for strictly street not a friendly set up. (strom-i'll see you sunday, you can see/hear it then )

my suggestion for street is the milltek

 

I have had a Milltek on my '06 S for about a month now - a bias view, however get a Milltek as the popping and general sound is great :D

 

Thanks, everyone! It sounds like Milltek is a favorite, but...

I've decided upon the Larini Club Sport, with mid-resonator. After a time, if I like it, I'll spring for the Larini header/hi-flow cat combo.

I spent quite a bit of time on the phone talking to Larini in the UK, and based upon the folks that have these systems on MINI's and other cars, I'm taking the leap. The price is higher than the other two, but not prohibitively so.

Details and clips when I get it installed.

Oh yeah - check out this Larini video clip

 

I think you're getting a very good system. Just don't go around driving like the *********s in the video.

 

Um.. that's on an M5... Believe me your MINI is not going to sound like that... Man these people can drive.. that RS4 is sickkk

 

Only when I'm in California

 

Sounds good - I'll see you then!