I've looked at Milltek reviews, sound/video clips, and forum threads till I'm blue in the face but still would like that extra little "push" from the enthusiast group here. I haven't heard it in person but the videos and sound clips sound fantastic. Right now I have an 06 MCSa and actually don't mind the exhaust sound at all. There is a ton of lovely burble that eminates and when I rev the car with the boot open I fall in love all over again. I'd like to read some real experiences with the Milltek and specifically, how it's that better than the stock exhaust. I really don't care about the performance gains/#'s, and really am most interested in the exhaust note. It would be extra good to hear the experiences from people who switched on 05-06 MCS's. Thanks.

 

The JCW exhaust system is OK but the sound is not very impressive and it has a crimp in it which doesn't allow for a free flowing exhaust. Therefore, I did a lot of research as well and ended up going with the Milltek system...from header all the way back.
The quality of workmanship is excellent. The fit was perfect and the sound is awesome. It has a throaty, low-toned exhaust note with enhanced burbles and occasional pops.
I don't like a lot of cabin noise at highway speeds and the Milltek is not obnoxious...you can hear it but any music or other ambient noise masks it. It does, however, produce an angry sound when you get your foot into it!
I have had a few different exhaust systems and the Milltek is one of the best. I think you will be very happy with it.

Cheers, Doug.

 

I had the Larini Club Sport Exhaust installed about a month ago. I have to say it is my FAVORITE mod to date. Other mods are a 15% pulley, Alta CAI and PIAA Sport Mesh wheels, w/non-runflats.

I did some research as well...a lot actually...sound clips, reviews, NAM threads.

What I like about the Larini is it's nice and throaty...a really...'sophisticated' sound. I know that they describe it as the 'gentlemen's exhaust'. I wondered, what?

But now, I get it. Instead of 'ballsy' (what I would call a little too 'notice me'), it's 'just right'. I didn't think an auto tranny would get the burble and decelleration pops and crackles...but it does!

If you have a CAI, particularly the Alta, the exhaust strikes a nice balance between the SC whine and the rumble of the exhaust. If you want to hear more, here's a YouTube clip (external) that is spot on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPK1wAn6gB0

There's also an EXTENSIVE internal clip done in an '05 MCS Cabio here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHgw8QSWDxw

Another thing that impressed me, was reading about Larini and their quality. They're pretty popular in the high-end sports car arena (Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.) So, why not a MINI?

PS It's a 'Club Sport' NOT a 'Sport Club'.

 

So as someone who is looking at the Militek exhaust, should I take this (the plate in the sound clip) as a sign? The plate is slightly different than mine but not much! I will have to check out the Larini one as well!

 

I added the Milltek to my MCS auto and the note produced is a low, throaty sound retaining the burbles that was present with the stock exhaust. The decision on the exhaust is a personal choice - I didn't really want something loud, however, wanted something with a low growl and some loudness when you stepped on it.

 

Hmmmm....maybe. It doesn't hurt to explore other alternatives...AND pay attention to 'signs'. That's just my personal belief. Btw, here's the thread w/photos of my install. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=89489

The name of the company that did it is MINI WORKS (hence the license plate)!

 

I would suggest finding a MINI club/group in your area and going on a run. It's the best way to find out what the exhaust sounds like (at idle, highway speeds, acceleration and slowing down).

 

I installed a Milltek cat-back on my MCS, and I love it. I didn't want a droning, obnoxiously loud exhaust. I wanted a throatier, more authoritative sound with more bass-filled grumble. That is just what it provides. Slightly louder than the stock exhaust, with more "cajones", but not too loud. It sings a wonderful harmony to my ALTA CAI's melody. They sing quite a great duet together!

I recommend the Milltek to all who will listen. It is really well made, high-quality stuff. All mandrel-bent tubing, and everything is shiny stainless, so it'll stand up to anything. Pretty easy install too.

My buddy has the Magnaflow, and it is just a bit louder than the Milltek; which starts to cross into "obnoxious territory" for me. I'm glad I chose the Milltek!

 

I'll agree with most of the responses above. It sounds especially nice under a long overpass at about 6k RPM with windows down and sunroof open. It's about the only time you can get the entire sound while driving.

I will say I wasn't completely happy installing the Milltek. I'm still not sure I got the right system for my '02 MCS as there is a drop in the main pipe that came up and hit on the underside which caused a bad resonance. The bend seemed unnecessary. It took a local shop to cut and reweld the Y to get it down and to add bracket extensions. The right brackets arrived a week later which I subsequently installed. This all had something to do with a design that attempts to cover all model years including the Cabrio. For the price I was expecting a better fit. I've since forgotten all that and just love the sound.

BTW, while talking with Chad of Detroit Tuned at a mod party he indicated installing the Milltek almost always required some "tweaking". I think he said with a large crow bar or sledge hammer.

 

BEST upgrade I've ever done, obsolutely not into obnoxious ricer sound at all.

 

I think they may have resolved that, as there is now a separate Milltek exhaust for the convertibles. It's an extra $100, which I'm not too happy about, but if it installs easier, I guess it's worth it.

 

My Milltek was installed without any problem,sounds great.I have been told by many who are behind me on our runs ,how much they like the sound.Q

 

I have had the Milltek catback for many months now, but I still roll down the windows just to hear it. It's like music. It is not too loud, and barely distinguishable from stock until you get into greater acceleration and hegher revs, when it sounds like a beautiful racing machine. The burble is much more accentuated over the stock. In fact, I really couldn't hear a burble wit the stock system, but it is just enough (for me) with the Milltek.

In short, I love it!!! I have heard a few other systems, including the JCW, Palo Uber, Alta, one-ball, Borla street and race -- for me, the Milltek was the right answer. My neighbor just last week even complimented me on the tone, and he's a hot-rodder from way back. The Milltek is not "ricey" at all either.

And I don't work for Milltek or Stratmosphere, either.

 

I too have the Milltek. With the rear seats down I find it a tad bit loud on long trips. Around town I love it. Keep in mind that the Milltek comes with a lifetime warranty. That's tough to beat. Also, used Milltek exhausts sell very quick here on NAM for $500-550. So if you change your mind you can get a good chunk of your money back.

 

Do the Millteks still have the problem of the tips becoming discolored after awhile?

 

Here is another plus vote for the Milltek. I just installed one on my 06 MCS Convertible and couldn't be happier. Installation was a snap except for a couple of missing bolts and nuts that were easily obtained at Home Depot. It is definatley a deeper growl and the burble is actually accetenuated a bit. Although you say you don't care about performance, there is a noticeable gain with this system over stock.

I think I've seen on some of your other posts that your in LA. If your're ever down south in Orange County, you're more than welcome to give me a jingle and stop by to listen.

Phil

 

I keep reading your question and keep coming back to the conclusion, which is why?

If you like your exhaust, you like the sound, you don’t care about any performance boost or gain then why do you want to change what you have?

I’ve been using a Milltek for a few years now on my 02 MCS. I changed from the stock for the performance gain only. But the reason I choose Milltek was because I’ve heard many after market exhaust and driven MCS with all different type. The Milltek had the best sound and performance, best bang for the buck so to speak.

Many after market are drone or over powering in sound at freeway speeds with no performance gain the Milltek gives you at a very transparent sound in the same conditions. Milltek actually boosts performance better than most without all the extra noise at true driving speeds.

So why if you like what you have and performance is no concern, why? Save your money, keep what you have and enjoy.

But if it’s just the fact you have money that you have to depart with, I’ll PM you my address and you can send me a check. I will guarantee you no performance gain and you’ll love the sound.

 

Agreed Sndwave.

I've had my Milltek headers & catback for about a year now... I love it, and I always get compliments on it from people motoring behind me, which is always a nice bonus.

 

Was this problem ever associated with the Millteks or am I thinking of something else? For some reason I recall seeing pictures of Millteks that changed colors after awhile.

 

Yes, they get discolored...


with black soot!

 

No matter what you chose, you've got to hear it in person under varying circumstances to know what you're getting. Most people will tell you how great exhaust system "X" is but what sounds good to them may be entirely differnet than what sounds good to you. Find someone who has what you're considering and drive it around; windows up, windows down, uphill, downhill, etc., etc.

You can almost always find a used system from just about any manufacturer and there's a reason for it; someone bought it before hearing it and found out too late that it wasn't for them.

 

gt6 has great advice. It's totally personal and subjective. On the discoloration of tips, I learned that all of them do to a certain extent unless the have caps/covers like the JCW.

 

I've had my Miltek on for approximately 70k miles ... no discernable discoloration.


T

 

to clear up some misunderstandings.

1. I initiallly wrote that I didn't care about the performance numbers because I already researched for months about that. every thread I read seemed consistent enough so I didn't care to hear the numbers again.

2. I do like the stock but where it disappoints me is when I start to really drive agressively. I wanted a much more aggressive/sporty/deep sound when at wot. and i've heard the jcw exhaust and was thoroughly disappointed

3. the 05-06 thing is because I've read that the ecu was tweaked for better burble and exhaust note. I wanted to make sure that all of that lovely and addictive burble was there even when switching to an aftermarket exhaust (though this seems like a pretty obvious answer). it also seemed like most people who had the exhaust from previous threads had pre-05-06 mcs'

my bad that none of this was mentioned earlier. based on what people have been saying I believe I will be taking the plunge. Though I'd really love to hear it in person. I may be dropping by Phil. Thanks to all.

 

I have a miltek on my 05. Sounds awesome etc...

As for the workmanship - I've seen better. Some of the welds were a bit messy compared to the other exhausts I've seen.

ie.





my only gripe is that it hangs funny - I've seen lots of milteks that seem to do that - mine hangs really far to the left - I'm going to try fix it on the weekend...other than than, I'm pretty happy...

Click to see my install