Guys, I know this subject has probably been discussed ad nauseum in past threads but I just dont have the time to dig and dig. Please be patient and help me out. I'm considering a cat back exhaust for my Cooper S. I have added the Alta intake and MTH remapping both of which I'm very happy with. Exhause seems the next step. What does everyone recommend or NOT recommend? I want extra sound and HP but not a Mini logging truck. Thanks all! D

 

By the way, I have checked the post with all the brands and sounds. This is very helpful for choosing but I want "real world" results and opinions. Thanks again!

 

I have the Alta Sport tone... maybe 30% louder, especially on deceleration (the burble), and slight but noticible seat-of-the-pants HP increase. It seems to be very well-made and should last forever. My only ***** is that I had to go buy a gasket as all parts weren't supplied with it.

 

I have had the Borla sport cat-back on two different cars, a 2003 'S', and 2006 'S'. It has nice idle, and a deep strong sound on acceleration.All stainless steel, and well made. In my opinion it is one of the best aftermarket exhaust systems.

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Jeff
GP1733

 

Milltek! Just right...

 

I installed a Milltek cat back yesterday. I really like it so far. I think it's a preference thing. There seems to be several high quality exhausts on the market. It comes down to what you want to hear or not hear.. If you want loud you can get loud. If you want something that comes alive at the appropriate time you can buy that as well. I researched catbacks for several months and wanted something less restrictive, deeper tone, no drone on highway, that you really don't hear much driving around town until you stomp on the pedal. It's to early to tell but it's not that much different than the stock S system until you get on it. It's what I wanted on an intake as well and why I went with the JCW Intake.

 

Should really just show up to a meet and see what you like. Sound clips don't do any exhaust justice.

 

I have been very happy with the Invidia cat-back! I have used the same exhaust from my old '03 MCS on my new '06 MCSc (with some modification to fit). It has lasted well and polished up like new during the transfer. Great looking design also! Personal preference though - I like a little noise and a stronger burble with the HP gain.

 

Milltek!

 

If you are set on getting a cat-back with more sound this is not for you.
But if you want the performance with low cost one-ball is the way to go.
Reading through the posts testing has shown the one-ball to lower the back pressure as much as most cat-backs and it only costs about $50.
I was able to drive in to a shop, describe what I wanted, wait about 20 min, pay $53 and head back to work.
The sound is not as agressive as some cat-backs, but I like it.

 

Guys thats exactly what I was looking for. Now.....for those that didnt install the cat back themselves.....what was your install fee and did u go to a private person or a Midas shop? Thanks again!

 

I did mine myself..Not a hard install. I think Grassroots garage charges $75.00.

 

I agree with minimarks about the Milltek,real nice sound.I've since added the Milltek header,little louder at freeway speeds,but when you put your foot in it ,heads will definelyturn.Q

 

Borla Race with a $80 install bill.

 

definately go with the borla race if you want to sound like a mini should, most people on NAM will tell you to go with milltek but in all honestly you cant even tell its there. The Borla has such a perfect deep tone and a throaty rumble at idle, you can't deny it

 

I havent had my Mini too long and have never heard of "one ball". Can you describe it further? I had cut outs put in my exhaust on past Mustangs so I could just reach under and uncap my exhaust. Basically it was just dump tubes right after the cats so the exhaust never had to go through the full exhaust and mufflers. Made a big dif. One ball sounds interesting I just dont know enough about it.

 

There is a diagram around here somewhere but basically a one ball exhaust involves removing the stock exhaust, hacking off a muffler, and reinstalling.

 

I'm selling my 11 day old 3" Alta Stainless Steel cat back. PM me if you are interested.
Mario

 

If you're after looks, milltek has the prettiest tips around. If you're after aggressive, non-tacky, get-outa-my-way sound, best bet: Borla race. Oh, and it comes with a one million mile warranty.

 

Somewhat correct, but a little more.
One-ball cuts out the resonator on the passenger side. The shop cuts the exhaust just before the turn to the resonator and cut the pipe just ahead of the muffler. Then they add a pipe from the main exhaust to the muffler bypassing the resonator. Remove the resonator.

Results are a loss of about 25lbs, less back pressure (good flow), low costs and a nice improvement in sound.

 

I just had the Invidia stainless system installed 2 weeks ago. I LOVE the sound, and even more the looks. The quality is unbelievable and the titaniun tops real head-turners. Gorgeous rich blue-to-purple oxidization treatment that is so damn cool. Sound is perfect. No drone, aggressive growl-to-howl on launching, and wow does it down-rev nicely... Perfect, and less $$$ than milltech or alta or borla. Light, too.

 

milltek all the way.

 

This is simple, low cost, stealthy. Less weight is always good.
Not so sure about true performance benefit.
Sound is similar to stock, a little louder maybe.

Miltek is definitely louder than stock, no question.

Magnaflow is the loudest.
UUC very nice tone, higher priced, nice finish.
Borla Race is nice, louder than the quiet Borla Street, good tone.

Any single sided exhaust will allow for lower weight.

It's always best to listen to these exhausts in person. Go for a ride to hear it from the inside. Check for droning at highway speeds.

Don't add a header, this may increase loudness, try the cat back exhaust first.

 

Really best to listen in the REAL world and be sure that the other mods are the same or at least know what they are (header ...etc)

Were are you located

I have a Borla Race (withy headers and a test pipe for the track), my son had the Borla Sport (now custom system)

The sport is very quiet / close to stock

 

borla race ftw.