I have a 2012 JCW and I have some money burning a hole in my pocket. I've already done a lot to my car but I want to make it louder (without being obnoxious)!

These are my current engine mods:
Alta Accessport (running stage 1 FMIC tune for 92 or higher octane)
Alta FMIC
NM Eng. discharge pipe
NM Eng. hi-flow induction kit

My question is, do I get a new downpipe and keep my stock JCW exhaust or leave the stock downpipe and get a different downpipe back exhaust?

I hate the idea of having to swap out the DP every two years for emission inspections (VA). Are there any DP's where I wouldn't have to worry about this?

I understand that a catless DP will give better results but I hate the idea of my call smelling like a lawnmower. I would definitely have to swap downpipes every two years for emissions if I went catless.

I know downpipe back exhausts can cause highway drone; I want to avoid drone, I had some drone in my 135i with my downpipe back exhaust. I presume no drone if I keep my stock JCW exhaust and get a new DP?

With all that in mind which route do you think I should go, DP (catted or catless?) or downpipe back exhaust?

 

Keep the catalytic converter, by all means - why screw up your car's emissions system? Then begin investigating cat-back exhaust systems. Here's the sort of thing you might wish to take a look at - and no, I have no financial interest in Borla or in MiniMania:


http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NME2...58-59-Cooper-S

 

Just don't. Get an Akropovic cat back and call it a day.

Is 10 hp, (in a not particularly fast car) worth screwing up everyone else's air?

 

Drive it with the windows down and save yourself some money - that's what I do when I want mine louder.

 

Remove the resonator and have a muffler shop weld in a piece of stainless pipe to replace it. Perfect sound, no drone, and great burbble. IMO get rid of the Alta junk ( just my opinion).

 

Catless all the way! Moah Powa!!!

 

Go with a catless DP and keep your JCW exhaust. I'd keep the resonator on your JCW exhaust though since you'll get drone without it if you get the catless DP. Enjoy!

 

I am extremely happy with my Riss Racing Catless downpipe and fJCW Exhaust. The guy before me had the resonator taken out and love the sound of it. My .02 cents.