I have an 03' JCW MCS and although I'm not really impressed all that much with the way the JCW exhausts sound, I've heard it's one of the best exhausts out there as far as making power and torque....so I don't want to get rid of it.

All of the aftermarket systems of heard sound so much better than the JCW system on my car...even with the resonator removed. I just wish my car sounded a little more "aggressive".

Has anyone swapped out the JCW mufflers with some more free-flowing type mufflers like the ones from Borla, Dynomax, or Magnaflow? I would like a little more sound of the exhaust, without sounding like a rice burner.

I drove a friends NON-S the other day, and to be perfectly honest...his car wasn't much quieter than mine...and he has the stock exhaust.

Any suggestions?

 

I've got the exact same car as you and installed the Borla S Catback in early September. All I can say is I absolutely love it and would not trade it for anything! In the right scenario, with the correct shift point, especially when bouncing off other vehicles or in a tunnel, the exhaust sound similar to a Ferrari or Lamborghini, definitely not ricey.

The following URL links to a video from inside my car, won't help much, but do keep in the mind the rear of the car is stripped.


Cons:
- Drone at 3K on the highway, after three hours of driving really gets to me.
- A month after the install, some baffles in the muffler went South, but Borla replaced the muffler on warranty, which took about three weeks to get.
- My GF now wants to go for rides in this car, until install she would only get in my GT500.

Pros:
- Lost some weight
- Increased power and torque
- More fun to drive


AJ..

 

What you need to do is add a header to your JCW exhaust. Sounds fantastic. Only slightly louder when driving normal (and no drone), but freakin' fantastic when you open it up! I've received many compliments on the sound.

 

I cut my exhaust on my R53 and elimanated the twin mufflers. Sectioned the battery box and moved upward yet still retained flat trunk floor. Careful measuring pays off. Installed an Edelbrock SDT muffler in position just like an R56. Finished off with Corvette twin tip from recycler. Sounds like the Maserati that excites slinky chix all for a little over a hundred bux and a couple of hours work. Contact me if you want exacting details.
ISAMIN

 

you have pics?

 

+1 to davisflyer's comment. A good header will make power and add to the sound quotient. As for cat-back exhaust systems, I'm a MILLTEK fan. If you're not willing to step up to that, I'd suggest you remove the resonator before trying to replace muffler cans. It'll be the most bang for the least bucks.

 

Hi IQ:

Here a some options for your '03 that may prove helpful in a variety of brands:

http://new.minimania.com/Search_Results/exhaust/default

Please ask if you have any questions!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.