I have the JCW, but i read is to restrictive, compare to Borla or Alta i want to change to a 3in cat-back but i don't want to make a mistake, I am also planning in installing an Alta inter cooler, I need some input to make the right decision............

 

What mistake are you afraid of making? You can't really mess up....

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRDNuoraEv8

Our R56 with Borla Race Exhaust.

 

The mistake is MONEY, I paid for the JCW tuning kit as soon my car came, I did not want to put aftermarket parts, since the car was new, and if the car developed any problems then the dealer will give me a hard time, now I have about 10000 miles and i think is time, is either keeping my JCW or get another cat-back.

 

Believe me when I tell you if you have a front resonator pipe just after the cat, get rid of it and you should be happier with the exhaust note! I have an 05 MCS with a JCW exhaust and did the same and it made a difference.
Also you shed about 10 pounds of excess weight to boot! Plus the JCW tips are the sexiest in the business!!!

 

Just to play devil's advocate here, many would say that a 3'' exhaust is not restrictive enough for the MINI's 1.6l 4-cyl. Meaning because of the excessive volume in the pipes compared to what the engine is optimized for, there is a loss in backpressure which results in a loss of low-end torque.

I don't know what the size of the Borla is but the ALTA is a 3''.

 

Paco
I am in exactly the same boat. I cannot decide. Have you heard the Billy Boat exhaust??

 

Art stay away from Billy Boat products. They made exhaust for the SRT-4 a few years ago and the price was high but the quality was crap.

Just because you were a race car driver and attach your name to a product doesn't mean they know what they are doing.

I've always found with the different hot hatches I've owned over the years it's always best to stick with a manufacturer that specializes in your brand.

When I do start to upgrade my new Clubman it will be with Alta parts. They are all desgined to work together. My .02's

 

Turbo motors do not rely upon backpressure from the exhaust system, the turbo itself produces back pressure, and the turbo would like as non restrictive exit as possible to allow free spin, let gas flow quickly.

 

B&B makes an exhaust for the R56?? I'm interested if this is the case.

They make quality exhausts...and have a good rep. I have numerous friends with B&B exhaust products on various cars ranging from an M5 to a Nissan Titan...they are all VERY pleased with B&B. They are also the exhaust manufacturer for APR, who is very well respected in the VW/Audi tuning scene.

I always liked how the B&B exhaust for the R53 sounded...very deep. Not many people have them though. It's purrty too!

 

Dibs on the JCW exhaust if Paco sells it! Go with an Alta exhaust so I can buy your JCW one hehe

 

Art,

Hello it's Steve Mezardjian a.k.a. Mezspeed, how are you? I haven't seen you since M.I.T.M 2007! The Alta 2.5" exhaust would be a really "choice" exhaust to go with. Give me a call sometime. I'll be at the Dragon this year and hope to see you and Luke there.

Steve.

 

It seems silly to replace performance parts you paid for so I'd recommend looking at replacing the downpipe section of the exhaust (Alta's will work, you just need an adapter they can supply). The 3" systems are very unrestrictive and introduce a slight lag in response but the power increase is significant and should be weighed against that. Definitely a performance FMIC is a great compliment to your existing system, and a replacement boost tube that deletes the muffler to go with that. I think that's as far as you can go with the currently available bolt-on parts and would probably net you about 10% gains to HP and even more torque.

 

the borla is a 2.5 inch system. I would recommend a custom 3 inch exhaust. depending on your shop, they cost around 350 installed.

 

Hey Wildman
Hope you are well. See you at the Dragon.
Art

 

ALTA 3" (for selfish purposes) but seriously, even if you don't choose my kit, PLEASE choose a 3". The 2.25-2.5 versions are going to be needlessly restrictive.

Good luck with the decision. If I can help further PLEASE let me know!

 

If anyone has heard these exhausts please rate


I recently heard a JCW Exhaust and an Alta Turbo Back but have never been able to hear the exhaust I think I want, the Alta Catback. The JCW sounded near perfect for what I am looking for which is an exhaust that is very similar to stock at 60-80 MPH cruising speed. I don't mind noise at WOT but don't like much noise at cruising speeds.

If the stock exhaust is a 1

JCW exhaust is a 3

Alta Turbo Back is a 10

Where would your rate the Alta Catback for noise

 

Is the JCW a catback exhaust or just a muffler and tips?
Are dealers selling these?

Paco--I think you're chasing at best 1-2 hp with a catback swap. If you want louder, I'd swap out the muffler for a Magnaflow. If you want to go faster, I'd spend money on suspension, if you are running stock, track time, or trade in for the stage II JCW.

 

It is only a rear muffler section, same plumbing size less internal baffling. I am NOT aware they are available separate from the kit. (Please someone feel free to correct me!)

 

I have been driving my "Lloyd" project vehicle recently with the new Oval Tip Cat-back and DP. It is quieter than the dual tip for some reason.

But if you want an opinion based on your scale above I would put either of the ALTA Cat Backs in the 5-6 range. The DP changes the tone a bit.

Let me know how I can help further!

 

Thanks for your answer. I'll check with a dealer. I would think they would have them available separately so they could be replaced in the event of an accident. That was their rationale for making the JCW Aerokit available piece meal.


EDIT: Called Morristown. The JCW exhaust is not available on its own at this time.

 

I heard your car with the full exhaust at your booth at AMVIV and although it sounded great with no raspy sound it was much louder than I want. I just came out of owning a built Steeda Mustang and I am tired of loud exhausts. In your post you state the DP changes the tone a bit. I would need the Catback to produce a lot less noise. I guess it would be more clear if I said if stock is a 1 and the Turbo Back is a 10 how loud is the Cat back. I really want the HP and to smooth out power delivery but I don't want much sound. My main concern is the sound when cruising at 60-80 and then lifting. I do not want an exhaust that you can hear much more than stock when coasting.

Thanks for the advice. I am in the SCMM and we have a lot of members but surprisingly I have not seen a member with the Alta Exhaust on an R56 so I could go for a ride. Will you have the Cat Back in Stock soon?

 

i want an exhaust, but i cant really afford anything at moment. stupid runflats are expensive =/ espeically when ones blows up.

but i want alta =p

 

GLAD you brought that up. The car at AMVIV is NOT my car. It is the work mule, but it has the new LARGE turbo and other changes in the exhaust that are NOT the same as the off the shelf units. I would say that car is at least 15% louder than the ALTA Cat-Back.

I have the Oval Tip versions in stock now. Dual Tip Mid next week.

You can NOT hear this system at cruise in the 60-80 range. I do that on my commute and if it droned, I would pull it off the car and change it. Rest assured you will be a-ok!