Drivetrain UUC Exhaust eval (Webb Motorsports)
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Denver
Here it is! Probably one of the most anticipated evals I've done in some time.
First impressions when you open the box are that you should be mounting this unit on your living room wall as a piece of art rather than putting it on the car. It is absolutely beautiful. The unit is entirely polished stainless steel.
Some of the things that are different about this system that I like - the resomator is at the rear of the system rather than straight off the cat (which moves the weight farther aft), the unit uses flanges to bolt together rather than sleeved couplings, and it hangs at the rear using the factory hangers, so removal of them and dealing with those dreaded rubber hangers is unnecessary. There are some revolutionary solutions on the UUC.
The sound is really a different ballgame. It is not a quiet system - in fact in sheer volume I'd say it is between the Quicksilver and the Magnaflow - but it doesn't seem to have any "drone" at all. It isn't a bothersome sound.
The unit comes with the down pipe that bolts to the cat, the resonator, and the muffler/tip section. Included in the packaging are gaskets for each flange, including at the cat, and all associated nuts and bolts (in a blue anodized finish no less).
The tips are very asthetically pleasing, but again it is subjective.
Down to the numbers. The system performed well, but not earth shatteringly. Compared to stock, it makes 6.8 hp and 7.2 ft-lbs of torque. That is down about 3 on the Magnaflow and 1 on the Quicksilver, but the torque is above both by a couple. I honestly was hoping for a bit more, but seat of the pants, it feels good for sure - no doubt because of the increase in torque.
The price is, well, more than the others. It looks like a system that should run in the $1500 range, so I guess it could be construed a bargain at $875.
Pros
A true work of art
Good sound without being annoying
34 lbs saves 12 lbs over stock
Good torque
No sleeve fittings
Only three pieces
Uses stock hangers
Cons
Price is higher than other MINI systems
34 lbs is heavier than the single sided systems - but on par with other two sided ones
Horsepower is less than expected
Here are some pics of the system:
The Hardware
The System
The Tips
The Components
Bottom line
I like the system. I like the way it looks, fits, sounds and feels. It is not the end all power, weight, or price system, but it is a good compromise for all around use.
These are now available for shipping at the above mentioned price from Webb Motorsports. Feel free to call for any information. You can also post questions here as well.
Hope that helps!
Randy
720-841-1002
First impressions when you open the box are that you should be mounting this unit on your living room wall as a piece of art rather than putting it on the car. It is absolutely beautiful. The unit is entirely polished stainless steel.
Some of the things that are different about this system that I like - the resomator is at the rear of the system rather than straight off the cat (which moves the weight farther aft), the unit uses flanges to bolt together rather than sleeved couplings, and it hangs at the rear using the factory hangers, so removal of them and dealing with those dreaded rubber hangers is unnecessary. There are some revolutionary solutions on the UUC.
The sound is really a different ballgame. It is not a quiet system - in fact in sheer volume I'd say it is between the Quicksilver and the Magnaflow - but it doesn't seem to have any "drone" at all. It isn't a bothersome sound.
The unit comes with the down pipe that bolts to the cat, the resonator, and the muffler/tip section. Included in the packaging are gaskets for each flange, including at the cat, and all associated nuts and bolts (in a blue anodized finish no less).
The tips are very asthetically pleasing, but again it is subjective.
Down to the numbers. The system performed well, but not earth shatteringly. Compared to stock, it makes 6.8 hp and 7.2 ft-lbs of torque. That is down about 3 on the Magnaflow and 1 on the Quicksilver, but the torque is above both by a couple. I honestly was hoping for a bit more, but seat of the pants, it feels good for sure - no doubt because of the increase in torque.
The price is, well, more than the others. It looks like a system that should run in the $1500 range, so I guess it could be construed a bargain at $875.
Pros
A true work of art
Good sound without being annoying
34 lbs saves 12 lbs over stock
Good torque
No sleeve fittings
Only three pieces
Uses stock hangers
Cons
Price is higher than other MINI systems
34 lbs is heavier than the single sided systems - but on par with other two sided ones
Horsepower is less than expected
Here are some pics of the system:
The Hardware
The System
The Tips
The Components
Bottom line
I like the system. I like the way it looks, fits, sounds and feels. It is not the end all power, weight, or price system, but it is a good compromise for all around use.
These are now available for shipping at the above mentioned price from Webb Motorsports. Feel free to call for any information. You can also post questions here as well.
Hope that helps!
Randy
720-841-1002
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Chan,
Why the tears? What have you got cat back-wise? You could always swap out?
I await the first of no doubt several threads seeking a 'group buy'. I know that the vendors have eschewed this practice, but this long anticipated product is going to stir the pot.
Why the tears? What have you got cat back-wise? You could always swap out?
I await the first of no doubt several threads seeking a 'group buy'. I know that the vendors have eschewed this practice, but this long anticipated product is going to stir the pot.
Great write-up (as usual) Randy! It looks to be a homerun product. I do have a question: Is there a product warranty for that bad boy? I would feel much better about getting one knowing that it has a solid manufacturer backing.
TIA,
Ryan
TIA,
Ryan
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 696
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From: Ohio
Oh yeah... forgot to ask which rpms that torque increase starts @ & where it peaks to the aforementioned 7.2 (woo-hoo!) ft-lbs. ... Numbers or even better - a dyno graph please. When you get the chance - of course. 
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Thanks very much for the write up.
Looks are great.
Price is higher than I had hoped.
Performance is good.
It is a good question to ask where the torque (at what rpms) is most changed. I would guess in the 4000-6000 range.
And if it gets an added 6.8 HP and 7.2 ft-lbs torque for a "modded car" (has the cold air intake/pulley/ECU) then what about with just a stock MCS with say just an intake- would that car get less or more difference. (the answer is more but by how much).
Looks are great.
Price is higher than I had hoped.
Performance is good.
It is a good question to ask where the torque (at what rpms) is most changed. I would guess in the 4000-6000 range.
And if it gets an added 6.8 HP and 7.2 ft-lbs torque for a "modded car" (has the cold air intake/pulley/ECU) then what about with just a stock MCS with say just an intake- would that car get less or more difference. (the answer is more but by how much).
Banned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,782
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From: los angeles/san francisco
hehe finally
ok now i knwo what to buy
the only concern..is it significanty louder than the borla?
also on the freeway, off throttle..is it pretty quiet?
lay it on me, before i place the order
ok now i knwo what to buy
the only concern..is it significanty louder than the borla?
also on the freeway, off throttle..is it pretty quiet?
lay it on me, before i place the order
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Temporarily Banned
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,382
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From: Denver
It pretty much takes the curve and moves it up the y-axis. The peak torque is almost exactly at 4000RPM.
It is true that a stock car would probably get a bit more of a gain than this car, which has the intake, throttle body, pulley, water-air intercooler, plasma booster, stock header (for this testing), and the ECU, but until I do the testing, I couldn't say without making an outright guess what the difference would be. All I can say is that the Magnaflow made around 11-12 hp on a stock car and during this round with the car in the above state, it made 9. It could be assumed that the difference is 2-3 horsepower, but we all know what assuming does!
I have to check on the warranty - I know there is one, but I don't know how long it is.
Hope that helps!
Randy
It is true that a stock car would probably get a bit more of a gain than this car, which has the intake, throttle body, pulley, water-air intercooler, plasma booster, stock header (for this testing), and the ECU, but until I do the testing, I couldn't say without making an outright guess what the difference would be. All I can say is that the Magnaflow made around 11-12 hp on a stock car and during this round with the car in the above state, it made 9. It could be assumed that the difference is 2-3 horsepower, but we all know what assuming does!
I have to check on the warranty - I know there is one, but I don't know how long it is.
Hope that helps!
Randy
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga, CA
Randy,
This looks like the system for me. I was very close to buying the NRP, but the tips are not really tips, and not much power. The Magnaflow, great power, sound issues (that I think I would be okay with), and tips that would probably grow on me. Now, the UUC, good power and great looking tips (nice overall design as well). Now, it is a question of cost, is the UUC really worth the cost premium over the other two systems? That is the question probably for many of us. I could sure use the savings towards some better tires. I will call you to discuss.
This looks like the system for me. I was very close to buying the NRP, but the tips are not really tips, and not much power. The Magnaflow, great power, sound issues (that I think I would be okay with), and tips that would probably grow on me. Now, the UUC, good power and great looking tips (nice overall design as well). Now, it is a question of cost, is the UUC really worth the cost premium over the other two systems? That is the question probably for many of us. I could sure use the savings towards some better tires. I will call you to discuss.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 0
From: Uniontown, PA
Nice post Randy. Look at the inside of the tips... thats why this system isn't quite as loud, nor does it have the drown of the Magnaflow. Those holes are for anti-revirberation (sp?) REALLY like it but, IMO cost is about $150.00 too high. Get that bad-boy down to the $700 area and they won't beable to make them fast enough.
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From: Denver
It is louder than the Borla, but in a different way. It doesn't offend. That's the best way I think I can put it.
As for the cost, yep that's a downside, but I think it is warranted. Some of the other high end systems are above that mark - the B&B for example. This one looks pretty and makes good numbers. It also incorporates a better design philosophy than the other systems in its hanging and attachments.
Hope that helps.
As for the cost, yep that's a downside, but I think it is warranted. Some of the other high end systems are above that mark - the B&B for example. This one looks pretty and makes good numbers. It also incorporates a better design philosophy than the other systems in its hanging and attachments.
Hope that helps.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Well the long awaited exhuast is finally here :smile:
Seems it's most of what it's supposed to be.
Decent power gains....comfortable volume... nice torque numbers :smile:
There is always a trade off between volume and power...
There's no getting round that !!!!!!
NO DRONE..is a good thing :smile:
Everyone go buy one ... :smile:
Run!!!!!
Now****
GO+++++
Peace,
D
Seems it's most of what it's supposed to be.
Decent power gains....comfortable volume... nice torque numbers :smile:
There is always a trade off between volume and power...
There's no getting round that !!!!!!
NO DRONE..is a good thing :smile:
Everyone go buy one ... :smile:
Run!!!!!
Now****
GO+++++
Peace,
D
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>Damn, I had the money two weeks ago.
Where did the money go? Did you follow it? Is it easy to reach?
>>NO DRONE..is a good thing
>>Everyone go buy one ...
>>Run!!!!!
>>Now****
>>GO+++++
Are you suggesting we pay very high prices for this when for less than $100 I could chop off half my stock MCS exhaust and put an L shaped connector from the straightpipe to the muffler and get something that will work until the prices fall for the UUC? This mod was described in another thread.
Really, the cost and this huge delay in product availability were the major hurdles for the UUC.
Where did the money go? Did you follow it? Is it easy to reach?
>>NO DRONE..is a good thing
>>Everyone go buy one ...
>>Run!!!!!
>>Now****
>>GO+++++
Are you suggesting we pay very high prices for this when for less than $100 I could chop off half my stock MCS exhaust and put an L shaped connector from the straightpipe to the muffler and get something that will work until the prices fall for the UUC? This mod was described in another thread.
Really, the cost and this huge delay in product availability were the major hurdles for the UUC.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
>>Are you suggesting we pay very high prices for this when for less than $100 I could chop off half my stock MCS exhaust and put an L shaped connector from the straightpipe to the muffler and get something that will work until the prices fall for the UUC? This mod was described in another thread.
>>
>>Really, the cost and this huge delay in product availability were the major hurdles for the UUC.
>> :smile:
a Borla sport which I paid $575 delivers approx 5 HP= $115 per
a UUC which costs $875 delivers approx 7 HP= $125 per
If the UUC came down to $575 I'd sell my Borla today and clamp on the UUC.
IMHO....I think all of the exhaust are too expensive....especially for the numbers you receive in both HP & torque.
I can go ..on & on...& on.... about my feelings regarding exhausts because it is truly more subjective than most other mods.
I've had 4 different exhausts on my MCS. Yes FOUR!!!!
All exhausts offer up a compromise of volume vs. power increase.
Both the pulley & the ECU re-map make economic sence to me. It's simply power vs. money spent. Do you want to spend the money or not?????
The exhaust upgrade to IMHO is more than not ....a very personal decision.
Here..w/ an exhaust..... another variable is introduced. ...
Can you live with the increase volume /drone that accompanies this mod????
Again..it's a personal ..choice :smile:
If someone would like to buy my $575 Borla street for $875..... ..I'll certainly purchase the new UUC :smile:
Otherwise...
I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY...... w/ my $575 Borla Street... w/ my 5 hp gain and a modest volume increase, and absolutely no drone, and modest the torque increase and a price that was reasonable to me...personally :smile:
Peace,
D
>>
>>Really, the cost and this huge delay in product availability were the major hurdles for the UUC.
>> :smile:
a Borla sport which I paid $575 delivers approx 5 HP= $115 per
a UUC which costs $875 delivers approx 7 HP= $125 per
If the UUC came down to $575 I'd sell my Borla today and clamp on the UUC.
IMHO....I think all of the exhaust are too expensive....especially for the numbers you receive in both HP & torque.
I can go ..on & on...& on.... about my feelings regarding exhausts because it is truly more subjective than most other mods.
I've had 4 different exhausts on my MCS. Yes FOUR!!!!
All exhausts offer up a compromise of volume vs. power increase.
Both the pulley & the ECU re-map make economic sence to me. It's simply power vs. money spent. Do you want to spend the money or not?????
The exhaust upgrade to IMHO is more than not ....a very personal decision.
Here..w/ an exhaust..... another variable is introduced. ...
Can you live with the increase volume /drone that accompanies this mod????
Again..it's a personal ..choice :smile:
If someone would like to buy my $575 Borla street for $875..... ..I'll certainly purchase the new UUC :smile:
Otherwise...
I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY...... w/ my $575 Borla Street... w/ my 5 hp gain and a modest volume increase, and absolutely no drone, and modest the torque increase and a price that was reasonable to me...personally :smile:
Peace,
D
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Highland Village TX
Well said d-mini-ero,
Question for you , gotta wonder how much di-n-ero you lost in swapping out the previous 3 exhausts to get to number 4?
The scary thing for me is that while I'm waiting for my MCS to come in I'm way into the "Spend" mode. I cut back on some accessories from the dealer and have a couple of grand budgeted for after market goodies. I feel like I'm a kid in a candy shop each time I get on line. The list keeps getting longer and the balance smaller!
peace to you also
Question for you , gotta wonder how much di-n-ero you lost in swapping out the previous 3 exhausts to get to number 4?
The scary thing for me is that while I'm waiting for my MCS to come in I'm way into the "Spend" mode. I cut back on some accessories from the dealer and have a couple of grand budgeted for after market goodies. I feel like I'm a kid in a candy shop each time I get on line. The list keeps getting longer and the balance smaller!
peace to you also
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
>>Well said d-mini-ero,
Thanko :smile:
>>Question for you , gotta wonder how much di-n-ero you lost in swapping out the previous 3 exhausts to get to number 4? :smile:
>>peace to you also
Peace,
D
Thanko :smile:
>>Question for you , gotta wonder how much di-n-ero you lost in swapping out the previous 3 exhausts to get to number 4? :smile:
>>peace to you also
Peace,
D
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Highland Village TX
D,
>>I just did a quick calculation and my best guess is approx $400...LOST!!!!
>>
>>
Ouch! Guess that's why I spend so much time on these forums. Learning from the experiences of others. Well the real reason I spend so much time on line is that I don't have my MCS yet so I must Motor vicariously through others!
>>
>>air intake, pulley, ecu re-map.... in that order is IMHO..the best bang for your buck :smile:
>>
Similar to what I've heard from others. One significant difference is the school of thought that it doesn't matter how much HP you can get if you aren't getting it to the pavement so go with sway bar and spring mods first. You gotta love diversity!
Your input is much appreciated.
>>I just did a quick calculation and my best guess is approx $400...LOST!!!!
>>
>>
Ouch! Guess that's why I spend so much time on these forums. Learning from the experiences of others. Well the real reason I spend so much time on line is that I don't have my MCS yet so I must Motor vicariously through others!
>>
>>air intake, pulley, ecu re-map.... in that order is IMHO..the best bang for your buck :smile:
>>
Similar to what I've heard from others. One significant difference is the school of thought that it doesn't matter how much HP you can get if you aren't getting it to the pavement so go with sway bar and spring mods first. You gotta love diversity!
Your input is much appreciated.
Neutral
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I just installed mine and the sound is great w/ a nice burble on overrun and not too loud( of course, one of my other cars is an air-cooled 911)The car seem to pull noticeably stronger above 4,000 rpm t o redline. No drone, no rattles, simple install.
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
>>Actually I was yet again...joking minihume :smile:
I know. But,since you have the most experience of all of us about actually having the various exhausts. I sorta sounded like a commandent from "moses-D".
>>a Borla sport which I paid $575 delivers approx 5 HP= $115 per
>>a UUC which costs $875 delivers approx 7 HP= $125 per
>>
>>If the UUC came down to $575 I'd sell my Borla today and clamp on the UUC.
>>IMHO....I think all of the exhaust are too expensive....especially for the numbers you receive in both HP & torque.
>>I can go ..on & on...& on.... about my feelings regarding exhausts because it is truly more subjective than most other mods.
>>
>>I've had 4 different exhausts on my MCS. Yes FOUR!!!!
That speaks for itself. Tons of real life experience.
>>All exhausts offer up a compromise of volume vs. power increase.
>>Both the pulley & the ECU re-map make economic sence to me. It's simply power vs. money spent. Do you want to spend the money or not?????
>>
>>The exhaust upgrade to IMHO is more than not ....a very personal decision.
>>Here..w/ an exhaust..... another variable is introduced. ...
>>Can you live with the increase volume /drone that accompanies this mod????
>>Again..it's a personal ..choice :smile:
I absolutely agree. That is why listening and maybe driving a MINI with the exhaust you would like is a really good thing to do. Don't steal anyone's MINI to accomplish this exercise. Ask politely.
>>If someone would like to buy my $575 Borla street for $875..... ..I'll certainly purchase the new UUC :smile:
>>Otherwise...
>>I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY...... w/ my $575 Borla Street... w/ my 5 hp gain and a modest volume increase, and absolutely no drone, and modest the torque increase and a price that was reasonable to me...personally :smile:
My gut feeling, D. Is that the Borla street is perfect for you and that switching to UUC might be a tad risky for you. Just for the noise issue. Sure you can get a bit more performance but it is such a small amount more given you already have the Borla. Looks are a different matter. Good thing our exhausts do not ride on our roofs. I'd be getting two UUCs to put up there. It looks like I could make beer out of one end.
And the $400 you spent? I chalk it up to gaining knowledge and wisdom of doing exhaust mods and for knowing that you actually did try them on for the best fit. Few can do that and we appreciate you filling us in from the end user's point of view which is totally valid and really is where most of us come from.
I bow to your greatness oh noble big D!
_________________
ALOHA
I know. But,since you have the most experience of all of us about actually having the various exhausts. I sorta sounded like a commandent from "moses-D".
>>a Borla sport which I paid $575 delivers approx 5 HP= $115 per
>>a UUC which costs $875 delivers approx 7 HP= $125 per
>>
>>If the UUC came down to $575 I'd sell my Borla today and clamp on the UUC.
>>IMHO....I think all of the exhaust are too expensive....especially for the numbers you receive in both HP & torque.
>>I can go ..on & on...& on.... about my feelings regarding exhausts because it is truly more subjective than most other mods.
>>
>>I've had 4 different exhausts on my MCS. Yes FOUR!!!!
That speaks for itself. Tons of real life experience.
>>All exhausts offer up a compromise of volume vs. power increase.
>>Both the pulley & the ECU re-map make economic sence to me. It's simply power vs. money spent. Do you want to spend the money or not?????
>>
>>The exhaust upgrade to IMHO is more than not ....a very personal decision.
>>Here..w/ an exhaust..... another variable is introduced. ...
>>Can you live with the increase volume /drone that accompanies this mod????
>>Again..it's a personal ..choice :smile:
I absolutely agree. That is why listening and maybe driving a MINI with the exhaust you would like is a really good thing to do. Don't steal anyone's MINI to accomplish this exercise. Ask politely.
>>If someone would like to buy my $575 Borla street for $875..... ..I'll certainly purchase the new UUC :smile:
>>Otherwise...
>>I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY...... w/ my $575 Borla Street... w/ my 5 hp gain and a modest volume increase, and absolutely no drone, and modest the torque increase and a price that was reasonable to me...personally :smile:
My gut feeling, D. Is that the Borla street is perfect for you and that switching to UUC might be a tad risky for you. Just for the noise issue. Sure you can get a bit more performance but it is such a small amount more given you already have the Borla. Looks are a different matter. Good thing our exhausts do not ride on our roofs. I'd be getting two UUCs to put up there. It looks like I could make beer out of one end.
And the $400 you spent? I chalk it up to gaining knowledge and wisdom of doing exhaust mods and for knowing that you actually did try them on for the best fit. Few can do that and we appreciate you filling us in from the end user's point of view which is totally valid and really is where most of us come from.
I bow to your greatness oh noble big D!
_________________
ALOHA