i have a 2010 mini cooper s hard top, mt, with a k&n intake on it. im looking for an exhaust and im lost. im looking for he best power gains and price, i would like it to sound like an sti iv herd some sound clips on you tube. but power is the most important. size is really confusing me becaust they go from 2.5"-3" but all claim thy are the best and 3" seams to big for a little car. i dont plan on doing much more than intake and exhaust its my daily driver. baisicly whats the best exhaust for my car?

 

I shall answer your question through interpretive dance:



Did you get the message? But seriously, there are literally at least 100 threads about this. Each of them give the pros and cons of each exhaust. In the end, you aren't going to get major major power gains from an exhaust anyway. That being said, a downpipe will help in addition to an exhaust but you'll be throwing CEL codes for sure. If you want real power, go for a tune. I know you're new to the forum, but do yourself a favor and use the search function in the upper right corner of the page. Knowledge is power, friend.

 

Since your not gonna get any real gains from a catback exhaust anyways, I would search the various youtube videos of exhaust setups out there, find one you like, and then go to your local muffler shop and have them install your muffler of choice w/2.5 or 3 inch tubing.

You can usually get a custom catback exhaust welded up locally for around $250-$300 dollars as opposed to paying double that for one online.

 

Noob to noob slap down. Sweet!

 

@ the video...

If you want STi sound....get an Invidia.

 

I prefer the term "lurker"

 

Or buy one!! I miss mine! : (

 

....it really is amazing how similar they do sound to an STi though, considering we're a 1.6 inline motor. Mine sounds like if an STi had sex with an VW/Audi 2.0T haha.

My neighbor has an Stage 2 '07 STi and he absolutely goes crazy over the MINI lol. Even when my car was essentially stock, he was so impressed by it. Now with my latest goodies and 20psi, he's sold.

I've driven his STi plenty and its certainly a beast...but its just so loud and uncomfortable to drive everyday. He has a 4" catless DP, with a 3" straight through exhaust....haha it's silly how loud it is.

 

Haha, I hear ya on that one. The MINI is sooo much more comfortable. I do miss the power in the STi. Mine was a Stage 2 also with the SPT exhaust and an Invidia high flow cat. It wasn't too loud and had just the right amount of rumble. But you're right, some of the MINIs do sound like a Subaru.

 

What would be the sound difference from an Invidia and a stratmosphere like how would you describe it if youve heard both?

 

The Invidia is one of the deepest exhausts you can get for the car...deep, bassy, with a good bit of volume on the exterior, but not too loud inside

The Strat sounds awesome too, but its a more "racey" sound. Has more of a snarl to it...and it is has a lot of volume.

My opinion!

 

Yea the strat is loud lol even in the interior which is kind of why I regret trading my JCW for it. I do love the way it sounds from outside though.