I'm not savvy about exhausts.. at all. I'm just looking for something that will turn heads when I start my MINI (2013 R56 S). Don't want anything obnoxious, just something that is low, deep, and makes someone think "hmm, that car has an exhaust". I also want something functional. I had been looking into intakes (another thread for another time but long story short) and it seems the stock intake (or JCW) is the most functional for the car. Unfortunately they are quiet but I don't want to hurt functionality for sound.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the Magnaflow. I've heard both it and the JCW and prefer the sound of the Magnaflow. I also like the price. I just want to know that it is providing the same or more functionality that my stock exhaust is providing.

Then there's the JCW. It's probably the most functional since it was designed by MINI engineers. But it's kind of quiet for my tastes. At idle, it's silent (as much as the stock exhaust, I feel). Plus, if I do that, I might as well do the JCW tuning kit and then we're getting up there in price. As I said, it's probably the most functional of all.

Finally, Milltek. I haven't heard one in person (on an R56) but I'm hearing good reviews. Just thought I would throw it into the mix.

I'm really looking for thoughts, suggestions, and some real world experiences. Facts, opinions, let them loose. Thanks in advance.

 

Ditto. But on 2009 Clubman S

 

Just cut out the mufflers, it is cheap, effective and sounds great.

 

Get the JCW then. My magnaflow is a little too loud after 80mph. But I still manage to go past that because I love the deep sound it has. I am actually looking to go towards the JCW exhaust by ordering the JCW muffler sometime after November since my hands are tied up with other mods.

 

My JCW exhaust is definitely louder /deeper on idle over stock. It makes a nice snarl on rev and the pop and burble is present at around 2500rpms. It sounds great and sounds better over time.

I went with JCW because it is covered under Mini warranty. I have no regrets.

 

I have a magnaflow with 3in pipe all the way up to the down pipe and i love the sound, it's nice and loud but it doesnt sound obnoxious like a honda.

 

I honestly love the sound of my ALTA JCW 3" Downpipe exhaust upgrade. Nothing too obnoxious but has a nice growly deep tone. here's a vid i have on youtube (my channel has my stock exhaust and then the alta vids).

No CELs or issues yet, have had it for about 2 weeks now.

 

If you want another solid option that isn't quite as expensive as the Magnaflow and the JCW exhausts, look at the Invidia. That is what I recently installed (on an 08 R56), and I have to say I'm nothing but impressed. It is a full downpipe back exhaust and eliminates the factory second cat (not needed at all), which I'm not sure the JCW does. At idle it has a deeper rumble to it, especially on cold starts (my favorite), and at any other then full throttle, it is a little deeper but not obnoxious to cause headaches. And at 75+ MPH on the highway, you won't even notice you changed exhausts. Perfect combo in my opinion.

 

The Invidia is good for the price and is a complete exhaust, so def look at it.

I'd avoid just doing rear muffler sections like the Magnaflow,Borla or JCW stage 1. Those just change the muffler and won't give you much sound.

The NM Downpipe back is another good choice.

Milltek is not very loud.

Akrapovic is not very loud, but sounds good and fits perfect.

 

Invidia cat back + catless DP = epic!

 

Low, deep, and turns heads. That is the Akrapovic. It is a distinct deep sound compared to all the other exhaust systems.

 

Figured I would post an update on my original thread. I ended up going with Magnaflow (I just couldn't pass up the amazing deal and I was itching for something aftermarket vs. JCW for whatever reason). As WMW posted, the Magnaflow didn't give me as much sound as I was hoping for. As I said, I didn't want anything obnoxious but it is quieter than I thought it would be. Other than that? I love it. At idle, it's a beautiful low tone (he purrs now). And when I accelerate, I can hear it (but a passerby might not look my way). Opposite of what I thought, it is actually louder after I've been driving (and everything is warm) vs. cold start. I've got about 2000 miles on it since the install and overall I'm happy. Plus I think the exhaust tips look mean!

 

What is the ideal tube diameter for a moderately tuned N14 engine? NM Engineering, whom I trust is 60mm and I see some at 2.5" and others at 3.0". I've heard if you go to big, you lose low end torque - a bad thing for every-day driveability.

 

2.5" is the best compromise. You'll need the JCW turbo or bigger to get big gains from a 3" system.

 

Way, I see the warning that the Akrapovic might not be legal in all states but don't see the same warning on the Invidia. Any additional advice here on both of these? I live in Missouri. Also, what about warranty issues with either of these?

 

I'm pretty sure that warning is for down pipe purposes.

I love my combo of Akrapovic DP and VIP Custom DP-back. Deep V-8ish rumble.

 

I said before that your iPe exhaust was a waste, but thinking about it now, I'm wondering how sweet the car would sound with an iPe catback matted to a catless dp...

 

I have the invidia on mine with the first res deleted. not to bad on highway but can defintley hear it