Hey guys! This is my first legitimate post next to the 1st gear post. Anyways! Just got a R56 JCW about 2 months ago and I want to do a Catback pretty soon. I don't want anything obnoxiously loud, just something with a little more sound. I was thinking about either the Invidia Q300 or going custom. If I do go custom, I definitely want a resonator and a performance muffler of some sort, but what size pipe should I use? 3" sounds to big, but I was thinking 2.5" or 2.75". Which option do you think I should go with, and why?

 

Go with the iPE exhaust and take control of your exhaust volume destiny! haha

http://www.ipe-f1.com/products.php?b...12637171548172

 

Looks and sounds like its outta my price range xP

 

Do you know if any of those parts can be purchased separately?

 

There are lots of sound clips and threads on here. Search around a bit to see what you are looking for. Depending on your budget, you have a bunch of options. I assume that you are looking for more sound, but there may also be some performance to be gained (depending on who you believe). Since your JCW has no second cat, you will be looking for a downpipe back system. High end systems like the IPE and Akropovik (sp?) are north of $1500 for a system, but they are supposed to work well. NM engineering has a good reputation, some people like magnaflow, militek, and Borla. There is a nice looking Invidia on the market now as well.
There is also the option of replacing the downpipe, companies make them without a cat, or with a high flow cat. Either downpipe option will cause a CEL. According to what I have read, downpipes have the potential to increase performance, especially if a tune is performed.
Also, you can likely sell your factory JCW exhaust system, several people are looking for one (including myself). That may tell you something as well, though.

I had a stratmosphere exhaust that sounded awesome, but resonated too much for me. That is probably the most common complaint about aftermarket exhaust systems.

It is probably best for you to spend a few hours on youtube listening to exhaust clips, and searching through old threads. As you read the threads, note the signatures of the people posting. If someone has an exhaust listed, they are probably willing to answer a PM about it. It's better to do some research, there is a vast amount of options out there.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Fantastic! Thank you very much! Yeah I just want a little more sound, nothing over baring haha and yes I was going to sell my JCW exhaust after I got a good cat back. I found a shop here that does good custom work so I was thinkin of going that route. I'm budgeting myself to around $600. I figure if I go custom and pick out a muffler and a resonator myself and had the shop do the piping and labor I should be around or under that $600 mark.

 

Yeah, it is a pretty simple exhaust. Going rate on the JCW is about $450, so you will recoup most of your cost if you choose wisely on your initial product. Don't forget some nice tips, they look great on a MINI.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Wow, a used JCW exhaust goes for that much? Nice! Well I'll definitely be selling it then haha that will get me an intake too! Or a Radar Detector... tough choice haha

 

Being a new mini owner my opinion is based solely on my last car, and not on a mini, if that makes any damn sense lol. I had an Invidia on my S2000 (I know how a lot of you feel about Hondas, LOL, but I'm not the ricer type LOL), and it had a nice sound, but resonated BADLY. Speaking with others that have used and Invidia on their car, be it Honda or some other make, they all agree that it resonates badly.

Mike

 

I cut off my muffler and threw in a straight pipe. It's still pretty quiet...

 

A muffler shop may not like that you cut out their profit margin by bringing the parts yourself... just sayin...

 

Idk why, take no offense, but I lol'd when the water spewed out unexpectedly. Sounds good though!