Is there a performance exhaust system made for a Cooper Cabrio? Lots of choices for the S and some choices for a Cooper (non-cabrio), but I can't find anything for the Cooper Cabrio. Maybe some of the ones for the Cooper can be modified to work on a Cabrio? Anyone know?

 

Cabrio-friendly exhausts have an extra hump in them to clear a factory brace under the car. Both Borla and Miltek have cabrio-specific fitments, and I'm sure there are others as well.


Scott

 

Yes, I have seen cabrio-specific exhausts for the S, but not for the Cooper. With only one pipe coming out the back I would have to modify the bumper valance to accommodate.

 

The exhaust from the JCW Sound Kit fits. The Sound Kit is $1100 MSRP and also includes an intake and ECU remap, but the exhaust can probably be ordered separately with the right part number.

Not a great picture, but here it is on my cabrio:

 

So do you have the whole sound kit installed? How is it? Worth the $$$? I see Morristown has it for $895 but that is a local price only. How much was the installation?

 

Yes I have the whole Sound Kit. The dealer installed it before I took delivery, and I paid full price along with about two hours installation. Total cost was around $1300 and it was rolled into my car purchase financing.

I like the Sound Kit a lot and would get it again. It sounds good (as you can hear from the audio review link above) and also looks good. It adds only a few additional net horsepower, but from what I understand this is about all that can be expected from upgrading the intake and exhaust on a non-S Cooper. The main performance benefit is improved engine response. If you search on NAM and MINI2.com for "jcw sound kit" (search on posts rather than threads for a better selection of hits), you'll find that owners are very happy with it. The Sound Kit is discussed more on MINI2 because they have more Cooper owners than on NAM.

Is it worth the money? For an intake, exhaust, and ECU upgrade, the price of the Sound Kit is about what I would expect for a factory product from MINI. Aftermarket equivalent components will have more aggressive performance goals (or claim of) at a lower price. You have to balance your choice according to budget, performance goal, and confidence in the quality and support.

 

I totally agree!!!

BTW, MINI_Bee, I replied to your PM.