Hey, have any of you guys removed your resonator? I'm thinking about getting mine removed, I want my car a little louder, but not obnoxiously loud. I wanted to know if anyone could recommend a good shop to take it. Also please let me know what you think about removing the resonator in general. Thanks

 

The first gen MCS equipped with stock, doing the One Ball Mod, it only added some pop and burble. R53 equipped with JCW, bit more snap crackle and pop and some highway drone if JCW or tuned.

I have heard a first gen MCS with a Stock 2nd gen exhaust with no resonator and it wasn't for the faint of heart....omg it was loud.

Due to the R56's having a Turbo, they are bit louder when resonator is removed but not as loud as that R53 which performed that mod. I have seen a few R56 JCW's with resonator delete and while it is louder than mine, sounded terrific IMO. But I suspect with that, some highway drone is prevelent.

It would probably best just to hook up with a MINI club and go for a ride with a member who has performed this exhaust surgery.

 

Thanks for the quick reply, you're right I will need to meet up with some others to check out how they sound. I don't want the sound to draw too much attention to myself, I already have a hard time with Jersey cops.

 

I had my resonator removed by local Midas shop for around $45. The change in exhaust tone was just right for me, only slightly louder, but a big improvement over stock R56 exhaust. I like to be able to hear and feel the car perform especially when driving hard on the twisties and at the track and this simple mod helped a lot.

 

I removed the resonator on my 03 r53 and love the sound (don't mind saving the 20+ pounds either), it's more rich than before and deffinetly worth the 50 bucks. However when I really step on it, I can't hear the exhaust over the CAI (I have the cravenspeed which is similar to the alta); I don't think you'll have any trouble with the police. Check out YouTube for some sound clips, there are some good samples on there. Good luck!

 

Two problems in NJ...It's loud in the R56 and the NJ Cops.

 

NJ Car inspection also...

Why not just put a custom Magnaflow setup?

 

Probably the prudent way to go. I think the Factory JCW exhaust is different than the R56--S exhaust. So obtaining input on removal of the resonator from non-factory JCW exhaust systems is not going to benefit you. I responded to your posting on another thread. Truly not for the meek. Suggestion, PM me. If you provide a cell # I will call and have you listen to my exhaust (resonator deleted). Cold start, idle, low rpm's Interstate speed. Not perfect solution--but it will either scare you away or have you rushing to a muffler shop. Nick

 

I went Magnaflow on the exhaust, straight pipe, obx headers, Injen intake on my r50.
Got a code for not having a cat. The car sounds amazing, drives great feels alot stronger.
If it wasnt for the service engine light I'd leave it the way it is but since it came on, Im getting a Magnaflow catalytic converter. Should have it in by the next week or so.
Im up in North Jersey by the way, havent gotten stopped by the cops

 

Thanks for all the replies.

Double Nick - I appreciate the input, I will keep this in mind and PM if needed.

 

This is rediculous, I went to Midas and Meineke for estimates and they're saying anywhere between 100-150. I don't get how other people are only paying around 50....

 

I went to Midas first too. They told me I had to wait two hours and it would cost 140. I found a local shop and had it welded and finished 45 min later for $50, thanks To Fer's mufflers in Dallas. Local shops rock!

 

I am not having any luck. I called another place yesterday and they said $120. Maybe it's just a Jersey thing?

 

Their charging for fabricating a straight pipe to take it place. For the R53 MINISPEED(no longer in bus.) sold a delete pipe in stainless but it was like 90 bucks. Nice thing about that was it bolted right in. I ran it for a while but it was too loud so I welded the resonator back in and sold the delete pipe.

 

thanks Mr. Jim. I may end up just paying the $100 because no one seems to be doing it for less.

 

ECP Auto Service
12 Somme St
Newark, NJ
973-589-5871

Ask for Frank Da Silva, Owner (MINI Owner Also)

He does my work on my R52; oil changes, tire changes including RFs, one ball mod, mount lower brace, suspension work.

Frank is more than fare.

He's on vacation for labor day. His brother, RUI, is the tuner.

 

Thanks for the suggestion MINI#1. This would be pretty far from me actually, pushing 45-50 min.
I couldn't wait any longer and I was tired of searching around so I ended up getting it done last Friday at a Meineke in my town. I basically paid more than every person on this forum, but it's whatever. I love the way it turned out and it sounds pretty awesome.

 

This thread will help:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...or-delete.html

I had mine done at a very reasonable price at KC' s Kustom exhaust in Ramsey, NJ: http://kcscustomexhaust.com/

 

Hey everyone. Im new to the forums. I just got a new mini cooper. Its the base model so no turbo and i absolutely love it. I was thinking of going with a straight pipe from my cat. Would i still be able to pass emissions. I live in California. Thanks for your time guys.