Anyone have an inexpensive solution for replacing mufflers? I'm in Grad school, so the cost of a real replacement is prohibitive.

2003 R53 MCS, roughly 85K on the car.

Drivers-side muffler is split at the seam
Passenger-side muffler is losing the heat shield
Pipes look OK, but there's so much noise I really can't tell if there's pinholes.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Thomas

 

Well the cheapest way to go would be to have a cheap garage with a torch try to weld it up. May not last the life of the car but could buy you a few years. I had that done on an older car I had. Cost about $50. Lasted for 3 years until I sold it...

 

Your options are kind of limited unfortunately. You either have to repair or replace. I am not sure if you have a stock exhaust system but one side is the resonator and the other is the muffler itself. You might do a thread search for "one ball mod" (there are many). If your muffler is in good shape its worth considering doing. If your muffler is shot and cant be repaired then the one ball mod is impossible unless you purchase a replacement. The cheapest option I know of is muffler repair putty. It can be purchased at most auto parts stores for a few bucks and dries hard but I wouldnt rely on it as a permanent fix.

PS: PM me if your muffler is shot. I have an old OBX racing exhaust system taking up space in my garage.

 

another sad commentary on MINI build quality.

Altho I sold my 1995 Miata few years ago I know the person who bought it - and the exhaust system is going strong

Possibly the difference is environmental ... but the Miata has see snow and salt water coastal environs . . .

 

Ask around your local MINI club, people are always installing aftermarket exhausts and prob have a good stock exhaust laying around real cheap.

 

If its the passenger side "muffler" thats going, just have an exhaust shop remove it and re route the exhaust to only come out the other muffler. Its called a one ball mod and makes the exhaust a bit louder and makes more backfires when you let off.

 

Where are you located? There's a full exhaust system in the classified section, located in Pelham, NH for B.O.

 

Yep - as others have said, find your Mini locals and ask around... I picked up a new stock R53 exhaust last week for $250, after my original unit failed the same way yours has. Calgary is definitely NOT Mini central, but there's enough owners to form a small community!

 

where are you located? I have an OEM catback with 22000 miles on it in my attic from my 03/2004 MCS for cheap---

 

He seems to be from Milwaukee.

 

The one ball mod is well worth what a shop charges. Excellent sound and might be a good solution

 

Maybe go with an used OEM MCS exhaust from somebody here on NAM, or if you want to buy a decent high performance cat-back that won't break the bank, I recommend the Scorpion exhaust available from Bavarian Autosport (I think it was also marketed as a Milltek here in the States). I've had mine on for over 100k and while my hearing may have suffered, the stainless steel exhaust is still going strong.

Here's a link to Bavauto:

http://www.bavauto.com/

 

There is a complete cat back system on ebay for around $250 shipped. it is all stainless steel. i dont know how well they perform though. someone on here could have more input on ebay exhaust.

 

I have a perfect working 2006 OEM exhaust I'd let go for cheap. I also have an excellent condition Alta Sport exhaust. I live in TN. PM me if you are interested!

 

There's a new Mini shop in Pasadena, MD.
Read about it in MC2.
www.oxspeed.com
They've got an aftermarket stainless for only $340... Cheapest I've seen.

 

Hey thanks for the Reference. We do sell the IE exhaust, It's a good quality product with a nice and simple install. If you have any questions about it drop us a line always here to help