I have had my 2005 MCS for six months now and although the stock exhaust sounds great its a little quiet. A couple other MINI owners suggested the "One Ball" exhaust mod or straight pipes to increase the volume without spending too much money. I know its more beneficial to just spend $500+ for a full exhaust from Alta or Milltek but I'm a college freshman with a tight budget. I want to know if there are any drawbacks from removing mufflers, and how loud it would make the car. (This is my first thread too, by the way.)

 

One ball isn't loud enough, there's a thread about the eBay exhaust which has decent reviews aside from fitment issues.

 

Most exh shops will do the one ball mod for under $100 so it's not bad. Will remove some good weight and give you a little more sound. Yes it would be better to save and get a good quality exhaust, but in the meantime it's not a bad thing to do.

 

for people who want more sound, the one ball never satisfies, granted it drops about 25 lbs of weight. the one ball increases sound about 2-3 db, which isn't much, the real difference is the pop and burble, its a bit more pronounced.

 

...and the sound isn't particularly good, removing the resonator just makes it a little more raspy. Take your time and save for the Milltek: it's worth it.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...st-thread.html
Check it out

 

If you do head with the milltek you can get it with and without the resonator, so it gives you an options.

Milltek on sale and free ship.

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_R53_Copper_S_JCW_Milltek_Performance_Exhaust_ Systems_2002_2003_2004_2005_2006/




Non res Milltek

 

Have a non-resonated Milltek and I love the sound.
I would save and get the Milltek.