We finally got to install an exhaust on a convertible today: the long-awaited Milltek. We snapped some shots of the install, which was pretty straight forward. As usual the Milltek fit like a glove. With four jack stands and some basic hand tools, this is a job that can be tackled in the driveway--or you can pay me $75 to do it and go drink free craft brewed beer at Yards (http://www.yardsbrewing.com/) while you wait.

The only difference between the Milltek for the coupe and convertible is the mid-exhaust bends to clear the extra under-car bracketry that exists on the convertible. This is much like the '05 and later stock exhaust, which has that bend whether you have a hard or soft top. One other improvement over the coupe exhaust is that Milltek has eliminated the second flange, just before the battery box split. I know people like that, but I prefer a slip fitting with a high quality band clamp: you get more adjustability.

Here's a couple of hints for the weekend warrior to avoid some pitfalls:

-When removing the stock exhaust, first pop off the goofy radial brakets for the convertible, but dont loosen the fastener that holds the brackets together: take them off as a single piece.

-build the Milltek from front-to-back, once you've cleared out the stock mess.



-Don't tighten the rear band clamp until the radial brackets are back in, or else it may end up hitting the bracket like this:



It's better to clock the clamp a little and later bend away any interfering heat shield.



-Never, ever go naked with cowboy boots. Here's Elliot realizing that with a MINI Mechanic for a dad, he might need a night job :
(warning- this image is graphic )
http://www.helix13.com/html/images/g...ture%20328.jpg


-finally, when all of the exhaust fasteners are tight and back together, go from front-to-back with a pry bar (zee persvader) and clearance any heat shield that may rub the exhaust.



The sound is exactly the same as the coupe exhaust: A nice mid-level volume with an emphasis on low rpm bass.