I recently purchased a '12 MCS and really enjoyed every bit of the car. The one feature I liked a lot was the exhaust pops during deceleration in Sport mode.

I recently took it in for a service and the dealer did a software update and now the exhaust pops have almost gone and I really miss it. It does come but very little... Any thoughts on how to bring back the pops without doing any mods?

I am assuming anyone who got a software update may have experienced the same.

Also my fuelly has dropped but may be too soon to tell.

 

Damn, if I could only be as lucky!!! Too bad software updates (never had a car that needed software updates before the Mini) would probably screw my tune.

 

The exhaust popping is kind of there now a bit subdued, but not like before. I really loved it before, but I guess I will have to do with what I got.

Any suggestions on simple mods to bring back the pops and maybe increase hp a little?

 

Go to your local muffler shop, and have your resonator and 2nd cat removed.
If your local authorities are against removing any cats, then just remove the resonator. This will cost $10 ~ $30.

Make sure you go to a reputable shop that is willing to weld in a 304 or 409 straight pipe in place of the removed components.
Don't go for anything less. Also, most shops with a nice shop lead will be willing to let you take a look at the finished welds.
I've seen class A welds from one place, and another shop that charged the same but yielded class F welds. (F for, well, you know..)
Just make sure you keep an eye on what you invested in.

Once both (or one) of those components are removed, you will be able to hear the pops and burbles.
And it will be even more pronounced with sport mode on

This also improves your power delivery ever so slightly. I don't have dyno'd results, but I've seen it somewhere.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Since I just brought the car I am hesitant on making any big mods, but may give it a try.

Since you seem to have done this, did it result in any drone or increased noise while cruising or low rpms ( than stock )?

 

So far I can tell you that there is a bit more drone when the engine is cold.
But that should be expected. Your engine and turbo probably doesn't like the cold oil either.

And after it warms up:
From idle to 3000rpm it's pure deep exhaust gurgling.
There is some drone from 3000rpm to 4000rpm.
After 4000rpm it's all turbo whine and angry grumbling mixed with slight backfire from all the shifting.

Since performance exhaust systems can cost $800+.
So yes, it's very nice for a relatively cheap mod.

 

Catless downpipe from way motor works. Got 50% now and I love it. Backfires like crazy if you're into it and nice growl and turbo spooling sounds.

 

Catless downpipe from way motor works. Got 50% now and I love it. Backfires like crazy if you're into it and nice growl and turbo spooling sounds.

 

Thanks, if it only drones between 3k-4k rpm that does not sound too bad as the typical cruising rpm is under 3k i think.

 

Sigh...

 

My cruising rpm is approx 5k