Your exhaust...Upgraded? Not? Like it? Don't? [Archive]

iDiaz

12-12-2005, 04:08 PM

I've got the B&B. Not too loud, not too quiet, rich and throaty sound. It's quiet when you're cruising on the freeway, but gets louder when you open up the throttle. Lots of popping on overrun. A slight bump in power and response. The only downside is that it sounds like crap when it's cold, but that seems to be the case with a lot of exhaust systems.

Brain

12-12-2005, 04:20 PM

I have had a few system on my car now, here is the breakdown...at least my opinion anyway :D

1. Megan racing Sounds really good and nice sop power gains, my car made more whp with this exhaust than any other so far. Only problem is I drive my car on the track regularly and I dont hesiate to rev the hell out of it continously and I blew out the packing in the mufflers. If you dont track your car alot I would say this is a very nice system for the $$

2.B&B, personally I didnt like the way it sounded, kinda raspy/ricey. I added a resonator and it was better but didnt have a powerfull/muscular sound to it and my car made less power with it. It was also very quiet at cruising speeds and not really that loud overall. Very high quality parts and I think I would last a good long time although I turned the tips gold in one weekend :jayne:

3. Miltek Sounds really good, not too loud, very liveable at cruise speed sounds good when you open it up but it feels like my car is restricted since I put it on, I know everyone raves that it feels like it makes power and I am sure it does over a stock system. For the mssses this is an awesome system, ver high quality and sounds great which is wat most people are looking for anyway. The biggest downsidse I had with it is the big ass resonator right under the shift box, it makes it nearly impossible to use a short shifter with the miltek because the longer shaft will hit the resoator. I had to take my ss off with this exhaust.

4. Magnaflow...coming soon. and I will let you know what I think, I am going to change the tips because I dont like those little trumpets :eek:

benthevegan

12-12-2005, 04:25 PM

Since we are talking about exhausts what do you guys think about a miltek with the resonator removed? I've been thinking about buying a used one and then just getting a muffler shop to make me a straight pipe. How much louder would this be? Would it be less restrictive too?

Dave

12-12-2005, 04:39 PM

4. Magnaflow...coming soon. and I will let you know what I think, I am going to change the tips because I dont like those little trumpets :eek:
I had a magnaflow on my MCS for a little over a year and liked it a lot around town. My only reservation about it was taking road trips in the car with it. It wasn't exactly a drone at 80 mph, but it certainly wasn't a sound I wanted to listen to for 14 hours straight either. Still, I missed it when I took it off and put the Borla back on.

Post an update once you get it on about your thoughts on it.

Rally

12-12-2005, 04:47 PM

4. Magnaflow...coming soon. and I will let you know what I think, I am going to change the tips because I dont like those little trumpets :eek:

Will there be any adverse affects to changing the tips? I was looking at the magnaflow, but like you said , the tips are rather unappealing. I wouldn't mind just one circular tip.

Lucky13

12-12-2005, 05:55 PM

supersprint for the COOPER
sounds great
nice little power gains
sounds pooey when cold makes that honda ricer buzzing sound
but at wot...sounds awesome!!!
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

JennB

12-12-2005, 06:22 PM

Not yet... hopefully soon though.

Really looking forward to doing this on my 06.

Will

12-12-2005, 06:26 PM

I built mine, bitches! And it totally pwns all aftermarket systems!

JennB

12-12-2005, 06:49 PM

Male! Make me one :p :D

Will

12-12-2005, 06:52 PM

Aight!

jkagan

12-12-2005, 07:10 PM

I've got the Milltek. Sound is load, but not obnoxious. Power increase seemed mostly in the torquey area of the curve - can't say I've felt much difference at the top end, but I've got a lot of other mods on the car, so results may vary.

ingsoc

12-12-2005, 07:42 PM

Aight!

Hey you, make me one too! :D :p. Just kiddin about the first part! :tu:

I know your phone number- be VERY VERY afraid [of large orders :D]

I have a Borla Street and it's sweet. Sounds great, was quiet as stock until I added my ported shtuff, and it removed a significant amount of low-rpm hesitance [going from idle, to be exact] and made me some power. It's 2.25" primary, I think I remember and it has no resonator mid-ship, unlike most of the 2.5"'ers. This means that short shifters are no problem.

The fact of the matter for most exhausts out there, including the w*** exhaust coming out is that even 10whp is incredibly hard to do, so don't expect much too much. The unmentioned one will be frickin loud as it is [perhaps too loud for the street, with the butterfly closed!].

Now, something like Will has made, which is truly sick, will prolly kill all of others [without killing your ears too]. Just don't ask how he did it or your computer will eat you. :D

Chase

12-13-2005, 02:31 AM

Chase

12-13-2005, 02:31 AM

It seems Ivan has the best one for me but i dont know

benthevegan

12-13-2005, 02:40 AM

I would like to add onto this if thats ok. I am looking for an exhaust for the performance, but i also want it to be a daily driver. I want one that sounds nice and throaty when i get on it, but if im cruising in town or down the interstate at 80, i want it to sound pretty much stock. Is this a possibility with building one myself? Is there one out there like this ready to buy? etc. But keep going with griffs question too.

From what I've read it seems like the miltek would be good for you. Even though I don't have this system I've heard a lot about it and its big 'claim to fame' is being quiet with no drone until you acually step on it. Oh yeah it's also suppose to make pretty good power and it is one of the leaders in torque too. I'm thinking of getting one and removing the resonator. I'm sure somebody with this system(who obviously knows more about it than me) will respond soon enough.:tu:

iDiaz

12-13-2005, 06:23 AM

I would like to add onto this if thats ok. I am looking for an exhaust for the performance, but i also want it to be a daily driver. I want one that sounds nice and throaty when i get on it, but if im cruising in town or down the interstate at 80, i want it to sound pretty much stock. Is this a possibility with building one myself? Is there one out there like this ready to buy? etc. But keep going with griffs question too.

My B&B fits the bill perfectly. I'm not sure why Detlman reports that it sounds raspy and harsh--I don't experience this beyond the first couple of minutes after I've started the car up cold. Perhaps an installation issue?

Here's the website for it: http://www.bbexhaust.com/New/auto-html.asp?page=minicoopers.html

It comes with three tip options. I opted for the twin 3" elliptical.

Chase

12-13-2005, 06:44 AM

HAHA sweet, thanx Ivan

Chase

12-13-2005, 06:46 AM

Does it have hp, trq gain? Or does it make your car have less power like deltman says?

I am going to check that one out and some others, but i will keep in touch

iDiaz

12-13-2005, 06:55 AM

Does it have hp, trq gain? Or does it make your car have less power like deltman says?

I am going to check that one out and some others, but i will keep in touch

Well, an exhaust by itself doesn't really do a whole lot. Maybe 2-3 hp, at the most. However, combine an exhaust with a couple of other mods, like an intake and pulley, and things quickly turn serious. ;)

ingsoc

12-13-2005, 12:32 PM

From what I've read it seems like the miltek would be good for you. Even though I don't have this system I've heard a lot about it and its big 'claim to fame' is being quiet with no drone until you acually step on it. Oh yeah it's also suppose to make pretty good power and it is one of the leaders in torque too. I'm thinking of getting one and removing the resonator. I'm sure somebody with this system(who obviously knows more about it than me) will respond soon enough.:tu:

Just a word of caution.... There was a thread over on NAM where they took the SPL [dB] level of the various exhausts available [idle/peak/whatever- yes, always from the meter location!], and they found that the Milltek was as loud dB-wise as the Borla Race, I think it was [or the Milltek]. So, yeah, you may want to see it first to get the proper impression.... :)

edit: I think it was the [Myth of the] Dragon Exhaust Shootout. Look it up. It also had sound clips. One more thing: make SURE you get an exhaust without drone. Can't emphasize enough. At the highway, drone is excruciating from my experience. You will go deaf...hehe.

Brain

12-13-2005, 02:29 PM

Miltek with no resonator.

I actually started the car with a much smaller resonator, the one I had to add with the B&B and I didnt like the sound so I went ahead and added the rest of the system. I didnt drive the car around but I am betting it will be a little loud since the resonator is really big it is taking alot of the noise out.

I cant really explain the B&B and what my problem was other than I didnt like the way it sounded.

I guess I am used to big V8 cars and the powerfull sound, I dont like a higher pitched sound or a tinny sound. To me the B&B was a higher pitched sound and I just wasnt happy with it. Probable just personal preference on this one, but with the Megan my car definitly had more pull on top and made more power.

Magnaflow with different tips Shouldnt make any difference unless you were to go with a smaller tip than what is already there. Not sure how it will effect sound by removing those trumpets, hopefully it will be a positive improvement.

iDiaz

12-13-2005, 04:25 PM

benthevegan

12-13-2005, 04:41 PM

Just a word of caution.... There was a thread over on NAM where they took the SPL [dB] level of the various exhausts available [idle/peak/whatever- yes, always from the meter location!], and they found that the Milltek was as loud dB-wise as the Borla Race, I think it was [or the Milltek]. So, yeah, you may want to see it first to get the proper impression.... :)

edit: I think it was the [Myth of the] Dragon Exhaust Shootout. Look it up. It also had sound clips. One more thing: make SURE you get an exhaust without drone. Can't emphasize enough. At the highway, drone is excruciating from my experience. You will go deaf...hehe.

Yeah, I remember reading that thread. I was so shocked when they said that.:eek: I mean I don't really know about db's but I've heard both the miltek and the borla race in person and there is a HUGE differance. The reason I wanted to remove the resonator would be to make it just a little louder. When I heard them in person the miltek was to quiet but I think the borla might have been a little loud for my tastes so I was thinking a miltek-the resonater would be perfect. I remember people in that thread were talking about how some exhaust can make you start to go death:eek: or something like that. I'll go read that thread again and I'll look up more aboout db's. I still have a while before I have the $ to do anything anyways(suspension come first:tu: ). I just like to do some research before so I'm happy with what I'm buying. Thanks for the tip.:tu:

Brain

12-13-2005, 05:00 PM

Hm, you should listen to my car next time we're in the same place and tell me if it sounds the same as yours did. I remember yours sounding totally different with the B&B exhaust. Maybe it was the headers.

Yeah, I will have to hear it again. It very well could be the header and the porting making the difference.

Chase

12-13-2005, 05:14 PM

Well, an exhaust by itself doesn't really do a whole lot. Maybe 2-3 hp, at the most. However, combine an exhaust with a couple of other mods, like an intake and pulley, and things quickly turn serious. ;)

Yeah thats what i have in mind, not just an exhaust. Im not looking to get one too soon or anything, since we were on the subject i thought i would find out some info on them before i didn end up getting one. My seuspension comes first. THIS WINTER WOOOOO HOOOO. Anyway, i was also wondering, do you think i could make one (with professional help) that has the sound that i want? Because when i think od exhausts that people make i think of there really loud nasty sounding things. Basically i want to take the same design as like the B&B or the Miltek or something and make it myself so that it would be much cheaper. Do you think that is worth doing, or is that not such a good idea? If not then i will begin saving after my suspension and brakes

iDiaz

12-13-2005, 05:36 PM

Yeah thats what i have in mind, not just an exhaust. Im not looking to get one too soon or anything, since we were on the subject i thought i would find out some info on them before i didn end up getting one. My seuspension comes first. THIS WINTER WOOOOO HOOOO. Anyway, i was also wondering, do you think i could make one (with professional help) that has the sound that i want? Because when i think od exhausts that people make i think of there really loud nasty sounding things. Basically i want to take the same design as like the B&B or the Miltek or something and make it myself so that it would be much cheaper. Do you think that is worth doing, or is that not such a good idea? If not then i will begin saving after my suspension and brakes

Well, I think it's a matter of finding the right mufflers. I wouldn't know where to start, but I'm sure Sam and Will have done some research on the subject.

Samtrak

12-13-2005, 07:39 PM

I built mine, bitches! And it totally pwns all aftermarket systems!
__________________
will and i built it..... and it ****in rocks..... ive shed 50lbs just in weight alone.

Will

12-13-2005, 07:43 PM

I built mine, bitches! And it totally pwns all aftermarket systems!
__________________
will and i built it..... and it ****in rocks..... ive shed 50lbs just in weight alone.

That's my dawg! word!

Hey, how much did yours end up weighing in all told? Mine came out to a scant 19.5 lbs complete.

iDiaz

12-13-2005, 07:59 PM

I built mine, bitches! And it totally pwns all aftermarket systems!
__________________
will and i built it..... and it ****in rocks..... ive shed 50lbs just in weight alone.

You didn't listen to Chase's requirements. He wants something streetable! Your exhaust is awesome until you try to take it to Laguna Seca and they black flag you for excessive dB!

Will

12-13-2005, 08:03 PM

Mine's easily streetable. I know aftermarket systems that are louder, at least from inside the car....

iDiaz

12-13-2005, 08:13 PM

Mine's easily streetable. I know aftermarket systems that are louder, at least from inside the car....

Below 92 dB at WOT, measured track-side?

Will

12-13-2005, 08:15 PM

I'd bet money it's quieter than 92 dB. It louder going along at 2000 or 3000 RPM than it is when it's wide open, so I think so. I am gonna get a meter to measure it, though. I'll let you know.

hollis3

12-13-2005, 10:56 PM

Has anyone heard about Steve's alteration of stock pipes?

iDiaz

12-13-2005, 10:57 PM

Has anyone heard about Steve's alteration of stock pipes?

You mean the one-ball? Sounds a little deeper, and probably a little less restrictive.

hollis3

12-13-2005, 10:58 PM

Yeah, I guess it costs a lot less than the other "built" exhausts - around $175. May be a good way to start before getting another one.

iDiaz

12-13-2005, 11:03 PM

Yeah, I guess it costs a lot less than the other "built" exhausts - around $175. May be a good way to start before getting another one.

Eh, I guess. That's $175 you could spend on something useful, or save to put towards a real cat-back exhaust.

holdenontoit

12-14-2005, 02:01 PM

sounds lame but I went with the Remus exhaust because I really liked the look of the tips( see enclosed pic) The cherry on top is that I also like the sound.Indistinguishable from stock at idle or cruising on the highway, but give it some squirt and it really growls. very reminiscent of an mgb a friend of mine had with an abarth exhast. Not tinny or ricey in the slightest. Wish I could post a sound file, but I don't have the technology/equipment to do so

http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/medium/64287.jpg

http://www.europeancarweb.com/promo/sound_gallery/0405ec_remus_hear/#mini

Chase

12-14-2005, 02:20 PM

ingsoc

12-14-2005, 03:33 PM

d00d, don't say cheesy. It's nice, that's for damn sure. Don't be afraid to be honest about your tastes! We're all friends, here! :). I for one could never mind what you get as long as you get what you like. Be yourself and screw anyone who will give you crap over something like that. Remember, though we may be "hyper cool and worthy of emulation" [NOT! LOL :cool:], we're just normal peeps, and this is all about fun. That is who we are.

So, in short, get what you like and show it off, mister! :tu:

Rally

12-14-2005, 04:49 PM

holdenontoit-

Do you know if the remus for the MCS is a full cat-back or not? I know that the MC version of the remus is strictly a resonator back kit and thus really is just for the sound and look.....but i think i remember hearing that the MCS one is a full-cat-back setup.

holdenontoit

12-14-2005, 05:22 PM

Thats a nice exhaust. That was one of the exhausts i was looking at to get for myself. I have some sound clips on my comp but i dont know how to post them. I dont think the sound clips do justice for the exhaust either. But anyway, what do you think of it. what was the price if you dont mind me asking? I was looking at it a while back and now i cant find where it was.

I had it done at a local tuner in Amesbury MA. called Turner Motorsports
www.turnermotorsport.com
I think it was about $875 installed. The one drawback to this system is that they use a portion of your old exhaust(about 27 inches back of the rear cat flange) so there is no going back to stock , if that was ever in your thinking.
I have a sound clip link somewhere.I'll try to find it and edit this post later. I really didn't mean to sound apologetic about putting this system on, cause I was right there about it and still am.Going through tunnels I always go down a few gears and let er rip. One early morning last spring I was doing this in a tunnel on Storrow drive in Boston and there is a hard left at the end that I was doing pretty fast on and when I came around the corner there were about 4 state cop cars in a row diverting traffic for the "big dig". no tickets, but some majorly dirty looks. LOL

here it is: http://www.europeancarweb.com/promo/sound_gallery/0405ec_remus_hear/#mini

iDiaz

12-14-2005, 05:26 PM

The one drawback to this system is that they use a portion of your old exhaust(about 27 inches back of the rear cat flange) so there is no going back to stock , if that was ever in your thinking.

Hahah, how are you supposed to get your stock exhaust home anyway? You've got a MINI! ;)

holdenontoit

12-14-2005, 05:45 PM

ingsoc

12-14-2005, 08:04 PM

actually I think it might fit if you went from the passenger seat foot well back, but your point is well taken. Here in the east the salting of roads is very hard on all things NOT stainless.Turner offered me what was left of my old system and I just laughed.

Actually, I can say for sure that it won't! Don't try or you'll get road grease on your headliner and you won't even gain anything from it ;). There's no possible way... [The muffler and resonator are too wide to fit even diagonally. :(

simplygriff

12-14-2005, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the info on moving the stock. My mechanic actually has a pile of 3-4 stock MCS exhausts in his shop.

Thanks everyone for the info on your exhausts. I'm going to see a friend of mine's Race Borla this weekend to see what that sounds like. Then I'll at least have that to compare it with.
-G