Quiet mini exhaust, is it possible?

[simonbuysellit]

Morning. My 2003 cooper needs a new cat back exhaust, currently standard. Naturally I'm tempted to improve it but I'm SO anxious about it sounding too loud as I put a stainless cat back on my British Mini and it was rediculous. Is it stainless that makes the sound? Are there other options if so? Can I get a high flow cat and bolt on a stock exhaust? Anyone ever tried a OEM version from eBay (£100)?
Please help. Simon.

[minicore]

Have you considered the Works exhaust?

[simonbuysellit]

Where can I get a works exhaust? I've got a non S cooper btw. Thanks. Simon

[minicore]

Your dealer might be able to get you one (for a first gen car), else it'll need to be eBay... although I know there were a few about last year when I was looking. The 'S' exhaust wouldn't be a problem, as long as you replace the lower bumper trim, to relocate the exhaust exit from the side to the middle. It's a straight swap and a cheap part...

With the noise being a concern, I don't think you can beat the Works offering - you get a few nice pops and bangs, and a nice meaty sound overall, but it's certainly not too loud and it doesn't drone at all.

[simonbuysellit]

Thank you. I read somewhere that you need to gave a JCW car for BMW to order the part though. Maybe not true? Looking at a pic of one, it's twin tailpipes and I only have the space for one exit but like you say I could swap the bumper trim. I will search. Thanks. Simon

[minicore]

Some dealers will insist that you provide a JCW reg plate, however I bought some Works bits for my original MINI One and never got asked. If you do encounter any problems, I'd suggest trying Chris at Derek Woodman as he may be more able to assist...

Derek Woodman MINI - MINI2 - MINI Forum

I think there's actually a JCW Cooper/One exhaust available? Check out what comes with the JCW "Sound Kit" - pretty sure that includes/included a Works exhaust.

[Keano]

normally more power / performance and no increase in noise dont go hand in hand when it comes to exhausts... the restriction to power is what helps keep the noise down too so remove the restriction for more freeflow/power and you up the noise levels...

Gains from the exhaust are minimal really so most people do that mod for more noise/ the sound...

It sounds to me that a replacement stock item is probably the best option for you....

[simonbuysellit]

Hi Simon.
Thanks for your question regarding the*the fitting of a JCW*centre exit exhaust system to your Mini Cooper.
Sorry to disappoint but this is not possible due to the battery on the Cooper-S*being located in a different place.
However, can I*suggest that*you fit the exhaust from the*Cooper JCW.**This fits in the same way as the standard exhaust but is a slightly larger bore and has a different chrome finisher on the end. It will give a mild sportier noise.**The price for the exhaust is £338.96 + vat parts only. Labour would be £57.00 + vat
any questions please contact us .

............According to Ocean Mini.

[kayd]

I recently got a new cat-back on my cooper as my box was looking rusty.

It wasn't from a mini dealer but im sure its the same, as the garage had to order it in and it looks the same. Im sure the end is stainless on the original cooper exhaust.

The problem i have is that its louder than the original and drones on a bit. I wouldn't mind this on a fast car, but my 0-60 is probably huge at the moment.

Is there a way to silence it ? It sounds like a magnex or one of them big bore ones.

cheers

kayd

[simonbuysellit]

OMG! Just had a garage fit my gtt manifold and on the way home my power steering slowly stopped working! I know they needed to move the fluid pot briefly but surely this wouldn't damage my steering? Coincidence?