Slightly disappointed...

[GeordieDave]

All, absolutely luuuurving my MCS Works apart from a couple of things...

1) Poorer than i thought ride and handling (although hopefully ditching the run-flats should solve this)

2) Being a bit picky but I just don't think it sounds as good as it should. Does anyone else with a Works think that the exhaust sound, especially when burbling around or downshifting doesn't sound as good as a stock MCS?

Would a change of induction kit make it sound 'more sporty' or would that just increase the noise on acceleration, and is it all ultimately to do with the exhaust (which I'm not going to change... no way Jose!).

Thanks

Dave

[Idontbrakeforcorners]

IMO, i think that the stock exhaust on the MCS sounds better than the works. I only feel this way when they are accelerating though. Not sure at idle or downshift though. On another note, an induction kit could change the exhaust sound yes, but i dont know if it would be better. I really enjoy the burbling sound on downshift, so all for the MCS exhaust. As for the ride, did you get the JCW suspension. If not, its just going to be that rigid, rough and sharp because thats how they are made. Some people like it, some dont. Tires and tire pressure will help, but make sure to get the right ones.

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by GeordieDave

All, absolutely luuuurving my MCS Works apart from a couple of things...

1) Poorer than i thought ride and handling (although hopefully ditching the run-flats should solve this)

2) Being a bit picky but I just don't think it sounds as good as it should. Does anyone else with a Works think that the exhaust sound, especially when burbling around or downshifting doesn't sound as good as a stock MCS?

Would a change of induction kit make it sound 'more sporty' or would that just increase the noise on acceleration, and is it all ultimately to do with the exhaust (which I'm not going to change... no way Jose!).

Thanks

Dave

An induction kit won't change the exhaust sound.
Didn't on mine and a number of otheres I've seen/heard at install parties.

[bigbaddaboom]

What size wheels do you have? If they're 18s then your ride will not be great on UK roads. If they are 17s then the ride does improve a touch with getting non-runflats. You'll also get better grip and feel from normal rubber (at least that is my experience). Just make sure you get yourself a MINI mobility kit (or anything else like it).

As for the noise....well I disagree with people that say the stock sounds better. If you open the window you get a great barking sound coming from the JCW exhaust. If you put down the back seats you get a fab whooshing coming from the rear as you accelerate. And that is with an '02 and the 200 bhp kit. If you get a '05 MINI and the 210 bhp JCW kit then it sounds much more aggressive. With much improved super charger whine and plenty of popping and gurgling on the overrun.

[DoubleNick]

If you have already spent $5-6,000(US) on the JCW--to get the car to sound like it has 200+ HP--I suggest a Performance exhaust another $500-600(US) will have it sounding like it should. I have a Magna Flow/non JCW. Beware--not for the shy!. Nick

[Fizzle]

i have a standard mcs but have a works exhaust which has the 3rd silencer removed!! makes the exhaust sound a lot sportier. more pops n crackles too when u lift off.

i have a mpeg of it, only thing is it's 30secs long and 10mb. is there anyway to cut it short as the exhaust is only really in the first 10secs? or if some clever can do it for me i'll send it to them??