Exhaust problem / decision

[si_xsi]

I took the car into ATS today to diagnose the blowing, my suspicions were correct, rear left box knackered and rusted and right side not far behind.

Rest of the exhaust looked ok with bit of surface corrosion only. It's probably the original as there are mini branding names on the parts. They said it is now possible to replace one box (even though origional came as one part). Apparently, if i were to go down this route, the left box does the tail pipes and the right box joins the party a bit further up!?

anyway, as they quoted £375 just for one box, can i get a new mini oem cat back exhaust from somewhere that will sort the 2 rotten boxes or should i just bite the bullet and get a stainless cat back?

I'm not into modifying cars and don't want to spend a fortune as thinking of selling soon anyway but guess it could be positive selling point. Loud, droning bake bean cans are not for me! I'd like to keep the pops and crackles though I've heard good reviews about JCW / Miltek. Could order and just get local garage to fit.

Sorry for all the questions and random thought process! but keen to know what others have fitted, where from, costs and if they would avoid certain makes.

tar

[Onemcs]

Personally I'd get the JCW exhaust!

The sound difference alone will give you plenty of smiles per mile!

[si_xsi]

done lots of re-search and think i'm going to settle for this:

http://www.minisport2.com/mini-parts/info_NMPPMB06...

I'd be interested to know if anyone else has one. As much as i'd love JCW exhaust, think it would be best with JCW manifild and don't wat to spend that much.

The Playmini exhaust has been designed specifically for cat-back and not too intrusive noise / looks wise. They will supply for £480 inc VAT and delivery, get my local garage to fit for £50.

Cant wait to try it, but not enjoying hard earnt leaving my account!

[gonzales]

I had the same issue with my R53. the right box was like Swiss cheese, the left not far behind it. I was quote £250 for just one box or £800 for a system replacement (catback).

TBH I was looking aftermarket as there was not cost change on my insurance and the after market stuff is much cheaper than the MINI stuff. 2 weeks later I got a Milltek catback fitted for just over £600 and have not regretted it at all. The car retained it burble and the noise inside the cabin is not intrusive. Top marks for 1320mini who fitted it.

[M@1975]

Milltek is a good option, I've got a JCW mated to Janspeed manifold and decat, at low speeds it's quite subtle but give it the beans and it does sound good.

[Defcon5]

Is it just the back box thats knackered?

Look up the one ball mod

[si_xsi]

Defcon5 said:

Is it just the back box thats knackered?

Look up the one ball mod

only left back box but right doen't look far behind so hence why i thought may as well get cat back. Cheers, will look up one ball mod. Need to order by Thurs so can fit Saturday as its sounding, well a bit loud and sh*te at the moment!

[si_xsi]

By way of update, just come back from the garage £530 lighter but with a nice new Playmini cat-back exhaust! Mini were charging the same for their oem fit part. So whats it like. In the 10 miles i've driven, it definitely has more pops and crackles, is not that much louder in the car, but definitely is in 1st,2nd and 3rd gear around town. Above 4000rpm in 2nd gear it sounds awsome and pick up is improved and overall alot smoother.

To say i'm chuffed is a massive understatement. I would highly recommend this as an alternative mid point between standard and higher end Miltek / JCW. The guys in the garage said it looked well made too and alot lighter. Fitted in 90 mins with no adjustment needed.

Pic below and gratuitous photo of my car included! Off to give it a proper run today. Happy driving