Full Miltek system - initial impressions...

[glendog74]

I had a full Miltek system with race cats and ECU re-map fitted by Thorney Motorsport last Friday as well as an ITG filter element. I thought I'd share my initial impressions of the upgrade.

Pros:

1. Sounds pretty cool especially under hard acceleration - more dare i say like a 911 GT3! Also the trademark CSL induction note is still very apparent and hasn't been drowned out.

2. Power gain not immediately apparent from setting off but once you get into the mid-range it gets all angry and revs with even more urgency!

3. It looks nice and weighs less than OEM of course...


Cons:

1. It has a bassy drone between 2250-2750 rpm which can become wearsome when in town driving speeds or on slower motorway traffic speeds. This can be worked around by changing down a gear or by accelerating faster!

2. An annoying rattle emanates from the cat section on startup and remains quite distinctive until the car is fully warmed. A tad embarassing for such a 'nice/posh' car! Gonna ring TMS and check if this is the norm!

3. Fuel economy has gone down marginally (as expected) by 1-2 mpg on the car computer average calculator. The whole setup isn't exactly cheap of course at 3k...

Summary:

Overall I'm very pleased with it and TMS were really good also and looked after us for the day providing a lift and pick-up from Milton Keynes whilst system was fitted. It was good too to speak to John at TMS and have a look at his own (thorn covered & modded) CSL. There was also another CSL in for a Stage 3 tune.

BHP (at flywheel) prior to fit: 356
BHP (at flywheel) post fit: 379 (322 at wheels)

[K1_MBR]

I'm thinking of taking mine here www.primarydesigns.co.uk (as its only next door) when I have to stop shelling out for things like boilers, RTAB's and wheel bearings!

[englebert]

The only appeal the Miltek had for me was that i presumed being quiet it wouldn't be boomy. If this isn't the case, i'd rather just go for a balls out loud system...

[Thorney]

There's no such thing as a boom free E46 system I'm afraid, we're brutally honest aobut that. However the Milltek (which took me 7 goes to get right) is as near as zero boom as you'll get. It also gets better with a few miles. Certainly under 2400rpm there is a little but other than that its spot on.

[glendog74]

The boom doesn't really bother me too much but I'm a lot more aware of its presence when carrying passengers!

I've now done nearly 750 miles since fitting but the rattle is no better. I'm sure it is something very simple but will need to get it checked over. TMS have already told me they will replace any faulty parts if required, which is good to know...

[Rags]

Hi,

There are always pros and cons when fitting an aftermarket exhaust kit.

The power gains and the sound are excellent in the main.

I have a SS 100Cells and a Milltek system on my CSL and the only time I am conscious of the boom is when I have to take other people in the car - makes me wish I had the standard system on the car.

My real worry with the milltek is that it can appear to attract attention to the car when its going through town, people thinking you are a chav but at least the CSL isn't exactly a modified barry boys special

Also, through traffic its a tad annoying as well.

That said, the sound is brilliant and its the compromise you have when fitting a system like this.

Rgds

[Kev.H]

Originally Posted by K1_MBR

I'm thinking of taking mine here www.primarydesigns.co.uk (as its only next door) when I have to stop shelling out for things like boilers, RTAB's and wheel bearings!

PD are awesome I have a tubular manifold on my focus rs by them they do headers exhaust for half the F1 grid can even do inconnel

[Rezmund]

I didn't like the full Milltek and have that same rattling/vibration problem from the 100 cell cat nearly a year on which hasn't been sorted despite 3-4 trips to various parties under Millteks advisement. Not impressed for the c.£3k it costs.