Play Mini exhaust - where to buy & fit?

[AndyP & Lenore]

I know T6 KFR already has a thread on this but Kev's based in Aberdeen and he already had his exhaust. So sorry if I'm doubling up on some questions.

We're thinking of putting a full Play Mini exhaust system on our Cooper S. The manifold, cat and back box. Just love the sound of Elfman's motor.

Does anyone know where the Playmini exhaust can be bought locally (central belt/Borders)? If it can't be bought locally, where's the best place online? I saw in a couple of other threads Essentialmini being mentioned, but their web site makes no reference to Play Mini's exhaust. Once I get it, where's the best place to fit it?

I've also been offered a 2004 Play Mini manifold from a Cooper S wich has been fairly well hammered for about a year. What's the chances this manifold will pack in/blow out on me quicker than a brand spanking new one? Do they rot/wear out/disintegrate over time? Can you tell I know diddly squat about cars?:I

Any help appreciated.

[MartinSullivan]

Si at Essential only seems to have the Cooper and One Playmini exhausts listed on his site - but I am sure if you contact him he will do you a deal on the S version. As for fitting its a fairly easy diy job (the manifold is slightly more difficult if you are going that far) or any back street garage should be able to install it for very little money.

[Craig]

Andy,

you could buy from playmini direct (www.playmini2.co.uk);)

My local garage has been doing work on our cars for approx 16 years and I have no complaints.. They're work is top notch. Let me know if you want their number and they can give you an estimate for the job...

:D:D:D

[GAJ]

What Martin said! I planned to fit mine myself but a couple of the bolts were rusted solid and I couldn't free them in the confined space I had to work in; my local garage fitted it for £20. The mechanic commented on how well made it was and how good it sounded.:)

[Burple]

quote:Originally posted by GAJ

What Martin said! I planned to fit mine myself but a couple of the bolts were rusted solid and I couldn't free them in the confined space I had to work in; my local garage fitted it for £20. The mechanic commented on how well made it was and how good it sounded.:)


I had the same problem gettng the P/M OFF the old car...
Trip to Autosave, £8 in the till, me off home with a nut splitter (ow!:blackeye:) Job done in half an hour! :D:D

It was on the other car for 2 years, sat in my dad's shed for 6 months, now it's on the new car, still shiny and sounding great!

[AndyP & Lenore]

Thanks for the input everyone!

Wouldn't dream of fitting it myself. I know where my skills begin and end and when it comes to engines it just about stretches to topping up the oil. :D

I've emailed Play Mini to get a price.

L & L, interested in that fact your exhaust has moved cars, after two years of use. Do you know if there was any signs of severe wear and tear? Is it likely the manifold I've been offered will still last for ages? Or is this like asking how long a piece of string is???

Craig, I'll give you a shout if I need that garage number. Gladly travel up there to have it done at a reputable garage than find my own one down here. If I go for the manifold I've been offered, I'll just get that outfit to fit it, they are fine - I know from experience.

[Burple]

quote:[i]


L & L, interested in that fact your exhaust has moved cars, after two years of use. Do you know if there was any signs of severe wear and tear? Is it likely the manifold I've been offered will still last for ages? Or is this like asking how long a piece of string is???



The whole pipe is Stainless steel, so it's still all solid. I thnk the worst of the (surface) corrosion on the pipe only came about whilst the exhaust was sitting in a cold damp shed for 6 months. Keep meaning to get under the car and ceck to see if being back on the car has made any difference to it. It's still totally solid, but I might have to replace the 'U' clamp (not S/S) holding the two pipes together sometime within the next year or so..

Generally a stainless exhaust should last for about the life of the car if it's looked after :D

I had one of their big bore stainless exhausts on my old classic Cooper for 5 years, it was still shining like new when I sold the car. Saw it almost a year later, the guy who bought the car had kept it on (I only know that cos i met him at a show down South and we had a bit of a chat), and it was still nice 'n shiny! :D:D Quality kit! :D

[Burple]

quote:
Does anyone know where the Playmini exhaust can be bought locally (central belt/Borders)? If it can't be bought locally, where's the best place online? I saw in a couple of other threads Essentialmini being mentioned, but their web site makes no reference to Play Mini's exhaust. Once I get it, where's the best place to fit it?

I've also been offered a 2004 Play Mini manifold from a Cooper S wich has been fairly well hammered for about a year. What's the chances this manifold will pack in/blow out on me quicker than a brand spanking new one? Do they rot/wear out/disintegrate over time? Can you tell I know diddly squat about cars?:I
Any help appreciated.


I got my original classic Cooper one direct mail order from Playmini, just gave them a call :D
Dunno about anyone to fit it for you tho.. you're a bit out of my local area! ;):D

Is the manifold Stainless steel too? if so it should last a LOT longer than a normal mild steel one.
Is the catalytic converter part of the manifold? I can't remember off the top of my head.. if it is, I'd be more concerned about the internals of the Cat if it's been hammered for a year. if not, there shouldn't be much of a problem with the manifold.. if you get the chance, try to check it out before you buy it :D

[MartinSullivan]

The cat is included in the bottom branch of the manifold - as LnL says I would be worried how this has been treated. Some aftermarket manifolds allow the cat to be removed and replaced seperatly, but not all of them do.

Si is an official playmini dealer and I am sure he will get you a good price if you mention NMS ;)

[T6 KFR]

quote:AndyP & Lenore Posted - 02 Feb 2006 : 00:45:13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know T6 KFR already has a thread on this but Kev's based in Aberdeen and he already had his exhaust. So sorry if I'm doubling up on some questions.

We're thinking of putting a full Play Mini exhaust system on our Cooper S. The manifold, cat and back box. Just love the sound of Elfman's motor.

Does anyone know where the Playmini exhaust can be bought locally (central belt/Borders)? If it can't be bought locally, where's the best place online? I saw in a couple of other threads Essentialmini being mentioned, but their web site makes no reference to Play Mini's exhaust. Once I get it, where's the best place to fit it?

I've also been offered a 2004 Play Mini manifold from a Cooper S wich has been fairly well hammered for about a year. What's the chances this manifold will pack in/blow out on me quicker than a brand spanking new one? Do they rot/wear out/disintegrate over time? Can you tell I know diddly squat about cars?

Any help appreciated.

I went to my local tyre fitter...Laws Tyres only 30 quid.

As for supplier - http://www.minisport.com/

cant fault them.

[ELFMAN]

Missed this one! I got my manifold and system direct from Playmini (sales@playmini2.co.uk). They're very helpful. Bill & I fitted the system ourselves in about an hour and a half with the help of some ramps and a trolley jack (to support the systems on the way in and out). The Manifold was put on at a local garage, as you really need to get the car up on a lift or over an inspection pit for access. The manifold goes on from underneath - as I explained to the mechanic after he thought he'd have to dismantle half the enging bay to fit it(!).

You will have to "modify" (ie batter) the HEAT SHIELD over the manifold, as the Playmini is wider at the top than the standard manifold. I folded the outer "wings" back in on themselves with the aid of a hammer and abit of wood (to cushion the blows!).

As you've heard, it all works a treat - but be prepared to lose your "Stealth Mode" and give folks heart attacks when you overtake. Still, people don't step off pavements in front of you. Hope you get it sorted. Do I get a commission from Playmini?

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by ELFMAN

Missed this one! I got my manifold and system direct from Playmini (sales@playmini2.co.uk). They're very helpful. Bill & I fitted the system ourselves in about an hour and a half with the help of some ramps and a trolley jack (to support the systems on the way in and out). The Manifold was put on at a local garage, as you really need to get the car up on a lift or over an inspection pit for access. The manifold goes on from underneath - as I explained to the mechanic after he thought he'd have to dismantle half the enging bay to fit it(!).

You will have to "modify" (ie batter) the HEAT SHIELD over the manifold, as the Playmini is wider at the top than the standard manifold. I folded the outer "wings" back in on themselves with the aid of a hammer and abit of wood (to cushion the blows!).

As you've heard, it all works a treat - but be prepared to lose your "Stealth Mode" and give folks heart attacks when you overtake. Still, people don't step off pavements in front of you. Hope you get it sorted. Do I get a commission from Playmini?


Euan,

Is you mini a pre facelift mini? It may be the case that you don't need to do anything with the manifold on the post facelift Mini's. I've also sent them an email asking if there's any issues with mine being an Automatic tranny.

[ELFMAN]

Mine is a 'December 2003' built model.

Not sure if the Heatshield or the O.E. Manifold would have been altered in the facelift - but I don't know. I found the shield a wee bit tricky to bolt back on (garage left it off as they didn't want to bash it around). Playmini "modified" the shield on their car as above. Am I right in thinking that the hangers for the exhaust are different Post-Facelift? Can't remember the thread about this. Check with Playmini Re. Autobox, but should think if the standard system clears it, the Playmini would be OK. As Martin mentioned, can't vouch for 2nd Hand Manifold (which has Sports Cat on the end as part of Manifold), mine has been on for about a year or so and is fine - so unless it has been obviously abused it should be OK. Cat's the main thing to check I would think. How you can do that, I'm not sure....

How do you feel about being MUCH noisier? I love it 99% of the time, but it does attract attention. You will find yourself going out of your way to drive through underpasses flat out in second - boy does it sound serious. M8 at Charing Cross in Glasgow is a good one. Me, grow up? Not if I can help it!!

[AndyP & Lenore]

Euan, I was in Menzies today and I asked Ian about the Auto vs Manual issue. He asked a tech and they are 99% sure it is the same, but they are going to check the part numbers for OEM exhaust on Monday. That will confirm it one way or the other... I have to say, we've had some fantastic service from Menzies lately.;)

The manifold which is up for grabs has been on a test car for the engine enhancement we put on our car and I know for sure that it has been absolutely hammered. So I'm not going to go there, just in case that cat is fubar'd. But it looks like Play Mini may have something on offer anyway. Will keep you posted.

Like we said in posts after Comber's Xmas Meat-up run in December - the Play Mini is to all intents and purposes a safety device; if they hear you coming from further away, they have more time to get oot your way!:D:D Love the underpass-flat out in second-idea. <makes mental note to try once installed> :D

[saraandcraig]

quote:Originally posted by AndyP & Lenore

I know T6 KFR already has a thread on this but Kev's based in Aberdeen and he already had his exhaust. So sorry if I'm doubling up on some questions.

We're thinking of putting a full Play Mini exhaust system on our Cooper S. The manifold, cat and back box. Just love the sound of Elfman's motor.

Does anyone know where the Playmini exhaust can be bought locally (central belt/Borders)? If it can't be bought locally, where's the best place online? I saw in a couple of other threads Essentialmini being mentioned, but their web site makes no reference to Play Mini's exhaust. Once I get it, where's the best place to fit it?

I've also been offered a 2004 Play Mini manifold from a Cooper S wich has been fairly well hammered for about a year. What's the chances this manifold will pack in/blow out on me quicker than a brand spanking new one? Do they rot/wear out/disintegrate over time? Can you tell I know diddly squat about cars?:I

Any help appreciated.


give sara a text when you get the exhaust if you bring it over to jed one night/weekend i will stick it up on the ramp and fit it for you while you wait or i can pickit up/drop it off if you want ,£10 cheap as chips:)

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by saraandcraig

give sara a text when you get the exhaust if you bring it over to jed one night/weekend i will stick it up on the ramp and fit it for you while you wait or i can pickit up/drop it off if you want ,£10 cheap as chips:)


Very kind offer.

Hoping to order on Monday. So I'll give you a shout when it comes in and we can sort out the details then.

Cheers Mate.

[AndyP & Lenore]

Just had a very dissapointing telephone conversation with Play Mini.:mad::mad:

Spoke with Simon at essential who was very helpful and informative and very honest. Simply put, he has never fitted a PlayMini manifold to a Cooper S. He has only fitted the back box section. His suggestion was to call PlayMini and arrange purchase through them direct as it would end up being a better price. Very honest of the guy to do this. For the record - Simon at Essential is an all round nice guy!

The other side of the coin:
I then spoke to Andy at Playmini, who I had been emailing with earlier last week, discussing prices and availability. Because we have an Automatic Cooper S they were non-committal on whether the manifold will fit our car or not. As such they would insist that if we bought the manifold and it didn't fit they would charge a 25% restocking fee!:eek::eek: That's £200 give or take. I told them I was more than prepared to pay for shipping to me, then if it does not fit, pay for shipping back to them, with the manifold in an unused condition in it's original packing. This was unacceptable to them. I then pointed out that the 25% restocking was actually against the law under the Distance Selling Regulations. At which point Andy became obtuse and obnoxious and simply said "Sorry, we're out of stock of that item". When I asked what that means when I have an email from him last week stating they have plenty in stock, he said "Well, if you're going to take that attitude I'm not interested in selling to you." I said "Look, I just want to buy an exhaust from you." Andy said "Nope. We're out of stock of that item. Go buy it elsewhere." I said: "OK. Clearly I'm not going to get anywhere on this, but I can assure you everyone on Newminiscotland.co.uk will hear of your customer service skills." As I was hanging up I clearly heard him saying "I don't care!":eek::eek::eek:

To say I am very p*ssed is an understatement. I've loved the sound of the Playmini exhaust for ages and I was really looking forward to putting it on my car, but this sort of service from the manufacturer is inexcusable. One thing's for sure I will never buy anything from PlayMini - direct.:disapprove::mad::disapprove::mad::eek:

Still want that exhaust though.:I

A

[Wul]

That sucks Andy!:( That would be profiteering in many other industries!! a certain level of re-stocking charge would be acceptable - but not that much!!

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by Wul

That sucks Andy!:( That would be profiteering in many other industries!! a certain level of re-stocking charge would be acceptable - but not that much!!


Thanks for the sentiment Wul. I'm still startled at their attitude. :eek::eek: Don't know what to do now.:question::disapprove::mad::question:

[MartinSullivan]

Playmini have never liked selling direct to the public, hence their website having no prices, they would rather sell through a distributer network - such as Simon at essential.

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by MartinSullivan

Playmini have never liked selling direct to the public, hence their website having no prices, they would rather sell through a distributer network - such as Simon at essential.


So why don't they state this on their web site? "To purchase any of our items please contact any one of our dealers shown below" sorta thing.

[AndyP & Lenore]

I know they are supposed to be reliable parts but Play Mini's pre-sales experience doesn't fill me with confidence about their after sales service if something did go wrong.

Does anyone know of any other after market exhaust which creates the same deep throaty rumble and roar as the playmini?

[Burple]

Wow.

I'm shocked at this. That sounds like a pretty unpleasant experience!
If I'd been in the market for similar items, I certainly would not be going there now! :eek::(:blackeye:

[Crombers]

quote:Originally posted by AndyP & Lenore


quote:Originally posted by MartinSullivan

Playmini have never liked selling direct to the public, hence their website having no prices, they would rather sell through a distributer network - such as Simon at essential.


So why don't they state this on their web site? "To purchase any of our items please contact any one of our dealers shown below" sorta thing.


I also thought that you could go visit play mini & they had facilities to fit products on site. Sure I read this in GoMini

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by crombers


quote:Originally posted by AndyP & Lenore


quote:Originally posted by MartinSullivan

Playmini have never liked selling direct to the public, hence their website having no prices, they would rather sell through a distributer network - such as Simon at essential.


So why don't they state this on their web site? "To purchase any of our items please contact any one of our dealers shown below" sorta thing.


I also thought that you could go visit play mini & they had facilities to fit products on site. Sure I read this in GoMini


Allan, even if that was in Go Mini, I wouldn't go near the place now.

Still looking at the Play Mini exhaust from another source though, 'cos it is at the end of the day a cracking peice of kit. But I care not for the company and their staff.

[Big Col]

Personally I don't care if the Playmini makes MINIs sound like an Aston Martin Vanquish, I'd never buy one after hearing that.

[The Dogfather]

What a bunch of a-holes...... Not sure what a playmini sounds like but I had my S exhaust modified to remove one of the back boxes. Sounds the same as a standard S only louder with more burble. Only cost £60!

[john]

I have always liked PlayMini and still do,and I am not put off by what I've read.

We have ALL heard of bad service at some time or another from MINI but we still have them.

There is always two sides to a story and its a shame if anyone has a bad experience.


AndyP & Lenore,I could talk to them for you direct if you want it sounds like you caught Andy on a bad day (and we all have then from time to time)

Also you could fit the playmini exhaust without fitting the manifold,Nenah had this and it was fantastic.

[Big Col]

I know what you're saying about bad days John mate but I've never had one as bad as that when dealing with my customers. I've had them with colleagues and friends but never with my customers. Professionalism costs nothing. In my very humble opinion of course. :)

Mind you...after hearing about some of your grudges when I met you and Alan for lunch that time I'm more than happy to change my statement to agree with you if I'm in danger of having you holding one against me. ;)

[john]

:D:D:D

Don't worry COL your safe:D

At least until I get back;):D

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by john

I have always liked PlayMini and still do,and I am not put off by what I've read.

We have ALL heard of bad service at some time or another from MINI but we still have them.

There is always two sides to a story and its a shame if anyone has a bad experience.


AndyP & Lenore,I could talk to them for you direct if you want it sounds like you caught Andy on a bad day (and we all have then from time to time)

Also you could fit the playmini exhaust without fitting the manifold,Nenah had this and it was fantastic.




John, that's a kind offer. I'd be delighted to hear what they have to say.

My own take on this is that I was effectively offering Play Mini the opportunity to see if they would be able to market their exhaust system to Cooper S's with automatic transmission. Effectively at no cost to them, 'cos I would (obviously) pay for the system, shipping to me and installation. If, on offering the part to the car it wasn't going to fit I would then pay for shipping back to them. And for this they wanted to charge a 25% handling charge if it turned out the unit didn't fit. Bizarre!

[T6 KFR]

Thats a shame what I have read, however to an extent not suprised. When i bought my playmini exhaust, i first checked out the main dealer...Playmini. Thought it was strange they had no prices on website, so I went elsewhere...hate having to ask for prices of things.

AndyP & Lenore - id go elsewhere and purchase a playmini. At least any come back you have will be with the alternative supplier and not playmini direct.

Could of been Andy's off day - you cant have many of them if you are dealing with public though:disapprove:

[Wul]

quote:Originally posted by john

:D:D:D

Don't worry WUL your safe:D

At least until I get back;):D


Eh!?8) All I did was edit cols bad typing again!:clown:

[Big Col]

Suuuuure you did!

[john]

quote:Originally posted by Wul


quote:Originally posted by john

:D:D:D

Don't worry WUL your safe:D

At least until I get back;):D


Eh!?8) All I did was edit cols bad typing again!:clown:


OOPS!! sorted;)

[AndyP & Lenore]

Lenore and I are very grateful for the support, suggestions and feedback regarding this topic. Cheers everyone!

One more quick question...

Is there a massive difference in sound between the full Play Mini system (back boxes, link pipe , cat & manifold), compared to just installing the link pipe and back boxes?

Play mini's web site has audio clips of both set-ups but it is difficult to guage the difference in sound. To be honest, they both sound pretty much the same to us. But that may just be the constraints of recording the sound/playback of the sound.

We're not looking for extra BHP, just a nice throaty rumble from the exhaust.

Elfman.... which do you have? Full system or just the back boxes?

[Craig]

quote:

Elfman.... which do you have? Full system or just the back boxes?


it is the full system... :D:D

[Burple]

quote:Originally posted by craigd


quote:

Elfman.... which do you have? Full system or just the back boxes?


it is the full system... :D:D


Yip.. I've heard it before and after...

..and it's definitely a bit more growly! :D:D:D

If the S version is anything like the Cooper one, it's still pretty civilised round town! :D

[john]

Nenah had the CAT back and it sounded the same as ELFMANS;)

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by john

Nenah had the CAT back and it sounded the same as ELFMANS;)


Ok. Cheers John. Let me know how you get on with Playmini anyway.

Cheers.

A.

[saraandcraig]

let me no if you eventually get your exhaust , offer is still there for fitting it .c

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by saraandcraig

let me no if you eventually get your exhaust , offer is still there for fitting it .c


Cheers Craig. However, if things go as planned, I'll be sorted out anyway. Thanks anyway.

A.

[AndyP & Lenore]

Sorted.:) Hopefully.

Given up on Play Mini themselves. And doubt very much John would get anywhere with them anyway.:eek:

So we now have a Play Mini cat back exhaust system on order from www.plmini.co.uk:approve: When it arrives our Mini is going into Dastek in Dalgetty Bay to have their used manifold and sports cat system fitted along with the new exhaust from PL Mini:approve:. Dastek are going to remap at the same time, to get the best out of the exhaust/manifold system.:D

Really looking forward to this being fitted.:D:approve:

And it may be immature of me to say, but if Play Mini want to know if the Manifold fits, I 'aint gonna tell them. They just lost the opportunity for me to carry out some R&D for them for free. Stuff them.:mad:

Many thanks to everyone who has offered help and advice on this matter.:D:D:D

A.

[john]

quote:Originally posted by AndyP & Lenore

Sorted.:) Hopefully.

Given up on Play Mini themselves. And doubt very much John would get anywhere with them anyway.:eek:

So we now have a Play Mini cat back exhaust system on order from www.plmini.co.uk:approve: When it arrives our Mini is going into Dastek in Dalgetty Bay to have their used manifold and sports cat system fitted along with the new exhaust from PL Mini:approve:. Dastek are going to remap at the same time, to get the best out of the exhaust/manifold system.:D

Really looking forward to this being fitted.:D:approve:

And it may be immature of me to say, but if Play Mini want to know if the Manifold fits, I 'aint gonna tell them. They just lost the opportunity for me to carry out some R&D for them for free. Stuff them.:mad:

Many thanks to everyone who has offered help and advice on this matter.:D:D:D

A.



WHAT MAKES YOU SO SURE?

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by john


quote:Originally posted by AndyP & Lenore

Sorted.:) Hopefully.

Given up on Play Mini themselves. And doubt very much John would get anywhere with them anyway.:eek:

So we now have a Play Mini cat back exhaust system on order from www.plmini.co.uk:approve: When it arrives our Mini is going into Dastek in Dalgetty Bay to have their used manifold and sports cat system fitted along with the new exhaust from PL Mini:approve:. Dastek are going to remap at the same time, to get the best out of the exhaust/manifold system.:D

Really looking forward to this being fitted.:D:approve:

And it may be immature of me to say, but if Play Mini want to know if the Manifold fits, I 'aint gonna tell them. They just lost the opportunity for me to carry out some R&D for them for free. Stuff them.:mad:

Many thanks to everyone who has offered help and advice on this matter.:D:D:D

A.



WHAT MAKES YOU SO SURE?



When I'm treated in such a way by a company I try to find out as much as I can to see why. It appears the general census of opinion by almost everyone I've spoken to is that Play Mini have a massive chip on their shoulder. Whilst everyone admits their products are of first class quality, their attitude towards customers in particular, stinks.

Don't ask me to name who I've spoken to. I not going to.

Besides, it's all irrelevant now, Exhaust is here, being fitted Friday.

Thanks anyway.

Andrew

[Big Col]

Here John, you know that free exhaust you spent hours on the phone from Australia organising for Andy from playmini by way of an apology, I take it since he doesn't need it. :D;)

[Gismo]

quote:Originally posted by Big Col
Here John, you know that free exhaust you spent hours on the phone from Australia organising for Andy from playmini by way of an apology, I take it since he doesn't need it. :D;)
So, i don't have to phone my mate in customs and excise to make sure it gets through without any surcharges :p

[ELFMAN]

Andy - Shocked to hear of your “Run In” with Playmini! 25% of the cost if it doesn't fit? Hmm.

When I dealt with Playmini, I found them very helpful for additional info & advice and had no trouble at all, so who knows what the problem was?
Maybe Andy was having a really bad day, but his reaction does seen a wee bit OTT. Maybe the 'P-M' is short for something else!

As you'll see from the spec below, I'm running the 'Full Monty' - Playmini Manifold/Sports Cat and Full cat-back System. Hope you get everything sorted OK.

Just as an aside - I know this is going “off thread”, but how does you dealer react to the 'Dastek' gear? Is your TLC/Warranty still OK? I have pondered about the Dastek Stage 1, or even the Stage 2 with the front-mounted intercooler - but was worried that the St.2 might be going too far on pulley reduction etc... I like the fact that they're Scottish and (comparitively) local. (Thinks) must get more info. on this....Any ideas folks?

[AndyP & Lenore]

Euan,

You have mail.:D

A.

[AndyP & Lenore]

Job done.

Full Play Mini system fitted at Dastek in Dalgetty Bay on Friday.

Sounds absolutely amazing.

Well chuffed.:D:D:D

[ELFMAN]

Good stuff, Andy - thanks for the info you sent, sorry been offline - too busy @ work. I'll give you a bell in the near future Re. Dastek.

Glad you got sorted out after the trauma. Welcome to the world of anti-social exhausts.... LET'S GET READY TO RRRRRRRRRUMBLE!!!!!

[ELFMAN]

Andy, forgot to ask, did they give you a “Tune-Up” after they fitted the Exhaust and Manifold? If so, how much did you pick up? Very interested to know.

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by ELFMAN

Good stuff, Andy - thanks for the info you sent, sorry been offline - too busy @ work. I'll give you a bell in the near future Re. Dastek.

Glad you got sorted out after the trauma. Welcome to the world of anti-social exhausts.... LET'S GET READY TO RRRRRRRRRUMBLE!!!!!


Hi Euan,

PM Sent off line again.

We are soooo loving this exhaust. It has a nice sweet purr when crusing at 90 70 on the motorways. But when you floor it to ovetake, OH MAN! do you know it's there or what? Long steady inclines are cool too, it seems like extra torque seems to make the exhaust growl just nice.

Cheers,

A.

[ELFMAN]

Cheers Andy, will check it out later.

[AndyP & Lenore]

Update:

The manifold/cat system we had fitted was the one which was fitted to Dastek's R & D car for their stage two conversion. I was a wee bit worried about this from the start but figured Dastek would look after us if something went wrong.

As it happens the emissions light came on about a week after fitting the new system. So Dastek have taken the manifold/cat off, re-fitted our OEM manifold/cat and refunded us in full for the parts they supplied.

We're not delighted, at the end of the day the exhaust is now nowhere near as loud as it was, but at the same time, we're not annoyed with anyone - we knew it was a bit of a risk.

We may fit a new manifold/cat system in the summer, when we have more readies to hand. At least now we know the Play Mini manifold fits a Cooper S Auto.

Until then we still have the Play Mini mid pipe and back boxes, which still give a good rumble and some nice popping.

[zimbo]

Andy if I was you I think I would put the info about Playmini and there comments on mini2.com then we will see how much he/they care about sales of their exhausts when they suddenly stop selling as many...

When i get my next mini, I would've gone for playmini again as i loved my previous one BUT after reading your thread and the problems you've had I think I'll try some other company.

Sorry you had so much trouble with them.

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by zimbo

Andy if I was you I think I would put the info about Playmini and there comments on mini2.com then we will see how much he/they care about sales of their exhausts when they suddenly stop selling as many...

When i get my next mini, I would've gone for playmini again as i loved my previous one BUT after reading your thread and the problems you've had I think I'll try some other company.

Sorry you had so much trouble with them.


Zinmbo, to be honest, the only problem we've had with Play Mini was their initial attitude towards us. Don't get me wrong - it stank! Clearly they don't give a sh*t about their customers. That's their problem.

The manifold/cat that Dastek fitted appears to be faulty. Probably because it was hammered so much, especially on their dyno during their R&D process designing Stage 2 conversion trials. It can't have helped.

Had a wee look on Mini2 about alternatives and it seems sports cats can be susceptible to blowing out if hammered. So I need to chose an alternative very carefully. The new sports manifold/cat from GTT looks good.

To be honest, I doubt a negative posting on Mini2 would do much to Play Mini's sales. I'm not a regular on there like I am here, people don't know me and it may just look like I've just gone on to bitch about Play Mini.

A.

[sleepyrascal]

I've never heard of anybody who wasn't happy with the way they were treated by Playmini...... until now.

AndyP and Lenore, it's unfortunate that you had a bad experience, but I think Zimbos suggestion of slating Playmini on MINI2 based solely on the opinion of one person is a bit pedantic!

I for one am delighted that you had a bad experience because I just bought a brand new playmini exhaust from John for a tenner! ACE! :D haha

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by sleepyrascal

I've never heard of anybody who wasn't happy with the way they were treated by Playmini...... until now.

AndyP and Lenore, it's unfortunate that you had a bad experience, but I think Zimbos suggestion of slating Playmini on MINI2 based solely on the opinion of one person is a bit pedantic!

I for one am delighted that you had a bad experience because I just bought a brand new playmini exhaust from John for a tenner! ACE! :D haha


I didn't intend slating Play Mini on Mini2. As I said in my earlier post.

And what else can I say to your third paragraph: So what?

[sleepyrascal]

quote:Originally posted by AndyP & Lenore


quote:Originally posted by sleepyrascal

I've never heard of anybody who wasn't happy with the way they were treated by Playmini...... until now.

AndyP and Lenore, it's unfortunate that you had a bad experience, but I think Zimbos suggestion of slating Playmini on MINI2 based solely on the opinion of one person is a bit pedantic!

I for one am delighted that you had a bad experience because I just bought a brand new playmini exhaust from John for a tenner! ACE! :D haha


I didn't intend slating Play Mini on Mini2. As I said in my earlier post.

And what else can I say to your third paragraph: So what?


what else can i say, the third paragraph was obvioulsy meant as a joke!!!!!! I paid £20!! :D

Sorry guys, I was just playing along with the rest of them! :disapprove:

[AndyP & Lenore]

quote:Originally posted by sleepyrascal


quote:Originally posted by AndyP & Lenore


quote:Originally posted by sleepyrascal

I've never heard of anybody who wasn't happy with the way they were treated by Playmini...... until now.

AndyP and Lenore, it's unfortunate that you had a bad experience, but I think Zimbos suggestion of slating Playmini on MINI2 based solely on the opinion of one person is a bit pedantic!

I for one am delighted that you had a bad experience because I just bought a brand new playmini exhaust from John for a tenner! ACE! :D haha


I didn't intend slating Play Mini on Mini2. As I said in my earlier post.

And what else can I say to your third paragraph: So what?


what else can i say, the third paragraph was obvioulsy meant as a joke!!!!!! I paid £20!! :D

Sorry guys, I was just playing along with the rest of them! :disapprove:


Aah. OK.:)

[ELFMAN]

Oh Dear. Sorry to hear that, Andy. You've had no luck with this have you? My Playmini Manifold/System's been on for well over a year now, and I've had no trouble at all. It's still sounding great and no emission glitches. As you said, Dastek's Manifold sounds like a bit of a 'scrapper', but you were aware of that and at least they sorted you out OK, which is good - AND those PM tailpipes do look the business, along with the improved sounds.

I'd still recommend folks in search of improved exhaust flow and 'TVR sounds' to fit a Playmini manifold - but then maybe I shouldn't so that my motor still sounds one of the 'nastiest' on the club runs!