i agree about the LCR/LC sounding different outside. I still have standard exhaust and open cone. Yeh it sounds gruff at low speeds but quiet when giving it some. Usually when i give it the beans i see people in the distance looking around and im thinking 'it cant be me, my car is silent' and you know what it was my car, because the kids were all over it when i stopped at the junction.

Bonnet insulation does help, as does a TIP, non resonated charge pipe, open cone and decat.
 
charge pipes easy to get to on the r isnt it as its right in your face. wouldnt have a clue on the 180 where it is
 
Turbo intake pipe made a massive difference to mine, whistling and induction sound is so much louder. Sounds great. Next step is downpipe and sport cat to mate up to milltek.