Remove Cats instead of buying X-Pipe?

leebske · 01-06-2012, 06:15 PM

Could anyone please tell me whether i'm right in saying that I would get a similar effect and sound in getting a performance shop to remove the cats from my stock x-pipe as opposed to buying a challenge x-pipe?

Thanks

h4nh · 01-06-2012, 06:19 PM

Yes it would be the same.

leebske · 01-06-2012, 06:24 PM

Any reason why this isn't done more common instead?

As to remove the cats it would cost no more than $100 for a welder to do and a challenge x-pipe is more like 1000?

schnell325 · 01-06-2012, 06:29 PM

One reason would be that for cars on lease, you can't really go cutting and welding parts off and on. The dealer would murder you on a lease return that had the exhaust system butchered.

My logic for getting a catless AA x-pipe and not just hacking them off, was to ensure I could put the car back to stock 100% IF I ever sold it....but that's not happening any time soon

BMW Fanatic · 01-06-2012, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schnell325

One reason would be that for cars on lease, you can't really go cutting and welding parts off and on. The dealer would murder you on a lease return that had the exhaust system butchered.

My logic for getting a catless AA x-pipe and not just hacking them off, was to ensure I could put the car back to stock 100% IF I ever sold it....but that's not happening any time soon

This.

h4nh · 01-06-2012, 06:51 PM

^ what they said + some places here won't cut your cats off because its not legal.

pbonsalb · 01-06-2012, 07:47 PM

if you can find a shop that will remove the four stock cats and tig weld in four sections of stainless for $100, you should do it.

Performance wise, I agree there is likely little gain from an aftermarket x-pipe over a well-modified stock x-pipe.

I also agree that I do not want to irreversibly hack my stock midpipe. I bought an aftermarket one for that reason.

SchnellM3 · 01-06-2012, 10:55 PM

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-13...at-delete.aspx

Wrong section to post in as well, mods will proly move this thread pretty soon..

Dave07997S · 01-07-2012, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schnell325

One reason would be that for cars on lease, you can't really go cutting and welding parts off and on. The dealer would murder you on a lease return that had the exhaust system butchered.

My logic for getting a catless AA x-pipe and not just hacking them off, was to ensure I could put the car back to stock 100% IF I ever sold it....but that's not happening any time soon

I saw a rewelded OEM xpipe that was re-welded with good precision, I doubt the dealer would even know. If itis just the primary cats that are cut and it was a good clean cut you could return it to stock and get away with it.

schnell325 · 01-07-2012, 04:22 AM

To each their own. To the OP, see if anyone around you is willing to part with their OE d-pipe..... Mess with it and keep your OE one for later!

Team Plutonium · 01-07-2012, 11:42 AM

Buy an x-pipe. Most x-pipes are lighter, and better made than the stock one. Compare the welds of the stock one to Challenge, Dinan, or the best made - Akra, and you'll see what I mean. And they are simple bolt-on's... you can swap them out and change them without any hassle.

M3DCTBT · 01-07-2012, 12:33 PM

A catless stock x pipe sounds pretty horrible though. Lots of backfires and sputtering through the factory resonators. The power is probably within 5whp but the sound with a good x pipe that is x'd towards the front of the car sounds fantastic.

DemonEye · 01-07-2012, 01:01 PM

I just had the top of primary cats removed, inside gutted, then top pieces welded back on. No cuts to the piping, looks totally stock from underneath the car when remounted.

I'm in SC where there is no yearly inspection which is nice.

leebske · 01-08-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemonEye

I just had the top of primary cats removed, inside gutted, then top pieces welded back on. No cuts to the piping, looks totally stock from underneath the car when remounted.

I'm in SC where there is no yearly inspection which is nice.

How does it sound?

IT's a lot cheaper to go my route and i don't really see the issue?

I understand the lightness and better construction but I still feel the significant cost saving is tempting?

DemonEye · 01-08-2012, 07:17 PM

Sounds a bit louder and meaner when you floor it. Not a huge difference though. The secondary cats and resonators still keep things under control sound wise.

leebske · 01-10-2012, 11:59 AM

Is it easy to remove secondary cats or resonators to make it louder?

lenzm3edan · 01-11-2012, 03:46 PM

purchase a used stock xpipe without the primary cats and weld either a Turner test pipe or have a shop custom a piece for you. The stock xpipe will retain the secondary cats which help with the exhaust smell and there is no difference in power when compared to an aftermarket piece that cost $1000+. You will still save some dollars. Some just buy parts because they have the money to burn, I would rather save mine $$$$$

just my 2cents

Dave07997S · 01-11-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schnell325

To each their own. To the OP, see if anyone around you is willing to part with their OE d-pipe..... Mess with it and keep your OE one for later!

I did just what you suggested, I bought a used OEM midsection. It was after this I saw a OEM pipe returned to OEM & saw how well it went I then realized if done properly you didnt need to buy a used OEM pipe.

Dave

Dave07997S · 01-11-2012, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lenzm3edan

purchase a used stock xpipe without cats and weld either a Turner test pipe or have a shop custom a piece for you. The stock xpipe will retain the secondary cats wich help with the exhaust smell and there is no difference in power when compared to a after market piece that cost $1000+. You will still save some dollars. Some just buy parts because they have the money to burn, I would rather save mine $$$$$

just my 2cents

This...

Ant Man · 01-12-2012, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebske

Is it easy to remove secondary cats or resonators to make it louder?

Yes, it's a simple bang the material out of the pipe and make good. I'm sure there is a DIY on this forum. If not there is one on m3cutters.

bigjae1976 · 01-12-2012, 03:20 PM

I like the AA x pipe since you can swap the front sections pretty easily.

I do plan to get another AA x-pipe. Buy an extra front section and weld in the OEM cats. Use that section for the street and inspections. Use the straight pipe for the track or whenever it feel the need.

jtvr4 · 01-13-2012, 07:33 PM

Has anyone had any experience with this product?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FULL-T-304-S...item2eba777807

01-06-2012, 06:15 PM	#1
leebske Private First Class Drives: 08" E92 Jerez Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 122 iTrader: (1)	Remove Cats instead of buying X-Pipe? Could anyone please tell me whether i'm right in saying that I would get a similar effect and sound in getting a performance shop to remove the cats from my stock x-pipe as opposed to buying a challenge x-pipe? Thanks
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01-06-2012, 06:19 PM	#2
h4nh First Lieutenant Drives: 09 SC E90 M3 / 13 F10 M5 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 390 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 (superc ... [0.00] 2013 M5 [0.00]	Yes it would be the same. __________________

01-06-2012, 06:29 PM	#4
schnell325 Bored at work.... Drives: '08 M3,'11 335xi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: BC Posts: 3,402 iTrader: (5)	One reason would be that for cars on lease, you can't really go cutting and welding parts off and on. The dealer would murder you on a lease return that had the exhaust system butchered. My logic for getting a catless AA x-pipe and not just hacking them off, was to ensure I could put the car back to stock 100% IF I ever sold it....but that's not happening any time soon __________________ 2008 SG E92 M3 6MT AA Stage 2 w/ Meth 2011 SG E90 335xi 6MT 2007 SG E70 X5 4.8is

01-06-2012, 06:51 PM	#6
h4nh First Lieutenant Drives: 09 SC E90 M3 / 13 F10 M5 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 390 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 (superc ... [0.00] 2013 M5 [0.00]	^ what they said + some places here won't cut your cats off because its not legal. __________________

01-06-2012, 10:55 PM	#8
SchnellM3 Digger Drives: 03 E46 M3, 09 E92 M3, 09 X6 50 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pa Posts: 2,607 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2003 BMW E46 M3 Tra ... [4.00] 2009 BMW E92 M3 [4.17] 2009 Yamaha R1 (FOR ... [4.75]	http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-13...at-delete.aspx Wrong section to post in as well, mods will proly move this thread pretty soon.. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 /// Melbourne Red /// Fox Red /// M DKG Full Innotech Exhaust - DINAN Intake - IND Engine Bay Appearance - IND Hand Stitched Boot Covers - and much more....

01-06-2012, 06:24 PM	#3
leebske Private First Class Drives: 08" E92 Jerez Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 122 iTrader: (1)	Any reason why this isn't done more common instead? As to remove the cats it would cost no more than $100 for a welder to do and a challenge x-pipe is more like 1000?

01-06-2012, 07:47 PM	#7
pbonsalb Major Drives: 08 E90 M3, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 1,177 iTrader: (3)	if you can find a shop that will remove the four stock cats and tig weld in four sections of stainless for $100, you should do it. Performance wise, I agree there is likely little gain from an aftermarket x-pipe over a well-modified stock x-pipe. I also agree that I do not want to irreversibly hack my stock midpipe. I bought an aftermarket one for that reason.

01-07-2012, 04:22 AM	#10
schnell325 Bored at work.... Drives: '08 M3,'11 335xi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: BC Posts: 3,402 iTrader: (5)	To each their own. To the OP, see if anyone around you is willing to part with their OE d-pipe..... Mess with it and keep your OE one for later! __________________ 2008 SG E92 M3 6MT AA Stage 2 w/ Meth 2011 SG E90 335xi 6MT 2007 SG E70 X5 4.8is

01-07-2012, 11:42 AM	#11
Team Plutonium Major General Drives: 911 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate Posts: 8,519 iTrader: (1)	Buy an x-pipe. Most x-pipes are lighter, and better made than the stock one. Compare the welds of the stock one to Challenge, Dinan, or the best made - Akra, and you'll see what I mean. And they are simple bolt-on's... you can swap them out and change them without any hassle. __________________ Gone... ESS VT2-625 \| ESS Tune \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| Dinan 4.10 Diff \| KW Variant 3 Coilovers \| Dinan Camber Plates \| Dinan Strut Tower Braces \| Dinan X-Pipe \| Akrapovic Exhaust \| Vorsteiner GTS3 Bumper \| Varis System One Diffuser \| OEM Performance Spoiler \| Stack Gauges \| GTS Door Sills \| Volk TE37 \| Falken Azenis RT615K 275/315 \| Pulled Fenders \| Turner Stud Kit \| OMP ARS Racing Seats New: 991C2S

01-07-2012, 12:33 PM	#12
M3DCTBT First Lieutenant Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England Posts: 320 iTrader: (2)	A catless stock x pipe sounds pretty horrible though. Lots of backfires and sputtering through the factory resonators. The power is probably within 5whp but the sound with a good x pipe that is x'd towards the front of the car sounds fantastic.

01-07-2012, 01:01 PM	#13
DemonEye Private Drives: 2012 M3 Coupe, 2005 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 80 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2005 M3 Coupe [3.00]	I just had the top of primary cats removed, inside gutted, then top pieces welded back on. No cuts to the piping, looks totally stock from underneath the car when remounted. I'm in SC where there is no yearly inspection which is nice. __________________ www.carolinaeuros.com

01-08-2012, 07:17 PM	#15
DemonEye Private Drives: 2012 M3 Coupe, 2005 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 80 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2005 M3 Coupe [3.00]	Sounds a bit louder and meaner when you floor it. Not a huge difference though. The secondary cats and resonators still keep things under control sound wise. __________________ www.carolinaeuros.com

01-10-2012, 11:59 AM	#16
leebske Private First Class Drives: 08" E92 Jerez Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 122 iTrader: (1)	Is it easy to remove secondary cats or resonators to make it louder?

01-11-2012, 03:46 PM	#17
lenzm3edan First Pride Drives: E90, Mercedes ML 350, Outback Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Unknown. Posts: 955 iTrader: (6)	purchase a used stock xpipe without the primary cats and weld either a Turner test pipe or have a shop custom a piece for you. The stock xpipe will retain the secondary cats which help with the exhaust smell and there is no difference in power when compared to an aftermarket piece that cost $1000+. You will still save some dollars. Some just buy parts because they have the money to burn, I would rather save mine $$$$$ just my 2cents __________________ ESS VT-1 550 silverstone E90 /// M3 - 6spd - AD08 - Spacers - H&R - AA exhaust - Primary cat delete - Custom test pipes - ESS tune - Lighted ZHP. Last edited by lenzm3edan; 01-11-2012 at 07:23 PM.

01-12-2012, 03:20 PM	#21
bigjae1976 Brigadier General Drives: 04 330Ci, 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 4,054 iTrader: (8)	I like the AA x pipe since you can swap the front sections pretty easily. I do plan to get another AA x-pipe. Buy an extra front section and weld in the OEM cats. Use that section for the street and inspections. Use the straight pipe for the track or whenever it feel the need. __________________

01-13-2012, 07:33 PM	#22
jtvr4 Private Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kansas City Posts: 53 iTrader: (0)	Has anyone had any experience with this product? http://www.ebay.com/itm/FULL-T-304-S...item2eba777807

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