Remove Cats instead of buying X-Pipe?

leebske · 01-06-2012, 05:15 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, 05:19 PM

Yes it would be the same.

leebske · 01-06-2012, 05:24 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, 05:29 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, 05:48 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, 05:51 PM

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

pbonsalb · 01-06-2012, 06:47 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, 09:55 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, 02:47 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, 03:22 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!

M3DCTBT · 01-07-2012, 11:33 AM

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, 12:01 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, 06:10 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, 06:17 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, 10:59 AM

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

AlteredBe4st · 01-11-2012, 02:46 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, 05:57 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, 05:58 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, 08:54 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, 02:20 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, 06:33 PM

Has anyone had any experience with this product?

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

pbonsalb · 01-13-2012, 07:59 PM

I bought the apparently identical one sold by Top Speed. It fit fine, but is too loud for me so I am modifying it to add four resonators. I know it did not cost $1000 or more like some of the other x-pipes but the quality looks fine to me. I hope to tack weld the resonators in place this weekend and then have them tig welded next week.

After that, I will consider whether to add a pair of high flow metallic core 200 cell cats. I would put the high flow cats where the factory primary cats are located and use 02 extenders with restrictors in the hopes that OBD2 readiness would be preserved. Many x-pipes have high flow cats where the factory secondary cats are located and this prevents OBD2 readiness since the rear 02s would be located before rather than after the cats.

I bought the car as a practical daily driver that my wife would ride in since she does not really like my 500+ rwhp 500+ lb rwtq catless turbo E36 M3. If I make the E90M3 too loud and too smelly, she won't ride in it, either.

01-06-2012, 05:15 PM	#1
leebske Private First Class 17 Rep 155 Posts Drives: 08' E90 DCT LCI Jerez Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Auckland, New Zealand 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, 05:19 PM	#2
h4nh Major 237 Rep 1,095 Posts Drives: 09 SC E90 M3 / 13 F10 M5 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 (superc ... [10.00] 2013 M5 [0.00]	Yes it would be the same. __________________
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01-06-2012, 05:24 PM	#3
leebske Private First Class 17 Rep 155 Posts Drives: 08' E90 DCT LCI Jerez Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Auckland, New Zealand 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?
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01-06-2012, 05:29 PM	#4
schnell325 Bored at work.... 890 Rep 5,389 Posts Drives: 2016 F82 M4 GTS//2022 M235iGC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Comox Valley iTrader: (8)	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 __________________ Grey Matter:2008 E92 M3:608/425. SG/PS SOLD! Dark Matter:2015 F80 M3:495/505. SOLD! Anti Matter :2016 F82 M4 GTS What next?!? A 2022 M235i GC- I must be getting old
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01-06-2012, 05:51 PM	#6
h4nh Major 237 Rep 1,095 Posts Drives: 09 SC E90 M3 / 13 F10 M5 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 (superc ... [10.00] 2013 M5 [0.00]	^ what they said + some places here won't cut your cats off because its not legal. __________________
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01-06-2012, 06:47 PM	#7
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5216 Rep 10,603 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	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.
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01-06-2012, 09:55 PM	#8
SchnellM3 Digger 205 Rep 2,619 Posts Drives: 03 E46 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pa iTrader: (5) Garage List 2003 BMW E46 M3 Tra ... [8.00] 2009 BMW E92 M3 [8.30] 2009 Yamaha R1 (FOR ... [9.50]	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....
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01-07-2012, 03:22 AM	#10
schnell325 Bored at work.... 890 Rep 5,389 Posts Drives: 2016 F82 M4 GTS//2022 M235iGC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Comox Valley iTrader: (8)	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! __________________ Grey Matter:2008 E92 M3:608/425. SG/PS SOLD! Dark Matter:2015 F80 M3:495/505. SOLD! Anti Matter :2016 F82 M4 GTS What next?!? A 2022 M235i GC- I must be getting old
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01-07-2012, 11:33 AM	#11
M3DCTBT First Lieutenant 34 Rep 372 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England 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.
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01-07-2012, 12:01 PM	#12
DemonEye Private First Class 6 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 Coupe ESS VT2-625 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [0.00] 2012 M3 Coupe [0.00]	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 Carolina Euros Facebook Page
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01-08-2012, 06:17 PM	#14
DemonEye Private First Class 6 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 Coupe ESS VT2-625 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [0.00] 2012 M3 Coupe [0.00]	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 Carolina Euros Facebook Page
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01-10-2012, 10:59 AM	#15
leebske Private First Class 17 Rep 155 Posts Drives: 08' E90 DCT LCI Jerez Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Auckland, New Zealand iTrader: (1)	Is it easy to remove secondary cats or resonators to make it louder?
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01-11-2012, 02:46 PM	#16
AlteredBe4st First Pride 110 Rep 1,557 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Connecticut.. iTrader: (8)	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 __________________ Modded M4 Last edited by AlteredBe4st; 01-11-2012 at 06:23 PM..
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01-12-2012, 02:20 PM	#20
bigjae1976 Major General 1570 Rep 8,075 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [4.50] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [5.25] 2013 BMW 328i [5.00]	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. __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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01-13-2012, 06:33 PM	#21
jtvr4 Private 3 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (0)	Has anyone had any experience with this product? http://www.ebay.com/itm/FULL-T-304-S...item2eba777807
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01-13-2012, 07:59 PM	#22
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5216 Rep 10,603 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	I bought the apparently identical one sold by Top Speed. It fit fine, but is too loud for me so I am modifying it to add four resonators. I know it did not cost $1000 or more like some of the other x-pipes but the quality looks fine to me. I hope to tack weld the resonators in place this weekend and then have them tig welded next week. After that, I will consider whether to add a pair of high flow metallic core 200 cell cats. I would put the high flow cats where the factory primary cats are located and use 02 extenders with restrictors in the hopes that OBD2 readiness would be preserved. Many x-pipes have high flow cats where the factory secondary cats are located and this prevents OBD2 readiness since the rear 02s would be located before rather than after the cats. I bought the car as a practical daily driver that my wife would ride in since she does not really like my 500+ rwhp 500+ lb rwtq catless turbo E36 M3. If I make the E90M3 too loud and too smelly, she won't ride in it, either.
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