Fabspeed X-Pipe and HFC Review

[aussiem3]

Someone with OEM catback with Fabspeed HFC and x-pipe - could you tell me what the sound and drivebility is like please? I don't intend to do any ECU mods and mainly looking at getting the a nice aggressive sound with the stock system.
Given how popular Fabspeed product is and given the excellant customer feedback on Jeremy's service I am very close to getting the system shipped to Australia. I need that little bit convincing. It's a long way to send back the system if I don't like it and I don't want to a difficult customer. I rather do all the homework and make the right decision.
I want to know the drone - b'cos there some already with the OEM system in the 2k rpm range - is removed with the HFC and the noise level please?

[Ben335]

[Jeremy@Fabspeed]

Originally Posted by PunjabiM3

Jeremy did you leave the stock donut gasket between the header and cat in place or was it taken out? Getting the car dynoed this Saturday to compare to my stock run so hope I get some decent numbers.

The stock donut gasket is left in place between the header and HFC.

[PunjabiM3]

Originally Posted by Jeremy@Fabspeed

The stock donut gasket is left in place between the header and HFC.

Cool thanks! That is what we did.

[xxe92xx]

the stock pipes are so damn ugly...

[RGuard250]

Originally Posted by DoNDoN

If anything get the Fabspeed HFC and X Pipe first. I guarantee you will not be disappointed with the sound or the hp increase. If I had to start modifying my car again this would definitely be the first mod that I would do.

DoNDoN,

I already have the Eisenmann race like you. In my opinion, the design is beautiful and the sound is absolutely perfect! The issue is the sound I have now is ideal. I do not want to go any louder, my main concern is cabin noise/drone. Right now it's comfortably quiet in the cabin with the race exhaust, can't even here it with the premium stereo on. But with an x-pipe, I'm really worried the noise level will go too loud. I park inside at my high-rise, and when I start up my car the walls rattle and the car vibrates because of the Eisenmann Race. Imagine an x-pipe, my motorcycle next door would fall down. Essentially, I want an exhaust/fabspeed setup where the noise will be at par or no louder than the Eisenmann race. That is why I am inclined to going with the Vanguard TI system.

[Ben335]

Originally Posted by RGuard250

DoNDoN,

I already have the Eisenmann race like you. In my opinion, the design is beautiful and the sound is absolutely perfect! The issue is the sound I have now is ideal. I do not want to go any louder, my main concern is cabin noise/drone. Right now it's comfortably quiet in the cabin with the race exhaust, can't even here it with the premium stereo on. But with an x-pipe, I'm really worried the noise level will go too loud. I park inside at my high-rise, and when I start up my car the walls rattle and the car vibrates because of the Eisenmann Race. Imagine an x-pipe, my motorcycle next door would fall down. Essentially, I want an exhaust/fabspeed setup where the noise will be at par or no louder than the Eisenmann race. That is why I am inclined to going with the Vanguard TI system.

If you love the Eisenmann Race sound/tone, then my suggestion if you go with the Xpipe and HFC and you are worried about it being loud is for you to go to the Eisenmann Sport. I have that combo and it is perfect. I have not heard the Vanguard TI, so can't comment on that.

[RGuard250]

Originally Posted by Ben335

If you love the Eisenmann Race sound/tone, then my suggestion if you go with the Xpipe and HFC and you are worried about it being loud is for you to go to the Eisenmann Sport. I have that combo and it is perfect. I have not heard the Vanguard TI, so can't comment on that.

Ben335,

I have actually thought about that setup plenty of times, but to go from Eisenmann race to sport would seem like a step down in terms of overall performance. My objective is to prepare the car for a supercharger, and mentally knowing that i'm switching out the race exhaust (which supposedly dynos higher) for a sport exhaust would irritate to me. Also they are the same brand, so really the excitement factor is minimized and the end result is I lose money for the same looks with less noise. With the Vanguard Ti, the dyno looks competitive and the weight savings is awesome. Not only that, the aesthetics is a major selling point. I may purchase the fabspeed instead of the Vanguard first to see how loud it is. What ever I do, i am posting a review of my whole car because it should be done until the ESS supercharger is released.

[Ben335]

Originally Posted by RGuard250

Ben335,

I have actually thought about that setup plenty of times, but to go from Eisenmann race to sport would seem like a step down in terms of overall performance. My objective is to prepare the car for a supercharger, and mentally knowing that i'm switching out the race exhaust (which supposedly dynos higher) for a sport exhaust would irritate to me. Also they are the same brand, so really the excitement factor is minimized and the end result is I lose money for the same looks with less noise. With the Vanguard Ti, the dyno looks competitive and the weight savings is awesome. Not only that, the aesthetics is a major selling point. I may purchase the fabspeed instead of the Vanguard first to see how loud it is. What ever I do, i am posting a review of my whole car because it should be done until the ESS supercharger is released.

Look at it this way. There is such a minimal difference between how a Race and Sport Dynos. The fact of the matter is you really just don't gain much with a axle back exhaust only, just sound. The gain come from doing the HFC and Xpipe. That is where you really see it. DonDon and I both dynoed. He has the Race and I have the Sport. We dynoed identical.

[DoNDoN]

Originally Posted by RGuard250

DoNDoN,

I already have the Eisenmann race like you. In my opinion, the design is beautiful and the sound is absolutely perfect! The issue is the sound I have now is ideal. I do not want to go any louder, my main concern is cabin noise/drone. Right now it's comfortably quiet in the cabin with the race exhaust, can't even here it with the premium stereo on. But with an x-pipe, I'm really worried the noise level will go too loud. I park inside at my high-rise, and when I start up my car the walls rattle and the car vibrates because of the Eisenmann Race. Imagine an x-pipe, my motorcycle next door would fall down. Essentially, I want an exhaust/fabspeed setup where the noise will be at par or no louder than the Eisenmann race. That is why I am inclined to going with the Vanguard TI system.

If you want to keep the sound and vibration down then you need to get rid of the Eisenmann Race if you want to do the Fabspeed HFC and X Pipe. Ben has the Sport and I think it is the perfect solution for a daily driver. Either way you need to get the Fabspeed stuff because the HP alone is worth the price. The sound is just an added bonus.

[RGuard250]

Originally Posted by DoNDoN

If you want to keep the sound and vibration down then you need to get rid of the Eisenmann Race if you want to do the Fabspeed HFC and X Pipe. Ben has the Sport and I think it is the perfect solution for a daily driver. Either way you need to get the Fabspeed stuff because the HP alone is worth the price. The sound is just an added bonus.

Agreed... The race sounds awesome by itself but I don't want the noise level to be amplified. That's why I am inclined to the Vanguard system. Does anyone here have any input of whether the Vanguard is louder than the Eisenmann sport?

[Ben335]

Originally Posted by RGuard250

Agreed... The race sounds awesome by itself but I don't want the noise level to be amplified. That's why I am inclined to the Vanguard system. Does anyone here have any input of whether the Vanguard is louder than the Eisenmann sport?

There is a member here that just had the Vanguard. Darwin316. PM him and get his thoughts.

[Blade929]

I had the opportunity to hear both Ben and Don drive away from me when I was at a meet. Both cars sound very, very good. Don's is very aggressive but still not as loud as my buddy's Agency on his E46 M3. The loudness is very subjective so I think the best thing to do is try to get a ride with someone with a setup similar to what you plan. ie I need to get Ben to give me a ride Good to see you guys again.

[Ben335]

Originally Posted by Blade929

I had the opportunity to hear both Ben and Don drive away from me when I was at a meet. Both cars sound very, very good. Don's is very aggressive but still not as loud as my buddy's Agency on his E46 M3. The loudness is very subjective so I think the best thing to do is try to get a ride with someone with a setup similar to what you plan. ie I need to get Ben to give me a ride Good to see you guys again.

You're welcome to take a ride anytime...

[Crazy Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Ben335

The install went smoothly and once the car was off the lift, I took it for a quick spin to see how the car ran. WOW....you can instantly feel the increase in power in the car. It is truly amazing. We all look for mods that give us power and this one definitely delivers without a doubt. If I were to start over from the beginning, this would be the first mod that I would do performance wise as it really does deliver at a very reasonable price. The car is so much more powerful all over the rev range. The revs are freerer and quicker to climb as the engine is breathing much better now.

Sound wise it is great. Not that much louder than my Einsenmann Sport alone. When you get on the gas though, the sound is much more aggressive and raw. It is a bit louder, but as a comparison, it is still quiter than a Eisenmann Race in my opinion. For those that are looking for a bit more sound from the Eisenmann Sport, this is the item for you. If you daily drive your car also, this fits your bill.

.

Your review is spot on.

I just had my Fabspeed Xpipe with resonators and HFC installed today as I also have an Eisenmann Sport. Big thanks to the guys at IND for hooking it up!

Just wish i didnt wait this long to get it done. My car sounds like an absolute beast when you romp on the gas. Yet if you just want to cruise around its pretty tame. Exactly what i was looking for.

Next up.. a tune.

[tinpot]

Agreed! This thread assisted with my decision to buy a Fabspeed x-pipe and HFC. Last week I had a Fabspeed x-pipe installed on my M3 and I made 20whp, which is very impressive given I had stock mufflers at the time. At idle my car sounded the same as stock; on the gas the Fabspeed x-pipe came to life.

I’ve now added an RDSport exhaust (plus various other goodies ) to my M3 and my car sounds perfect. The jewel in the crown, though, is my Fabspeed x-pipe

[disruptv]

Originally Posted by Jesal@Project 808

Your review is spot on.

I just had my Fabspeed Xpipe with resonators and HFC installed today as I also have an Eisenmann Sport. Big thanks to the guys at IND for hooking it up!

Just wish i didnt wait this long to get it done. My car sounds like an absolute beast when you romp on the gas. Yet if you just want to cruise around its pretty tame. Exactly what i was looking for.

Next up.. a tune.

Congrats!!

Lets get some clips up...btw r u planning on doing a tune ?

[Crazy Bimmer]

Originally Posted by disruptv

Congrats!!

Lets get some clips up...btw r u planning on doing a tune ?

Im letting a friend borrow my camera but ill see what i can do.

I do plan on getting a tune but most likely not till Spring. Kinda curious to see what else is out by then, if anything.

[Optherion]

Originally Posted by RGuard250

But yes, the Vanguard w/ Fabspeed is my ideal setup to replace my Eisenmann.

That is EXACTLY what I am looking for as well. SOMEONE DO IT! lol I need to hear if it still sounds good.

[Robwe46m3]

I am having my Vanguard Ti / Fabspeed HFC w/ resonated x-pipe combo Installed on Dec. 2.... will post after installation

[FStop7]

Dondon, is your fabspeed pipe resonated or no?

[DoNDoN]

Originally Posted by FStop7

Dondon, is your fabspeed pipe resonated or no?

Yup. I am still loving it.