Exhaust newbie questions

[dizx]

Hi guys!

I'm thinking about replacing my exhaust, or parts of it.

X-Pipe - 200cell Highflow cats: This is what I have been considering. There are many options out there. I've been looking at ESS Tuning's X-Pipe, which seems fairly priced, and claims no droning. Anyone installed one?

Recently I have read about test-pipes. If you replace the X-Pipe, is it necessary to replace test-pipes as well?

Regarding smell. In what situations would exhaust smell occur?

Thanks for any advice you might have.

[Krockit1]

If your decision to mod is solely improving the sound of the car, do a simple slip on system and forget messing with the cats. Once you go to high flow cats the engine will need a flash to run smoothly with the reduced exhaust back pressure. And a lot of systems drone which will drive you nuts. My pick was ESS slip on and the result was perfect. Great sound without being stupid loud and most importantly balanced to allow the sound of the engine intakes roar through at higher revs or WOT. A lot of full systems are so loud you will lose this signature M3 music. Lots of first hand advice on the forums here... search and learn.

[Grapesape]

Exactly what he said! I also started with the ESS axle back. Couldn't fight the addiction and a couple weeks ago converted to the high flow cats full system. The great thing about the ESS HFC is that you don't have to worry about emissions and the CEL, even without a tune. The sound and tone were exactly what I was looking for, but that's completely subjective. I didn't want anything too crazy loud. Plus, the service and reputation of ESS are unbeatable.

[dizx]

Originally Posted by Grapesape

Exactly what he said! I also started with the ESS axle back. Couldn't fight the addiction and a couple weeks ago converted to the high flow cats full system. The great thing about the ESS HFC is that you don't have to worry about emissions and the CEL, even without a tune. The sound and tone were exactly what I was looking for, but that's completely subjective. I didn't want anything too crazy loud. Plus, the service and reputation of ESS are unbeatable.

I think that is what I am looking for as well. So is it similar to original sound with more punch? How about smell? Any problems during installation?

[dizx]

Originally Posted by Krockit1

If your decision to mod is solely improving the sound of the car, do a simple slip on system and forget messing with the cats. Once you go to high flow cats the engine will need a flash to run smoothly with the reduced exhaust back pressure. And a lot of systems drone which will drive you nuts. My pick was ESS slip on and the result was perfect. Great sound without being stupid loud and most importantly balanced to allow the sound of the engine intakes roar through at higher revs or WOT. A lot of full systems are so loud you will lose this signature M3 music. Lots of first hand advice on the forums here... search and learn.

I already have a Tune and DCT Tune from ESS. I'm looking for a more power. A bit more sound is ok, but i dont want "stupid loud" I want to maintain the M3 music, which I love, but a bit more punch is ok.

[Grapesape]

No smell issues. Love the sound and tone. No comparison to stock sound. Perfect volume. ESS installed it for me, so I can't common on ease. How do you like the ESS tune? Is the difference noticeable in daily driving? Wonder how the DCT tune compares to the GTS DCT software?

[dizx]

Originally Posted by Grapesape

No smell issues. Love the sound and tone. No comparison to stock sound. Perfect volume. ESS installed it for me, so I can't common on ease. How do you like the ESS tune? Is the difference noticeable in daily driving? Wonder how the DCT tune compares to the GTS DCT software?

I am happy with the ESS Tune. But I installed pulleys as well, and cant really tell which mod that caused the most improvement. I am about to replace the pulleys with stock ones soon, and can reply back then.

[tjsabec]

OP, IMHO: test pipes if you don't plan on switching back to stock for inspection or resale and x-pipe if you do plan on switching.

If you get a 200 cell cat system or go with test pipes with the secondary cats intact, there will be additional smell, but there will be very few times you driving the car will notice this smell... probably only stoplights in heavy traffic with the windows down and in your garage.

I have an Akra slip on with ACM test pipes and I am very happy with my set up for reference.

[dizx]

TTT - Thing takes time. This weekend I will finally receive my ESS HFC X-Pipe. They were out of stock for a while. Meanwhile I found a 2nd hand Akrapovic titanium slip-on in perfect condition, so hopefully I will have new and awesome system by the end of this week ... Will report back

[swanson]

sweet. dont forget the video

[sales@ESSTuning]

Originally Posted by dizx

TTT - Thing takes time. This weekend I will finally receive my ESS HFC X-Pipe. They were out of stock for a while. Meanwhile I found a 2nd hand Akrapovic titanium slip-on in perfect condition, so hopefully I will have new and awesome system by the end of this week ... Will report back

Sorry for the delay on shipping. We sold out much quicker than expected of our last production run. Here is a video a customer took of our HFC X-pipe paired with Akra mufflers. Not sure if this was you or not.

[dizx]

This is mine, yes