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      04-08-2013, 08:07 PM   #1
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Which exhast to choose?? Akra or Fabspeed?

I need some help choosing an exhaust, I'm only doing rear mufflers/catback with the intentions of going full exhaust later. I want a good sound but nothing obnoxious. I have looked at vids online with both of these set ups and they both sound great but real life sound is better. So the Akra is a good system and I live like 10 mins away from Fabspeed so kinda wanted to give them the Biz. So which would you choose??? Thanks
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      04-08-2013, 08:10 PM   #2
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Can't compare those two. Akra is very mild quality sound . Almost oem like. Anything else is just noise
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      04-08-2013, 09:06 PM   #3
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No comparison. Akra for sure.
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      04-09-2013, 10:00 AM   #4
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Depends on your personal preference. I find the Akra setup to be much too quiet. Great build quality, though.
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      04-09-2013, 10:10 AM   #5
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Akra
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      04-09-2013, 07:55 PM   #6
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Akra is an extremely quality product in every regard but I don't agree that everything else is just noise. There are a few high quality exhausts out there. Do the research and choose what's best for you.
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      04-09-2013, 08:27 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PhillyNate
Akra is an extremely quality product in every regard but I don't agree that everything else is just noise. There are a few high quality exhausts out there. Do the research and choose what's best for you.
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      04-09-2013, 10:52 PM   #8
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We can sell you Fabspeed, Akrapovic, Eisenmann etc. For the $$$, we really like Fabspeed. It sounds absolutely awesome, esp with XPipe. Stop by to hear our VF620 car with full Fabspeed system

Akrapovic is without doubt the finest system made for the M9X M but you are paying a lot of $$$ for it.

Both are great, it really comes down to budget IMO.
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      04-10-2013, 04:32 PM   #9
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I made this post, going with the fabspeed and gonna be at your shop to take a look around and set up my appt for the exhaust. Thanks for the call.

Last edited by JVP13; 07-30-2013 at 12:20 PM..
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      04-29-2013, 07:45 PM   #10
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How Does the Fabspeed, Akrapovic, and Eisenmann exhaust, compare with power gain number?
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      05-01-2013, 01:12 PM   #11
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Sound is my priority when I pick my exhausts. I really dislike how the akra sounds
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      05-01-2013, 01:21 PM   #12
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if you're doing only axle back now, with the intention of going full...go akra.

My akra rear with challenge sport pipe (HFC's) sounds sick... it's not obnoxious, but it's a deep aggressive tone with almost no drone in the cabin at all.
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      05-02-2013, 08:55 AM   #13
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Find the most expensive exhaust you can find. That's the best one.

Everything else is just noise??

I think Akra's sound tinny and pingy due to their construction. Well engineered, well manufacturer, exceptional quality... For sure, but there are tons of exhausts that can provide modest hp increase while producing a fantastic exhaust note.

I have a Dinan and turner mids. I love the way it sounds, not loud, no drone, and good hp increase.

There's plenty of exhaust setups that will provide some power and sound while not being obnoxious.

IMHO spending 5-6k on an exhaust is silly when you consider you can buy a SC for that much.. Instead your getting maybe 20hp and some titanium.
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      05-02-2013, 08:58 AM   #14
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I have not heard the fabspeed yet but I can say I have the Akra Evo on my current M and also on my last M and I love it. ITs loud when you want it to be and the build quality, fit, and gains are the best IMO.
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      05-02-2013, 09:34 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris s View Post
if you're doing only axle back now, with the intention of going full...go akra.

My akra rear with challenge sport pipe (HFC's) sounds sick... it's not obnoxious, but it's a deep aggressive tone with almost no drone in the cabin at all.
Do you have any sound clips or can you comment on previous setups you may have had with your Challenge x-pipe?

I have the Challenge as well, but with OEM exhaust and it's a little raspy, which I expected. But, when shifting (DCT) from 1st to 2nd, especially when car isn't quite warmed, the car sounds lazy, the shift is more pronounced and sounds prolonged, if that makes any sense.
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      05-02-2013, 09:53 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris s View Post
if you're doing only axle back now, with the intention of going full...go akra.

My akra rear with challenge sport pipe (HFC's) sounds sick... it's not obnoxious, but it's a deep aggressive tone with almost no drone in the cabin at all.
I agree with this, so long as you do one Akra piece or the other and not both.

I had Akra Evo and it only lasted a few weeks on my car. The sound of it was lackluster and was very mundane. I would not touch the full Akra system again I disliked it that much.

I have also had the Akra X pipe with a few different axel backs, and this combo was great since the x pipe is more on the mild side.

So either get a regular x pipe with Akra axel or akra x pipe with a more aggressive axel back.
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      05-02-2013, 10:16 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ERinEC View Post
Do you have any sound clips or can you comment on previous setups you may have had with your Challenge x-pipe?

I have the Challenge as well, but with OEM exhaust and it's a little raspy, which I expected. But, when shifting (DCT) from 1st to 2nd, especially when car isn't quite warmed, the car sounds lazy, the shift is more pronounced and sounds prolonged, if that makes any sense.
I don't have any sound clips yet, but I will try to get some done soon... Kinda surprised to hear your challenge with OEM is raspy... Challenge sport with HFCs?

Previous setups were with stock X-pipe, so i really don't have basis for comparison. I've had AE axle back which i liked alot, but it was a little mild and Eisenmann Race, which i loved but couldn't take the drone.

My current setup falls somewhere in the middle...more exotic sounding. Minimal drone, if any...which was a must for me.
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      05-02-2013, 11:06 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris s View Post
I don't have any sound clips yet, but I will try to get some done soon... Kinda surprised to hear your challenge with OEM is raspy... Challenge sport with HFCs?

Previous setups were with stock X-pipe, so i really don't have basis for comparison. I've had AE axle back which i liked alot, but it was a little mild and Eisenmann Race, which i loved but couldn't take the drone.

My current setup falls somewhere in the middle...more exotic sounding. Minimal drone, if any...which was a must for me.
Yes, I have the sport version with HFC. I'm considering an Eisenmann Sport, AA Signature, or the Akrapovic to go with it. I've been holding out for a used one though.
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      05-03-2013, 08:29 AM   #19
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Just depends on what sound you want and what quality you desire. The Akra is by far one of the best if not the best made exhaust I have seen. For sound, it is one of the more quiet ones. The Fabspeed stuff isn't on the same playing field.
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      05-09-2013, 06:37 AM   #20
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What about Remus Race with Remus xpipes?
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      05-09-2013, 06:48 AM   #21
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Congrats on the Fabspeed, seems like you're getting it installed soon at VAC. Post some clips of your exhaust!

All comes down to what you prefer as you clearly can tell here. I too was in your position about a month or so ago, and went Akra Evo, as it was exactly what I was looking for when it came to materials, weight, performance, looks, and sound.
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      05-09-2013, 07:11 AM   #22
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Well since the Akra sounds like a vacuum cleaner, I would go with fabspeed








I kid! Both sound good!
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