Yet another exhaust recommendation thread

[MPowerZ32]

I did a quick search and didn't find any result. So here we go...

I have quad resonated catless x pipe paired with the stock exhaust. I like the sound. It is not too loud overall, yet can become alive in the high rpms. Personally, the sound level is about perfect.

The only thing that bothers me is the look of huge steal case hanging low under the car. Is there an aftermarket option out there that's not loud, and sounds good paired with quad resonated x pipe?

I know this is not a thread about the ear piercing IPE type of sound. But I'd appreciate any input.

[Longboarder]

Well, the Akrapovic looks awesome (no girdle so it shows off the LSD and has perfect sized pipes), is quiet compared to other rear sections and is made of titanium so it's very light. Huge weight reduction from stock. Best of all worlds. No compromises.

[Froglet]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Well, the Akrapovic looks awesome (no girdle so it shows off the LSD and has perfect sized pipes), is quiet compared to other rear sections and is made of titanium so it's very light. Huge weight reduction from stock. Best of all worlds. No compromises.

I second that. Great quality, nice weight reduction, some extra power and a great soundtrack... It's a bit pricey though, but so are M3s........

[MPowerZ32]

Akra sounds like a great option! I've seen some dynos that showed a power dip in the lower rpms. Was it due to their evo x pipe, not the mufflers?

[W///]

Depends on your budget and how loud you want it. There are a ton of options (good and bad).

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Well, the Akrapovic looks awesome (no girdle so it shows off the LSD and has perfect sized pipes), is quiet compared to other rear sections and is made of titanium so it's very light. Huge weight reduction from stock. Best of all worlds. No compromises.

really? no compromises?

[Jeff@autocouture]

Akra or Eisenmann Sport paired with quad resonated x-pipe sounds fantastic.

[MPowerZ32]

I'm one of the few people that think stock exhaust paired with quad resonated x pipe offers the right amount of volume. The stock exhaust just needs help in the looks department. Akra and Eisenmann Sports. Two options to consider. Do they drone?

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by rjd598

really? no compromises?

Yup and

[s14_kev]

Originally Posted by MPowerZ32

I'm one of the few people that think stock exhaust paired with quad resonated x pipe offers the right amount of volume. The stock exhaust just needs help in the looks department. Akra and Eisenmann Sports. Two options to consider. Do they drone?

I have the Akra slip on with stock x-pipe. No drone here. I have also paired it with the stock x-pipe and test pipes, as well as AA x-pipe w/ HFC with no complaints. It was definitely the best sounding with the AA x-pipe.

If you already like the sound, why not just paint the stock muffler black and be done with it? Much cheaper than swapping to Akra or Eisenmann!

[MPowerZ32]

Originally Posted by kevin///mlee

If you already like the sound, why not just paint the stock muffler black and be done with it? Much cheaper than swapping to Akra or Eisenmann!

That's also a potential option. I could use some high temp paint and get some fancy tips. How durable is that kind of finish though? It seems every picture of the painted muffler I've seen so far has areas of paint peeling/chipping and scrapes.

[s14_kev]

Originally Posted by MPowerZ32

That's also a potential option. I could use some high temp paint and get some fancy tips. How durable is that kind of finish though? It seems every picture of the painted muffler I've seen so far has areas of paint peeling/chipping and scrapes.

I haven't done it myself but maybe someone who has will chime in. My guess is the rock chips wouldn't be very visible from more than a few feet away and you could always give it a fresh coat if it bothers you. As for tips, the EAS 80mm tips seem to be a popular choice on the boards. Good luck!

[Jeff@autocouture]

Originally Posted by MPowerZ32

I'm one of the few people that think stock exhaust paired with quad resonated x pipe offers the right amount of volume. The stock exhaust just needs help in the looks department. Akra and Eisenmann Sports. Two options to consider. Do they drone?

I'd say neither really droned much/ at all, but the eisenmann was a tad louder.

[81bear]

Originally Posted by kevin///mlee

I have the Akra slip on with stock x-pipe. No drone here. I have also paired it with the stock x-pipe and test pipes, as well as AA x-pipe w/ HFC with no complaints. It was definitely the best sounding with the AA x-pipe.

If you already like the sound, why not just paint the stock muffler black and be done with it? Much cheaper than swapping to Akra or Eisenmann!

Did you have that deep bass sound between 1800-2000 rpm with the AA x-pipe w/hfc's?

I have a full akra Evo and that deep bass sound when you get on the gas at 1800-2000 rpm is the only thing I'm not loving. I also have an ESS hfc xpipe which I might throw on the car and see if that will eliminate it...

[Lucrecio84]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Well, the Akrapovic looks awesome (no girdle so it shows off the LSD and has perfect sized pipes), is quiet compared to other rear sections and is made of titanium so it's very light. Huge weight reduction from stock. Best of all worlds. No compromises.

+1

[s14_kev]

Originally Posted by 81bear

Did you have that deep bass sound between 1800-2000 rpm with the AA x-pipe w/hfc's?

I have a full akra Evo and that deep bass sound when you get on the gas at 1800-2000 rpm is the only thing I'm not loving. I also have an ESS hfc xpipe which I might throw on the car and see if that will eliminate it...

From my experience, the Akra is inherently bassy in that range. I have noticed it in every setup I've had with it.

[m3aviator]

Mods in the sig. Zero drone and OMG when on the loud pedal.

[MPowerZ32]

Is Dinan louder than Akra?