|
|
07-19-2018, 05:49 PM | #1 |
Colonel
3549
Rep 2,824
Posts |
Anybody regret going stage 2?
So I am craving the midrange TQ that is to be found with bypass pipes and a stage 2 tune, but I am concerned with the tinny/raspy sound of test pipes and of the smell. I live in a condo with a parking garage, so while volume/cold start isn't a concern, smell is. I also quite like being able to push the car around without the attention that a louder exhaust would bring, so I am not looking for much change in volume/sound - just the tq/hp. I would go with something like the Evolve X-pipe, which is probably perfect for me, but I am finding it tough to justify that expense compared to basic bypass pipes.
While differing opinions exist, the consensus in general seems to be (1) the additional grunt is obvious and substantial, (2) the sound at low RPM/throttle is nearly unchanged, (3) the sound at higher RPM/throttle is louder, raspier, and more aggressive, and (4) the petrol smell is mild but present in certain situations (e.g., stop and go with windows down). That all said, has anybody gone down the path of test pipes/stage 2 and regretted it? I think I've read two posts to that effect, one said the sound ruined the driving experience, and another said the additional grunt just wasn't very noticeable. The alternative for me is just a filter/pulley/stage 1 tune, which should be good for about half of the gains of pipes/stage 2. So, please share any of your displeasure with test pipes, and talk me out of stage 2. Thanks! |
07-19-2018, 06:52 PM | #3 |
Brigadier General
4452
Rep 4,014
Posts |
Get an X-pipe with HFC. You will never smell your exhaust. It's the vehicles driving behind you that will smell it. The smell doesn't change at the engine or interior of vehicle. It changes at the rear by the pipes. HFC on a good used X-Pipe are well worth the sound and having a stage 2.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-19-2018, 07:29 PM | #4 |
Captain
541
Rep 979
Posts |
If you live in CA dont do this unless you want to swap back to factory cats and tune every year for emissions. Remember CA people must have all OBD2 sensors ready or they fail emissions. Getting readiness on high flow cats is hit or miss. You are not going to be able to enjoy test pipes in san fran. I fear you will get pulled over constantly for modded exhaust. For the least hassle based on your location, id go with filter/pulley/stage 1 tune. Or find a way to register you car in Nevada ;-).
__________________
Harrop Supercharger, BPM Tune, K/W Coil over kit, Stoptek BBK, Magnaflow exhaust, ear to ear grin everytime I drive... Last edited by Mvy; 07-19-2018 at 07:35 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-19-2018, 07:54 PM | #5 |
Captain
27
Rep 850
Posts |
I have test pipes with oem mod and it's only slightly louder than stock for normal driving. Get cold start delete with the tune. Otherwise it's only stupid loud when you punch it above 3500 rpm.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-19-2018, 07:57 PM | #6 |
Private First Class
28
Rep 126
Posts |
I got test pipes with bpm stage II tune and it gave the car alot more volume and power. Just get some test pipes and with the money you save you can put towards a stage II tune. Keeping the secondaries in tact may restrict a few hp but definitely helps out with keeping the smell down.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-19-2018, 08:58 PM | #7 | |
Derbo Tuning
3607
Rep 3,022
Posts |
Quote:
Not all counties in California require bi-annual smog inspections.
__________________
IG:ruhrohz_m3
Journal: Link E9x ZCP Suspension Info: Link Track Chat Discord: https://discord.gg/VsKbTyqBVj SF Bay Area: DM For coding services |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-19-2018, 10:36 PM | #8 |
Driver
2692
Rep 2,714
Posts |
I never smell anything unless I rev it up in an enclosed area of a garage, which is rare because I always feel douchy if I do.
Stage 2 made the car so much better, and with the world's ugliest exhaust it sounds great without being annoying.
__________________
E90M 6MT Slicktop Single Humper in need of a diet
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-19-2018, 10:49 PM | #9 |
Private
23
Rep 65
Posts |
SoCal here... I’m on stage two straight piped. I install the stock x pipe/cats every two years, drive it for a week normally and then go for the smog check. No issues so far.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-19-2018, 11:38 PM | #10 |
Brigadier General
720
Rep 3,964
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-20-2018, 12:00 AM | #11 |
Private
23
Rep 65
Posts |
BPM...
|
Appreciate
1
///M Power-Belgium63310.00 |
07-20-2018, 08:19 AM | #13 |
Captain
541
Rep 979
Posts |
OP is in SF which for sure smogs annually.
__________________
Harrop Supercharger, BPM Tune, K/W Coil over kit, Stoptek BBK, Magnaflow exhaust, ear to ear grin everytime I drive... |
Appreciate
0
|
07-20-2018, 11:35 AM | #14 |
Major
829
Rep 1,254
Posts |
I have the AlpineMSS (Alex) Stg 2 tune and love it. No regrets. Well...maybe 1...I waited too long to get it. Cant' really comment on the test pipe rasp but the folks above know what they're talking about.
__________________
2009 E92 M3 build thread: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1754875
Follow me on IG - www.instagram.com/the_driven_enthusiast |
Appreciate
1
BOOF-M34451.50 |
07-20-2018, 11:42 AM | #16 |
Brigadier General
720
Rep 3,964
Posts |
__________________
2020 Ford Mustang GT 6MT PP1 444rwhp
(Sold)2013 M3 Coupe-MR/BLK ZCP, 2011 M3 Coupe-MR/Blk 2007 Porsche 997C2S Speed Yellow/Blk sport seats 2004 BMW M3 Imola/Blk |
Appreciate
0
|
07-20-2018, 01:17 PM | #18 |
Captain
576
Rep 829
Posts |
Swapping an X pipe is very easy and is probably the only sure-fire way to pass CA smog every 2 years.
The reason I say this is because, to my knowledge, there aren't any Stage 2 tunes that keep all four O2s in a factory "normal/ready" state which means automatic failure. That is the only reason for a full stage 2 setup to fail as the car will still appear to have cats and sniffer isn't used on post MY 2000 cars. Now, I've "heard" rumors that such a tune may exist, but nothing concrete at this point and so, if it were me, I'd buy a second factory X pipe and swap every two years. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-20-2018, 05:30 PM | #19 |
Captain
1051
Rep 836
Posts
Drives: Jerez E92 M3 ZCP "12"
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: OHIO
|
I agree with the others who mention with BPM tuned, mine is paired with a Turner Test pipe, the smell is Not that bad when parking but very noticeable if your windows are down during idle. The sound is based on Preference, Im in my mid 40s and I loved it as well as my kids when they ride with me, No complaints from the wifey either which is a plus. The Volume increase when you truly go wide open throttle. Highly, recommend getting Test pipes with the BPM tune. I recommended getting the Cold start deleted with the tune which will help reduce attention during quiet hours. Hope that helps with some ideas. Goodluck with your mod quest.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-20-2018, 08:36 PM | #22 |
Driver
2692
Rep 2,714
Posts |
I wonder if some of you guys have leaky test pipe joints because I never smell anything idling with all windows down. Mine are welded in because I could never get rid of the small leaks otherwise.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|