Acro slip on or MPE?

[1fastdoc]

I see weight savings getting thrown into the mix a lot.
If I recall correctly 20 lbs for the MPE and 50 lbs for the Akra.

I can't see how this really makes any difference at all. That 50 lbs is central and low. It's also only 50 lbs. I can't say I've seen any loss in acceleration when my 7 year old sits in the car with me.

If that 50 lbs made a difference I'd expect to see driver's weights quoted with lap times, especially since that weight is off center and above the center of gravity.

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I think that 50 lb difference means nothing unless it's in combo with many other weight reduction efforts.

[HeartMD]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

No one who buys the slip on does. But after a few months things change. I was 100% sure I was going to stay with the slip on. Bought the Evo xpipe like a month or 2 later.

LOL. I was just about to say that. Same thing happened to me.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by 1fastdoc

I see weight savings getting thrown into the mix a lot.
If I recall correctly 20 lbs for the MPE and 50 lbs for the Akra.

I can't see how this really makes any difference at all. That 50 lbs is central and low. It's also only 50 lbs. I can't say I've seen any loss in acceleration when my 7 year old sits in the car with me.

If that 50 lbs made a difference I'd expect to see driver's weights quoted with lap times, especially since that weight is off center and above the center of gravity.

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I think that 50 lb difference means nothing unless it's in combo with many other weight reduction efforts.

Only 50? That's a ton of weight swapping one part on the car. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the biggest single weight savings mod you can do. And yes, alone it probably isn't much. But neither is putting an aftermarket intake system, but you see lots of people here spending $500-1000 on that. I saved a considerable amount of weight just by going with the titanium full exhaust, BBK, lightweight forged wheels, and coilovers. Everything adds up.

[Edward]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Only 50? That's a ton of weight swapping one part on the car. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the biggest single weight savings mod you can do. And yes, alone it probably isn't much. But neither is putting an aftermarket intake system, but you see lots of people here spending $500-1000 on that. I saved a considerable amount of weight just by going with the titanium full exhaust, BBK, lightweight forged wheels, and coilovers. Everything adds up.

This. It's not a lot as a percentage of weight in the car, but it's really difficult for a street car to lose substantial weight without severely cutting into the creature comforts of the car such as AC, power seats, leather, etc. Ask any of the track junkies on this forum.

I think the most effective way to lose weight is to lose it in the wheels. If you can lose even a few lbs per wheel by going forged, you're cutting unsprung weight, which has a parabolic effect on increased acceleration. Can't imagine how quick a cars with carbon ceramic rotors and forged wheels must be compared to an equal car with cast iron rotors and cast wheels.

But back to the topic at hand........didn't even know ESS made an exhaust. I've got to go to a meet to hear all these options. Always thinking I'll eventually get an MPE.

[1fastdoc]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Only 50? That's a ton of weight swapping one part on the car. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the biggest single weight savings mod you can do. And yes, alone it probably isn't much. But neither is putting an aftermarket intake system, but you see lots of people here spending $500-1000 on that. I saved a considerable amount of weight just by going with the titanium full exhaust, BBK, lightweight forged wheels, and coilovers. Everything adds up.

I completely agree but for an otherwise unmodded street car I don't think the difference will be significant.

Take one M3 with an Akra exhaust and a 150 lb driver and another M3 with an Akra exhaust and either a 200 lb driver OR a 45 lb plate sitting on the passenger floor board and put them on any track and I don't think you'll see an appreciable difference lap after lap unless you are racing for hours.

Eventually the math will catch up. The question is, would it ever be noticeable on the street?

[M3/4 life]

Originally Posted by 1fastdoc

I completely agree but for an otherwise unmodded street car I don't think the difference will be significant.

Take one M3 with an Akra exhaust and a 150 lb driver and another M3 with an Akra exhaust and either a 200 lb driver OR a 45 lb plate sitting on the passenger floor board and put them on any track and I don't think you'll see an appreciable difference lap after lap unless you are racing for hours.

Eventually the math will catch up. The question is, would it ever be noticeable on the street?

No, it would never be noticeable on the street it just sounds good to lose 50 lbs!

It's like a man who weighs 400 lbs. and manages to lose 50 lbs. he's still overweight, albeit he's on his way!

[NNJCarGuy]

Those CF Akra tips are growing on me..

[BMWDEMON]

I had an AA system on my old E90 M3 and it was intoxicating and awesome and vowed to go back but after doing more research have decided to go with what, on paper, seems to be what we all SHOULD be after and that is a carefully matched exhaust system that reduces weight, has great sound, and produces more HP!

MFR mid-pipe and Akra exhaust...

M

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by radiofrequency

Personally, I like the Akra, however decided to go for the MPE, as I wanted an OEM part, and preferred the sound, but sound is subjective to the listener, so that's your call. I will say this though (and it's probably more noticeable to me as I drive my car infrequently) the MPE sound has improved over the lat two thousand miles. I have heard this from other members, the sound "matures" with use, it actually sounds better over time than when new.

Another consideration for me was the "authorities". Where I live the police presence is intense, simply put there is a cop about every three miles, and these guys are aggressive and heavy handed. I am an old dude, most of my town is 35 or 25 MPH speed limit, and I use cruise control in town, all of the time, to avoid any type of police harassment. I will bet that any day now I will be pulled over because the MPE sounds magnificent when pulling away from a traffic light and getting into the revs a little. The fact that the MPE clearly has BMW stamped into the muffler tips will save my ass, as it is an OEM part, and the cop will not be able to harass me for "aftermarket muffler noise". This car is enough of a cop magnet, without making it louder, so consider this too before making your decision.

+1000. Also, some states will fail you on inspection with an aftermarket exhaust. Can't happen with the MPE. Given the current state of things with police, inspections, etc, etc, I think it is great that there is an option like the MPE.

[lsmkr01]

Originally Posted by BMWDEMON

I had an AA system on my old E90 M3 and it was intoxicating and awesome and vowed to go back but after doing more research have decided to go with what, on paper, seems to be what we all SHOULD be after and that is a carefully matched exhaust system that reduces weight, has great sound, and produces more HP!

MFR mid-pipe and Akra exhaust...

M

Amen, I'm in the same mindset.

Did you hop on the preorder list yet? Only need a couple more people to start production! I may end up with either akra or ess rear section.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by BMWDEMON

I had an AA system on my old E90 M3 and it was intoxicating and awesome and vowed to go back but after doing more research have decided to go with what, on paper, seems to be what we all SHOULD be after and that is a carefully matched exhaust system that reduces weight, has great sound, and produces more HP!

MFR mid-pipe and Akra exhaust...

M

I think you mean MRF.

[NNJCarGuy]

Follow up: I just purchased a new Akra slip on with titanium tips.. Should have it in a week or so. Thanks for the advice gentlemen.

In the end I trusted Lalit from ACM who's driven, heard and owned dozens of M3 exhausts. Based of off our conversation, I came to the conclusion that the Akra would best suit the needs of this very discriminating M owner.

[edu09]

Originally Posted by NNJCarGuy

Follow up: I just purchased a new Akra slip on with titanium tips.. Should have it in a week or so. Thanks for the advice gentlemen.

In the end I trusted Lalit from ACM who's driven, heard and owned dozens of M3 exhausts. Based of off our conversation, I came to the conclusion that the Akra would best suit the needs of this very discriminating M owner.

Good choice! Soon you will be ordering the evo x-pipe

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Only 50? That's a ton of weight swapping one part on the car. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the biggest single weight savings mod you can do. And yes, alone it probably isn't much. But neither is putting an aftermarket intake system, but you see lots of people here spending $500-1000 on that. I saved a considerable amount of weight just by going with the titanium full exhaust, BBK, lightweight forged wheels, and coilovers. Everything adds up.

I assume, then, that you opted for a manual transmission car because DCT adds about 55lbs if I am not mistaken.

[FogCityM3]

I didn't realize that coilover kids could save weight..thought they added a few lbs. Which ones do you have? thx in advance

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Only 50? That's a ton of weight swapping one part on the car. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the biggest single weight savings mod you can do. And yes, alone it probably isn't much. But neither is putting an aftermarket intake system, but you see lots of people here spending $500-1000 on that. I saved a considerable amount of weight just by going with the titanium full exhaust, BBK, lightweight forged wheels, and coilovers. Everything adds up.

[sadiq]

Originally Posted by 1fastdoc

End result for me? I still have no idea.

LOL... pretty much where I'm at after 2 weeks of research. Leaning towards Corsa black.

[BMWDEMON]

Originally Posted by edu09

Good choice! Soon you will be ordering the evo x-pipe

See below...check out HP output of the evo x-pipe and the MRF mid-pipe.

Originally Posted by slicer

I think you mean MRF.

You are correct Sir! Thank you for the correction.

[Jremmy]

Originally Posted by edu09

Good choice! Soon you will be ordering the evo x-pipe

Or the GT4 mid-section :