Choosing an X-Pipe and High Flow Cats for an E93-Help Me Out

[SoCalM3Mang]

Hey Guys!

I'd appreciate some insight and advice. I have AA Software, Pulleys and SSK. I also have a Matt Schnell Filter and RPI Scoop.

I've been contemplating an exhaust but I can't do a full one due to the Convertible issue and the smell of fumes from removing Cats.

I want a healthier tone at WOT and am contemplating X-Pipe and High Flow Cats. Reading about the various vendors and their solutions has confused me even more.

I'd like to stick with AA's X-Pipe and Optional High Flow Cats due to already having a bunch of their stuff.

Then there is Fab Speed's option.

What I truly don't understand is the difference in price between Active's solution and Fabspeeds???? What am I missing here? Why is Fab Speed's solution so much cheaper?

What is the better option for:

• improved performance
• sound
• least change from stock?

Thanks for your opinions and advice beforehand.

[J08M3]

I just went with the Fabspeed pipe here's why:

They have the only High Flow Cats that will not throw a CEL code.
(I think EI might also?)

The AA cats will give you a code and you need an ECU tune to turn off the rear O2 sensors, if you do that you won't pass inspection

When I spoke to the guys at Fabspeed they simply said most of the stuff on the market was way overpriced so they decided to make their own product and undercut most of them. I couldn't see spending the money for the AA setup myself, it would've cost me $1,900 for the pipe, about $1k for HFC's, and just under $1k for an ECU tune.

[turb934]

Have AA HFC & X-pipe installed for about 1 month now & no Cel yet. No ECU tune done.

[JMD0977]

Buy my full TI Ericsson exhaust. Check out the sale section.

[KiokenM3]

if i were you and wanted to keep the stock exhaust, i recommend the fabspeed xpipe with the tune. that combo made some nice power

[askiles]

Originally Posted by J08M3

I just went with the Fabspeed pipe here's why:

They have the only High Flow Cats that will not throw a CEL code.
(I think EI might also?)

The AA cats will give you a code and you need an ECU tune to turn off the rear O2 sensors, if you do that you won't pass inspection

When I spoke to the guys at Fabspeed they simply said most of the stuff on the market was way overpriced so they decided to make their own product and undercut most of them. I couldn't see spending the money for the AA setup myself, it would've cost me $1,900 for the pipe, about $1k for HFC's, and just under $1k for an ECU tune.

This is not true. I have the AA x-pipe w/ HFC's, and no code at all. I bought mine used for cheaper than the FabSpeed.

-Andy

[CSanto]

Fabspeeds system looks really nice...

[SoCalM3Mang]

Originally Posted by J08M3

I just went with the Fabspeed pipe here's why:

They have the only High Flow Cats that will not throw a CEL code.
(I think EI might also?)

The AA cats will give you a code and you need an ECU tune to turn off the rear O2 sensors, if you do that you won't pass inspection

When I spoke to the guys at Fabspeed they simply said most of the stuff on the market was way overpriced so they decided to make their own product and undercut most of them. I couldn't see spending the money for the AA setup myself, it would've cost me $1,900 for the pipe, about $1k for HFC's, and just under $1k for an ECU tune.

Thanks to everyone who has answered in the thread. I'm still a bit confused due to the pricing on the Fabspeed website:

**NEW**
BMW M3 E90/92 X-Pipe 2ndary Catbypass Pipe--- $625
X-Pipe with Resonators--- $795

Can somebody explain this to me?

Here is how I think I understand it.

If I didn't want High Flow Cats but just wanted X-Pipe I'd have to only purchase the "X-Piper with Resonators for $795"?

If I wanted to delete the 2ndary Cats, I'd have to add the $625 Bypass Pipe to the X-Pipe with Resonators for $795?

What is the difference in power gains/sound/performance between the two?

I'd appreciate somebody offering me a thorough explanation.

Thanks.

[askiles]

Nope. This is how it works...

-BMW M3 E90/92 X-Pipe 2ndary Catbypass Pipe $625 - Deletes secondary cats & resonators, and retains the stock primary cats.

-X-Pipe with Resonators $795 - This is the same thing, deleting the secondary cats, but it includes resonators.

-BMW M3 E90/92 200 Cell Primary Sportcats $1,895 - This is what you would use in conjunction with one of the above, to change your stock primary cats, to high flow ones, and basically have a full, complete x-pipe from Fabspeed.

So in conclusion, the full Fabspeed x-pipe w/ high flow cats is either $2,520 without resonators, or $2,690 with resonators. This is the best deal on a new x-pipe with high flow cats that you will find.

-Andy

[SoCalM3Mang]

Originally Posted by askiles

Nope. This is how it works...

-BMW M3 E90/92 X-Pipe 2ndary Catbypass Pipe $625 - Deletes secondary cats & resonators, and retains the stock primary cats.

-X-Pipe with Resonators $795 - This is the same thing, deleting the secondary cats, but it includes resonators.

-BMW M3 E90/92 200 Cell Primary Sportcats $1,895 - This is what you would use in conjunction with one of the above, to change your stock primary cats, to high flow ones, and basically have a full, complete x-pipe from Fabspeed.

So in conclusion, the full Fabspeed x-pipe w/ high flow cats is either $2,520 without resonators, or $2,690 with resonators. This is the best deal on a new x-pipe with high flow cats that you will find.

-Andy

Thanks.

So what would be the gains (sound/performance) if you just spent $795 and didn't get the HFC's?

And also what would be the difference in power/performance/sound without resonators? ($625 vs $795)

Thanks.

[askiles]

Actually looking at it again, if you buy the parts as a package, they give you a discount...

-BMW M3 E90/E92 Performance Package $2,295
-Performance Package with Resonators $2,449

-Andy

[askiles]

Originally Posted by SoCalM3Mang

Thanks.

So what would be the gains (sound/performance) if you just spent $795 and didn't get the HFC's?

And also what would be the difference in power/performance/sound without resonators? ($625 vs $795)

Thanks.

You would gain a small amount of HP by deleting the secondary cats, that is for sure, but it would not be that much. The sound difference would be minimal. If you delete the resonators, the sound will be a little more raspy, and you will notice a difference.

The big decision is that if you just decide to do the rear part of the x-pipe and delete the secondary cats without adding the HFC's, you will have to cut your stock x-pipe for the installation. Most people do not want to do that.

-Andy

[SoCalM3Mang]

Originally Posted by askiles

You would gain a small amount of HP by deleting the secondary cats, that is for sure, but it would not be that much. The sound difference would be minimal. If you delete the resonators, the sound will be a little more raspy, and you will notice a difference.

The big decision is that if you just decide to do the rear part of the x-pipe and delete the secondary cats without adding the HFC's, you will have to cut your stock x-pipe for the installation. Most people do not want to do that.

-Andy

Ahh...got it.

So it's time to get out the "Chisel Stick" with Fabspeed?

"It's a Really Tough Economy" and "I'd be really appreciative if you could do this entire package for $1700 Cash right now"?

And honestly, if I do this:

Is it worth it relative to keeping the stock exhaust and gaining some power/sound/performance?

Thanks.

[askiles]

The x-pipe w/ HFC's is worth doing for power and sound.

-Andy

[M3WC]

Apparently Riss Racing X-pipe is 100% bolt-on. They also have optional high flow cats. Best price out there so far.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...highlight=riss

http://rissracing.com/alpha/?page_id...&product_id=26

[MrHarris]

+1 on Riss, they just need to come out with the damn thing

[J08M3]

Don't know what the deal is now with AA, but when I first looked into their system. Omar, plus numerous others told me they do get a CEL, then for awhile I was told they wouldn't even sell HFCs cause of the issue, not sure if that's been resolved??

[DevJ]

J08M3, I dont know man..I tried call AA and told them I wanted their x pipe with high flow cats..they said the cats wouldn't be out till next month? Guess I'll be waiting for them to be available..

[NFDoms2k1]

I have a vert, and honestly I didn't take it too much into account when I purchased the full RPi GT. In the beginning it took some getting used to, however after I put around 1000 miles on it, especially after the tune, the smell has been greatly reduced and the sound inside the cabin, even with the top down, isn't bad at all.

Not to sound like a player or anything, but to put it in perspective I have two very high maintenance ladyfriends, and both (after giving me a lot of shit for the new exhaust's smell and sound) now have no issues riding around with me, in fact I think they like it even better! Its very enjoyable on the highway to actually be able to hear the car over the wind rushing past, and the added power you just cannot get even with HFCs.

The full RPi is a great deal, but so is just the front and mid-pipes. You could probably make a deal with Eloy at RPi if you pick it up and pay with cash. Either way good luck!

[2thdr]

After listening to the videos, my vote goes for the Fabspeed. And I am going to vote with my wallet on that one, once my wife stops watching what I am ordering on the computer.

[SoCalM3Mang]

Originally Posted by MrHarris

+1 on Riss, they just need to come out with the damn thing

Confused!

When RISS says "with Straight Pipes" what do they mean?

What is the difference from theirs to AA/Fab Speed?

I want to stay "Emissions compliant" and must have "Fume Avoidance". So I guess if I get their deal, I have to get HFC's too?

And why isn't their a "HP/Performance" quote for everything in combination?

I love this Forum!

[askiles]

Originally Posted by SoCalM3Mang

Confused!

When RISS says "with Straight Pipes" what do they mean?

What is the difference from theirs to AA/Fab Speed?

I want to stay "Emissions compliant" and must have "Fume Avoidance". So I guess if I get their deal, I have to get HFC's too?

And why isn't their a "HP/Performance" quote for everything in combination?

I love this Forum!

Riss sells the x-pipe without high flow cats for $1,199, and gives you the option to also buy the high flow cats for $499. This is by far the cheapest midpipe. The question is, how long would it take to get one?

-Andy