Downpipe recs?

[ntay0407]

I want to make my 3.0 sound better than it does now in its stock form and a downpipe seems like the easiest way. I am not sure which one to go for though. All I'm looking for is improved sound, as I will not tune my car for a long while. My state doesn't have any regulations or checks so catless is fine by me. I'm considering pulling the trigger on the VRSF catless downpipe, but want to explore my other options first. Also, a consideration is whether or not it will void my warranty.

Is there any reason to go catted? They all seem much more expensive, with the only benefit being no CEL for some.

Overall, I'm just looking for a dp that will make my car's sound improve the most, while not unnecessarily breaking the bank.

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[a90.faz]

Depends on what you mean by improvement.

A catless DP is certainly the loudest and will give you the most noticeable difference. Whether you like the tone is preference. With the stock catback the tone isn’t too bad as the stock catback is resonated. But in general, catless sounds more raspy/tinny/hollow. Some folk like that tone

a catted DP is deeper sounding but not as loud. You probably won’t notice an appreciable difference on the stock catback. Yes it is more expensive on account of the cat.

some catless options also promise no CEL. In regards to tuning, it’ll be fine without a tune. But in the super long term it can mess with the AFRs I’ve heard.

Warranty is hard to say. I’ve heard it won’t void it but I’ve also heard some places voiding. Maybe someone else can give you a more definitive answer

if you’re looking for cheap way to up the sound, go catless

 

[10_second_sammy]

Depends on what you mean by improvement.

A catless DP is certainly the loudest and will give you the most noticeable difference. Whether you like the tone is preference. With the stock catback the tone isn’t too bad as the stock catback is resonated. But in general, catless sounds more raspy/tinny/hollow. Some folk like that tone

a catted DP is deeper sounding but not as loud. You probably won’t notice an appreciable difference on the stock catback. Yes it is more expensive on account of the cat.

some catless options also promise no CEL. In regards to tuning, it’ll be fine without a tune. But in the super long term it can mess with the AFRs I’ve heard.

Warranty is hard to say. I’ve heard it won’t void it but I’ve also heard some places voiding. Maybe someone else can give you a more definitive answer

if you’re looking for cheap way to up the sound, go catless

I'm in the market for getting downpipes and a full exhaust system coupled with a tune. From previous experience however tuning my bimmers (E46 / E92 / F80) this is how I would break it down for you.

1. If sound is your primary concern and you’re not worried about emissions or CELs, the VRSF catless downpipe is a solid, cost-effective choice.
2. For a balance of sound improvement and reduced risk of CEL, consider a high-flow catted downpipe from brands like HKS or AWE.
3. Consider pairing the downpipe with a cat-back exhaust system for even better sound customization at a later time. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with a catless DP without it being paired with an ECU tune because I value performance being coupled with most but starting with downpipes and working your way down should be in the forecast!

 

[Meraki Autoworks]

I'd 100% go catted, less smell, very good power, not too loud, no CEL.

We have AA ones in stock and on sale.

-Josh

 

[Extreme Power House]

Catless will trigger the check engine light, add raspiness to the exhaust, and create a fuel smell.

The catted downpipe will fix these issues

That said its a personal preference; if you dont care about these issues, I recommend you check out the MAD downpipe, it's a better value than VRSF

 

[FLtrackdays]

I have the MAD downpipe. So far so good.

Warrantee will be your biggest issue if that's your concern. It wasn't for me, since I don't use (trust) the dealer for service.

 

[Extreme Power House]

I have the MAD downpipe. So far so good.

Warrantee will be your biggest issue if that's your concern. It wasn't for me, since I don't use (trust) the dealer for service.

 

[apatel471]

Happy with the MAD 5inch, bunch of track days and no issues

 

[10_second_sammy]

Also if you live in a state like CA, Catless may not pass Smog certifications so you would need to reinstall each time unless you register your car in Montana

 

[FLtrackdays]

Also if you live in a state like CA, Catless may not pass Smog certifications so you would need to reinstall each time unless you register your car in Montana

True. Might even be worth asking legislators in those States why they do it at all. Link below of the Air Quality Index (AQI) throughout the US. Regardless of where you live, doesn’t seem to make a difference allowing anyone to be sniffing our tailpipes.

https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/air-quality-by-state

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