Installed Fahey track pipe - WOW!

[Mike K]

OK, mine is a US spec car, so no big deal to guys like Rich and TT who were never running cats to begin with.... but on a US spec car with cats, this provides some serious bang for the buck. I've never dyno'd my car, but my butt says 15HP - 20HP, and it's particularly noticeable in the upper ranges, between 5K and redline. Also of interest, is that my emissions numbers from the DMV last year were well below maximum tolerances, and NJ is pretty strict - so I'm pretty sure that my cat wasn't clogged (and thus the reason for the power hike).

The noise is fantastic. Not obnoxiously loud, but very angry and very menacing. This things sounds like it will eat a Mustang V8 and spit out the chewed bits. Tunnels are bone chilling, hair raising on the back your neck experiences.

Finally, I estimated the Fahey pipe probably weighs 25 - 30 lbs. less than the stock US set-up.

All in all, this a worthwhile upgrade!

[T_C_D]

Nice upgrade. How much does the pipe cost?
Todd

[Guest]

OK, mine is a US spec car, so no big deal to guys like Rich and TT who were never running cats to begin with....

Mike,

Although it's not a big deal, my Euro M5 has always had a cat.

When I acquired my M5 it had a custom stainless 3" exhaust system. It was well built but was LOUD !!!! I never measured the actual sound level, but it was so loud it made the car stereo worthless at WOT. ~0 ~0 ~0

Within a week of ownership the custom exhaust system I had built for my deceased 533i replaced the 3" system. This system was based on a Euro M5 rear muffler with Euro downpipes and is very low in back pressure. Starting at the output of the Euro headers it consists of a custom X-pipe w/O2 sensor bung, 50mm ID Euro downpipes from the X-pipe to dual 2-1/8" in/out catalytic convertors. The output of each cat is routed through more 2-1/8" ID pipe to the input of the Euro M5 muffler. Basically this allows each cylinder to see the entire dual system. I actually think I might change the design and move the X-pipe to the input of the catalytic convertors to increase back pressure the engine sees. My hiope is the slight increase in back pressure will slightly improve low rpm torque without too much high rpm loss.

Rich

[Mike K]

The cost was around $500 (group buy price). The fit and quality are outstanding.

Forgot to mention that the Fahey pipe is hooked up to the UUC rear exhaust which is deeper in pitch than the stock set-up.

Rich, I didn't realize your car was federalized... my mistake. What happened to your old 3'' system? Sold? I've turned my radio on (stock E28 system) all of 3X since I've had my M5 if that tells you anything :p Would be curious to know if re-routing your x-pipe is beneficial when you get to it...

[Cacatfish]

I cant say much about a track pipe, but I recently switched from a wide open Magnaflow 3" system from the (high-flow bullet) cat-back to a stock US M6 cat-back. It definitely cost me HP up top. If I could handle the noise levels, I would definitely switch back.
The 3" probably lost a bit of torque down low, but I didnt care as I dont drive the car like that. From 4k and up, definitely more kick and especially noticeable from 6k and up with the bigger pipe.

[joe in nashvegas]

I'd LOVE to hear the track pipe with the UUC exhaust.

I passed TN emissions with a track pipe.
Tough part is getting past the visual inspection.....

I spoke with frank last year - he said a track pipe, cam gear, and chip are about all you need for an s38.
(Oh, and a fahey hub too !)

[Mike K]

Joe - I'll see if I can get some video and sound footage to share with you this coming weekend.