[pnguyen310]

Hey guys,

My first post and wanted to pick your brain..

I thinking of getting catless downpipes along with a flash tune (bm3). Currently running MPE with a res delete, and looking for more sound and power. Thoughts on keeping the res off or putting it back on after these mods? Don't want it to drone or have a raspy sound.

Anyone have this setup or recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

[4bangaturbo]

im currently running a er catless downpipe, custom 3inch mandrel bent mid pipe with no resonator, and a 335i remus axel back running on 91 agg stage 2.

for the exhaust rasp my muffler does a good job of making it sound loud but not too raspy. in your custom config settings you can make it so that in sport the exhaust flap is on all the time. when in comfort mode it should be closed.

[rjd_F30]

I'd leave the resonator in if you're going to go catless. The resonator doesn't really take away much if any volume, it just eliminates unwanted frequencies i.e. drone. I have catless and MPE w/ the stock resonator and it sounds great and doesn't drone below 90 mph.

[pnguyen310]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

I'd leave the resonator in if you're going to go catless. The resonator doesn't really take away much if any volume, it just eliminates unwanted frequencies i.e. drone. I have catless and MPE w/ the stock resonator and it sounds great and doesn't drone below 90 mph.

Thanks fellas! Yeah, I'm going to end up putting back the resonator after the mods.

Which catless did you go with? And what stage do you recommend?

From what I've been reading, it sounds like I need to get a FMIC and charge pipes prior to getting it tuned? Thanks for all the help!

[pnguyen310]

Originally Posted by 4bangaturbo

im currently running a er catless downpipe, custom 3inch mandrel bent mid pipe with no resonator, and a 335i remus axel back running on 91 agg stage 2.

for the exhaust rasp my muffler does a good job of making it sound loud but not too raspy. in your custom config settings you can make it so that in sport the exhaust flap is on all the time. when in comfort mode it should be closed.

Thanks man! How was your fitment with the ER catless? Any issues?

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by pnguyen310

Thanks fellas! Yeah, I'm going to end up putting back the resonator after the mods.

Which catless did you go with? And what stage do you recommend?

From what I've been reading, it sounds like I need to get a FMIC and charge pipes prior to getting it tuned? Thanks for all the help!

No problem

You would want stage 2 with the catless DP. And yes, you'll need the FMIC but you don't really need to charge pipe. Chargepipes are only replaced because the factory ones are prone to cracking/breaking.

I went with VRSF for my DP, and the fitment was bad. I had to get some custom work done to it in order for it to fit. However, they claim that they have resolved all issues with fitment, and I tend to believe them, so you can give them a shot if you'd like. Otherwise, I think ER is the way to go. Some folks like CircuitWerks as well, as it's extremely affordable.

[sspade]

This comment is helping anyone but Ive been keeping it buried inside me for far too long...

Does anyone else find it extremely fucking annoying when someone refers to the catless downpipe mod in plural?

As if there were two, three or maybe even a dozen different pipes under there? Who knows, honestly... because we just read stuff online and then regurgitate it, hoping for the best and having no clue about whats really going on...

[sspade]

In my opinion, the only catless downpipe for the N20/N26 to consider is Circuit Works.

Excellent build quality, fitment and CHEAP.

If someone could PLEASE explain how buying a different, more expensive down pipe is a better idea I would really appreciate it...

[pnguyen310]

Originally Posted by sspade

In my opinion, the only catless downpipe for the N20/N26 to consider is Circuit Works.

Excellent build quality, fitment and CHEAP.

If someone could PLEASE explain how buying a different, more expensive down pipe is a better idea I would really appreciate it...

Thanks for the feedback! I'll definitely take a look at CircuitWerks as an option.

[pnguyen310]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

No problem

You would want stage 2 with the catless DP. And yes, you'll need the FMIC but you don't really need to charge pipe. Chargepipes are only replaced because the factory ones are prone to cracking/breaking.

I went with VRSF for my DP, and the fitment was bad. I had to get some custom work done to it in order for it to fit. However, they claim that they have resolved all issues with fitment, and I tend to believe them, so you can give them a shot if you'd like. Otherwise, I think ER is the way to go. Some folks like CircuitWerks as well, as it's extremely affordable.

Good to know! I'll start looking at some FMIC options. Just ordered the m3 front style bumper from MB, so I'll ask them if there are fitment issues with the FMIC.

Yes, I've heard some good things about ER!

Much appreciated!

[mbanks21]

Originally Posted by sspade

This comment is helping anyone but Ive been keeping it buried inside me for far too long...

Does anyone else find it extremely fucking annoying when someone refers to the catless downpipe mod in plural?

As if there were two, three or maybe even a dozen different pipes under there? Who knows, honestly... because we just read stuff online and then regurgitate it, hoping for the best and having no clue about whats really going on...

It's like a pair of pants. I don't mind it, it's like calling all pain medicines Aspririn. We all know what they mean.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by sspade

This comment is helping anyone but Ive been keeping it buried inside me for far too long...

Does anyone else find it extremely fucking annoying when someone refers to the catless downpipe mod in plural?

As if there were two, three or maybe even a dozen different pipes under there? Who knows, honestly... because we just read stuff online and then regurgitate it, hoping for the best and having no clue about whats really going on...

It's just a common industry misnomer. I would imagine it stems from the fact that more cars that are likely have their downpipes replaced with catless ones probably have two of them b/c twin turbos (N54, S55, to name some in the BMW world.)

Originally Posted by sspade

In my opinion, the only catless downpipe for the N20/N26 to consider is Circuit Works.

Excellent build quality, fitment and CHEAP.

If someone could PLEASE explain how buying a different, more expensive down pipe is a better idea I would really appreciate it...

It is just a hollow pipe, so as long as it fits, yah cheaper is better for the most part. However, by paying more, you're (theoretically) paying for better materials used, quality of build, and the R&D and product testing that went into making it a 100% product, as opposed to a 95% product that costs 50% less, if that makes any sense.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by pnguyen310

Good to know! I'll start looking at some FMIC options. Just ordered the m3 front style bumper from MB, so I'll ask them if there are fitment issues with the FMIC.

Yes, I've heard some good things about ER!

Much appreciated!

Shouldn't be any issues with an FMIC and M3 bumper

VRSF ER and Wagner make good FMIC's and I'd go with VRSF, ER or CircuitWeks for the DP.

[MONSTAR]

Originally Posted by sspade

This comment is helping anyone but Ive been keeping it buried inside me for far too long...

Does anyone else find it extremely fucking annoying when someone refers to the catless downpipe mod in plural?

As if there were two, three or maybe even a dozen different pipes under there? Who knows, honestly... because we just read stuff online and then regurgitate it, hoping for the best and having no clue about whats really going on...

with all those pipes, you get double the gains

[MONSTAR]

Originally Posted by sspade

In my opinion, the only catless downpipe for the N20/N26 to consider is Circuit Works.

Excellent build quality, fitment and CHEAP.

If someone could PLEASE explain how buying a different, more expensive down pipe is a better idea I would really appreciate it...

I stay away from the cheaper products like that these days after a poor experience with their turbo elbow for another engine. The bolt holes were really off and I didn't feel comfortable drilling them out and still using it, so I sent it back and purchased a very high quality, name brand, replacement from Tomei. Its too bad because it was literally 1/3 the cost of the Tomei piece....the welds looked fantastic, etc.

See pics of circuit werks vs. Tomei