[jublydan]

I know there are TONS of threads on here talking about exhaust setups, but I was curious if anyone had a recommendation given my specific goals.

I want to make my exhaust a little bit louder, but nothing obnoxious. I prefer the low growl to a higher-frequency sound. This is also my daily driver, so the most important thing is to have little to no drone. I've read that in combination with a valve controller, you can also close the valves to kill the drone if needed. But ideally, I'd love setup that didn't require that.

From what I've read, I'm leaning toward the MAD single midpipe. That comes with the option to be with or without a resonator... thoughts on that?

Am I correct that the single mid-pipe is the best setup for what my goals are? It seems like I saw something that said x-pipes are going to be MUCH louder than stock and that is not what I'm after.

I'm also leaning toward the SST valve controller. I like the multiple modes they have. 100% open, 75% open, 50% open and stock mode, where they still modulate depending on throttle input.

It's hard watching videos online to tell the difference in volume. My goal is to get a little more volume, without adding drone or a high-frequency sound.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[forcefed]

Try to find some g80 owners in your area, video's really don't tell you the whole story.
Sst doesn't have 75% open, only 0%/50%/100%/oem.

[Berzerker]

If you only swap the midpipe, with everything comfort/closed, the car is as silent as it is stock. It's only when you go into Sport+/open the valves do you get the louder sound.

If you don't fully open the valves, it's just a louder version of stock. If you open the valves 100% with the SST, it'll be even louder but it will also drone slightly at highway speeds.

Removing *any* resonators will drone at highway speeds with the valves 100% open, but that's the beauty of the valve controller. Back to OEM and drone is gone.

IMO the single midpipe + SST is absolutely peak for sound and flexibility when it comes to no drone but louder setups.

[mike@x-ph.com]

The single midpipe offers the cleanest sound, with a deep midrange and a rasp-free tone. it's a perfect daily driver choice.

if you plan on upgrading the downpipes, I recommend the resonated downpipes version for the cleanest sound.

the valve controller is a must in my opinion.

[jublydan]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Sst doesn't have 75% open, only 0%/50%/100%/oem.

That's right! Reading is hard!

[jublydan]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Try to find some g80 owners in your area, video's really don't tell you the whole story.
Sst doesn't have 75% open, only 0%/50%/100%/oem.

I wish this was an option, I'm in Memphis TN, and have not seen any activity on here from G80 owners in the area.

[jublydan]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

The single midpipe offers the cleanest sound, with a deep midrange and a rasp-free tone. it's a perfect daily driver choice.

if you plan on upgrading the downpipes, I recommend the resonated downpipes version for the cleanest sound.

the valve controller is a must in my opinion.

Given what my goal is... What are your thoughts between the resonated and non-resonated MAD single midpipe?

Also, do you have any special pricing for Bimmerpost users? If not no worries, figured it can't hurt to ask!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by jublydan

Given what my goal is... What are your thoughts between the resonated and non-resonated MAD single midpipe?

Also, do you have any special pricing for Bimmerpost users? If not no worries, figured it can't hurt to ask!

Neither option will be obnoxious compared to an X-pipe, but I prefer the resonated if the downpipes are upgraded.

We do offer special pricing on MAD; note both versions are currently out of stock.

[jublydan]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Neither option will be obnoxious compared to an X-pipe, but I prefer the resonated if the downpipes are upgraded.

We do offer special pricing on MAD; note both versions are currently out of stock.

Thanks for the feedback!

[jublydan]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Neither option will be obnoxious compared to an X-pipe, but I prefer the resonated if the downpipes are upgraded.

We do offer special pricing on MAD; note both versions are currently out of stock.

One more question! What is the benefit of also swapping the downpipes?

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by jublydan

One more question! What is the benefit of also swapping the downpipes?

Based on your initial post I would try the midpipe alone first. More than likely it will be plenty loud without the use of a valve controller however it is always nice to have that has a backup in case you do change your mind down the road.


The main advantage of a downpipe is POWER however without a tune you are not likely to take advantage of the increase flow rate. Most people without tunes are using them for increased sound and throttle response with the ultimate goal of tuning down the road.

[OGOverkill]

I currently have the AA catted DPs and have yet to install the AWRON valve controller. Was considering the Remus secondary cat delete or the Akrapovik ti resonated mid pipe

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by jublydan

One more question! What is the benefit of also swapping the downpipes?

A huge downside is warranty and emissions issues. These are where your primary cats are connected to the turbos, they can have BMW easily deny engine warranty claims enough that people just don't want to deal with it.

All of these can also be done in steps, midpipe is the easiest, no-warranty-issue way to get louder sound while still keeping it tame and not obnoxious. If you still feel you want more sound after that, downpipes and axleback can be swapped very easily after that, but none of these changes are irreversible.

BMW might have an issue if they flag your car with swapped downpipes later down the road. If warranty isn't a concern then just do whatever you want.

[Jax327]

I would definitely get the SST controller. I currently have the MAD non-res midpipe and if I were to do it over again I would get the resonated version. I still may swap them down the road here.

[jublydan]

Originally Posted by Jax327

I would definitely get the SST controller. I currently have the MAD non-res midpipe and if I were to do it over again I would get the resonated version. I still may swap them down the road here.

Thanks for the feedback. The difference in price between the resonated and non-resonated version is pretty much the price of the SST controller. Seems like a no-brainer to me!

[jublydan]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Based on your initial post I would try the midpipe alone first. More than likely it will be plenty loud without the use of a valve controller however it is always nice to have that has a backup in case you do change your mind down the road.


The main advantage of a downpipe is POWER however without a tune you are not likely to take advantage of the increase flow rate. Most people without tunes are using them for increased sound and throttle response with the ultimate goal of tuning down the road.

Based on feedback from you and others on this thread, I'm going to go stick with my plan of doing the MAD non-resonated midpipe and SST controller. Thank you for providing me some peace of mind, this is my first foray into sports cars and any modifications.

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by jublydan

Based on feedback from you and others on this thread, I'm going to go stick with my plan of doing the MAD non-resonated midpipe and SST controller. Thank you for providing me some peace of mind, this is my first foray into sports cars and any modifications.

You definitely won't be disappointed. Good luck!

[thopwood4]

I’m installing a Dinan mid-pipe and axle back with a valve controller. With the valve controller I assume it’s no biggy to go fully open in efficient mode, but what about having the valves closed in Sport+? Only asking for track days purposes, as a few of the tracks near me have sound limits. So if I wanted sport+ mode but valves closed for sound Will that have any negative effect on the motor? Like an increase in back pressure or anything like that?

[Jax327]

Originally Posted by thopwood4

I’m installing a Dinan mid-pipe and axle back with a valve controller. With the valve controller I assume it’s no biggy to go fully open in efficient mode, but what about having the valves closed in Sport+? Only asking for track days purposes, as a few of the tracks near me have sound limits. So if I wanted sport+ mode but valves closed for sound Will that have any negative effect on the motor? Like an increase in back pressure or anything like that?

If you get the SST controller and set it in stock mode, the valves will open only at certain rpms and should be much quieter.

[gunmike1]

I recently did the non-resonated MAD midpipe and SST valve controller, and am very happy with it. At first with the valves open on the freeway it had a little drone, but once I turned off ASD in BimmerCode it is great. If you want it quieter then put it in OEM or closed mode, and it is far quieter.

[yoandry]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Try to find some g80 owners in your area, video's really don't tell you the whole story.
Sst doesn't have 75% open, only 0%/50%/100%/oem.

Actually, that's what they said, but that 50% is like 90%. I really cannot tell that big of a difference at all.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by jublydan

Based on feedback from you and others on this thread, I'm going to go stick with my plan of doing the MAD non-resonated midpipe and SST controller. Thank you for providing me some peace of mind, this is my first foray into sports cars and any modifications.