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      06-13-2025, 06:16 AM   #1
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CSZ Custom Midpipe with Formula Z Performance Z Pipe

This is the first of its kind on the g8x platform. Introducing the “equal length” midpipe from CSZ (Alibaba) and Formula Z Performace Z pipe. This is a custom fabricated midpipe that isn’t produced. And I loosely use the term ‘equal length’ as it may not be a true equal length compared to Active Autowerke’s version. You may have been following the CSZ midpipe thread on the exhaust section, which is where this stemmed from.

The midpipe started out as a 3” traditional xpipe, but I wanted to experiment with a new innovated way to merge the two banks together to achieve a unique sound. Here enters the Z pipe. This is 3D printed made out of 316L stainless steel. The dynamics of the Z pipe allows exhaust gases to scavenge more efficiently in order to exit out of the exhaust. This results in more flow and ultimately more power. However, as we all know, the S58 might not see the gains unless it’s properly tuned since the stock DME is torque based tuned. With the exhaust system optimized for flow, performance may be similarly achieved with less boost. Unfortunately, I did not have time to do a before and after dyno to see if power was gained. Some of you may have seen the Milltek 4” single midpipe video gain power on a stock tune. I’m hopeful this mod has done the same.

Initial impressions:
Throttle response and power delivery is more noticeable at low rpms. This is based off my butt dyno but could very well be a placebo effect.

Sound:
Well, sound is subjective. In my opinion, this is a very tasteful mod to open the exhaust tone of the S58 without going with high flow cats or catless downpipes. It is quiet with the valves closed but really loud with it 100% open via a SST valve controller. It does not drone and has minimal rasp, if any. My exhaust setup is all stock (downpipes and axleback) except for the midpipe, obviously. This is now a non resonated version compared to what I ordered from CSZ. This setup also burbles quite a bit and too much for my liking. So I’ve been running it with the M sound off. This allows for a cleaner and crisper sound.

At low rpms, it is deep and very throaty. But this where it gets good. At high rpms, it has a high pitched tone without the rasp!! I will not claim that it sounds exotic, as this engine won’t ever achieve that level. Overall, I’m very happy how it turned out!

I have provided some sound clips, but not in its entirety. I’m still gathering footage of rolling shots, as I’m limited with time and resources, but rest assured, I will upload those as soon as possible.

Semi Cold Start
View post on imgur.com


Comfort
View post on imgur.com


Valves 100% open M sound off
View post on imgur.com


Valves 100% open M sound on (burbles)
View post on imgur.com


Inside Cabin
View post on imgur.com


Reversing in
View post on imgur.com


Flybys
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Last edited by SLE3PER; 01-10-2026 at 11:15 AM..
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      06-13-2025, 05:46 PM   #2
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Topical recent video
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      06-13-2025, 06:36 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GolfCoyote View Post
Yes, that video posting had impeccable timing. I watched it over the weekend before the install and I was even more inpatient. They did a great job with the testing.
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      06-13-2025, 07:03 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLE3PER View Post
Yes, that video posting had impeccable timing. I watched it over the weekend before the install and I was even more inpatient. They did a great job with the testing.
Ya they make some informative videos

There’s no denying the Z pipe adds a different sound. On yours in the higher RPMs it almost gives a 350/370Z tone (for better or worse). I think there might be less rasp though which is a big win if that is the case, hard to tell over video though.
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      06-13-2025, 07:13 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GolfCoyote View Post
Ya they make some informative videos

There’s no denying the Z pipe adds a different sound. On yours in the higher RPMs it almost gives a 350/370Z tone (for better or worse). I think there might be less rasp though which is a big win if that is the case, hard to tell over video though.
I'm not familiar with any of the 350/370z tones, but I will say there isn't much rasp at all honestly. It sounds smooth and clean in person. Like you said, very hard to capture on video. I'm getting some rollers with other g8x owners soon and I hope they can capture some footage for me to post.
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      06-14-2025, 01:31 PM   #6
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Quick Pull clip. I will get better audio once I connect with someone with a proper mic.

View post on imgur.com
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      06-15-2025, 04:03 PM   #7
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That pull sounded great
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      01-10-2026, 10:53 AM   #8
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Nices sound. What are the parts to I need to get to make that midpipe
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      01-10-2026, 11:13 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WillyG80 View Post
Nices sound. What are the parts to I need to get to make that midpipe
You’ll need to source any type of dual pipe equal length midpipe and a Formula Z Zpipe. I think some alibaba manufacturers are copying the whole setup so you may not need to source parts. You’ll have to do your research.

Here’s more clips of
View post on imgur.com
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      01-15-2026, 12:00 AM   #10
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Thanks and love the sound. I will try to figure out the parts.
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      01-23-2026, 10:26 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLE3PER View Post
You’ll need to source any type of dual pipe equal length midpipe and a Formula Z Zpipe. I think some alibaba manufacturers are copying the whole setup so you may not need to source parts. You’ll have to do your research.

Here’s more clips of
View post on imgur.com
Im guessing this is also the same then?
https://sfmotorsports.shop/products/...5dbdbab3&_ss=r

Cant find any version resonated but that website says they sell that version, resonated. Would like to see catted dp with resonated z pipe midpipe.
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      01-23-2026, 10:33 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vitipr View Post
Im guessing this is also the same then?
https://sfmotorsports.shop/products/...5dbdbab3&_ss=r

Cant find any version resonated but that website says they sell that version, resonated. Would like to see catted dp with resonated z pipe midpipe.
Yes, it’s essentially the same. I have yet to change to catted DPs. I’m hesitant because I don’t want to introduce any rasp on this setup.
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      01-24-2026, 06:16 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLE3PER View Post
Yes, it’s essentially the same. I have yet to change to catted DPs. I’m hesitant because I don’t want to introduce any rasp on this setup.
Haha I hear ya. My previous setup was catless with single midpipe, boy thst sounded so loud and bad! This time around want something more special. Based on your posts I think Im looking for exactly what your looking for but wanted catted dp for better performance.
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      01-24-2026, 01:28 PM   #14
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SLE3PER

Any chance you got a look at the resonators (before you ditched them) on the CSZ midpipe to see how much of a decrease there is on the internal diameter?

All of these Chinese manufacturers look like they source the same size/style resonators. They tend to neck down way too far for my liking.

Would like to find a duel 3" midpipe + Zpipe like yours, with functional + non restrictive resonators. But they doesn't exist until someone builds it so they can copy it.
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      01-24-2026, 01:37 PM   #15
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Quote:
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SLE3PER

Any chance you got a look at the resonators (before you ditched them) on the CSZ midpipe to see how much of a decrease there is on the internal diameter?

All of these Chinese manufacturers look like they source the same size/style resonators. They tend to neck down way too far for my liking.

Would like to find a duel 3" midpipe + Zpipe like yours, with functional + non restrictive resonators. But they doesn't exist until someone builds it so they can copy it.
I still have the resonators sitting in the box. The resonators were a joke from Alibaba. My fabricator took a look in it and said it wouldn’t do diddly squat. So we ditched the resonators and he fabricated without it. I’m glad I didn’t use resonators cause it sounds smooth!
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