Difference between Catless Downpipes - Akrapovic vs. VRSF

[deephouse]

Hi guys,

I'm asking myself if there is any difference between a pretty expensive catless downipe (Akrapovic) and a cheaper one (VRSF).

I wanna know if there is any noticeable difference in:
- Sound
- HP gain

Sure I know that the Akrapovic is build and looks better, but if the rest is the same, I don't see a reason why I should get an akrapovic one.

I think that this m3 sounds pretty good with only a catless downpipe

[HRE_Wheels]

Akrapovič is arguably the best exhaust manufacturer in the world. Everything form Formula one to road cars and race cars alike just like this BMW DTM Racer here:



Akrapovič means quality; It means the best research and development in the industry, the best most advanced materials and tooling inside one of the most technologically state-of-the-art facilities in the world which produce systems which are race proven (as you can see from the photo above of course), but ultimately if you're looking for a no-compromise solution to your exhaust needs, Akrapovič is the option that you're looking for. When you're buying an Akrapovič component, you're buying confidence that you know that particular piece will hold up to the rigors of track days and serious abuse, all while producing significant power, dropping weight, and looking amazing all at the same time.

[mike@x-ph.com]

No HP difference , sound is the same ...
VRSF has perfect fitment and is a high quality product ... It is the most popular downpipe choice for us and we carry both brands

wield quality on the VRSF downpipe

[CaryTheLabelGuy]

VRSF will have a slightly deeper tone due to the full 3inch. The VRSF downpipes don't neck-down to 2.5inches until right at the end (at the connection to the stock midpipes). The Akrapovic downpipes neck down to 2.5 inches right off the v-band inlet.

VRSF downpipes are much better value.

[AutoTalent]

Akrapovic also has the flex section.

[Jerich0]

I wonder if the tone between downpipes is very evident...

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Jerich0

I wonder if the tone between downpipes is very evident...

Its not, most will not tell the difference

[AutoTalent]

Originally Posted by Jerich0

I wonder if the tone between downpipes is very evident...

There are some that you can definitely tell. Eisenmann is more on the high pitched sound for example.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by AutoTalent

There are some that you can definitely tell. Eisenmann is more on the high pitched sound for example.

You are thinking of an experienced user that has heard a lot of DP brands ... Most average users (from my experience) will have a hard time telling which one is which

[AutoTalent]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

You are thinking of an experienced user that has heard a lot of DP brands ... Most average users (from my experience) will have a hard time telling which one is which

They probably won't know which brand is which but they should be able to tell the tone difference between the two.

[deephouse]

Is it going to smell inside the cabin with catless downpipes?

[AutoTalent]

Originally Posted by deephouse

Is it going to smell inside the cabin with catless downpipes?

You will definitely smell them with the windows down or sunroof open.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by deephouse

Is it going to smell inside the cabin with catless downpipes?

No smell inside the cabin ... Smell is only on the outside

If during cold start you keep your car on idle for couple minutes and the windows are open then yes you will smell it inside the car but the smell is from the outside

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by deephouse

Is it going to smell inside the cabin with catless downpipes?

There should be no smell inside the cabin with any downpipes / exhaust combos unless you have an exhaust leak.

Mike

[Brasko]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

No HP difference , sound is the same ...
VRSF has perfect fitment and is a high quality product ... It is the most popular downpipe choice for us and we carry both brands

wield quality on the VRSF downpipe

Attachment 1420773

Superb welds! Can you PM me a price for my F80?

[Tiago@VRSF]

We offer a lifetime guarantee against fitment and defects on all the parts we produce. We're confident they'll be the last set of downpipes you're car will see simply because we've had the pleasure of putting them through the wringer on both the street and the track.

Let me know if you have any questions

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Brasko

Superb welds! Can you PM me a price for my F80?

pm sent

[clutchdj]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

We offer a lifetime guarantee against fitment and defects on all the parts we produce. We're confident they'll be the last set of downpipes you're car will see simply because we've had the pleasure of putting them through the wringer on both the street and the track.

Let me know if you have any questions

do you plan on producing DPs with High flow cat's in the future?
maybe at least 200 cell cats?

[momo3605]

smell shouldn't be that bad if you do downpipes with stock midpipe/secondaries right? I did primary cat delete on my e9x M3, and the secondary cats were able to block most of the smell pretty well.

[schnazzy]

Lots of opinions here. Let me give you some notes from the field. Lets start with, I don't work for any automotive parts manufacturer or seller etc. I have no kickback, not sponsored nor do I receive any remuneration of any kind. I have no skin in the game.

Smell:
The rotten egg smell that many talk about is prevalent when you do DPs and also an exhaust also without cats. Just putting the cat less DPs and leaving the stock exhaust or MPE won't have any shitty smell. Maybe your mileage may vary but I've had mine for a year.

Quality/power:
They both look like good quality. They will probably sound identical to 99.9% of the people out there. Power.... well some people get 10-15 rwhp more while using a JB4 in Map2 or better. Terry from BMS says DPs aren't worth it but that is probably due to issues with CARB. I think both of these DPs will yield similar rwhp.

Issues:
You better have a jb4 since your CEL will go on every so often and it will clear it for you automatically. If you don't have an awesome dealer and SA, you should shy away from a DP. If you live in a state that requires full emissions and checks, this might be a hassle.

What did I do:
I mated the Akra with my MPE. Why did I chose Akra, 10% because of the brand name, 90% because of the fit and finish. What put it apart from others for me was the flexi-pipe. I reviewed the Akra against what else I saw people using which was AR. For the few hundred less for the AR it wasn't for me.

VRSF wasn't in my view at that time. They look of quality like many of the brands including Akra. I think you answered your own question in that you don't see the value in the more expensive option. For me it was the name and the flexi. When I sell my car, I am going to part the car out, I'll still lose more money than if I bought something less expensive but I know I can sell the Akra's pretty quickly.

[bmwtrix]

I have a brand new set of these in the box ready to go! Take a look here if interested! http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1260633

[mike@x-ph.com]

Clip from shift sector

Thank you Arnold_Powers