Equal-length exhaust discussion: new S55 sounds

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by wonton1017

"The solution to this is to create equal-length exhaust pipes before they merge, just like in any other exhaust system on other platforms."

What happens if they don't merge and you just simply dump the driver side exhaust out 14" earlier? I was originally planning to install a cutout exhaust valve on one side after the resonator for basically a "half muffler delete" on demand and then came across this thread... would it do anything magical?

If you kept them separated all the way through, it would sound like a 3 cylinder. Personally I can't tell much difference between that and stock.

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by RMDZidane

Spread the knowledge dude! I'm happy to see cool things developing with the exhaust idea
I went traveling to Singapore and Malaysia for the holidays with my family so no tinkering with my lady's BMW took place. Honestly I've lost the plot a little regarding my interest in pursuing exhaust production. Too many other shiny things grab my attention So ntg, I trust that Top Gear will make a nice product.

If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have ever thought of starting my exhaust project in the first place. And then the Top Gear exhaust run would never have happened. I just got lucky with the right company at the right time. Regardless it's a fantastic contribution to the S55 community.

Top Gear's requirements on the sound and execution are stricter than mine, so I have full confidence they're going to make a product people will want to buy.

[raywai2]

Originally Posted by ntg44

If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have ever thought of starting my exhaust project in the first place. And then the Top Gear exhaust run would never have happened. I just got lucky with the right company at the right time. Regardless it's a fantastic contribution to the S55 community.

Top Gear's requirements on the sound and execution are stricter than mine, so I have full confidence they're going to make a product people will want to buy.

Would Top Gear develop one for the M2 Competition? It’s just as needed. Lol

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by raywai2

Would Top Gear develop one for the M2 Competition? It’s just as needed. Lol

Baby steps! Looks like Milltek is leading the front for M2C.


No promises, but I'll bring it up to top gear once I get my car back sometime next week about M2C.

[spool twice]

now if we can just get someone to make it for the guys who don't want to change out their exhaust completely, the same crowd who were happy with just replacing the mid-pipes and left everything else alone.

anyone?

...that would save a bit of people going into an exhaust shop and needing to explain, and re-explain themselves multiple times before someone reluctantly says "okay we can try it, but it's not going to change the sound."

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by spool twice

now if we can just get someone to make it for the guys who don't want to change out their exhaust completely, the same crowd who were happy with just replacing the mid-pipes and left everything else alone.

anyone?

...that would save a bit of people going into an exhaust shop and needing to explain, and re-explain themselves multiple times before someone reluctantly says "okay we can try it, but it's not going to change the sound."

When I began discussions with Top Gear about turning this into something more, they went through this entire thread and listened to all the different approaches people took, including mine, yours, and all of RMDZ's. In the end, their opinion was that the only approach with a significant enough change in tone to make a successful product out of was mine. And although I'm biased since mine was chosen, I'm inclined to agree with them.

As consumers, obviously the most cost effective solution makes the most sense. But as a manufacturer, you tend to look at these things differently from the sense that you want a product that will have the largest impact and highest chance of success. You also want it to be profitable and worth your time. In Top Gear's case, they're a custom shop, which for the first time, decided to make a mass produced product. From what I know, a mid section just wasn't something they were interested in mass producing, and I'd expect other startup type projects to be the same, unless a limited run Kickstarter campaign was made for it or something.

Most if not all mid pipes on the market are just portions of each respective manufacturer's full cat back systems, tailored to fit any muffler that connects at the same spot as stock. I'm not aware of any manufacturer that only makes a standalone midpipe section, aside from the small 2nd cat bypasses. I have a feeling it's for the same reasons that Top Gear wasn't interested, that it just wouldn't be worth it.

[RocketBoots]

Just listened to the clips again on headphones and my home theater. My preference is definitely ntg's. Don't get me wrong, Spool's and even RMDZ's definitely sounded way better than stock.

I do completely understand TopGear's approach. In addition to the things ntg mentioned, ease of use is another factor. I think the bolt-on nature of the system will have mass appeal. No chopping or altering of the stock exhaust, and the ability to return to OEM quickly and easily are both important factors.

Personally, I'd welcome a midpipe only solution, if it sounded great. I'd prefer to keep as much of my OEM as possible, and don't mind hacking it up a bit.

Originally Posted by ntg44

When I began discussions with Top Gear about turning this into something more, they went through this entire thread and listened to all the different approaches people took, including mine, yours, and all of RMDZ's. In the end, their opinion was that the only approach with a significant enough change in tone to make a successful product out of was mine. And although I'm biased since mine was chosen, I'm inclined to agree with them.

As consumers, obviously the most cost effective solution makes the most sense. But as a manufacturer, you tend to look at these things differently from the sense that you want a product that will have the largest impact and highest chance of success. You also want it to be profitable and worth your time. In Top Gear's case, they're a custom shop, which for the first time, decided to make a mass produced product. From what I know, a mid section just wasn't something they were interested in mass producing, and I'd expect other startup type projects to be the same, unless a limited run Kickstarter campaign was made for it or something.

Most if not all mid pipes on the market are just portions of each respective manufacturer's full cat back systems, tailored to fit any muffler that connects at the same spot as stock. I'm not aware of any manufacturer that only makes a standalone midpipe section, aside from the small 2nd cat bypasses. I have a feeling it's for the same reasons that Top Gear wasn't interested, that it just wouldn't be worth it.

[spool twice]

Definitely no sound comparison that the non-OE muffler setups sound better, but there is a spot in the market for those who are happy with their AA midpipe-only, so that market would still need to be captured, otherwise they wouldn't have been such a popular choice prior to this. Hopefully AA can come up with a solution if their own and offer it alongside their single midpipe as well. I do have an interesting drawing I could send to anyone that would revamp the mid section to make the solution a true bolt-on vs what my current set-up is, if only I could fabricate it on my own.

[Ed_rx7]

Please share

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by spool twice

I'm excited to hear how the Milltek will sound like with an EQ set-up. Do they already come with a crossover section?

Milltek has a merged resonator in the same place as the stock center resonator, so they would need the change that to keep gas separate.

They don't do an "axle back" option, only sec CAT / OPF back which starts from behind OPF / sec cats and replaces cente resonator / merge with their own .

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

For an M2C, would the additional 14" of pipe still apply (as opposed to a different or shorter measurement)? The M2C has a shorter wheelbase, but it seems like the discrepancy of equal length is upstream at the level of the downpipes, and thus the additional piping needed would be the same for the M2C as for the M3/4. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

When my M2C is at the custom shop on 3rd Feb we'll make accurate measurments all the way back from DP lower flange to the proposed merge point then add that to the DP difference to account for DPs and general length difference all the way back.

[jrp73]

Originally Posted by spool twice

Definitely no sound comparison that the non-OE muffler setups sound better, but there is a spot in the market for those who are happy with their AA midpipe-only, so that market would still need to be captured, otherwise they wouldn't have been such a popular choice prior to this. Hopefully AA can come up with a solution if their own and offer it alongside their single midpipe as well. I do have an interesting drawing I could send to anyone that would revamp the mid section to make the solution a true bolt-on vs what my current set-up is, if only I could fabricate it on my own.

Completely agree, it's great that a full exhaust solution is being produced but a mid pipe solution is likely to be the most popular, it would certainly be my preference for now. I for one will continue to look for my oem setup to be customised or wait for the Miltek solution

[GT_Juls]

I contacted 4-5 shops and even Autocouture to see if this can be done. Hopefully I get some hope.

[4N Motorsport]

Hey guys! Posting on here Incase you haven't heard the new single turbo kit for the s55! It's a beautiful sound. This is how the s55 should have sounded from the factory!!! Stock muffler with valves open. 3.5 Single turbo back high flow mid pipe made from 304ss. Mid pipe will be available with our single turbo kit as a matching option.

https://4nmotorsport.com

[ShoNufff]

Originally Posted by 4N Motorsport

Hey guys! Posting on here Incase you haven't heard the new single turbo kit for the s55! It's a beautiful sound. This is how the s55 should have sounded from the factory!!! Stock muffler with valves open. 3.5 Single turbo back high flow mid pipe made from 304ss. Mid pipe will be available with our single turbo kit as a matching option.

https://4nmotorsport.com

Sounds beautiful! Is this still running on stock fuel pump?

[4N Motorsport]

Originally Posted by ShoNufff

Sounds beautiful! Is this still running on stock fuel pump?

Yes stock lpfp with E85 PI. We hit the flow limit of the lpfp at 752whp.

[jrp73]

Originally Posted by 4N Motorsport

Hey guys! Posting on here Incase you haven't heard the new single turbo kit for the s55! It's a beautiful sound. This is how the s55 should have sounded from the factory!!! Stock muffler with valves open. 3.5 Single turbo back high flow mid pipe made from 304ss. Mid pipe will be available with our single turbo kit as a matching option.

https://4nmotorsport.com

sounds spot on... RHD version please

[erik_m3g80]

Is there already a update of the status from Top Gear?
I mean how the work is going etc.

[aBMWfan]

Hey guys, just want to let you know I'm interested in selling my custom equalizer midpipe that goes from behind the secondaries to where it meets with muffler.

Reason being is I went with single turb kit and going to be doing a single midpipe. Let me know, the car is in Fullerton. Mainly looking for a VRSF or AA single midpipe will add cash on top if you have either to trade and local. Should be off the car by 3rd or 4th week of February. Could be sooner if you are committed now. Let me know

[spool twice]

Originally Posted by aBMWfan

Hey guys, just want to let you know I'm interested in selling my custom equalizer midpipe that goes from behind the secondaries to where it meets with muffler.

Reason being is I went with single turb kit and going to be doing a single midpipe. Let me know, the car is in Fullerton. Mainly looking for a VRSF or AA single midpipe will add cash on top if you have either to trade and local. Should be off the car by 3rd or 4th week of February. Could be sooner if you are committed now. Let me know

Now it all makes sense, I wanted to ask why you were unloading everything on FB. Good luck! Your set-up with catless downpipes sounded great!

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by erik-f80

Is there already a update of the status from Top Gear?
I mean how the work is going etc.

Just had a phone call with them yesterday. The project is moving along. They're designing all the parts right now and an assembled system may be on my car by the end of the week. We're almost there!

[GT_Juls]

Originally Posted by ntg44

Just had a phone call with them yesterday. The project is moving along. They're designing all the parts right now and an assembled system may be on my car by the end of the week. We're almost there!

:

[Kilabyte]