Best Exhaust mod for under $1k?

[5ABI_RACER]

I want to hear more of the exhaust when I'm stepping on it. I've seen a bunch of videos on youtube and am trying to avoid the fartcan rasp sound. I'm not so sure I want to spend $1k+ on a full exhaust setup just yet.

I have a 2017 M4 with the competition package that includes the upgraded BMW Sport Exhaust.

I've seen someone on here that took Magnaflow race mufflers and replaced their resonator with them, and it sounded pretty good, although it's really hard to judge on speakers how loud it actually sounds.

I want something that's definitely louder than stock so that I can hear it when I step on it even during high speeds on the highway.

Recommendations?

[9M71]

<$1k is probably AA midpipes and a VSC valve controller.

hell this probably even beats setups that are $>2k

[jpy1980]

Hmm $1k for a full exhaust setup? Where? haha

You may be able to get a mid pipe like VRSF or a used AA mid pipe for under $1k, but those might be your only options. There should be plenty of videos for those.

Your best bet may be to wait til the AA Equal Length mid pipes come out and then someone sells one used. Those sound great.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1731691

[TopJimmy]

The Active Autowerke (AA) Single midpipe will increase your volume without rasp. It's a great first step, and you can decide if you want to replace the rear section after you try it. You can find them here on the forums for $600-750 used. Install is DIY easy.

With another $350-400 I'd suggest a used Bootmod3 license so you can turn off ASD, run valves-open in Sport/+, and also decide if you want to play with burbles. No need to buy/pick multiple maps, just start with the free GTS tune and decide on Stage 1 or 2 later. BM3 is also DIY easy.

[RugbyBro]

Have an exhaust shop weld you an equal length mid pipe - check the equal length thread for ideas

[ntg44]

Agree with Rugby. If you have access to an exhaust fabricator (they're not that hard to find), have them modify your midpipe to equalized length. Replace the center resonator that was lost with a pair of resonators to minimize rasp.

Otherwise, a pair of Magnaflow 14156 resonators in place of secondary cats and unplug valves to stay open will run you less than $300 installed. I had that for about a year and was very happy with it. See no point in buying an aftermarket system that's louder and fartier. None of the stock length aftermarket systems are remotely appealing to me.

Some resources you should read through to see what's possible with custom fab:

Equal Length:

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...91&postcount=1

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...97&postcount=3

Magnaflow 14156:

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...3&postcount=31

[mike@x-ph.com]

Single midpipe

[MJ6]

5ABI_RACER
If you're interested in going the Magnaflow 14156 route, I have a pair that I was experimenting with that have less then 20 miles on them up for grabs. Exhaust clamps included if you don't want to go the welding route.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Another option is the Active Autowerle Equal length Midpipe. Its not under 1K but very close

[punky8d]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Another option is the Active Autowerle Equal length Midpipe. Its not under 1K but very close

So how is the sound difference between single midpipe AA and equal length? On a stock exhaust.

OP, have you considered muffler delete?
I'm also on the same page. Looking at axle backs, the ones I like run 4k-5k.

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by punky8d

So how is the sound difference between single midpipe AA and equal length? On a stock exhaust.

OP, have you considered muffler delete?
I'm also on the same page. Looking at axle backs, the ones I like run 4k-5k.

Just search here and listen to videos to compare an AA Single mid with a stock rear against the AA Equal Length mid with stock exhaust. The Single has a low note and a little drone, while the Equal Length keeps the higher note but just reduces rasp a little. I prefer the lower growl.

[sicck_m4]

With the stock exhaust setup, do a resonator delete. Sound really good in sport/sport+ with the vales open. Dead silent in efficiency. I've had a single midpipe with stock exhaust, Agency Power full catback, and now AWE switchpath. I love how raw the AWE switchpath sounds. But the best tone was from single midpipe with stock axleback. Resonator delete sounds very similar and would cost you around $120 to do.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

Just search here and listen to videos to compare an AA Single mid with a stock rear against the AA Equal Length mid with stock exhaust. The Single has a low note and a little drone, while the Equal Length keeps the higher note but just reduces rasp a little. I prefer the lower growl.

Agree with you on everything except the drone, I had zero drone with single midpipe + remus axle back

[RMDZidane]

Under $1K...... Ear plugs?

[Kilabyte]

Originally Posted by RMDZidane

Under $1K...... Ear plugs?

It's either EL or don't listen to it at all

[RugbyBro]

Buy an xpipe, some mandrel bends, and exhaust piping from summit racing and have a shop weld up and attach an EL midpipe. If you do the design work and lay it out for them, shouldn't cost more that $500 tops. Lots of resources and design ideas on the EL thread.