Full Exhausts: Borla, Cp-e, I-Carbon

sbefar01 · 11-30-2009, 10:43 AM

Trying to score a full exhaust (mid-pipe incl.) that is likely to have the best power gains. Perhaps you guys know which system (borla, cp-e, I-carbon etc) has the best power oriented design/engineering? (RPI system a little too expensive) I find it unfortunate that these vendors do not furnish Dyno comparisons to stock. If I'm going to pay near $1500 I dont want my exhaust to just sound good, Im sure others feel the same way.

My135 · 11-30-2009, 10:59 AM

Performance gain with just an exhaust upgrade is minimal. Do not expect more than 10 hp/tq gain. Most people just want the sound improvement and performance gain is the plus.

ar design · 11-30-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

Performance gain with just an exhaust upgrade is minimal. Do not expect more than 10 hp/tq gain. Most people just want the sound improvement and performance gain is the plus.

x2

The biggest gains are definitively with downpipes.

sbefar01 · 11-30-2009, 12:47 PM

Yeah, not losing warranty with DP, I figure with a JB3 the power benefit of a full exhaust is worth some reasonable HP beyond + 10.

kirby135i · 11-30-2009, 01:33 PM

RR is running a special on their system (downpipe back) for 699

sbefar01 · 11-30-2009, 01:38 PM

thanks kirby, attractive price but i heard there are fitment issues with RR. "*Minor exhaust adjustments may be required"

kirby135i · 11-30-2009, 02:43 PM

ive heard that too...but it think its with a few products...the VK Dps required some stock exhaust adjustments too

onefastman · 11-30-2009, 05:16 PM

I love my RR system, it is just hit and miss I guess. VK has worked very well too; I think it was the 1st batch that had issues.

BahamaBart · 11-30-2009, 08:37 PM

CP-E downpipes should be consistent from a fitment point do to the design.

deamon32 · 11-30-2009, 09:22 PM

I just installed my downpipes and am now in the market for a catback system. In my opinion the only real quality system out there right now is CP-E and possibly iCarbon but I am going to wait until customer reviews and dynos until I make my decision about iCarbon. I really have not heard much about the borla exhaust I am going to do some research on that and see what people think.

If the RPI system really gets 40+ whp like they claim then that in my opinion is the only system to go with (I love quads).

jtsherri · 11-30-2009, 10:01 PM

Read my reviews. Outside of wishing I had purchased resonators, I'm still absolutely in love with my cp-e system. VERY well-engineered and high quality parts!

sbefar01 · 12-01-2009, 09:47 AM

if 40whp (tuned car) with RPI is even close that is astonishing. However i just dont see how their engineering can be THAT MUCH BETTER then Borla and cp-e . . . . .20whp better design? Please chime in

My135 · 12-01-2009, 10:14 AM

RPI's 40 hp claim is un-real. As a smart consumer, you choose what to believe and not to believe; and for me and based on my experience, RPI's claim is not true.

kirby135i · 12-01-2009, 11:13 AM

sounds like their claim is based on using the ESS stage 3 tune...id rather see the gain using a stock car.

deamon32 · 12-01-2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

RPI's 40 hp claim is un-real. As a smart consumer, you choose what to believe and not to believe; and for me and based on my experience, RPI's claim is not true.

I agree, but IF it is true then that would be the best system. But theres no way any of his claims are close to even true if they were and that was my exhaust system I would get a stock baseline dyno and a dyno with the exhaust on the forums ASAP, but it will never happen until a customer does an independent dyno.

sbefar01 · 12-01-2009, 02:52 PM

yea im wondering how much power the ESS stage 3 adds? BTW, Borla claims a 5-7% increase in power which would be 20whp+ with a JB3 . . .

evifytrihteno · 12-01-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbefar01

Yeah, not losing warranty with DP, I figure with a JB3 the power benefit of a full exhaust is worth some reasonable HP beyond + 10.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbefar01

not losing warranty with DP

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbefar01

losing warranty

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbefar01

warranty

BMWNA cares a LOT more about owners who mess with the ECU (like you and me with our tunes), than someone who replaces piping in the exhaust to get a better flow. If you are truly worried about warranty problems with a catless downpipes and not with your piggyback tune, i lold. But yeah, 3" exhaust w/o better DP's is for sound purposes, not for massive hp gains.

solid77 · 12-01-2009, 07:53 PM

sorry new to exhausts for the car, but the cp-e dp's and exhaust system are 3" the whole way? they never taper to 2.5"?

Schn3ll · 12-01-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solid77

sorry new to exhausts for the car, but the cp-e dp's and exhaust system are 3" the whole way? they never taper to 2.5"?

No, midpipes are 2.5" from the downpipes to the collector at the axelback portion I believe. Most setups are constructed in this same manner or a close derivative (collector moved closer to the downpipes). The two 2.5" pipes then merge to a 3" pipe.

jibaholic101 · 12-01-2009, 08:23 PM

cp-e of your choices

sbefar01 · 12-01-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evifytrihteno

BMWNA cares a LOT more about owners who mess with the ECU (like you and me with our tunes), than someone who replaces piping in the exhaust to get a better flow. If you are truly worried about warranty problems with a catless downpipes and not with your piggyback tune, i lold. But yeah, 3" exhaust w/o better DP's is for sound purposes, not for massive hp gains.

People say half the point of a JB3 is its invisibility, ability to be removed easily. A catless DP is a HUGE pain to remove. Anyways,The point i'm making is that the power gains of a full exhaust and a JB3 (385hp car) is significant enough to take notice. Meanwhile, Im still trying to select which might be best on dyno, my original post guys!

ridin135 · 12-02-2009, 11:37 AM

I would take a look at the agency power exhaust looks nice and you can't beat the group price that is going on now, its cheaper than alot of the axle backs.

11-30-2009, 10:43 AM	#1
sbefar01 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 1er Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Full Exhausts: Borla, Cp-e, I-Carbon Trying to score a full exhaust (mid-pipe incl.) that is likely to have the best power gains. Perhaps you guys know which system (borla, cp-e, I-carbon etc) has the best power oriented design/engineering? (RPI system a little too expensive) I find it unfortunate that these vendors do not furnish Dyno comparisons to stock. If I'm going to pay near $1500 I dont want my exhaust to just sound good, Im sure others feel the same way.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-30-2009, 10:59 AM	#2
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Performance gain with just an exhaust upgrade is minimal. Do not expect more than 10 hp/tq gain. Most people just want the sound improvement and performance gain is the plus. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2009, 12:47 PM	#4
sbefar01 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 1er Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Yeah, not losing warranty with DP, I figure with a JB3 the power benefit of a full exhaust is worth some reasonable HP beyond + 10.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2009, 01:33 PM	#5
kirby135i Lieutenant 15 Rep 506 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: here iTrader: (1)	RR is running a special on their system (downpipe back) for 699
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2009, 01:38 PM	#6
sbefar01 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 1er Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	thanks kirby, attractive price but i heard there are fitment issues with RR. "*Minor exhaust adjustments may be required"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2009, 02:43 PM	#7
kirby135i Lieutenant 15 Rep 506 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: here iTrader: (1)	ive heard that too...but it think its with a few products...the VK Dps required some stock exhaust adjustments too
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2009, 05:16 PM	#8
onefastman Major General 159 Rep 5,689 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 2011 e92m dct Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (15)	I love my RR system, it is just hit and miss I guess. VK has worked very well too; I think it was the 1st batch that had issues.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2009, 08:37 PM	#9
BahamaBart Lieutenant 30 Rep 586 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: in front of you iTrader: (0)	CP-E downpipes should be consistent from a fitment point do to the design. __________________ 2009 135i Black on Black Options\|Leather\| Sport Package\| Premium Stereo\| Steering Assist \| V1 Engine MODS\| JB4 install \| AR DPs \| Berk Axleback \| ITG Filter \| BHS OCC \| Exterior Bling\| Kerscher splitter \| Interior Bling \| Bimmian pedals \| 3P Cars gauage \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2009, 09:22 PM	#10
deamon32 First Lieutenant 14 Rep 395 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Costa Mesa iTrader: (1)	I just installed my downpipes and am now in the market for a catback system. In my opinion the only real quality system out there right now is CP-E and possibly iCarbon but I am going to wait until customer reviews and dynos until I make my decision about iCarbon. I really have not heard much about the borla exhaust I am going to do some research on that and see what people think. If the RPI system really gets 40+ whp like they claim then that in my opinion is the only system to go with (I love quads). __________________ LeMans 135i ///M-sport 6MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2009, 10:01 PM	#11
jtsherri Major 144 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Metro Detroit, MI iTrader: (14) Garage List 2008 135i [10.00]	Read my reviews. Outside of wishing I had purchased resonators, I'm still absolutely in love with my cp-e system. VERY well-engineered and high quality parts! __________________ -Jason My review(s): cp-e™ Cat Back Exhaust, cp-e™ SS 3" Downpipes, TPLSM3 Custom Fiberglass Subwoofer Enclosure, P3 BMW 135 Vent Integrated Digital Interface
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2009, 09:47 AM	#12
sbefar01 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 1er Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	if 40whp (tuned car) with RPI is even close that is astonishing. However i just dont see how their engineering can be THAT MUCH BETTER then Borla and cp-e . . . . .20whp better design? Please chime in
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2009, 10:14 AM	#13
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	RPI's 40 hp claim is un-real. As a smart consumer, you choose what to believe and not to believe; and for me and based on my experience, RPI's claim is not true. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2009, 11:13 AM	#14
kirby135i Lieutenant 15 Rep 506 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: here iTrader: (1)	sounds like their claim is based on using the ESS stage 3 tune...id rather see the gain using a stock car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2009, 02:52 PM	#16
sbefar01 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 1er Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	yea im wondering how much power the ESS stage 3 adds? BTW, Borla claims a 5-7% increase in power which would be 20whp+ with a JB3 . . .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2009, 07:53 PM	#18
solid77 Private First Class 16 Rep 148 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: seattle, wa iTrader: (3)	sorry new to exhausts for the car, but the cp-e dp's and exhaust system are 3" the whole way? they never taper to 2.5"?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2009, 08:23 PM	#20
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 162 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	cp-e of your choices __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2009, 11:37 AM	#22
ridin135 Colonel 131 Rep 2,408 Posts Drives: Depends on the day Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Greenville iTrader: (7)	I would take a look at the agency power exhaust looks nice and you can't beat the group price that is going on now, its cheaper than alot of the axle backs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote