When are exhaust upgrades NEEDED?

summit56 · 12-15-2012, 02:10 PM

Everyone seems to "upgrade" their exhaust no matter what. A majority of the time just for a better tone, growl, rumble, or whatever.
Ive got AA stage 1 with headers, rest of the exhaust system is stock. Im going to be upgrading to stage 2 this summer and was wondering if any actual power gains from exhaust work would help? the stock exhaust looks pretty big and appears to flow well, but looks and be deceving. I really like the sound I have now, just supercharger wooshing!!

Grande D · 12-15-2012, 02:19 PM

Ask AA, they would know best. Since you have a 328- if you have a stock exhaust- the answer is probably yes.

If you have a 325/330 with the dual exhaust- maybe not so much. Either way I think you can get some minimal gains on a lower stage FI car with a really well though out system.

MachRc · 12-15-2012, 08:12 PM

Since you uncorked the headers, whatever exhaust you get will be quite loud especially if it replaces the 2nd resonator closest to the muffler.

I wouldnt expect too much or if any gains in power, but it sure is going to sound great.

Dreikraft · 12-15-2012, 08:46 PM

upgrading exhaust is mostly for tone. you won't need to upgrade for performance reasons unless you're trying to squeeze out a few more hp.
nice to see fellow alaskans boosting e46s!

summit56 · 12-16-2012, 02:53 AM

if i dont have to upgrade i wont. I love the quietness, pulling up to a piped out mustang, camaro, subee, evo, and holding my own. id like to keep it as quite as possible.
If i need something loud to drive i got the streetbike with a yoshimura exhaust for summer when the BMW isn't fast enough, and a 5.4 F-250 with dual pipes and a 800cc sled with an mbrp can for winter.
Maybe I will invest in a cut out.....straight nasty with the flip of a switch

12-15-2012, 02:10 PM	#1
summit56 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 87 My Ride: 328ci AA stage 1 View My Garage	When are exhaust upgrades NEEDED? Everyone seems to "upgrade" their exhaust no matter what. A majority of the time just for a better tone, growl, rumble, or whatever. Ive got AA stage 1 with headers, rest of the exhaust system is stock. Im going to be upgrading to stage 2 this summer and was wondering if any actual power gains from exhaust work would help? the stock exhaust looks pretty big and appears to flow well, but looks and be deceving. I really like the sound I have now, just supercharger wooshing!!

12-15-2012, 02:19 PM	#2
Grande D Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: nola Posts: 3,110 My Ride: zhpppppp (o-m-g!) View My Garage	Ask AA, they would know best. Since you have a 328- if you have a stock exhaust- the answer is probably yes. If you have a 325/330 with the dual exhaust- maybe not so much. Either way I think you can get some minimal gains on a lower stage FI car with a really well though out system. __________________ >>Buy My Eibach Pro-Kit Springs for E46 Non-M!<< Formerly zhp43867

12-15-2012, 08:12 PM	#3
MachRc "Have some candy!!" Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: City of Angels Posts: 6,210 My Ride: 2003 Technik S1 M3 View My Garage	Since you uncorked the headers, whatever exhaust you get will be quite loud especially if it replaces the 2nd resonator closest to the muffler. I wouldnt expect too much or if any gains in power, but it sure is going to sound great. __________________ Bimmerfest 2013 Photos here!!! "The road was miles ahead..It fell away, now I'm at thee end... Just a sky, the fall, and you..I got holes in my para~chute...... Then-you-say,' never gonna find all the answers~ answers will find you..Don't know how I'll feel tomorrow~ Don't know the truth. But we can lie,.. lie.., lie.., lie here together..lie..,lie..,lie..,lie here together..'"

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12-15-2012, 08:46 PM	#4
Dreikraft Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alaska :( Posts: 672 My Ride: slow m3 View My Garage	upgrading exhaust is mostly for tone. you won't need to upgrade for performance reasons unless you're trying to squeeze out a few more hp. nice to see fellow alaskans boosting e46s!

12-16-2012, 02:53 AM	#5
summit56 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 87 My Ride: 328ci AA stage 1 View My Garage	if i dont have to upgrade i wont. I love the quietness, pulling up to a piped out mustang, camaro, subee, evo, and holding my own. id like to keep it as quite as possible. If i need something loud to drive i got the streetbike with a yoshimura exhaust for summer when the BMW isn't fast enough, and a 5.4 F-250 with dual pipes and a 800cc sled with an mbrp can for winter. Maybe I will invest in a cut out.....straight nasty with the flip of a switch