So are there any comparisons of the various catbacks out there? Specifically, how do they compare for performance gains, which ones have the worst/best drone, volumes differences, etc.....

Thanks in advance.

 

Here in BC there is a tax grab program called AirCare. Before we are able to re-new our mandatory monopoly insurance we have to "pass" an AirCare inspection testing our vehicle emissions. The stations are operated by a bunch of monkeys with marginal mechanical training. But the one thing they do know how to do is roll a mirror underneath a car to check the cat. Anything which looks suspicious (ie. not stock) risks an automatic fail and a ticket to have the cat returned to stock. Hence, a turbo-back is pretty much out of the question..................

 

Get an Invidia.

See the multiple page post all about it!

 

The Invidia removes your second CAT so you may fail your inspection. The Invidia is also very loud and drones like a beast on the highway, so buy it with caution.

 

Exhaust Depot, or buy a Magna flow muffler and have a shop weld it up for you. Dont expect noticeable power from a catback however.

 

I'm always baffled everytime you say this...

I really think something must have been wrong with yours. Loud doesn't come to mind at all, I can see maybe where theres a slight drone on the highway, but its really anything but loud.

I've been driving around with just a straight pipe for the week, and even that isn't that loud...my R53 was louder, WITH mufflers lol.

Then again, exhaust sounds are extremely subjective, so who knows!

 

It is all subjective. I really like loud exhausts but the Invidia drove me nuts. I tried my best to like it but I just couldn't do it. I do feel better because there have been other folks on this board with the same feelings as me (in regards to the loudness factor), so I know that I am not crazy.

I think the biggest issue for this case is the fact of removing the second cat. It may cause him to fail his inspection.

 

I have heard some of the exhaust and for me Invidia is one of the best and is bolt on to the stock downpipe. I also like the one that exhaust depot do and the other one is from cravenspeed.com, but this one I haven't heard it.

I also like 2.5" exhaust for our cars, I think 3'' is to big for our small and engine and turbo.

Invidia is not loud at all!

My car passed the inspection with the invidia installed two month ago.

 

I believe the Cravenspeed is just a re-branded Magnaflow. So, funds would be much better spent doing that custom at your local muffler shop.

 

I note the ALTA cat-back is 3 inches, why do you think this is too big?

 

You gonna open a whole can of worms with that question...there are a couple posts about it from a while back. Search and read and decide which way you want to go.

 

I've got the Alta Cat-back, and Intake. Really happy with both. Got them through Garage 5 in Richmond (installation as well). If you ever want to get together and check them out, let me know.

Cheers,

 

Thanks for the offer!! I am really busy now, but will PM you soon.

Thanks again.

 

Its just my opinion, Alta has a great exhaust but I preffer 2.5.

I think our turbo and the engine is to small to install a 3'' Turbo back exhaust like Alta but each person has a different opinion.

If I get a bigger turbo I will probably get a 3'' downpipe but stay with 2.5'' to mantain back pressure.

 

i like my setup so far....each mod has an increase that can be felt. The cat-back is the last part i installed recently, the reponse of the car has greatly improved.... i don't like too noisy, i felt the miltek is louder than the stock one.....i thought it's quieter than the stock one....so far the catback still has less than 100km on it.... will see after it run-in.

 

I like the invidia, i dot think its loud at all

then aagin I came from straight piped/testpiped drift cars =p

 

Backpressure is for Naturally Aspirated motors. Turbocharged cars need 3in+ or even NO exhaust ( downpipe dump tube) because its all about getting the highest exhaust velocity which allows for quicker spool.

 

Thats why I said its all depends on the opinion of each person.

 

Not trying to fan the flames or anything but I have to agree with Thumper on this one. The Invidia does drone quite a bit at highway speeds. I think there may be some QA issues which may explain the conflicting opinions. Hopefully when I get back from MSSD I will have an opportunity to address the issue in my car.

JSCspeed was most helpful in acquiring the exhaust but Invidia has not responded to any of the emails I've sent them.

 

I had a look at the Alta Cat-back before they installed it on my car, and Man 3" looks big! Just might be a little overkill.

Having said that, I am more then happy with the performance gains, fit and finish, sound, looks of the Catback.

 

I don't find it annoying at all though...

And ya, Invidia does not respond to emails, I've sent them a few over the years and never get a response.

 

There is no such thing as over kill on a TBE except if the pipe is larger then the hot side of the turbo then yes that is OVERKILL

 

I'm looking at the miltek, heard good things so far.

 

It's quiet. Milltek products are generally always on the quiet side though.

If your looking at their full turbo-back, I've heard of many CEL issues with it.

Every exhaust for the R56 that I've heard is too quiet for my liking, except for the Invidia and any custom ones.

 

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The next issue of the NAM Alliance Magazine has a full review of an R56 Cat Back system...may even be published later this week too...

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