I'm thinking about pulling off the factory JCW exhaust off of my R53 and trying to fabricate something new for it. I can have a muffler shop make the bends in the pipe I need, and I can weld up everything. I figures I'd use 2.5" pipe, and use a Magnaflow or Borla muffler. I'm just wondering if anyone has done this before. I would think that you could build a pretty nice exhaust for probably half (or less) of what an aftermarket system costs you.

When you look at the cat-back systems that go for $800+ (like Alta), all it's made from is a muffler, exhaust tips, and two short sections of bent pipe....probably under $200 in material/parts (more if you want to use SS pipe like Alta).

Anyone done this before?

 

I used to do it for my 325i and I do it for my jeeps. Just takes time and a will.

Its a lot cheaper to go buy sections at the junkyard that are the diameter you want with 90s and 45s. Buy one or two pieces and straight pipe from the exhaust shop comes in 8 or 10' pieces (I don't remember which). Get your angles, a few welding magnets, some jack stands, and you are ready to go

 

I had a shop fabricate a system for my e36 325i, honestly for a good muffler and decent stainless with flanges and hangers done properly it's not gonna be much cheaper. I only paid $550 for my r53 exhaust though, most of the r53 exhaust are just way overpriced.

 

There a lots is used aftermarket exhaust for the R53. It's cheaper to buy a used name brand and it's easier to resell, that same used exhaust when your done with it

mQuebed Manic Tuning Dealer

 

If you not looking to spend a ton on an exhaust check this out.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...st-thread.html

 

Built an exhaust system about three years ago. Full 2 1/2 single side exhaust system with obx headers, high flow magnaflow cat, resonator, muffler from thermal R&D and custom made tips. Everything was fabricated. Let me know what you think. Other than the headers it cost about $
200-$300
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...w-exhaust.html

 

I have been looking at this exhaust for awhile - bc the cost of building exhausts in the bay area is more expensive than brand name

while this isn't brand name; how bad can it be?

http://www.protuninglab.com/cbe-mini...id=86425746746

 

It's just an eBay, and they can be really bad, rattle and fall to pieces, bad welds. My buddy went through three eBays.

 

I would counter that supposed quality constructors can also produce crappy welds and rattles.

On one of my s2ks I have an asm s special which is one of the legendary jdm tuners

The exhaust retailed for almost $3k at one point. But that didn't stop the exhaust from catastrophic failure. Every component experienced failure resonator, muffler and quarter wave tube After less than 10k track miles

Likewise I put a danmoto, China eBay, titanium exhaust on my friends ninja 300 after almost 20k miles still like new

 

Of course a bigger company will have a warranty. I have a lifetime on mine.