new exhaust...

Post Sat Dec 31, 2005 9:08 pm

I currently have a scorpion system on my 325i (1989) but the system is a bit old and seems to be rusting from the inside as it rattles a bit when you hit it. It has the twin DTM pipes out the back. I have booked it in with powerflow in gloucester to have a new system fitted, and they tell me they are going to run a single pipe to the rear of the car instead of a twin... is this a good idea ? can anyone recommend anything better to go on there for a combination of performance and a nice sound...

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 5:24 pm

just a side note.. how loud is it? I've got one I'm putting on, on tuesday, so need to work out if it's going to wake up the neighbours or not!

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 5:27 pm

it does sound nice, especialy at 6000 rpm

the only reason i'm thinking of changing it is because of its age. lovely sound though.

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 5:38 pm

i think a single pipe is fine but i'd try and make sure that they put a single, larger pipe on where the cross-section matches/exceeds the cross-section of the two smaller original pipes. I don't know if it will make a difference in real life, but i'd do this...

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 5:45 pm

Hmm, I had a powerflow full stainless system on my last e30 and it was VERY loud. It was however a good quality system except I have heard a few horror stories about powerflow and how the system likes to rot after a while! Mine never did this though but apparantely some powerflow systems are not all stainless steel, only the boxes! This isnt the case with mine though but I dont know if Id get another as it was very loud and I got fined Ãƒ”šÃ‚£30 for it!

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 5:57 pm

im running a custom 6 branch into 2 collectors then into 1 straight through
to a power flow back box 3. 1/4" pipe all the way inc manifold not loud till you floor it. never been stopped for excess noise..

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 6:04 pm

I had a powerflow one done at gloucester a few months back. They said that about doing a single pipe, but they did a 2 pipe in the end. Nice and quiet until 3-4k rpm then it gets noisy.

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 6:38 pm

powerflow are hellish loud i had one on my 320i, you`ll have probs talking to any passengers in the car or listening to stereo, if you want a very loud deep exhaust go for it but it will get on your nerves after a while its just too loud.

for my 325i i went for a scorpion system and rear box and its slightly better sound but not half as noisy in the lower revs, soon as you boot it though it comes to life. makes much better for everyday driving

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 7:03 pm

umm...

might cancel then and just buy me a new scorpion. anyone know where i can get one at a good price ?

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 9:03 pm

Whoops, forgot to add, that the 318is I have now has a powerflow back box on it and it is fine. When you plant it it gives a nice rip but when you are on the motorway sitting at 70mph its nice and quiet and you can still speak to the passenger!lol.

Post Sun Jan 01, 2006 10:18 pm

Had a power flow on my sport with big bore back box- sounded like a v8 on idle and nice running round town - bit loud ,but when on a long run - couldnt hear a bloody thing and also lost alot of midrange torque!!

ripped it off ( was new !! and sold it on fleabay)and put a new scorpion on!
much better

Post Mon Jan 02, 2006 12:31 am

i put my scorpion on the other week, and i am well pleased with it!
i got mine direct from motec

Post Mon Jan 02, 2006 2:40 am

can't you choose how loud you want your system to be? that's what they let me do...

previously i had a scorpion backbox on a standard system (320i) and it was awful at motorway speeds, gave you a headache as it droned so much! the powerflow system was a lot better, but i did instruct the guy to make it as quiet as possible! it had a nice sound to it

Post Tue Jan 03, 2006 2:27 am

mine doesnt seem too bad on the motorway on my tech 1 but i am told they do get louder as they age.

Post Tue Jan 03, 2006 2:38 am

ask them to keet it quiet, i've been using powerflow for almost ten years now. bms are hard to keep quiet especialy the 6pots. they can use 3 silencers if you want ant it wont take away any power. it all depends on the type.
used them on every 2.5 i've had the is is being done soon, and the M3 is a custom jobbie, even my dads landcruiser has one and sound spot on, he put on a 5" jap tail pipe and sounds good, and him being a fussy bastard he's happy !!!

Post Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:07 am

I got standard BMW downpipes with stainless scorpion mid-section and back box put on by previous owner.

Has a nice burble at idle, not too loud, but people can hear you coming

On the motorway there's a bit of a drone but it quietens out around about the speed limit

and you can still hear the stereo and talk to people.

Post Tue Jan 03, 2006 3:56 pm

With power flow and simular they can use many different back boxes
the bigger/longer the less noise.

Post Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:59 pm

I jsut installed my scorpian today.. Don't reccomend using a kerb for a car ramp! Sounds flucking awsome.. specially when you get under it... But not fitted properly yet. Still have to clampt the 3 piece tighter and get a new gearbox hanger.

But Sweet!! not drone-y or loud.. unless you want it to!!
Very happy with it..

Cheers