down pipe vs. axle back, N55 (or both?)

[TxTimMo]

Hi guys,

I'm a newbie here and am trying to get some ideas but there is just too much damn info to sort through in the main site. Everyone has their opinions but I haven't seen any consensus on what's regarded as the best route.

The question is- for my 2013 (N55) DCT do I go the downpipe route or do I do the axle-back? Cost is about the same for what I'm shopping (CP-E dp or Rougue Engineering axle back are the top contenders right now). Or, do I really need to do both the DP and the AB?

The car isn't a daily driver, but I don't want it to be obnoxiously loud. I just want it to sound more exotic and go faster than a stock one. I'm coming from a 2012 Mustang GT with Roush axle-backs and it was VERY loud, actually too loud IMO.

I have concerns with the dp causing 'check engine lights' and/or state inspection issues. Also additional engine sound inside the car. Should I be worried about those issues?

Oh, I have a JB4 (not yet installed) as well as a BMS cai (also not yet on the car). the JB, CAI, and exhaust are as far as I'm going wrt mods.

[e36addict]

If you have a JB4, I recommend the downpipe as this will get rid of the CEL issues, and the sound is amazing. Only issue would be state inspections, as there is no legitimate "downpipe fix" for the N55 yet.. So you'd have to put the cat back on to pass emissions.

[I35it]

I bought a axle-back first and I loved it, but after I got the DP...well my old lady say she can hear it in the bedroom on the otherside of the house. Yes, its loud...is it worth it, yes!! Doesnt really have to much drone but you will hear it inside of your car. Not overpowering though. I am in San Antonio and if they do inspections like they do down here I wouldnt worry. But if you really want to know what it sounds like come on down to San Antonio and I will let you hear it.