Which N54 Full Catless Exhaust System? What to buy and where?

[ptwob439]

Haven't been able to find a suitable (IMHO) consolidated thread on full catless exhaust systems for my N54. Im really curious about the exhaust notes from different dp, mid, and axleback combos. I've got just shy of 2000$ saved up to switch out the dps, midpipe, and axleback. I would like to stick to true bolt on equipment.

Standard N54 with BMS DCI and JB4. I have zero laws on emissions hence the full catless setup Looking for the most power and aggressive sound but not totally sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. I was considering a race setup (like berk) with no muffler but I am nervous about the drone and it just being too loud to drive daily so I think I will stick with resonated mids and maybe a muffler unless someone can vouch for a straight pipe setup not making their gf deaf (She still bitches about my old straight piped E30)

What combinations do you guys recommend or have for sale? New or used is fine by me, I just want to replace everything at once. Videos of your full catless system are welcome! Also recommendations for vendors for each of the 3 components would be appreciated!

[BMWX1-35i]

Originally Posted by ptwob439

Haven't been able to find a suitable (IMHO) consolidated thread on full catless exhaust systems for my N54. Im really curious about the exhaust notes from different dp, mid, and axleback combos. I've got just shy of 2000$ saved up to switch out the dps, midpipe, and axleback.

Standard N54 with BMS DCI and JB4. I have zero laws on emissions hence the full catless setup Looking for the most power and aggressive sound but not totally sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. I was considering a race setup (like berk) with no muffler but I am nervous about the drone and it just being too loud to drive daily so I think I will stick with resonated mids and maybe a muffler unless someone can vouch for a straight pipe setup not making their gf deaf (She still bitches about my old straight piped E30)

What combinations do you guys recommend or have for sale? New or used is fine by me, I just want to replace everything at once. Videos of your full catless system are welcome! Also recommendations for vendors for each of the 3 components would be appreciated!

I would go with the Berk system, that's what I have. I did opt for the Cobb DP's because of NY laws.

[Grinchxvx]

I have Vrsf Downpipes and a custom muffler delete which a lot of people would say is loud but when you're cruising or have the windows up I don't hear any drone and you can barely hear it at all, these cars are really well sound deadened. I'm going to either get a set of n55 midpipes and chop them up into straights or chop up mine and see how that goes. Look through my threads and you will find a vid of current setup

[alexc93]

If i were you i'd go N55 mids, and catless downpipes, and stick with stock axleback (especially if you dont want to break the bank).

I have an N55, which is naturally a bit louder than N54 anyways, and I am running a catless downpipe, N55 mids (stock for me), and stock axle back and it sounds really good still, deep and pops and can still be semi-quiet when im city driving and highway driving.

I had a race axleback from active autowerke and it was SO loud that it screamed and even made people jump when i revved in a garage or in traffic haha so i removed that and recently sold it. Happy to be back with my stock axleback to be honest

[BMWX1-35i]

If you go with the Berk, get the Berk Street edition.

[jturboawd]

Consider the maddad system with whichever 3" DPS you can source. I had this set up with BMS DPS and it was amazing. Had to sell the exhaust due to close quarter garage downtown and alarms going off (even though it was not overly aggressive).

[whitebimmer09]

Originally Posted by jturboawd

Consider the maddad system with whichever 3" DPS you can source. I had this set up with BMS DPS and it was amazing. Had to sell the exhaust due to close quarter garage downtown and alarms going off (even though it was not overly aggressive).

I have this set up now and I am back to stock for warranty work and I am debating on what to do next. I know I am going to get catless DP's but I am worried that my Maddad resonated mids and Maddad axle back with the catless DP's would be way to loud.

I loved the way the Maddad setup sounds, drones slightly, but sounds great over 3500 rpms. But, now that I am driving stock again I don't know how I feel about the noise...

[mike@x-ph.com]

I would get VRSF DP, as for the rest it is based on personal preference.
Make sure to research as much exhaust systems as possible before making a purchase.
As for the where, i heard that the guys at extreme power house have awesome customer service

[miggs]

AR catless downpipes! Its a true 3" all around with PERFECT fitment best in my opinion i recommend it to anyone looking for downpipes. Exhaust is on you depending on how loud you want to go etc. etc.

[ptwob439]

looking at the VRSF catless DP and narrowing it down to between a new ark DT-S exhaust system, new berk street performance with resonated mids, or a sourced meisterschaft GT with resonated mids. Anyone have first hand experience with these and can weigh in pros and cons? It appears ark doesnt have a resonator but a 2 stage muffler? should i worry about drone? how do they stack up against one another in terms of loudness and aggressiveness? havent seen much on the ark on the forums...wonder why...

[whitebimmer09]

I bought my system from the forum here and have all stock parts too so when I get my vsr dps I will switch parts around and find the right combo. I have a feeling that I am going to like my resonated mids and a bmw pe or stock as the best combo.

[BBBluey]

C'mon...did you even look at the exhaust thread?

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211676

What you're asking is very general. Had you searched a bit, you could've tailored down your options/wants.

[ptwob439]

Originally Posted by BBBluey

C'mon...did you even look at the exhaust thread?

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211676

What you're asking is very general. Had you searched a bit, you could've tailored down your options/wants.

if you search that thread there is nothing on the ark system... but thank you
anyone running the ark set up???

[Mountain135]

I'm very happy with the DP back Berk Street system with catless AR DP's. Great sound and burbles!

[ptwob439]

any body running the ark cat back???

[BMWX1-35i]

Here you go. I personally don't like the way it sounds http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=787743

[ptwob439]

Went with a used Meisterschaft GT set up. Thanks Rob! So it'll be meiseter resonated mids and a GT axleback with VRSF cattless DPs. Plus the BMS DCI and JB4 previously installed. Even had some extra cash in the bank for an ER charge pipe and Tial BOV. All told $1935 not including DCI or JB4. Ill post a video as soon as it is all on for sound. I know i already have the tune but would you recommend one last checkup at the dealer before the easily noticeable mods go on? i've got 22,000 on the clock. Also planning on a dyno run after it is all installed. anyone with a similar setup know what i should be expecting?

[whitebimmer09]

Imo the meisterschaft is the best sounding muffler for this car. Your car is going to sound great.