Exhaust: Cat-Back suggestions?

#1

The rattle trap stock exhaust on my 87 325iS is about to fall off (or at least sounds like it)… unfortunately, as the car isn’t yet Spec-ready (nor am I) and I don’t have a tow vehicle, it needs to be street-legal to get to and from track days.

I was wondering what you guys think – wanting to spend less than $450, I’ve narrowed it between a slightly used B&B Tri-Flow and a brand-new Ireland Engineering Stainless Cat-Back.

Has anyone run either of these systems? Has anyone run both, for direct comparison?

Thanks!

Post edited by: sharkd, at: 2005/07/24 15:42

#2

sharkd,

Over to you on what you want to end up with, but a reputable muffler shop should be able to do a custom exhaust, with or without the cat for about $300.

If it’s for a race application, I recommend having the shop cut the pipes just forward of the cat and weld up twin 2in tubes each with its own glass pack. Good sound, good flow, good HP increase and very inexpensive.

For street…I’d just go with the least expensive most durable option avialible. There is almost no HP to be found aft of the cat on these cars, so it’s foolish to spend much.

hope this helps

#3

That definitely helps… I was focusing on these out of sheer ignorance (got caught up in the shininess). :blush:

Since it has to be street legal and both VA (current) and NC (future) will require emissions tests for the next few years on an '87, it has to have the cat for now…

Anyone have any advice on a decent (but not decadent) bolt-in cat-back system?

#4

I just cut the muffler out and used straight pipes and some turn down tips…with the cats.

Sound is fine on the street…just don’t stand on it all the time and you will be ok.

Not all that loud. Very mellow.

One day I’ll do a race exhaust.

RIc

#5

30SpecE30 wrote:

[quote]I just cut the muffler out and used straight pipes and some turn down tips…with the cats.

Sound is fine on the street…just don’t stand on it all the time and you will be ok.

Not all that loud. Very mellow.[/quote]

Seriously!?! Hmmm… :huh: :blink: :woohoo:

#6

Unless you can find a good deal on a used version of something why not just use a stock exhaust? A replacement system with all hardware is about $300 and we all know the parts are good. Price will be somewhat dependant on the build date of your car, the older cars cost a bit more. We sell quite a few of the OEM replacements and always have good success. If ya goot do emissions tests just do a good, reliable muffler.

I’d not be too worried about doing non factory options until you’re ready to run a "race" system. On our cars we’re cutting out the cats and running straight pipe back to either twin glass packs or some dual in/single out can…yet TBD.

#7

sharkd wrote:

[quote]30SpecE30 wrote:

[quote]I just cut the muffler out and used straight pipes and some turn down tips…with the cats.

Sound is fine on the street…just don’t stand on it all the time and you will be ok.

Not all that loud. Very mellow.[/quote]

Seriously!?! Hmmm… :huh: :blink: :woohoo:[/quote]

Come and listen at VIR…

Vroom…

Ric