Opinions on which mod next, Downpipes or FMIC?

rooringhusky · 02-19-2012, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@topgearsolutions

Downpipes for more performance. FMIC for more consistency and a little more performance. Let me know if you need help choosing either.

This! Jeff always nails it on the dot...

I went with DPs first and was not disappointed...but then again I had goals for power specifically..

After installing FMIC I dont feel a huge power bump nor was it was "fun" as the downpipes...but Jeff is right that FMIC should be first due to heavy reduction of heat soak, pressure drop, etc...

So although I installed downpipes first...and enjoyed them quite a bit MORE than the FMIC...I will agree with you that yes YOU may be more happy with DPs first but your ENGINE will be more happy with FMIC first....make your decision accordingly!!!

woptang22 · 02-20-2012, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooringhusky

This! Jeff always nails it on the dot...

I went with DPs first and was not disappointed...but then again I had goals for power specifically..

After installing FMIC I dont feel a huge power bump nor was it was "fun" as the downpipes...but Jeff is right that FMIC should be first due to heavy reduction of heat soak, pressure drop, etc...

So although I installed downpipes first...and enjoyed them quite a bit MORE than the FMIC...I will agree with you that yes YOU may be more happy with DPs first but your ENGINE will be more happy with FMIC first....make your decision accordingly!!!

Thank you for your response. I think Im just going to get the DPs first afterall. I dont go hammer my car on a daily basis and beat on it so as of right now I think Im safe. I just do some spirited driving when I get a chance. And on top of it all its winter here in philly. Although not a bad winter, still cold out lol.

bigdnno98 · 02-20-2012, 08:48 AM

John, shoot me a vid when you get them on. I be they're going to sound pretty awesome with that TMS exhaust.

woptang22 · 02-20-2012, 09:15 AM

definately will mike. I'm going to most likely order them today. so when they come in ill have them installed and take a video for you. can't wait to hear the sound.

Jeffman · 02-28-2012, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woptang22

definately will mike. I'm going to most likely order them today. so when they come in ill have them installed and take a video for you. can't wait to hear the sound.

Woptang, I'm also in the Philly area and went thought the same analysis myself. When I have the $$$ I will go over to Manayunk and have Helix install their FMIC for me...or maybe I'll do it myself??? After that I may do Catless downpipes for my 335xi assuming I can be sure that I will pass emissions. It sounds like you are going Catless with the BMS O2 sensor fix, yes? Are you going to do this yourself or have a shop do it? I've used VAC Motorsports for my KWV1 coilovers and like their shop.

woptang22 · 02-28-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHR

Woptang, I'm also in the Philly area and went thought the same analysis myself. When I have the $$$ I will go over to Manayunk and have Helix install their FMIC for me...or maybe I'll do it myself??? After that I may do Catless downpipes for my 335xi assuming I can be sure that I will pass emissions. It sounds like you are going Catless with the BMS O2 sensor fix, yes? Are you going to do this yourself or have a shop do it? I've used VAC Motorsports for my KWV1 coilovers and like their shop.

I went to VAC for my coilovers and AFE intake they are all great people there. But I just went yesterday and had HELIX install their HELIX FMIC. I figured they sell it so they can install it. They were great people also, very knowledgable. Both shops are great. If I do anything else it will be downpipes and I think I would get the BMS downpipe fix just incase. I know the COBB stage 2 eliminates service engine soon lights but may not allow it to pass emissions so I guess therefore Id need the BMS downpipe fix. As far as getting the downpipes installed, Im not sure, either VAC or HELIX I will go to but they are both great shops. How do you decide? lol Maybe I can split my time at both shops to be fair. Either way both are excellent and awsome people. Let me know how you make out and what you decide.

eric@helix · 03-01-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woptang22

But I just went yesterday and had HELIX install their HELIX FMIC. I figured they sell it so they can install it. They were great people also, very knowledgable.

Thanks, J. It was nice to meet you!

woptang22 · 03-01-2012, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric@helix

Thanks, J. It was nice to meet you!

Thanks Eric it was very nice meeting you. Hopefully I can get back in sometime soon for some more mods.

milne09 · 11-13-2013, 08:30 PM

I see that this was a year or so ago, I was thinking about getting catless DPs for my car but in Dallas we have an emissions regulation as well. I was just curious if you had put catless DP's on your car and were able to pass emissions with just the COBB stage 2 tune or if you had to do anything else to pass emissions?

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 11-13-2013, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milne09

I see that this was a year or so ago, I was thinking about getting catless DPs for my car but in Dallas we have an emissions regulation as well. I was just curious if you had put catless DP's on your car and were able to pass emissions with just the COBB stage 2 tune or if you had to do anything else to pass emissions?

You won't be able to a pass a sniffer test. You will need a BMS DP fix for the OBD II readiness check.

MARZPOPS · 11-13-2013, 09:34 PM

Now that were on the topic of downpipes, i have a mechanic buddy that i can pass inspection but want to know if there are dps that wont give check engine light

SoFlo_BD · 11-13-2013, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceegrayy

Now that were on the topic of downpipes, i have a mechanic buddy that i can pass inspection but want to know if there are dps that wont give check engine light

High flow cats wont in the beginning but over time they tend still throw a cel which is why i saved my money and just went with catless

StevanM5 · 11-14-2013, 04:55 AM

first of all u should take downpipes to get the pressure off the turbos.

milne09 · 11-14-2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #teambimmer

High flow cats wont in the beginning but over time they tend still throw a cel which is why i saved my money and just went with catless

+1
This is what I read on just about every thread about catless vs catted DPs

The BMS DP fix is $100. seems unanimous that that works for the CEL and Emissions tests

mike@x-ph.com · 11-15-2013, 08:15 AM

i agree with what Jeff said above.
People tend to go with DP because of the noticeable increase in power.
btw this is a perfect timing to buy with all the Black Friday sales.
If you contact the right vendor, you might get a great deal that gets you both

whiteCanadian335xi · 03-16-2014, 09:26 PM

How much louder will AR catless DP make my car at idle etc? I knoe when you gun it you will hear it but what about at idle? Minimal difference?

02-20-2012, 08:48 AM	#25
bigdnno98 Real Car Enthusiast 290 Rep 2,088 Posts Drives: 340xi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Germany iTrader: (8)	John, shoot me a vid when you get them on. I be they're going to sound pretty awesome with that TMS exhaust.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-20-2012, 09:15 AM	#26
woptang22 Major 179 Rep 1,247 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 BMW M3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bristol Pa iTrader: (1)	definately will mike. I'm going to most likely order them today. so when they come in ill have them installed and take a video for you. can't wait to hear the sound. __________________ 2009 E92 BMW M3.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2013, 08:30 PM	#31
milne09 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Sedan Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I see that this was a year or so ago, I was thinking about getting catless DPs for my car but in Dallas we have an emissions regulation as well. I was just curious if you had put catless DP's on your car and were able to pass emissions with just the COBB stage 2 tune or if you had to do anything else to pass emissions?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2013, 09:34 PM	#33
MARZPOPS Lieutenant 70 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 2011 335xdrive sedan NOT STOCK Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (0)	Now that were on the topic of downpipes, i have a mechanic buddy that i can pass inspection but want to know if there are dps that wont give check engine light
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-14-2013, 04:55 AM	#35
StevanM5 Private 19 Rep 70 Posts Drives: M5 F10 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: FL - HH iTrader: (1)	first of all u should take downpipes to get the pressure off the turbos.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-15-2013, 08:15 AM	#37
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 28741 Rep 198,934 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	i agree with what Jeff said above. People tend to go with DP because of the noticeable increase in power. btw this is a perfect timing to buy with all the Black Friday sales. If you contact the right vendor, you might get a great deal that gets you both __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2014, 09:26 PM	#38
whiteCanadian335xi Private 0 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335xi Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	How much louder will AR catless DP make my car at idle etc? I knoe when you gun it you will hear it but what about at idle? Minimal difference?
	Appreciate 0 Quote