[Mautofied17]

Has anyone heard both of these? Does the equal length version actually change the tone with a single midpipe?

Looking to get some opinions before spending an additonal $500 on the Valvetronic version.

[AhsanU]

Yes, equal length version does change the tone with a single midpipe. Remember that equal length means the exhausts' piping are the same length from both pipes post downpipe. But really, what we should understand is how gases flow through these pipes. When exhaust gases flow through the midpipes at different speeds because the midpipes are not even in length, we get the crappy sound of the S58 and S55. When these pipes are equal in length, the pulses shoot out evenly and create a smoother sound.

A single midpipe becomes a "single" midpipe after the pipes merges well past the downpipe. The section before they merge is where you see some squiggly pipes on VT's EL midpipe - that little alteration is what changes the sound.

That being said, I highly recommend everyone hear exhausts in person first before committing to anything. It might be tough to locate someone, or you may have to drive a while, but it's better than spending thousands of dollars to buy then install an exhaust, then not like it, then pay money again to get it off and your original exhaust on again, then sell the one you didn't like at a loss, then buy the one you should've gotten in the first place.. then pay to get that installed. DIY saves you some money, but I'd still venture out and meetup with someone first to get an idea of how it sounds inside and out.

Good luck lads and lasses.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by SickStroke6.0

Has anyone heard both of these? Does the equal length version actually change the tone with a single midpipe?

Looking to get some opinions before spending an additonal $500 on the Valvetronic version.

The question is more tricky than it first sounds.

Let's start by explaining what equal length means. It means you have 2 pipes that are the same length. here is the active autowerke for a comparison


The MAD has a single midpipe which means other than the small connection pipes on each side, the mid section is going to be 1 pipe. Here is a picture



The Valvetronic design is more similar to a single than an equal length since it keeps the same single mid-pipe design where the mid section is still one pipe, but with a modification to the connecting pipes. I like to call it a single modified design instead of an equal length.



This results in 3 different designs with 3 distinct sounds. I don't think one is better than the other, its a matter of personal preference and budget. I recommend you check out the different youtube videos and reviews, then decide which one you like the most.

[GladiatorOwner]

Plus both AA and MAD now have a resonated single mid pipe to really mess with your decision.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by GladiatorOwner

Plus both AA and MAD now have a resonated single mid pipe to really mess with your decision.

LOL

Since we are at it, let's not forget the Active Autowerke X-pipe straight pipe or their catted X-pipe

Also the Evolution Racewerks H-pipe, the Fabspeed, and Dinan designs as well.

Buying a midpipe for your G8x is a complicated business

[429throttle]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

The question is more tricky than it first sounds.

...
The MAD has a single midpipe which means other than the small connection pipes on each side, the mid section is going to be 1 pipe.
...
The Valvetronic design is more similar to a single than an equal length...

This results in 3 different designs with 3 distinct sounds

This is good info but can anyone "describe" the sound differences between the MAD and Valvetronic midpipe?
Do they sound different enough to warrant the price difference?

Like the OP I am looking for the most "exotic"/"high-pitched" mid pipe without going full EL as I am keeping the stock axle-back.

[MagicF8x]

Originally Posted by 429throttle

This is good info but can anyone "describe" the sound differences between the MAD and Valvetronic midpipe?
Do they sound different enough to warrant the price difference?

Like the OP I am looking for the most "exotic"/"high-pitched" mid pipe without going full EL as I am keeping the stock axle-back.

Sound is very subjective your best bet is to find a local car with these setups and hear it in real life

[Info@mad-us.com]

It's maybe a few inches longer than ours on the squigle side however the way that bank enters the single midpipe channel is pretty much 90 deg so flow is not nearly a smooth as our Y. Comes down to what's more important to you.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by GladiatorOwner

Plus both AA and MAD now have a resonated single mid pipe to really mess with your decision.

I think it makes it a pretty easy decision.

You can get a midpipe + downpipe for the same money.