Gutted oem vs aftermarket downpipe

[Blacross]

Are there any major advantages to the aftermarket designs out there right now on the downpipe vs the stock fitment of a gutted oem downpipe?

[PetrolFumes]

Originally Posted by Blacross

Are there any major advantages to the aftermarket designs out there right now on the downpipe vs the stock fitment of a gutted oem downpipe?

I gutted my stock downpipes. my thought was the following:

fitment is obviously perfect
The dealer won't really notice when doing work on the car, as long as it isn't running and smell isn't apparent
oem heatshield for cylinders 4 and 8
save $800 bucks or so after labor.
Sounds great

[Fundguy1]

Any performance differences between gutted and aftermarket? I can only think that smoothness, curve, or diameter could give an edge to aftermarket. After all, they're just pipes.

[TrevorM3]

if you can gut it, do it.

[R3dn3k Flyby]

Having had both aftermarket catless downpipes and gutted stock downpipes, I can say that the gutted stock have far less wastegate rattle and noise, zero fitment issues obviously, and seem to provide the same amount of power that the aftermarket did. Downside is they're nowhere near as loud. With no other changes, my car was far, far louder and more aggressive with the aftermarket catless.

-James

[falsalem]

Originally Posted by PetrolFumes

I gutted my stock downpipes. my thought was the following:

fitment is obviously perfect
The dealer won't really notice when doing work on the car, as long as it isn't running and smell isn't apparent
oem heatshield for cylinders 4 and 8
save $800 bucks or so after labor.
Sounds great

Any video clips ?

[srtoad4]

Here's mine with catless/gutted OEM downpipes and Borla exhaust:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G228JN1j4pI

[PetrolFumes]

Originally Posted by falsalem

Any video clips ?

I'll post one this week

[Lerxst M4]

Here's mine with gutted OEM downpipes and AWE's Touring exhaust.

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1387290

[PetrolFumes]

Originally Posted by R3dn3k Flyby

Having had both aftermarket catless downpipes and gutted stock downpipes, I can say that the gutted stock have far less wastegate rattle and noise, zero fitment issues obviously, and seem to provide the same amount of power that the aftermarket did. Downside is they're nowhere near as loud. With no other changes, my car was far, far louder and more aggressive with the aftermarket catless.

-James

interesting point. wonder why that is. regarding the loudness

[TheHouseWon]

Originally Posted by PetrolFumes

interesting point. wonder why that is. regarding the loudness

Oem are double-walled

[PetrolFumes]

Originally Posted by TheHouseWon

Oem are double-walled

ah makes sense. also good for heat reduction on back 2 cylinders

[TheHouseWon]

Originally Posted by PetrolFumes

ah makes sense. also good for heat reduction on back 2 cylinders

Yep, although you could wrap aftermarket or ceramic coat them.

[lsturbointeg]

curious as to how you guys are actually gutting the OEM's?

[Blacross]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

curious as to how you guys are actually gutting the OEM's?

drill, then I used a screwdriver and hammer. theres two layers. you need a long screwdriver for the 2nd part.

[srtoad4]

Originally Posted by Blacross

drill, then I used a screwdriver and hammer. theres two layers. you need a long screwdriver for the 2nd part.

Ditto. 1" Spade Bit in a Drill, make a few holes..Then a large/long screwdriver with a hammer to knock it all out.

[lporschef10m5]

On a power wise ..is there any difference between gutted downpipe and aftermarket...anybody dynoed or seen a which one make more power ...thanks

[m5james]

I switched from gutted to aftermarket recently...power feels slightly better, exhaust note is definitely better with more backfire and deceleration popping. I wrapped them just because.

[Blacross]

Originally Posted by m5james

I switched from gutted to aftermarket recently...power feels slightly better, exhaust note is definitely better with more backfire and deceleration popping. I wrapped them just because.

wonder if its just the thinner metal allowing for more sound up front, I didn't see a significant difference in design, but I havent run both to tell

[m5james]

I'd say it's more that I'm going from 3" to a like 6" chamber and then back down to a 3"...now it's just straight 3". For those curious though, I'd still absolutely do it again to feel a before and after before considering paying aftermarket prices. Find a set someone else already gutted if possible and/or buy used aftermarket downpipes whenever possible.

[dcano23]

Hello GUYS !

I am currently debating whether to go gutted or aftermarket....

I have stock exhaust and enjoy the sound, just wanted to be louder /aggressive. I am concerned aftermarket down pipes might change the exhaust sound significantly.

What sounds better with stock exhaust ? Gutted or Aftermarket

[m5james]

Your cold idle will be significantly louder, normal idle won't really be any different, driving is a hair louder but you might get a low RPM/high gear drone...but id tuned you'll likely be shooting flames like I do, and you will want a tune because you'll have a CEL if you don't.