IMO, I wouldn't install turbos that can't be fully used. I think 16/16's would be the most powerful turbos I would use on a tip. Now since you have an x50, an upgrade to 24/18's is a logical step for more power. I would imagine your tuner could get 500whp out of your 24/18's. But, that exhaust has got to be upgraded.

 

As always, thanks for sharing valuable real world info on the capabilities of the Tip. Damn you for making me consider buying an exhaust, though.

 

An exhaust for these cars isn't even a consideration, it mandatory. Stock exhaust is a stranglehold, if you are looking for more power. If quiet is more important than power to you, stick with stock. But it has it's compromises. I had to make this same decision way back when. Power is more important than quiet to me, so I deal with it. I happen to get a deal on my FVD exhaust. If I had to buy an exhaust now, it would definitely be the 2.5in Speedtech exhaust. Might be worth talking to John. Very reasonably priced too.

 

I've been told that there are drone issues on Tip cars with any exhaust other than the Europipe Stage 2 Quiet. (EP even says on their site that you should not use the loud version on a Tip.) Maybe I'm crazy, but I like being able to have a conversation in my car. Besides, most of my seat time is on 50+ mile trips, and drone can get annoying VERY quickly. One last issue, given that I live in New York City where space is at a mega-premium, all of the spares from my 2 cars are at my parents' house. I get an earful monthly about the 3 sets of wheels, stock Turbo spoiler, two center consoles, BMW stock tail lamps, car ramps, detailing supplies, extra fluids, and various boxes that are in the garage. Adding a stock exhaust to the mix would just make things even more fun. I'd love to get a garage by selling my apartment and buying a house in the 'burbs, but without any kids, and a ten minute commute to work right now, that's not happening.

 

Sounds like you will be happiest with the stock exhaust. The 18g's will still be a nice upgrade, but obviously you won't get the full potential.

 

You should at least modify the stock exh. to lower the backpressure IMO.

2.5 inches exhaust with a lot of restriction (stock exhaust) not only will limit your power output, but your EGT will be very high, and a lot of exhaust gas will remain stuck into the combustion chambers due to the big backpressure.

You could shoot a PM to the 6speeder ThePunisher, he has 18g's + injectors + IC's with an EPL tune on stock modified exhaust.

 

There is also a thread here on how to "modify" the stock exhaust. Basically this modification is drilling a 1" or so hole through the cat I think? Long thread, but go to 2nd page and read from there...

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ler-996tt.html

 

I would not only drill a hole, but also gut one set of cats(aft ones near the resonator). If emissions are not an issue you can gut both. It will be pretty loud though. A stock exhaust with no cats has got to be almost identical flow/performance as an aftermarket exhaust with high flow cats. I have been told that a stock exhaust with two of the four cats gutted and holes drilled is ~ 75% of the increase seen with most aftermarket catted exhaust setups.

 

You can also have someone (or do it yourself) cut out the cats from your stock system and weld in some quality 200 or 100 cell cats in their place. Looks completely stock and flows really well for what it is. Of course, the best solution is an aftermarket exhaust, but given your concerns, maybe it's worth looking into....

 

This is a great thread for me. I'm debating on the 18G upgrade for my X50 tip. I don't want any tranny issues and was thinking 500WHP was safe but the limit.
My understanding is a tune, 18Gs, DVs, 5bar FPR, BMC filter, and exhaust would put you/me around 600/625 Crank HP. 21% power loss is what I understand the tip has puts you right at the 500WHP. As Todd knows and said this should be safe.

I live where there is no smog checks and so to save $$ for other mods I drilled a 1 7/8" hole through the muffler pipe after removing the tips. Because of the bend you get a bigger hole then the 1 7/8" whole saw I used. Then I took a 73mm whole saw and drilled out the primary cat after the turbo on each side.
Here is a link to the car sound at cold start. There is some drone w/ the car completely closed up at 1700 to 2300 rpms but you can talk or listen to the radio. There is none w/ the windows down. If you have smog checks then talk to Ken about the PBK exhaust or buy a used OEM exhaust and do what I did and put your virgin OEM back on the car when it's time to get it checked. Also 1 last thing, Markski of 911 Tuning is the King of 18G upgrade!! You need to talk to him if you haven't and are considering it. Let me know what you do and how it works out for you.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mazzq...e_gdata_player

 

Seth

Why go with such large turbos with the exhaust corked up? It seems like you will get better spool and midrange (torque) with some 16/16gs. The stock exhaust will limit your top end power. So you might end up with poor spool AND and a corked up top end with the setup you're proposing.

My opinion is just that and not based on experience, but it makes good sense. Probably best answered by a knowledgeable tuner.

 

My car is an X50, so I already have the K24s. I suppose I could swap with someone for some 16s, plus some cash, but that seems like more hassle than it's worth. Also, my turbos only have 10,000 miles on them. I don't think I'm likely to find a set in as good shape unless I buy a new set, which would defeat the whole purpose. Any work I do will most likely be through EPL. I'll probably give Tony a call some time to see if a K24/18g with a "de-tuned" map, and maybe a modded stock exhaust, may lead to a flatter torque curve. I love my Turbo, but the smoother torque curves provided by N/A engines make them easier to use, in my opinion. I'd also guess that the turbos would be more reliable if you aren't boosting them as hard.

 

You could buy a used stock exhaust and remove the secondary cats.
You get no drone, no CEL and better performance.
It's a fun and cheap DIY project unless you have two left hands. ( or two right hands when you're a lefty )

 

I love my RUF exhaust which has 100cell cats and NO drone. It is a more aggressive sound than stock and easy to live with. It is pricey though. I'd check into Ken's modified OEM exhaust which may get you what you see for about $1500, I think. Carnewal.com also sell a modified OEM exhaust which should be very similar.

 

Do you have a Tip? Thanks.