I own a 2004 TT X50 with a Europipe. I am considering upgrading to a stage 3 or 4 but do not want to sacrifice my cars reliability or resale value. Has anyone regreted upgrading to the stage 3 or 4, are you experiencing any problems, CEL lights, etc...

 

Your resale value should not be affected. Just dont expect to get your stage 3 or 4 $ out of it when you sell it. I have a buddy with a stage 4 X50 (has had the Stage 4 for about 10,000 miles) and he has had no real problems exept for a couple of easy fix CEL. Good luck.

 

MKLOCk,
I have an '03X50 and am considering upgrading as well. I'm completely stock at the moment, but planning chip, exhaust and a few other little things. Are you happy with your europipes? I want something that sounds exotic, but don't want excessive cabin noise.
thanks

 

I enjoy my europipe ( loud version ) it sounds great and performs well. In my opinion there is noticable drone at certain rpm's. I hear good things about the cargraphic, I dont think you will be dissapointed with either muffler.

 

EP2 quiet is not bad at all even in a tiptronic coupe. Sounds good but its prety quiet.

 

have ep loud not really loud... also 100cel cats..sounds great

 

this is what I use: 100 cells with pipes:

 

That is a serious exhaust. You seeing this Craig?

 

I love it. not to mention that I save weight. I did a back pressure test(not sure if any one did).. but thats one way to find out if u "HAVE" back pressure or not.... and how much? Im 1 to 1 ratio... which is perfect...
so If I boost 18 psi on the intake side, for example, then I have 18 psi on the hot side(exhaust). it 1 to 1. thats formula 1 digits. I dumped the fabspeed... still collecting dust.... and just used the 100 cells.
if anyone wants to know how efficient their set up is.... including the turbos( do a back pressure test).

 

I have the I/A Stage 4 and have to say im well pleased with the product and outcome. The car has driven faultless since i upgraded and ive run the stock, pump and race programs hard with no problems in 5,000 miles. It still makes me smile each time i drive it, but now im thinking what if i upgrade to the GT700???

 

If I were you X50 or S guys that already have the K24 I would also consider the PSI 520kit. Pump gas, real noticable gain and should remain reliably within tolerable limits for this engine. I have the PSI 480 and EP2 and it runs great. REAL punchy and will pull all gears well. I am considering abandoning the K16 for the K24 based kit. My car is a tip and 520 should be OK. I have had some suggest to stay under 550. My car has never thrown any CEL or hiccupped once. Don't fear any reliability issues currently and I donn't think the 520 kit would be over the top. I know this number might seem low to some but as fast as my 480 is now, a real 40 more hp is noticeable.