So has anyone first done an ECU flash, driven for a while and then done an exhaust? How much difference did the exhaust really make? Was it worth the $ and effort? I'm torn if I should leave the car as is or install an exhaust....it's pretty *****in the way it is now, especially at a HROS (high rate of speed!).

 

for most turbos, the factory exhaust is a major restriction and limits the volumetric efficiency of the motor. If you chip it without doing exhaust sometimes you end up increasing the temperature too much in the turbines and it can lead to heat problems. Most experienced tuners will suggest removing backpressure thru a modified exhaust system prior to or in conjunction with chipping

 

flash + exhuast == major fun!!

Do it at the same time and research your exhuast carefully for
cruising speed drone, sound at idle (in traffic at stoplight), bark at WOT,
etc.

MK

 

I flashed my car two years ago. I was so impressed I thought I was done and the car was plenty fast for me. I just came across a good deal on a slightly used (3k miles) Europipe stage 1 quiet exhaust a few weeks ago. I installed the exhaust two weeks ago. There is no question in my mind that the exhaust makes a giant difference. The turbos spool without effort, and the car just plain feels much faster. This time i think i'm done. Get an exhaust for sure it will allow you to take full advantage of your flash.

 

Do you know how lucky you are to find a used Europipe... if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it?

 

Dragon,

I dont want to hijack this thread, but I paid $2700 + $75 shipping. I think I got a good deal. I really love the exhaust btw.

 

I flashed mine last year (Orton Performance) and I just installed a Europipe II a week ago today. My only advice is that if you can do both at the same time; do it. The difference in throttle response and torque is absolutely beautiful. The car is also hitting 1.1 bar, this is all a result of less backpressure and a quicker spool. I had no heat issues with mine after the flash, but if I knew then what I know now, the exhaust would of been in the same day as the flash. Your car just can't take full advantage of that increased boost with the stock restrictive exhaust. I guess the only thing that delayed my installation was justifying the additional 5g's for the Europipe, but it is a work of art with IMHO, the perfect sound with no drone or resonance at any rpm in any gear.

 

There is a pretty big difference in backpressure between the Stage I and the Stage II. Larger diameter pipe equals less backpressure. The Stage II increases the diameter of the pipe to 70 mm. I think if I'm not mistaken, a new Stage I sells for 4225.00 shipped. So yes, sounds like a good deal.

 

I installed the Europipe stage 2 quiet to an otherwise stock 04 X50. Got about what I expected from a flash plus exhaust. Had a GIAC tuner tell me not to consider flash on K24s without exhaust change.

 

Well, exhaust it is! The flash and diverters already make a nice difference, might as well finish it off correctly!