Hi All,

I am looking for some comparisons.

These two manufacturers seem to offer very good quality exhausts for this platform.

I am in Australia, and they can be sourced for a similar price.

Can anyone with first hand experience in these systems please provide some advice.

Build quality / weld comparison?
Sound comparison?
Install - able to be installed with no modifications required / issues
Performance?
Drone?

I know that there are vendors for each product on this forum. Can you please share some knowledge on how these products are made etc. to help me make up my mind which direction i go in.

AWE

http://www.awe-tuning.com/products/p...7sexhaust.html

Looks more shiny. The steel looks to be thinner grade than the supersprint.

The AWE website gives a good indication of which parts make power and where in the rev range the power is produced.

Gains are coming come from the hi flow cat section. (200 CELL HJS, compared to Supersprint using 100 Cell HJS)

The headers not giving much power / $. (They actually lose torque, and only produce an additional 6.3 wheel hp)

Claiming power gains of 33.7 wheel hp / Torque 33 NM


SUPERSPRINT

http://www.supersprint.com/en/prod-2..._04____08.aspx

Claiming power gains of 22.4 wheel hp / Torque 24.6 NM

Obviously the dyno figures given on these websites can not be compared apples to apples, however it is the only data available.

I am assuming that power / torque gains or losses will be similar for both products.

It seems to me that the oem header design is deliberately creating back pressure so as to preserve low down torque. Not sure that there is any value in changing the oem headers out to new headers from either company - as they are expensive and will lose torque whilst providing only minimal hp gains.

The majority of my driving is in the 2000 - 5000 rpm range.

I am interested in picking up low down torque rather than losing it.

What will be the difference in sound and performance from 100 / 200 Cell Cats?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

Both products you reference are good
I went with fabspeed - haven't looked back.
All offer great quality, sound, performance.
However I am impressed with innotech - little pricey

 

I hope I can chime in and provide additional information on the SuperSprint system. Here's a complete R&D write up from the engineers at SuperSprint on their system versus stock!

HEADERS



The Supersprint right and left side headers use 304 stainless, 45mm o.d., equal length primary tubes. The header length and layout provides optimum exhaust gas flow and head ports' scavenging. The Supersprint 3-1 collector design is perfectly balanced. On the contrary, the stock headers use unequal length runners and asymmetrical mergers. The Supersprint connecting pipes are oversized at 63.5mm o.d, versus the smallish 55mm found on the stock headers.

This feature ensures the best gains in low-end torque and max Hp. The sturdy, stainless steel flanges found on the Supersprint headers are perfectly machine-ground for a positive, durable seal on the cylinder head and with the joint to the cats. They are designed and machined to match the stock gaskets with the utmost precision, which helps make the Supersprint system the best quality and the most reliable full performance exhaust in the business.

METALLIC CATALYTIC CONVERTERS


OR


The Supersprint metallic cats have been developed and tested with the specific purpose of greatly decreasing the exhaust gas backpressure at all rpm, while at the same time guaranteeing an ideal reduction of the emissions. The Oversize inlet and outlet pipes are 63.5mm o.d. (stock is 55mm). The HJS cats are made in Germany by Emitec, the established world leader in performance and racing catalytic converter technology. While the stock cat system uses extremely restrictive, 400cpsi beds, the Supersprint system uses 100cpsi metal beds. Actually the stock exhaust uses 4 cats, 2 cats on each side of the exhaust system, while Supersprint only uses 2 cats, one on each side. The cups of the Supersprint cats are made specific for the 997, and their angle, volume and shape all work together in order to provide the best exhaust gas flow.

On the new 997, just like on the previous 996, the space available for the exhaust system in the engine compartment is extremely small and cramped. This situation can easily cause the exhaust system's flow rate to be seriously compromised if the pipe layout and the components connecting tubes are not properly designed. In this critical area Supersprint has placed a great deal of attention. The reduction in exhaust gas backpressure provided by the Supersprint exhaust at peak rpm (6600) is an astounding -40%. At most points throughout the rpm range, the decrease in backpressure is even higher.

The high exhaust flow-rate also provides for lower operating temperatures of the engine when under a load for extended periods of time. This makes the performance output less susceptible to the "heat soak". The Supersprint cats, thanks to their premium coating process and perfect blend of the Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium metals, are entirely compatible with the stock, OBD II emission management system. The Oxygen sensors must be simply plugged into the ports of the Supersprint cats. Due to this, the CEL (Check Engine Light) will not appear on the dashboard, because the full Supersprint exhaust is in use.

REAR MUFFLERS




The Supersprint rear mufflers use the Free-Flow design typical of all of the Supersprint systems. Contrary to the stock muffler system, this exclusive design not only gives the Supersprint exhaust the right sound but also ensures an effective reduction in backpressure. The Supersprint muffler cans use a combination of straight, inner perforated cores, and a Supersprint, proprietary design U-bend, also perforated along its whole surface. This exclusive design provides the right blend of exciting sound and optimum performance. The whole installation process is extremely straightforward, as the stock exhaust hangers and mounting hardware are used. The Supersprint rear muffler system is also compatible with the stock headers & cat system, and T.Ü.V. approved.

 

teknostar,

Thanks for considering us.

Now I know you want to hear some third party responses rather than the two cents of the people that make that stuff, but I wanted to toss in some info that hopefully help with your decision.

1. We use .065 wall tubing for our exhaust systems. This is a pretty common size in the making of an aftermarket exhaust.

2. Our exhaust parts are a combination of TIG and MIG welded.

3. No drone!

4. Don't make a decision on the luster. Once the exhaust gets hot, that shine will be gone after a few hours....

5. Headers. These are the least popular of the three. You are correct. They don't make much more power and are the most expensive. The majority of my clients that have purchased these have done so to extract the absolute most out of the car. The most popular items have been the coupling of the cats and the mufflers. You get your sound and your power without breaking the bank.

I hope that helps.

Please email me directly if you have an further questions or would like an Aussie dealer recommendation.

Mike@awe-tuning.com

 

I ran fabspeed headers, AWE 200 cell cats, and OEM mufflers. I found that most of the power came from the cats.

Sounded great, and not too loud.

 

Mike,

Thanks for your reply, and answers to my actual questions rather than regurgitating your website content - that i have obviously already studied in detail.

It is refreshing to have a retailer being honest and realistic about power gains from after market products.

 

My pleasure.

Stay in touch.