Just installed the new M3 RPI GTM exhaust

[shane335i]

So let me start at the beginning here.

I purchased the GT catback about 2 months ago. I loved the sound but honestly couldnt feel much in the way of power with just a catback obviously. Being greedy for more power (cause you can never really have enough right?) I decided to upgrade to the full GT Race system.

I took the car back in and had the X-pipe, cat delete V2 pipes put on. The difference in power was very noticeable immediately! The bad part - the dreaded rasp. It was not as bad as I had heard in some videos but certainly there. I decided that I was either going to go back to just the catback which I really liked (soundwise) or get a completely different system cause I really liked the power gains.

As I was contemplating all of this I heard that RPI was releasing a new GTM version to address the rasp issues. I figured this was a great solution for me. I ordered the pipe and it came in last week but I was out traveling on business. I went down today and had them install the new GTM catback with the same X-Pipe since that part never changed. BTW - I use a shop in Mtn View, CA - not RPI directly.

I will admit I was worried about how it would sound - BUT - I can tell you this thing sounds BAD-ASS!!! Its always hard to explain sound but it is a little deeper than the GT exhaust in tone and the rasp is completely gone, instead replaced with a roar that sends tingles up my spine and literally made the hair on the back of my neck stand up as they revved it.

As we know - our cars drone somewhat with a full race system at about 2500rpm and I would say that the drone is perhaps a little louder and carries further into the rpm range - up to almost 3000rpm. It is not annoying in any way and can be easily remedied with a quick gear shift. It is still FAR better than my 335 was with the Magnaflow. When you are on the freeway and hit the gas at about 4k RPM - OH MY!!! The sounds is like sweet, sweet music to my ears.

If you do not appreciate the sound of a race car, you wont like this - if you want a quiet exhaust, you wont like this. I had people rolling down their windows and giving me thumbs up as I drove by them on the freeway! Hahaha.

All in all - I would say that if you just wanted a catback exhaust - the std GT catback was great and I had zero problems with rasp etc with it. If you want a full system, be sure to get the GTM catback setup.

Well done RPI - you have renewed my faith in you with this exhaust! While I was at the shop I put in an order for the new RPI scoops as well which are due out in a few weeks as I understand it! BTW - I will be expecting a discount on all future purhcases to offset the tkts I get from speeding with this exhaust - it sounds so damn good that I just cant drive slow at ALL!!!

[edcvin]

I have the RPI axel back exhaust right now and I absolutely love it. I was looking to get the mid-pipe but obviously with all the complaints of rasp and ringing I decided to save myself the headache and money.

Now just to clarify: in order for me to get the best product from RPI, I would have to get rid of my mufflers and buy the entire GTM setup right? To my understanding the change was in the mufflers and not the Xpipe?

If that is the case, then that really sucks. I'm sure there are others like myself that purchased the axel back with the intentions of eventually getting the xpipe. Now the only way to do so, is take a huge hit on the exhaust and start all over again.

I'm sure the product is great and like I said I love my RPI axel back, however its unfair that the product due to manufacturer defect did not mate well with the xpipe.

I dont mean to put a negative spin on your thread, I'm just stating my thoughts on the above.


-Vin

[991brothers]

NICe review! Please post up videos!

[shane335i]

Originally Posted by vinnycg

I have the RPI axel back exhaust right now and I absolutely love it. I was looking to get the mid-pipe but obviously with all the complaints of rasp and ringing I decided to save myself the headache and money.

Now just to clarify: in order for me to get the best product from RPI, I would have to get rid of my mufflers and buy the entire GTM setup right? To my understanding the change was in the mufflers and not the Xpipe?

If that is the case, then that really sucks. I'm sure there are others like myself that purchased the axel back with the intentions of eventually getting the xpipe. Now the only way to do so, is take a huge hit on the exhaust and start all over again.

I'm sure the product is great and like I said I love my RPI axel back, however its unfair that the product due to manufacturer defect did not mate well with the xpipe.

I dont mean to put a negative spin on your thread, I'm just stating my thoughts on the above.


-Vin

So I was essentially in the same boat as you are. I bought the GT catback with intentions of adding the Xpipe later.....which I did. I can tell you that the power is significant although I dont have dyno's personally to prove it. I have had a few fast cars and raced bikes for years so I feel that I have a pretty good grasp on real power vs perceived power because of sound etc.

Unfortunately - my advice to you is not to add the X-Pipe to your GT catback - it will rasp. Some people dont mind it and a friend of mine actually like the sound so it might be fine for you? If you want the exhaust without any rasp you will have to get the full GTM setup. I was hoping that RPI might do some kind of rebate for current customers or perhaps even a modification to where you could send the existing system in and have them update it, after looking at the exhaust I dont really see how that would be possible though. It is significantly different, at least different enough to where the cost to do that wouldnt make sense from their standpoint.

Sorry I could not give you better news. Enjoy the catback for as long as you can - remember - you will need a tune with the full system as well! My SES light came on almost immediately and the car is running pretty rich from what I can tell.

[shane335i]

Originally Posted by compm3e92m3

NICe review! Please post up videos!

I took some video with the iphone but it was terrible. I will see about having a buddy use my HD video camera and get some footage. It never comes out sounding right in video though in my opinion.

[Auto]

Videos please! : )

[Cal@Sonic MS]

Glad you are happy with the exhaust Shane!

Here's some pics. I'll post the video in a little bit

[Poleposition]

Does a CEL come free with this new GTM exhaust if you dont have or want a tune?

[Cal@Sonic MS]

Here was the quick video we took.

[rAdzM]

I wonder if it would still rasp if this new GTM axle back is paired with the first version x-pipe/front pipes

[shane335i]

Originally Posted by radz182

I wonder if it would still rasp if this new GTM axle back is paired with the first version x-pipe/front pipes

They didnt make new X-pipes for this system. They are still using the V2 X pipe. I dont think you would have rasp with the V1 pipes, it's all about airflow. I would add that it might actually make sense to add 2 additional resonators to even the newer V2 X-pipes. The GTM system resonates more than the old Gt system.

[shane335i]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

Does a CEL come free with this new GTM exhaust if you dont have or want a tune?

Huh?? You do know that CEL is "Check Engine Light" right?

[E90///M3`]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

Does a CEL come free with this new GTM exhaust if you dont have or want a tune?

Originally Posted by shane335i

Huh?? You do know that CEL is "Check Engine Light" right?

[virjose]

awesome review, I agree this is a very nice system. If anyone is interested I have the catback for sale. PM for details

[sales@ESSTuning]

Our supercharged and NA cars have always made very good power when mated with RPI exhaust systems.

[fullrev]

that looks great

[GOLFFRR]

RPI (eloy ) ftw!

[M3LISSA]

Eloy---------------------------

LOVE IT! Too bad the sound isnt working on my sons computer to hear it.. But I do have another friend who also is getting his GTM installed today I believe.... I wonder when hell post it up.... cough cough

[Poleposition]

Originally Posted by shane335i

Huh?? You do know that CEL is "Check Engine Light" right?

Ofcourse I know this. My question is do you get a CEL with this new exhaust. I went with an axle back RPI instead of the full system because I didnt want a tune and a tune was necessary to avoid a CEL with the full system. So my question stands. Do you get a CEL with this new system if you dont have a tune?

Sorry for the confusion

[saeedg48]

sounds good.

[GOLFFRR]

^^you need this!

[shane335i]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

Ofcourse I know this. My question is do you get a CEL with this new exhaust. I went with an axle back RPI instead of the full system because I didnt want a tune and a tune was necessary to avoid a CEL with the full system. So my question stands. Do you get a CEL with this new system if you dont have a tune?

Sorry for the confusion

The X-pipe is the same as the one on the GT exhaust. You will get a CEL - yes. When you delete the CAT's there is no way around getting a CEL.