[creaminz]

This is not a VS thread. I'm just sharing my own experience with both products. I previously had ar dp bought used from a member. As soon as I had them installed by LTBMW, I fell in love instantly! It really opened up the sound department and car felt faster! Better sound, Better performance is always WIN! I had zero issues with AR downpipes however, new mod-bug landed on my shoulder to whisper "new...dp from iCarbon...looks sexy....you should try it out asian boiiii." and beat my neck!! Ouch!! Damn!! There goes another $600!!!!!

so I did order iCarbon downpipes. They looked soooo beautiful in pictures but here comes that phrase "Pictures don't do justice!!." iCarbon dp was absolutely gorgeous, fit and finish was top notch! Only thing concerned me was the thickness...I know I never thought I'll be concerned about pipes and its thickness Also, my exhaust tone got noticeably quiet! that sick nasty gurgle I used hear is gone! I was keep scratching my head like "what is wrong with this...same catless...only difference is 2.5 vs 3...wait...0.5" makes difference!?." I really doubt 0.5" in pipe diameter will make that much sound difference....or is it?
Only one way to find out...

So as of today, I picked up Brand New set of AR catless downpipes! Oh wow! I have never seen AR piping in new condition! I thought they always looked dust and dirty!! Let me show you guys some pictures...

AR Design Catless Downpipes





It's absolutely gorgeous! Welding job is superb in & out. Really can't find any imperfection. These downpipes will go on my car tomorrow and will update this thread with some sound clips comparing ar downpipes and iCarbon downpipes. Also ar downpipe before & after break-in. If indeed ar dp sounds louder than iCarbon than that 0.5" does make difference! Let's find out tomorrow. Oh and I will also do dyne runs, I made 427 @ 16.7psi with iCarbon. Let's see how much power I make with AR. Stay tuned fellaz!!

P.S. Hugh Thanks to ar Design for getting me their sick downpipes so quick! A+ Customer service!

[Young_Man]

Those things are beautiful

[Imperator]

I can't see how you'd notice any difference between iCarbon and ar downpipes. Construction, design and fitment are near-identical and both are quality products.

[creaminz]

Originally Posted by Imperator

I can't see how you'd notice any difference between iCarbon and ar downpipes. Construction, design and fitment are near-identical and both are quality products.

I never said They are two totally different system. I am thinking my exhaust note got quieter due to iCarbon being 2.5" compare to ar's true 3"
They are both great great products. Im just seeking for more sound out of my exhaust, thats all. Wait for sound clips & dyno.

[Imperator]

Both downpipes are "true" 2.5" and are built in similar fashion. iCarbon and ar use 3" pipe from the turbine flange through the bend and reduce to 2.5" at the midpipe/crossover flange. You shouldn't notice any difference in exhaust note unless one of the sets has cats or a leaky gasket.

[Big Tom]

So you went from Stock DP's ---> AR DP's ---> iCarbon DP's ---> AR DP's?
Don't you have anything better to spend your money and time on?

I'm more than happy with my Ultimate Racing DP's, which are 2.5" all the way.

[Elie335]

Originally Posted by Big Tom

So you went from Stock DP's ---> AR DP's ---> iCarbon DP's ---> AR DP's?
Don't you have anything better to spend your money and time on?

I'm more than happy with my Ultimate Racing DP's, which are 2.5" all the way.

rofl + 10000000 same DP here I got them for $200 and I see no reason why I need to change

[bulldog_yyc]

some interesting use of dough - would have stayed with the AR's but hey, its your choice anyways. Would be interested to see a new dyno sheet to see if they make more power than icarbon (I doubt it since products are identical). AR does make some very high quality DPs though... enjoy

[cn555ic]

Thanks for the test but wow you have alot of time and mOney to
Waste!! LTBMW must love customers like you!!

[chumley]

Ha! I was kinda thinking the same exact thing but hoping someone else would say it !

Originally Posted by Big Tom

So you went from Stock DP's ---> AR DP's ---> iCarbon DP's ---> AR DP's?
Don't you have anything better to spend your money and time on?

I'm more than happy with my Ultimate Racing DP's, which are 2.5" all the way.

[creaminz]

Originally Posted by Big Tom

So you went from Stock DP's ---> AR DP's ---> iCarbon DP's ---> AR DP's?
Don't you have anything better to spend your money and time on?

I'm more than happy with my Ultimate Racing DP's, which are 2.5" all the way.

Never thought sharing my experience will make you confuse. i respect u for having one of the fastest 335i on this forum but dont come to my thread mock me about the way I spend my money. I like ur idea of findng cheapest parts possible, thats coo. Damn Koreans with name brands man, its just in our blood

[creaminz]

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Thanks for the test but wow you have alot of time and mOney to
Waste!! LTBMW must love customers like you!!

LTBMW doesnt make downpipes. And only done one installation for me. But ye they love me

[kmoto]

damn, so much heat for just posting your thoughts, experiences and wanting to share with the members. DP's are in the near future for me and it was a toss up between iCarbon and AR, so I'm interested to hear about your findings.

Heck, it's your money, spend it the way you want (just make sure your restaurant opens up, I'm in need of a new sushi joint whenever I'm back in town. ha)

Guess, haters are gonna hate

[only1]

My ar pipes never looked that tidy and i bought them brand new.....
At least they perform well.

[Imperator]

They're exhaust pipes, and significantly short ones at that with the same pipe ID.

Hold on while I go swap batteries to find out which one is best. I'm going to compare the factory BMW AGM battery with an Interstate and a Duralast. I'll post pics and voltmeter readings along the way. I'm hoping for better radio reception and deeper bass response.



Not saying the comparison is useless as he should be able to determine a couple really useful differences, such as fitment, ease of installation and durability after several months of driving.

[Toker335i]

Dude when I first got my ARs I couldn't stop staring at them lol.

[mycoupe]

Originally Posted by creaminz

Never thought sharing my experience will make you confuse. i respect u for having one of the fastest 335i on this forum but dont come to my thread mock me about the way I spend my money. I like ur idea of findng cheapest parts possible, thats coo. Damn Koreans with name brands man, its just in our blood

Yeah, for real! WTF is up with that???

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by creaminz

Never thought sharing my experience will make you confuse. i respect u for having one of the fastest 335i on this forum but dont come to my thread mock me about the way I spend my money. I like ur idea of findng cheapest parts possible, thats coo. Damn Koreans with name brands man, its just in our blood

Good stuff..and good choice..ARs are true 3in all the way down to the exhaust flange..the sound is intoxicating..but i have only compared stock vs AR..so you r saying AR is throatier than the 2.5in Icarbons?

Interesting..some have tested more power w the 3in vs 2.5in as well

[TT3 iN NyC]

I too have a set awaiting installation. AR's quality is 2nd to none. Hands down the best DP for the N54. Congratulations on your feature as well.

[vase330]

I have AR catted DPs, and they are a lot louder and throatier than the stockers. And you do feel the sharpened response stock for stock. Mine were a bit more burnt brown color ... ok GOLDEN looking than yours when new, but yeah still top tier quality.

[creaminz]

Guys i didnt get a chance to install ar dp yet. But very soon! Will put up some nice comoarison vids as well. From what i remember iCarbon piping was noticibly skinnier than ar downpipes. Im positive that ar will be louder.

[tibra1]

u can pretty much spend ur money anyway u want...when ur car is on the cover of euro tuner mag no one can say shit about that