Cutting vs Not Cutting Exhaust Off

[Jamz72]

Seems like the majority of people on here cut the standard exhaust off to fit a cat-back system, is this the best way of doing it? Any disadvantages of doing it this way e.g. when reverting back to standard?

What's involved with getting it off without cutting?

Cheers
James

 

[Ashton]

If you take the diffuser off and drop the rear axle then you will prob be able to wiggle it out

The backbox is the size of Syria though

 

[OiNK]

No biggie, I cut mine of and within 5 weeks had it welded together and put back on because the drone of my ktec system did my head in LOL

 

[Jamz72]

If you take the diffuser off and drop the rear axle then you will prob be able to wiggle it out

The backbox is the size of Syria though

Haha! Is this the only way of doing it? You haven't convinced me with the 'probably' be able to wiggle it out

No biggie, I cut mine of and within 5 weeks had it welded together and put back on because the drone of my ktec system did my head in LOL

How bad was the drone? I've just bought a ktec off a member and after reading the 'definitive exhaust thread' a few times came to the conclusion that most people like the ktec and say it sounds decent?

 

[Foxspeed]

two ways -

cut it - only one cut needed (depending on what exhaust is replacing it) and then it can always either be sleeved or welded back together if needed

drop back axle and take out as one piece but its a big heavy and awkward lump to do it - reverse to refit

 

[OiNK]

Haha! Is this the only way of doing it? You haven't convinced me with the 'probably' be able to wiggle it out


How bad was the drone? I've just bought a ktec off a member and after reading the 'definitive exhaust thread' a few times came to the conclusion that most people like the ktec and say it sounds decent?

When I put it on I loved it, it does make a lovey sound especially on gear changes, no doubt about that.

However for everyday use and some motorway miles it started to irritate me very quickly, the drone just pissed me off and it had to go. I have to admit I enjoy the car a whole lot more with the standard system on it.

I wouldn't worry about it, go for it, get it fitted and see what you think, you may love it. If not I am certain you won't have a problem selling it

 

[chettle]

Why not just get some flanges welded on where you cut it so you can just bolt it on, then bolt the old one back up if needed? I would have thought any decent tyre/exhaust place would be able to do it for you

 

[henderson]

I dropped the rear axle when doing mine and took the standard system out in one piece

 

[Jamz72]

Cheers for the advice.

I think cutting it and when I want to revert back, putting a sleeve over and a clamp or two would be easiest. Is this perfectly acceptable and any drawbacks of doing it this way?

James

 

[gaz]

I'd pull it out as one. When sleeved it never quite fits right, and getting the tailpipes lines up could become a pita imo

 

[Foxspeed]

Cheers for the advice.

I think cutting it and when I want to revert back, putting a sleeve over and a clamp or two would be easiest. Is this perfectly acceptable and any drawbacks of doing it this way?

James

as long as its gas tight it will be fine

 

[Jamz72]

Just got back from the garage, got the standard system cut off with a cut just after the cat and a cut about half way down the rest of the section. Seems like it will be a pain to fit back on but definitely doable.

With regards to the K-Tec cat-back.. It's loud! Very loud! And quite boomy at low revs which is a bit annoying but once you get it in high revs it's nice. I'll get a video soon and post it to the 'definitive exhaust thread'

James

 

[gaz]

I dropped the rear axle when doing mine and took the standard system out in one piece

Bumpo, did you just unbolt it off the rear shockers, or did you actually drop the axle, off the X3 17mm either side?

Cheers