nl88

Hi all,
im currently on akra catback. Which would you guys choose to be the next performance mod ? Of course both would be ideal, but trying to take it step by step.

1) ECU Upgrade
2) Downpipes

jkob5

Skip the new exhaust, they don't do anything substantial. Get downpipes / tune at the same time.

nl88

I've already done the akra exhaust. No regrets as I was on stock non performance exhaust previously which I felt was soft. But I should've done the Downpipes instead at that time.

Now that exhaust has been done, and assuming only one could be done, which would you upgrade next, ECU or Downpipes ?

jkob5

gotcha

From what I understand, if you want a catted downpipes you're looking at weistec which is way overpriced for two metal tubes. If you want catless (loud) you will need an ECU tune anyway to turn off the rear 02 sensor.

With the valves open my car is comically loud, closed it's only loud on boost.

I would do them both, but if only want to do one I would get the tune.

thewb

If you opt for the tune first you will more than likely have to get it re-tuned after you install the downpipe. So for convenience purposes, I'd say the Downpipe is the way to go.

if you need help choosing the right one I can take care of you. We're premium dealers for Brabus, Weistec, and Renntech - all Mercedes Benz Tuner Specialists.

Alex98

If you go catless downpipe you will need a tune or you will be throwing cels

nl88

Thank u all for your replies. What brands of catless dps do u guys recommend ? and if i were to go catless dp, I'll definitely need a tune ? Is there any o2 sensors bypass kind of thing ?

kzflags

you should reach out to burger tuning and see if they'll make an odb2 canflap module to clear codes like they do for bmw

AMG SK

Downpipes and an ECU tune is the most cost effective way of gaining more power and torque from the engine. The stock Downpipes have 2 Cats in each, one is a 400 cell and the other Cat is a 600 cell. Talk about MB throttling the cars performance.

I have found that going Catless whilst loud etc, in not much louder than a Custom Downpipes with 200 Cell Race Cats. Without the Cats the car stinks and IMHO it sounds rough, you also lose some back pressure which reduces Torque. Go with the 200 Cell Catted Downpipes you again Torque no smell and it sounds better. Its certainly not quiet. I have the full Ti Akra system and Downpipes with 200 cell Cats and it sound glorious.

Make sure the Downpipes are Ceramic coated to keep heat in the exhaust for better throttle response.

Companies to look at for Downpipes are:

Armytrix

Frequency Intelligent

RennTech

You will still need an ECU tune and change the air filters to BMC. That will give you well over 600 HP. Traction will be your biggest issue!

kzflags

video pls. no CEL with your catted DP either? and while youre at it what brand DP thanks brother

AMG SK

Sorry don't understand the question, I don't have a video yet. I have just removed the Turbo's and intake for some serious work. The 200 cell race Cat is at the of the downpipe, the brand I use is Armytrix, they did everything including the Ceramic coating so there's a warranty on it.

nl88

i think he is asking if you received any check engine lights with the catted Downpipes. If the Downpipes are catted, will I still need ECU remap ?

kzflags

exactly, do you see a check engine light with this DP and no tune? almost all aftermarket downpipes no matter what the manufacturer promises cannot guarantee that down the road, the CEL wont appear. thats my fear

M177ED1

+1

I believe what the question is and what I and also interested to see is if the "lightly" ,catted DownPipe mention above can be/ was installed WITHOUT the need of a tune to clear the O2 sensor cel?

AutoTalent

We are still selling FI downpipes for $1250 shipped for anyone interested!

Andyroo

I also have non performance exhaust and want to go straight through at the back like the akra. How is the sound before/after the akra? Much louder? Any drone? More pops/crackles?

Thanks!

nl88

to be honest, I tried totally removing the exhaust and hearing it startup, it sounds exactly the same as with the akra valves open. Hence what I'm suspecting is, with the valves open, there is no difference between:

1) a straight thru pipe
2) akra
3) Amg performance exhaust.
4) removing the whole exhaust cat back onwards

I believe the only minimal difference is in the mid pipes that's might alter the tone a little but I doubt significantly. I've compared my car side by side with my friend's amg performance exhaust and felt there was not difference.

Andyroo

Thanks, that's really useful