[bmwtouge]

Hi All,

I'm looking for a new exhaust to optimize performance, while managing and keeping sound to a minimum... I know that more flow = more noise.. but I'm looking for a OEM+ solution and trying to strike the right balance.

I have a n51 engine with Euro intake and K&N filter.. and will be tuning the ECU to optimize the 3 stage IM. Going with Stage FP.

Has anyone also gone down this path? To optimize exhaust flow for performance reasons? If so what does your setup look like?

I prefer to use only bolt on solutions so I can return the car back to stock as needed.

Is there a bolt on test pipe kit that removes the catalytic converters both primary and secondary?

How do the OEM headers flow compared to aftermarket?

I'm also contemplating leaving the exhaust stock, but from what I understand it is quite restrictive? What part of the exhaust is actually restrictive? I'd assume it would be the cats, and then the resonators and ultimately the muffler?

Thank you for your input!