Sorry for the lack of updates guys, we've been busy with several projects to say the least. But good news, these exhausts are in production! We should have a few final prototypes soon but realistically we'll have product in the spring.
We decided to make several changes which we feel are improvements to an already excellent design.....
1) We moved the flex-joint from the single 3.5" section forward into the downpipe flange area section. This accomplishes 2 things:
a) Improves ground clearance as the flange on the previous flex-joint was the lowest point on the exhaust (still is in this area but this adds at least 1/2" more clearance here)
b) Allows for variance in downpipe fitment - one of the test cars we tried had downpipes that fit like crap (flanges were uneven and would not allow the previous rigid design to bolt up). If we came across this that means customers will too. Flex-joints in the front section solve this issue.
2) Slip-joint at the front-to-midpipe section. This area is the 2nd worse section for ground clearance, the previous V-band here is basically a straight lip waiting to catch something. Changing this connection to a slip-joint gives another 5/8"+ of ground clearance in this area.
3) The rear section will use a V-band on the 3.5" single connection but slip-joints on the 3" sections at the tailpipes. We did this for several reasons:
a) Adjustability for installation. V-bands are great (they will be used in all other areas of the system) but just don't allow for enough adjustability. Perhaps you have a custom valence or your bumper is aftermarket. With the previous design everything better be perfect or the tips will be off. Not anymore....full adjustability left to right and up and down with slip-joint connections (Thanks for being persistent with this Bmwfixerguy1
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b) More tailpipe options. If you decide to change tailpipes, change your valence and go to quads, etc, it will be as easy as buying the 90 degree bends, cutting and swapping out. Again you are not limited to using the exhaust's V-band tailpipes or needing a fabricator to weld you up new tailpipes. This will bring more possible options to the end user
c) Muffler options. Slip-joint connections make future sound-deadening options easier. We plan to offer several methods for mufflers in the future, one being inline spiral mufflers that are easily replaceable in the rear section (will kill several decibels) and another being a rear muffler/Y-pipe. Our goal is to make these all independent of one another so that they can be used individually or in a combination to adjust the loudness.
I hope these details keep you guys interested. I'm confident this exhaust will be worth the wait!