mliakira

I just installed my ARK and when I finally started it up, I thought it was going to be really loud from what everyone was saying on the forums but I was a little dissapointed. Don't get me wrong, this exhaust sounds NICE ut I want it to be a little louder. Any reccomendations on cats or test pipes? I'm trying to avoid rasp but I'll get over it if it comes down it. I know FI, Z1, and ARK but I'm not sure what to get! From what I've read on the forums, some people say the resonated FI HFC aren't that much louder but the non-resonated has rasp. I have a 2013 x sedan with only 30k miles so I'm mostly trying to avoid the o2 sensor CEL. I'm waiting for a tune once my warranty is up. FI RHC or HFC??

EDIT: Budget is a consideration where I don't want to spend 600+ on cats.

PNW_IPL

iTrader: (5)

I would do berk HFC.
Stay away from anyone cat or test pipes that does not have a bracket to attach to the oem transmission bracket as they may crack from stress without.
Hfc should open it up alot without smells and rasp that tp bring as well.as keep o2 light off.

mliakira

See, I’ve read about those on the forums but people complain about “rasp”. Do these have the bracket you’re talking about?

kroy

get art pipes

i have ark + rhfc and it's just a little bit louder. if you're looking for noise, you're going to be disappointed.

MaQG37

iTrader: (4)

can't, he's AWD.


HFC is you're best bet or modify your ARK system and delete the resonators near the X pipe.

mliakira

I’ve been reading good things about Z1’s HFC. Again, I’m really trying to avoid the chance of throwing a cel.

MaQG37

iTrader: (4)

You're rolling the dice, someone with an ARK/Z1 HFC can throw no CEL and you could throw one. Eliminating exhaust leaks will also help your chances of not throwing CEL's. Exhaust leaks at the Header/Cat connection is very common on our cars.

SkyG37

I'm running ARK + Z1 HFC right now. It bumped up the volume a bit. I didnt have a CEL light for the first few months but then it came on. It's still on now as I should restart it cause it says P0420 (passenger cat) but I just haven't got to it.

If you want volume, an HFC will give you a boost but a test pipe will be the loudest. Even with my ARK +Z1, I might be looking to change my exhaust to GTHAUS but haven't decided 100% yet.

Good thing about the Z1 is that it is half the cost of the rest pretty much. I've heard people running the Z1 HFC and haven't had the CEL come on at all.

Here's a video by an old forum member who sadly left us for a 335i

Baby Jumpman

iTrader: (18)

I’m running art pipes with the ark catback. Definitely sounds good. Awd and art pipes is doable, just need a good welder.

qmantran

i have fast intentions non-res high flow cats and they don't rasp, however they are paired with fast-intentions 18" resonated cat-back exhaust.

MerakiAutoworks

iTrader: (1)

Check out PPE engineering!

-Josh

mliakira

Thanks for all the input. I just ordered the Z1 HFC due to it's price and I figured I would give it a shot. I have seen mixed review but I'm hoping for the best pairing them with the ARK.

regularG

Got any videos looking to hear how the z1 hfc sounds with ark.

ANMVQ

iTrader: (13)

I have them on my youtube page I had Z1 and ARK grip on my 09 X sedan sounded GREAT sounded better with headers. If the link is bad sorry at work and youtube is blocked but search for by poster MAC37! NA

Rwdxtacy

that does sound great!