[mike@x-ph.com]

Active Autowerke keeps updating its catalog, which has led to so many midpipe designs. While more options are a good thing, and im glad they keep improving this platform, it has reached a point where it can be confusing. I'm not saying this isn't good; I'm happy to see them pushing the boundaries. But it's time for a dedicated thread to clarify the differences.

Let's start first with the original designs.

1- the X-Pipe. This midpipe is offered as a straight or catted pipe. The X-pipe sound is exotic and has a high pitch. Perfect for customers wanting an aggressive sound and do not mind the rasp


2- the single midpipe. It is offered as a straight pipe or resonated. this midpipe offers the cleanest tone with a deep midrange sound and zero rasp or drone


3- The equal length. This midpipe sound is between the single and the X-pipe; it's not as clean as the single but much more aggressive with a deep midrange sound and aggressive high RPM tone. And although raspy, it's not as raspy as the X-pipe.

Gen 1 was released as a straight pipe with an excellent sound, but one drawback was the cold start (it had a metallic sound to it) and the added rasp on high RPM.

Gen 2 is released as a resonated version of Gen 1 to keep the pros of the equal length but minimize the cons.

Gen 2 with the added resonator is the same as the regular Gen 2 but adds another resonator to the midpipe to lower the tone even more and eliminate the unwanted noise.

Please note that Gen 1 and Gen 2 are available for purchase. At this time, Active Autowerke has not discontinued any of its midpipe options.

You will also notice a listing that says equal length upgrade; this listing is for customers that already have the equal length Gen 1 and want to upgrade to the Gen 2. If you are on stock midpipe, please do not select this listing thinking you will be getting the full Gen 2 midpipe for a fraction of the price. Instead, you will receive only the parts needed for the Gen 1 upgrade.

Gen 1


Gen 2

[Tay101]

Thank you for the explanation. This is very helpful.

Do you know how much the optional 100 cell cats on the x-pipe version would help with the smell if running catless down pipes? Do you know if the optional cats would hold up to track use?

Does AA offer the x-pipe for the G87? I only see it for the G80/G82,

One last question, what type of sound would you get with the ER h-pipe compared to the x, single and EL?

[BroDoze]

Originally Posted by Tay101

Thank you for the explanation. This is very helpful.

Do you know how much the optional 100 cell cats on the x-pipe version would help with the smell if running catless down pipes? Do you know if the optional cats would hold up to track use?

Does AA offer the x-pipe for the G87? I only see it for the G80/G82,

One last question, what type of sound would you get with the ER h-pipe compared to the x, single and EL?

Good question on the ER (I have one NIB waiting for the car). All ER says about the “H” is:
**Reduced Exhaust Droning**: Utilizes an "H" style crossover to balance exhaust pressure, minimizing droning while improving low-end torque.
I would assume an X pipe accomplishes the same thing.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by BroDoze

Good question on the ER (I have one NIB waiting for the car). All ER says about the “H” is:
**Reduced Exhaust Droning**: Utilizes an "H" style crossover to balance exhaust pressure, minimizing droning while improving low-end torque.
I would assume an X pipe accomplishes the same thing.

The X pipe gives the car a more exotic sound with a high pitch on high RPM. Unfortunately, this also leads to more rasp.

[gondolafanclub]

need sound clips along with the descriptions

[gondolafanclub]

Also forgive the dumb question, but the flange spacing on the single midpipe vs the equal length- does the single mid delete that crossover pipe entirely?

I'm looking for some bang for the buck on what direction I want to go with an exhaust so I'm thinking a downpipe back midpipe with the stock muffler and a valve controller but I dont know which way I want to go. I feel like most of the clips on youtube are so bad sound quality wise and they dont tell you exactly which exhaust system or pieces they're using, they dont use the same car settings, they dont rev past 3k rpm, etc etc its really hard to decide.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by gondolafanclub

need sound clips along with the descriptions

im counting on you guys to provide the sound clips with the different setups.

Originally Posted by gondolafanclub

Also forgive the dumb question, but the flange spacing on the single midpipe vs the equal length- does the single mid delete that crossover pipe entirely?

I'm looking for some bang for the buck on what direction I want to go with an exhaust so I'm thinking a downpipe back midpipe with the stock muffler and a valve controller but I dont know which way I want to go. I feel like most of the clips on youtube are so bad sound quality wise and they dont tell you exactly which exhaust system or pieces they're using, they dont use the same car settings, they dont rev past 3k rpm, etc etc its really hard to decide.

Yes, the single deletes the crossover pipe.

Catted downpipes + a resonated single midpipe is an excellent option to upgrade the sound of your exhaust.

and if you want more in the future, you can upgrade the axle back

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by gondolafanclub

Also forgive the dumb question, but the flange spacing on the single midpipe vs the equal length- does the single mid delete that crossover pipe entirely?

I'm looking for some bang for the buck on what direction I want to go with an exhaust so I'm thinking a downpipe back midpipe with the stock muffler and a valve controller but I dont know which way I want to go. I feel like most of the clips on youtube are so bad sound quality wise and they dont tell you exactly which exhaust system or pieces they're using, they dont use the same car settings, they dont rev past 3k rpm, etc etc its really hard to decide.

A single midpipe is definitely what you are looking for. It creates a very nice deep sound with extra volume so you you get the feel of an exhausts system without spending to much money. Adding a valve controller will only enhance the volume even more if that's what your after.

Click below for some budget friendly options.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

A single midpipe is definitely what you are looking for. It creates a very nice deep sound with extra volume so you you get the feel of an exhausts system without spending to much money. Adding a valve controller will only enhance the volume even more if that's what your after.

Click below for some budget friendly options.

+1

if you are looking for the cleanest sound with a deep mid range, get the single midpipe

the equal length offers a deeper and more aggressive sound, but rasp on high RPM and rattles on cold start

[daddyjaxx]

Originally Posted by gondolafanclub

I feel like most of the clips on youtube are so bad sound quality wise and they dont tell you exactly which exhaust system or pieces they're using, they dont use the same car settings, they dont rev past 3k rpm

[Insert:HoldMyBeerMeme]

I've got the Gen1 AA EL with an SST controller
I'm installing the Gen 2 over the weekend and will do a comparison soon

https://youtube.com/shorts/wb5HnLdOn...fzfeHdBnCk0RUz

[gondolafanclub]

That sounds pretty good to me

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by daddyjaxx

[Insert:HoldMyBeerMeme]

I've got the Gen1 AA EL with an SST controller
I'm installing the Gen 2 over the weekend and will do a comparison soon

https://youtube.com/shorts/wb5HnLdOn...fzfeHdBnCk0RUz