[ecerrini]

Hey Guys, got my G87 about a week ago and went through my break-in service yesterday. I’m stuck on deciding on a midpipe, and maybe some users on this forum could help me by sharing their experience with me, and even some videos if they are currently rocking any of the midpipes I’m deciding on. Here are my options:

• Valvetronic Equal Length (Seen video)
• Active Autowerke Equal Length (Seen Video)
• IRL Single pipe (Seen short clips)
• Active Autowerke Single Midpipe (Seen short clip)
• PSI High flow non resonated midpipe

These are all probably amazing options, which is why I’m struggling on deciding on one. As of late I’m kind of digging the sound on the IRL single midpipe. However, I know practically nothing about the company, and I haven’t seen as much info about them on this forum as perhaps there is about Valvetronic, and AA.

All of your time and help is greatly appreciated here!

[ecerrini]

Also, I want to add that there is a pretty significant price incentive on the IRL midpipe right now being that it is on sale from $1,125 to $899. The price doesn’t really make it or break it for me, but If I can get a great sounding midpipe for basically half the price as the other brands are selling it for, it makes it even better!

[M2Jorge]

I have AA equal length, and the precision that went into making it and build quality definitely shows from even the packaging. Well worth the price tag if you ask me.

I currently have AA’s whole set up, catted downpipes, EL midpipe and axle back with carbon tips.

[ecerrini]

Originally Posted by M2Jorge

I have AA equal length, and the precision that went into making it and build quality definitely shows from even the packaging. Well worth the price tag if you ask me.

I currently have AA’s whole set up, catted downpipes, EL midpipe and axle back with carbon tips.

Thank you for the feedback! Did you have to decide between the EL or the Single? Or were you already set on the EL from the jump?

[AZG87]

I went AA EL. It was a no brainer for me as I wanted the more aggressive volume / tone from just the mid in case I didn't go with a dp or ab. If I need more I can always add one. Also got a great deal so that's always a plus.

[JACKKKKK]

I'm also wavering on the midpipe option. I know the AA EL is great, but over 2k for a midpipe is too much for me.

After a few days of searching, I found Valvetronic， IRL， and PSI prices are more appropriate. However certain brands get mixed reviews on forums, Or very few people bother to use, which makes it hard for me to decide on my choice.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Single midpipe for the cleanest sound

Equal length for the deepest mid-range tone

My favorite is the single setup

[ecerrini]

Originally Posted by JACKKKKK

I'm also wavering on the midpipe option. I know the AA EL is great, but over 2k for a midpipe is too much for me.

After a few days of searching, I found Valvetronic， IRL， and PSI prices are more appropriate. However certain brands get mixed reviews on forums, Or very few people bother to use, which makes it hard for me to decide on my choice.

The few videos I’ve seen on those 3 options sound unreal to be honest. It’s a tough choice, especially when you’re not hearing it in person. I’ve seen a couple of videos on instagram on the IRL midpipe and it sounds super aggressive which I like, but I don’t want to have drone or anything like that. This is my daily, and I want it to sound like one when I go to the gym at 7 am lol

[ecerrini]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Single midpipe for the cleanest sound

Equal length for the deepest mid-range tone

My favorite is the single setup

Thanks for jumping in the thread and providing your insight Mike! Much appreciated! Do you know if there is any power or throttle response difference between Single or Equal length? Or generally the same?

[Hook3549]

I went with cheapest route of IRL single midpipe. According to a sales person, they copy the very retupable brand and make it same quality. The sound is very good with sport plus mode

[Ravenseal]

AA single.

[ecerrini]

Originally Posted by Hook3549

I went with cheapest route of IRL single midpipe. According to a sales person, they copy the very retupable brand and make it same quality. The sound is very good with sport plus mode

Do you by any chance have any videos??

[Newgenbimmer]

I have the IRL with the extended bracket and a Valve Controller system. Great build quality and the sound is very clean with open or closed valves. They have like many vendors on here a great response time and are supportive.

[ecerrini]

Originally Posted by Newgenbimmer

I have the IRL with the extended bracket and a Valve Controller system. Great build quality and the sound is very clean with open or closed valves. They have like many vendors on here a great response time and are supportive.

If you have any videos you can share that would be super helpful!

[RootsTootsMagoots]

The IRL website wanted $133 for shipping, but their Ebay account has it listed $899 + $40 shipping flat.

Very tempted. Does anyone know if you have to make any cuts to the factory pipes to install this?

Found this video of how it sounds with valves open: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy4we_9tg7Z/

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by RootsTootsMagoots

The IRL website wanted $133 for shipping, but their Ebay account has it listed $899 + $40 shipping flat.

Very tempted. Does anyone know if you have to make any cuts to the factory pipes to install this?

Found this video of how it sounds with valves open: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy4we_9tg7Z/

All midpipes require cuts at the muffler.

[DriftinG Z32]

Originally Posted by Hook3549

I went with cheapest route of IRL single midpipe. According to a sales person, they copy the very retupable brand and make it same quality. The sound is very good with sport plus mode

It seems several companies are copying the very reputable brand(s) and obtaining from the same overseas manufacturer with slight differences, but overall the same product. The price difference between the the copy and the copied is the million dollar question. My current dilemma at the moment 🤔.

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by DriftinG Z32

It seems several companies are copying the very reputable brand(s) and obtaining from the same overseas manufacturer with slight differences, but overall the same product. The price difference between the the copy and the copied is the million dollar question. My current dilemma at the moment 🤔.

Some major brands are still designed and manufactured in the USA, like Active Autowerks. The quality reflects that, plus I like supporting well-paying American jobs.

[Hook3549]

Originally Posted by DriftinG Z32

It seems several companies are copying the very reputable brand(s) and obtaining from the same overseas manufacturer with slight differences, but overall the same product. The price difference between the the copy and the copied is the million dollar question. My current dilemma at the moment 🤔.

Most single midpipe looks the same, uses same materials, and diameter is similar. I am sure most people won’t notice the difference of sounds among different brands.

[BMW DIY Guy]

I just installed the Active Autowerke EL into my G87 and really like it. I will have both install DIY and sound comparison videos up soon. All in all I really like it, deeper note, louder with valves open but not obnoxious, and adds some growl in sport plus valves open.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Its country of origin doesn't necessarily determine the quality of a product. High-quality components can be produced in China, just as lower-quality ones might come from the US. Many top-tier electronics, known for their excellence, are manufactured in China.

The crucial factor lies in the manufacturer's reputation. Choosing a well-established brand usually means getting a product that will uphold high standards. These brands guarantee quality and provide top-notch support in case of any issues, be it missing hardware or a defective part (or even subpar quality finishing).

On the flip side, when you get an unbranded product from overseas, it's a gamble (you are getting a copy of a copy of a copy). The real test of quality, especially in aspects like welding, reveals itself only once the product is in your hands. And if it doesn't fit or has problems down the line, support and warranties are non-existent.

Returning such items isn't an option either, as the shipping costs are higher than the product's price. These brands might offer a full refund as a protective measure against disputes, but they are aware that returning the product is not a viable option for you.

[Info@mad-us.com]

We will have a single to add to that list shortly.