W&N SS exhausts on sale til Wednesday.

I can certainly understand and identify with the sticker shock of the CK system. Especially when, if I understand it correctly, it consists of (2) universal Magnaflow "cans" and an assortment of lap clamps and miscellaneous parts. Those two mufflers can be purchased individually for between $100 and $200 each. Where the lion's share of cost must be generated is in the fitment of the pipes to our coupe geometry and the labor time to build/assemble these "systems" for our cars. Add to that some polishing time, as some of the options include, and it adds up. If I choose to go this route (MF performance exhaust), I'd likely assemble my own version of this - erasing the labor aspect of the cost significantly and replacing it with my own fabrication and welding time. After all, my time is free, right?
 
I had a look at the Magnaflow site and they want you to search for exhaust systems by USA make and model, so finding the right components would probably take a phone call.
 
Have any of you guys checked out Billy Boat Tri Flow Exhaust in Phoenix?? It is not an exhaust shop, but a full blown manufacturing facility. I bought, sort of, one for my 635. It is all stainless with the resonators and muffler highly polished stainless. In all honesty, almost too nice to use! Interesting thing about them is when I bought the car, it had a BB system on it, knackered to hell and back.I brought it to them to be restored at a quoted price of $225. After waiting about 3 mos, I called them and was told it would be $275. After several calls, Billy called me back , said I was making his people crazy and it would now be $350. I ok'd it and when I went to pick it up, he had given me a whole new system from the resonators back. If nothing else that's a guy backing up his product. I think he usually is around $800 or so. If you call there, ask for Mike, Billy's brother.
 
mulberryworks said:
I had a look at the Magnaflow site and they want you to search for exhaust systems by USA make and model, so finding the right components would probably take a phone call.
Click to expand...
A phone call, getting the right person on the line, is always a benefit. But you might also look at a 3rd party seller like Summit Racing. They sell the Magnaflow products at what seems to be a good price. You are just looking for universal components - no make and model. You can select the diameter of the cylindrical muffler based on fit, and the diameter of the pipe based on what you are putting on your car. The Magnaflow site has a better presentation of the various diameters/sizes - then the seller site will give you a price. Anyone know what diameter pipes CK is using?

Bert Poliakoff said:
Have any of you guys checked out Billy Boat Tri Flow Exhaust in Phoenix?? It is not an exhaust shop, but a full blown manufacturing facility.
Click to expand...
Yes, well not the facility but the products. Seems to be a lesser know brand, but what I've seen and heard is very good quality. I think they have fewer choices (sizes) for their universal components, but if the components fit, a great option. While they have some European makes listed, their BMW options do not go far enough back for our coupes. They start at the E24. I plan to give them a call, too.
 
IIRC, I was told at the time that BB would do a group buy. So, if someone decides to take that on, maybe an old system could be sent to them and duplicated?? I would be glad to help as they are only 20 minutes away from me.
 
Bert Poliakoff said:
IIRC, I was told at the time that BB would do a group buy. So, if someone decides to take that on, maybe an old system could be sent to them and duplicated??
Click to expand...
It seems to me there would be many desired choices/options, likely complicating a group buy (unless the protocol is simply a replacement exhaust system similar to what W&N is offering). And if that is the case, why not go with W&N? I can't imagine BB would charge less than +/- $1,200 for a complete SS exhaust system.

Cat or no cat? Stock manifolds (3.0 or B35) or headers? Original mounting points or modified? I'm not boo-hooing the idea, I'm just trying to understand what the buy would potentially consist of.

Again, I give CK a lot of credit for creating a "repeatable" performance system. But there is less rocket science than one would think, imho. It is a pair of universal cylindrical can mufflers and some mandrel bent pipe. Brilliantly simple, and "easy" because someone else already made the decision of canister and pipe diameters, as well as created a pattern to bend the pipes to fit the coupe. That is what you are paying CK for. And after I spend double digit hours bending and welding my own pipes, I will remind myself that the CK prices were a bargain! ;)
 
Regarding SS and rust, water comes from combustion, so there is water inside the thing no mater where you live
More of a problem if you don't let it get hot, but still exposure every time you start it

I have worked with aero engineers, actually a round bend is not very aerodynamic, I suppose that is taken into account and the entire thing is oversized to compensate?
 
Good point about the internal water.

mark99 said:
Regarding SS and rust, water comes from combustion, so there is water inside the thing no mater where you live
More of a problem if you don't let it get hot, but still exposure every time you start it

I have worked with aero engineers, actually a round bend is not very aerodynamic, I suppose that is taken into account and the entire thing is oversized to compensate?
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top