So after much deliberation I finally took the plunge and got had a x-pipe fitted on Monday by AAS in Newcastle.
I wanted to keep the OEM look of the tips and the valves so I could still control the noise level when the family were onboard, but a little more power and a better exhaust note were the aims.
So I left my car at 8.30 and 7 hours later had a custom made 3" type 304 grade s/s x-pipe fabricated and fitted. As you can see from the rear it looks the same...
and the x-pipe itself
Initial impressions is that it gives a far deeper tone at sub 2000rpm and idle with a little drone at 1850rpm although controllable with the exhaust valves but the significant part is that the engine pick up is far more agressive and it revs through the range far more readily because it is freer flowing and I get a great exhaust pop now on throttle lift off in every gear and under throttle load the exhaust note is as good as OEM if a little more of a growl. With sport mode off it is as civilised as the OEM with sport mode engaged.
And the best part, at a fraction of the cost of a Milltek. AAS have kept a copy of it on their jig if anyone is interested in AAS fabricating one for their car and they will ship the part including clamps; PM me for more details as I don't want to breach advertising rights on the site.
However it has given me the urge to mod more, so Goodridge brake hoses next (when they send me the right ones) and possibly 200 CPSI cats and downpipes when my warranty expires in July.
