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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics N55 (M235i) Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Tuning M235i Fabspeed HJS Sportcat Downpipe Review

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      06-09-2015, 05:27 PM   #1
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M235i Fabspeed HJS Sportcat Downpipe Review

I just got my Fabspeed catted downpipe from FedEx today. Since my car is in the shop already (Ground Control camber plates snapped a strut), I gave the downpipe to my shop to install. I'll post some soundclip videos once I have it installed.

Initial impressions:

Packaging was top notch, so no risk of damage to the pipe. As you can see from the picture, the pipe itself is top quality. High quality welds (even my mechanic was impressed) and, of course, that sweet, sweet HJS catalytic converter. Funny enough, I've never actually seen a downpipe before, so I didn't really know what to expect.

To be honest, it's a lot smaller (shorter) than I had imagined it being. I had imagined some 2 to 3 foot long length of pipe with cat converters stuffed in it. Turns out it's just this short length of pipe with a 6 inch long cat converter stuffed in.

Anyway, will update once the pipe in installed and I have a drive with it.

**UPDATE 6/25/2015**

After an absurdly long time dealing with some camber plate issues (which are resolved), I just got my car back and was able to have a little drive with the new downpipe installed. I'll do some sound clips later this weekend.

As of now, I can say that the car feels a little punchier from the increased torque and HP (you can really feel it in 2nd and 3rd gear at WOT), and sounds very cool. I'd say "comfort" mode now sounds more like "sport", and "sport" sounds like an angry animal. Not so much louder, as much raspier and more overrun. Sounds great. Very impressed. You can also hear the turbo a little during overrun in an enclosed structure -- big fan of that.

More impressions:

Okay, the car sounds properly angry now. On WOT it sounds aggressive and sort of exotic -- I love it. Also, for those of you who care NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. Seriously, great product Fabspeed.

**UPDATE 6/26/2015**

Another added benefit of this downpipe (and I presume others) is much sharper throttle response. Makes heel-toeing a breeze, even on "comfort" throttle. Removal of all of that back pressure is a beautiful thing indeed . . . .

**UPDATE 6/29/2015**

After a weekend of driving with the downpipe installed, here are my final impressions:

1. Sound is amazing (fiance said it sounds like the car is angry);
2. Throttle response is much improved;
3. Mid range power is noticeably more potent;
4. Still no check engine light.

I promise I will post some sound clips this week. I was thinking mostly from the cabin with the windows down, since that is that you're going to be hearing 99% of the time anyway.

**UPDATE 7/1/2015**

Cold start video/soundclip

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Last edited by Liquidpaper; 07-01-2015 at 08:32 PM..
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      06-09-2015, 06:06 PM   #2
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Is that going on a M235i ? If so it wont fit !! I think the flange off the back of the turbo is a different size. hard to tell from the photo but I hope for you sake Im wrong !! Good luck !!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liquidpaper View Post
I just got my Fabspeed catted downpipe from FedEx today. Since my car is in the shop already (Ground Control camber plates snapped a strut), I gave the downpipe to my shop to install. I'll post some soundclip videos once I have it installed.

Initial impressions:

Packaging was top notch, so no risk of damage to the pipe. As you can see from the picture, the pipe itself is top quality. High quality welds (even my mechanic was impressed) and, of course, that sweet, sweet HJS catalytic converter. Funny enough, I've never actually seen a downpipe before, so I didn't really know what to expect.

To be honest, it's a lot smaller (shorter) than I had imagined it being. I had imagined some 2 to 3 foot long length of pipe with cat converters stuffed in it. Turns out it's just this short length of pipe with a 6 inch long cat converter stuffed in.

Anyway, will update once the pipe in installed and I have a drive with it.
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      06-09-2015, 07:39 PM   #3
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I had a second look at the photo !! If this product was sold to fit the EWG version turbo it will be fine .... in the photo tho it looks rather small.

I made the same mistake thats all. just triple check before you go ahead and fit
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      06-09-2015, 07:41 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chaddy74
I had a second look at the photo !! If this product was sold to fit the EWG version turbo it will be fine .... in the photo tho it looks rather small.

I made the same mistake thats all. just triple check before you go ahead and fit
It's the EWG version. Should be fine. Thanks for looking out though!
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      06-09-2015, 07:49 PM   #5
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Cool then it will be fine !!
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Originally Posted by Liquidpaper View Post
It's the EWG version. Should be fine. Thanks for looking out though!
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      06-09-2015, 07:53 PM   #6
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lookin forward to review and video!
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      06-09-2015, 08:28 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chaddy74 View Post
I had a second look at the photo !! If this product was sold to fit the EWG version turbo it will be fine .... in the photo tho it looks rather small.

I made the same mistake thats all. just triple check before you go ahead and fit
It will definitely fit, my car was used for all of the R&D for their products and it fit with no issue at all!
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      06-09-2015, 08:45 PM   #8
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Sweet !! got any back to back data on the gains ?
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Originally Posted by BD_F22 View Post
It will definitely fit, my car was used for all of the R&D for their products and it fit with no issue at all!
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      06-09-2015, 11:02 PM   #9
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Looking forward to the review. Any other mods or just the DP?
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      06-09-2015, 11:29 PM   #10
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OMG can't wait for OP review on performance and sound!!! I am about to order this but have no idea since no one has done any reviews... Way to go OP!!!
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      06-10-2015, 12:31 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G-Mann View Post
Looking forward to the review. Any other mods or just the DP?
Hahaha. Yes. Lots of mods:

MPE
Stainless Pedals
P3 Gauge
Ground Control camber plates
H&R Springs
18x8.5 APEX ARC-8 ET 38 x 4 (255/35 Dunlop Direzza II)
Diffsonline Custom 3 Clutch LSD w/ 3.46 final drive ratio
Custom 6 point harness hookups
Challenge Stainless Brake Lines
Porterfield R4-S Pads
ATE 200 Brake Fluid
Black Kidneys

My next mod will probably be H&R sways and Ground Control adjustable endlinks.
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      06-10-2015, 09:52 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Liquidpaper View Post
It's the EWG version. Should be fine. Thanks for looking out though!
Looking forward to the review Liquidpaper. If anyone has any questions or concerns about our products don't hesitate to contact me!
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      06-10-2015, 10:33 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Liquidpaper View Post
Hahaha. Yes. Lots of mods:

MPE
Stainless Pedals
P3 Gauge
Ground Control camber plates
H&R Springs
18x8.5 APEX ARC-8 ET 38 x 4 (255/35 Dunlop Direzza II)
Diffsonline Custom 3 Clutch LSD w/ 3.46 final drive ratio
Custom 6 point harness hookups
Challenge Stainless Brake Lines
Porterfield R4-S Pads
ATE 200 Brake Fluid
Black Kidneys

My next mod will probably be H&R sways and Ground Control adjustable endlinks.
Nice. I'm very interested in this DP as well and sold my catless.
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      06-11-2015, 01:19 AM   #14
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So these power gains were made on a completely stock car without a tune or any other mods?

http://www.fabspeed.com/bmw-m235i-f2...ceted_search=0

If so, then solid.


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      06-11-2015, 07:44 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by verbs View Post
So these power gains were made on a completely stock car without a tune or any other mods?

http://www.fabspeed.com/bmw-m235i-f2...ceted_search=0

If so, then solid.



Yes the dyno runs were performed on the same car/same day with exhaust components being the only variable. The M235I responded extremely well to exhaust mods!
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      06-11-2015, 12:03 PM   #16
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So, so far the review is comprised of nice packaging and good looking pipe that appears smaller than originally anticipated. Good to know.

How about some driving/sound reviews? I mean I've checked this section like 4 times a day for last 2 days for driving impressions, power gains and if any CEL was thrown.
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      06-11-2015, 12:13 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kdog26372 View Post
So, so far the review is comprised of nice packaging and good looking pipe that appears smaller than originally anticipated. Good to know.

How about some driving/sound reviews? I mean I've checked this section like 4 times a day for last 2 days for driving impressions, power gains and if any CEL was thrown.
I'll post sound clips and my impressions when it gets out of the shop. It's currently in for the install as well as a busted strut due to a faulty camber plate.

Patience is a virtue. So is fully reading the OP.
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      06-11-2015, 01:05 PM   #18
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Just messing with you thanks for any input.
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      06-11-2015, 01:30 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by kdog26372 View Post
Just messing with you thanks for any input.
No worries. I plan on doing a full review when my car is back in one piece.
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      06-11-2015, 03:04 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fabspeed Motorsport View Post
Yes the dyno runs were performed on the same car/same day with exhaust components being the only variable. The M235I responded extremely well to exhaust mods!
The dyno on that graph without your catalytic converter is a completely stock car with no tune or any mods?
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      06-11-2015, 03:39 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by verbs View Post
The dyno on that graph without your catalytic converter is a completely stock car with no tune or any mods?
No tune and no mods. Just a stock M235i.
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      06-11-2015, 03:48 PM   #22
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Do you have a picture of a cutaway view of the HJS cat. I was curious what they looked like. I'm very interested in one of these, they are half price of the Supersprint ones with the same HJS cat .

Are there any guides on getting to the downpipe and replacing it. Am im going to have to torch the bolts free ?
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