So my car is CAT free! Eventually had the decat done by Noise Boyz after I had a discussion with them and ensured their best welder would tend to the job. They did a pretty good job, turn around time was fast and I got it done for a decent price.
Putting it back together was so much easier than taking it out! Due to the simple fact that the large fat cumbersome Cats weren't in the way any more. Took me about an hour and a half to put both the manifolds back on and torque to spec. FYI - 20N.m
Tip to anyone attempting this: Disconnect the steering column coupler joint, held together with two E11 Torx bolts. It makes life a lot easier. Remember to reassemble and torque back to 22N.m!
And damn these Cats are heavy! Tipping the scales at just over 2Kg's each, so yeah, weight saving :rollsmile:
So, the sound? It's quite amazing. Idle is only ever so slightly deeper and casual stealth cruising is as quiet as usual, just like a gentleman's 4 door sedan. This all changes very quickly as you see that needle climb past 2500RPM. It starts with a combination of E46 M3 raspiness mixed with BMW inline 6 classic roar. As the revs rise, the mix develops slightly more of the classic inline 6 sound, but amplified way beyond what the stock exhaust system ever produced. Keep your foot on the pedal and it just keeps rewarding you with pure inline 6 goodness, with just a hint of E46 M3 high-pitched rasp. I find myself driving with all the windows down at any opportunity.
I have reset adaptations with INPA and will report back as to any perceivable increase in power or engine characteristics. Here's some pics in the meantime:
raise:
