I was thinking about how to install one cutout on a duel exhaust system. Could install a V shaped pipe between the two exhaust pipes and then install the cutout at the base of the V. That would be a straighter flow and might even help with extraction. However, if sound is the primary goal note that an X pipe raises the pitch while an H pipe lowers the tone. I suspect you would like a lower tone and an H pipe would allow for very easy cutout installation.

It definitely depends on what ones primary goal to leak exhaust is.

If I were going to leak my exhaust on a naturally aspirated M54, I would want both banks to vent. Also, I would highly recommend a Afe cold air intake as well, and a shark tune for the appropriate fuel octane rating.

Now for the venting. Once the tune is installed, I would figure out when my DISA actuates. If my memory serves me, it’s a bit past 4000 rpm on an M54. When the valve changes position to shorten the runners, bam! That’s when I would open the valves and run it all the way to redline! Or if on a highway, drop a gear, open the valves, punch it and make a pass.

For sound only, I could be wrong, but I would think a custom exhaust would be a better suit.

For forced induction, I would vent constantly at all RPM ranges when getting on it (Carving Canyons). It has been in my experience the more flow the better. However, I’m sure the power band would be affected, and shift points may need to be adjusted accordingly.

So would you say for sound, a cutout isn’t worth it on the stock exhaust? I’m trying to figure out if it will be worth the money to get the cutouts or if I should wait until I get a full exhaust. From what I understand though, nothing is stopping anyone from just cutting it off and throwing it onto a different exhaust system given that they have a similar diameter. Also what size would suit best from ECS’s website for the default 2.25in pipe?

I thought about the dimensions.

A V-Pipe with a single 3” cutout as close to the flanges as possible would be beneficial to a M54. Basically you are running uncorked at the press of a button, while balancing bank pressure, and while relieving pressure.

I like this formula, I would run this setup. I would do this before I would put headers and delete the cats.

Less back pressure is beneficial at all RPMs. In addition, they don't snap open they take several seconds.

If goal is only better sound I would either cut the resonator off and replace it with exhaust pipe or go to a low restriction mufflers. A muffler shop could do either in a short amount of time. No need to go to larger diameter pipe. I would contact ECS to be sure you get the right size.

So I had a thought. We were talking about X and Y pipes. There is that long but skinny middle muffler with two input pipes and two output pipes. Would it have a good impact on sound if I were to swap an X Pipe in place of that muffler but leave the rear ones?


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That's the resonator. Will definitely change the sound. That thing quiet the exhaust a lot. I have mine bypassed with an electric cutout. But mine is a 4.8 and I don't know the sound change in an m54.

One way to find out. :rofl::stickpoke

I have the stock exhaust system but the resonators have been replaced with straight sections.