Exhaust problems and solutions

Post 294671 by RicV50T5 on 2010-03-10 15:39:33

Afternoon all. I recently posted a thread on the technical forums about by flagging boost pressure- I tried all hoses etc, not a hint at what the cause was. Having given my prized possession to a mechanic mate, he ran all diagnostics etc and was fairly certain the inability to hold boost was down to a blocked exhaust somewhere. He rang the local dealer to ask if they had experienced anything similar- no... ...and £500 approx for new system. Any ideas/similar experiences/ideas for a cheaper exhaust!

Post 294680 by t5_monkey on 2010-03-10 16:08:10

How about a custom made stainless steel? £300 to £400 and you can specify the muffle size etc.... Will do wonders for your sound too: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGvPtZRN-2U[/ame] That's a BSR Stainless Steel with the middle box welded out on my S40 T5 - it sounds even fruitier when you get it revved up. I was thinking of getting a straight through pipe custom made - would you be interested in buying my exhaust? (if it fits on the V50) You should be able to a run a high flow Stainless exhaust OK on a standard Map no problems, chipped you might get a small power boost.

Post 294690 by RicV50T5 on 2010-03-10 16:31:51

I had thought about going for a performance kit- I see jetex do a cat-.back system for under £500. Only reservation being I thought I had left my MaxPower days behind me. The Volvo was my way of staying 'standard' but still quicker than most. I take it you have'nt heard of my troubles with anyone else? Off to local dealer next week to confirm the diagnosis!

Post 294691 by RicV50T5 on 2010-03-10 16:32:37

P.S. I see what you mean about the improved sound

Post 294728 by t5_monkey on 2010-03-10 19:09:32

I've not noticed any posts on the forums about blocked exhausts Sounds a bit odd, and perhaps they could whip your exhaust off and take a good look, or just jet blast it with a high pressure water hose to remove any blockage? A sports exhaust really adds to the look - without making you seem chavvie, most non petrol heads think my car is just a flash standard one. The Mods I've put on mine have totally transformed it as a driving experience - I tend to listen to music when i drive, you'll hardly tell the difference noise wise when you're cruising - but you will when you put your foot down (and smile!) You might be as well to just go to a decent independent garage and get them to look at your exhaust, sounds like the main dealer might be pulling your pants down a bit?

Post 294796 by RicV50T5 on 2010-03-10 21:23:05

May well be- however, my mate has his own garage and crew- he was the guy that looked at at it and that was the price quoted to him. He tried his usual makers of OE spec manufacturers- none of them make a V50 T5 system yet. Typical. Cheeky Volvo- although the system is in 2 parts, they list it as 1, so not a lot of choice when buying from them. I think if this is the problem, it is in the box or cat rather than the pipes, so no blasting out! I know what you mean about the 'standard look'- apart from the 17's and f-off tail pipes (not to mention the T5 badge), surprising how many people underestimate the car. I love it, and just as importantly, so does the wife!

Post 294828 by t5_monkey on 2010-03-10 22:14:37

Aw well if you know the guy I'm sure his advice will be good. If your Cat is duff - they are significantly expensive why not invest in a 3" downpipe and sports cat, and a cheeky wee remap to go with that? A cheaper option is a Decat on a 3" pipe - that will be lots cheaper although the MOT will be an issue unless you know a 'friendly' MOT station. If you then get the Bell Intercooler to go along with a 3" downpipe and remap - you're looking at about 280 genuine BHP and your midrange will be brutal. Mine sticks with Subaru STI's no worries up slip roads with those mods on, and hands a Golf GTI it's arse on a plate any day of the week! The difference will blow you away if you go for it - and you'll still have the Q-car factor I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure the twin pipe exhaust is the same on the V50 and S40, try ringing BSR they will be able to tell you, and you could get a custom one made up no worries. [quote=RicV50T5;294796]I know what you mean about the 'standard look'- apart from the 17's and f-off tail pipes (not to mention the T5 badge), surprising how many people underestimate the car. I love it, and just as importantly, so does the wife![/quote] You should see the look on BMW 330 and Z4 drivers faces when they get served when you're debaged and they have no idea what kind of car you have. http://www.bsruk.co.uk/tuningkits.asp?id=818 BSR exhaust fits the V50 That means the other aftermarket ones (EST etc...) will fit too :)