easy888

Ok, so I'm sure I'll get some high brows on this one, but hear me out.

I'm not promoting any one brand and came into this totally unbiased.

As you may know I have poked around on the topic of IPE exhaust for the GT3 for a little while. It was probably one of the top 3 considerations among GMG and Akra. However I don't have anyone near me that has either of those setups to sample in person, so the best I had were YouTube videos. Yet the only system that sounded (to me anyways) dramatically different was the IPE. From the YouTube videos the Akra and GMG sounded pretty much like louder versions of our OEM exhaust, while the IPE system altered the sound a little more, towards an F1 pitch.

About 2 weeks ago, an opportunity came up and I was able to secure a used IPE system (headers, exhaust) at an extremely attractive price. Such to say that if I didn't like it I could easily offload it without taking a hit. So what's the harm?

Well the only thing bothering me was the dyno we've seen posted on the interweb from IPE themselves. I went as far as to ask them what that was all about. Their response was that they accidentally fiddled with the valves during the dyno and hence the dip. They admitted they know of this complaint and have said they'll try to get another dyno sheet up soon. I won't hold my breath, but the onus is on them.

So with that said, the price point this thing was offered to me was a no brainer.

Here's the install:



And here's a sound clip (only reached 5500~6K RPM in 3rd since this was public street):


So here are some things to note. The dip that's shown in the dyno isn't there. I was paying careful attention to the RPM range between 3K~4K and noticed absolutely nothing that hindered or negatively altered the performance. If anything it felt like the car opened up more and revs a little quicker throughout the entire range.

At first I thought the sound was loud, but I think we all get used to it at some point and I've reached it. I don't track so the loudness isn't an issue for me. If anything I set out to look for a system that would help add a little more emotion to the drive, much like how everyone says part of the allure of the passion of Ferrari's are the sounds those cars make. Granted if this thing had any power loss or made the car drive worse than stock, I would have pulled this thing right off. I can with confidence say that I love the setup and will be keeping it on.

I'd also want to address the quality of the system. I looked it over and couldn't find anything that raised any flags. Sure its not made of titanium but it's still nicely constructed. Put it this way, you couldn't say this thing was worse than a Capristo system which I had on my 360 back in the day. If you didn't know it was an IPE product, you may even be more accepting of it (that is if you had something against the brand to begin with). Install went well and took about 2 hours.

The sound? Well unless you hear it in person you really can't get the full effect. It does have a higher F1 pitch sound akin to a Ferrari. And it's not like the synthetic Ferrari high pitch sound like the complaints have been on the 458, but more of a raw organic pitch like the Stradale and 355. It's already gotten a lot of thumbs up. I have an S-Line exhaust on my Scud and quite honestly I'd say the IPE system sound just as loud/pitched if not even a little more.

Anyway, wanted to share with the community.

easy888

delete

kyrocks

Thank you for the information

karimgt3

Must admit that it sounds insane..

SMGT3

Great write up. Sounds great, did you do the install yourself.

easy888

Thanks. The install took a buddy and myself. Very straight forward. Just have to remove the pan beneathe, bumper can stay in place.

Macca

Great write up, nicely balance POV and sincerely written. System sounds wicked. If I didnt have to pass sound checks on two of the 8 tracks I use here and I could find a cheap deal on a used one of these Id be installing one too!

Great work and thanks for the feedback.

bigkraig

Looks like you're local. Any chance you're going to the Malibu C&C on 11/15?

TurboDogue

Any drone issues? Have to say your vid is making me consider Thanks for post

Money2536

Thank you for doing this! It does sound insane.

easy888

Sorry I won't be able to make that event. But if you ever make it down to the Redondo Beach area, PM me.

Surprisingly no droning sound. That was also something I'm sensitive to. The Capristo system I had on the 360 back in the day (Level 3) had a bit of droning in the lower RPM range. But you lived with it because the top end pitch was glorious.

Now the only thing that may bother you (and I know it does for Money2536) is that the valves still do open. In other words you will still get that distinguishable change in tone once you pass 3500 RPM when the valves open. For me however it doesn't bother.

No worries. Hard to take credit compared to what you've done with all the setup reviews. Glad you kept your GT3.

16'991GT3

Love how the alarm for another car went off

easy888

Here's a comparison video of my Scud with S-Line exhaust and Capristo headers. You be the judge:

RossL

I miss my Scud

And the Ferrari sounds better.

easy888

I bet. The Scud is an unforgettable experience. I have absolutely no plans to get rid of mine. If anything I'll just pass it down.

Regarding the sound, I'm slightly more inclined to say the IPE/GT3 sounds better at the top end. When you get into the high RPM range (starting at 5K), the IPE has a higher F1 pitch. Even more than the Scud. Not to mention the Scuds redline is at 8500 RPM. The extra 500 RPM.....get earplugs.