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I'm hoping this review is complete enough for those thinking of upgrading their stock exhaust to an aftermarket unit. In my case, I've decided to go with the Top Gear 911 997.2 Valved mufflers and center delete. Full Disclosure - I am NOT affiliated with Top Gear (Bridport) and paid for the exhaust in full out of my pocket. The total cost of this system was ~$1800 USD (including duties/taxes) plus about $50 in new hardware to replace the snapped bolts etc that is associated with jobs like this. The package from Top Gear arrived in about 3 days after ordering, pretty quick considering it comes from the UK. It was packaged well and arrived in good shape. It is constructed of stainless steel and seems to be of very good quality with nice welds and quality valves. Top Gear states it delivers 15 HP with the valves open and 8 HP with the valves closed. The center delete pipe only states a power increase but does not state the gain. The fitment was very good with no alignment issues whatsoever. The only negative was the new Cat bolts supplied are not the correct size, I'd guess they are 10 mm and should have been 8 mm. Over all I am very pleased with this system and the overall results. It is not "over the top" in sound which is what I wanted. I was looking for more cabin tone and as we all know the 997.2 is lacking, this system delivered exactly what I was looking for. It comes with two remotes to operate the valves although I was able to program two of the Homelink buttons to achieve the same function. The valves are normally open, but can be closed for cold start after ignition is on and before startup. It does NOT come with installation instructions (other than a crude diagram of the vacuum system). I found install instructions from Akropovic were similar enough to get me through, more so for the vacuum tie-in point, the rest in straightforward. Finally I might add that I believe that this system is a re-brand as I have seen a few American/European systems that look identical... for what it's worth.
Hope this helps guys, if you have questions or comments... feel free.
Factory exhaust removed. This tool is your friend!! I pressed out all 6 studs in less than 10 minutes. Top Gear center delete pipe. Center delete pipe installed. A close up of the side can showing the valve and welds. Driver side muffler and center delete pipe installed. Passenger side muffler and center delete pipe installed. Side view. Another close up.
Sounds good, and not bad price for a valued exhaust system, but I have to add it sounds very similar to x pipe and fister/gundo combo (which is much cheaper).
Sounds good, and not bad price for a valued exhaust system, but I have to add it sounds very similar to x pipe and fister/gundo combo (which is much cheaper).
Thanks! I can't comment on the xpipe/Fister. I'm from Canada so I'd have to consider USD Xchange and duty as with my UK purchase. My goal was to have the ability to turn it on our off depending on how spirited I am feeling 😊.
sounds like what I am looking for. What was the duty/tax hit? I am in London. ON
Hey there, glad you like the system. Still love it, great tone especially over 3k. If I remember correctly it was around $2100 CAD including tax and duty. The price on the website is misleading, log in to the site and the prices are reduced. Hope it helps! Taxes and duty were around $350 CAD.
Hey there, glad you like the system. Still love it, great tone especially over 3k. If I remember correctly it was around $2100 CAD including tax and duty. The price on the website is misleading, log in to the site and the prices are reduced. Hope it helps! Taxes and duty were around $350 CAD.
Mike
Thanks for the update Mike. I already have the Top Gear center muffler delete so this might be a good option for me. What other names have you seen similar systems under? The open valve cold start sounds better than factory PSE which I had on a previous car.
How does it sound inside the car with the valves open when you're decelerating? I love the pops and gurgling some exhausts make under decel.
And what is the tool you used to press the cat studs out with? Had a heck of a time with those when I installed the center bypass.
I just came across this valved exhaust on eBay. Under $2k for a valved exhaust plus center delete is a great deal. Sounds good, too, based on the video. I may give this one a shot.
I just came across this valved exhaust on eBay. Under $2k for a valved exhaust plus center delete is a great deal. Sounds good, too, based on the video. I may give this one a shot.
Sounds good, and not bad price for a valued exhaust system, but I have to add it sounds very similar to x pipe and fister/gundo combo (which is much cheaper).
Thanks for the update Mike. I already have the Top Gear center muffler delete so this might be a good option for me. What other names have you seen similar systems under? The open valve cold start sounds better than factory PSE which I had on a previous car.
How does it sound inside the car with the valves open when you're decelerating? I love the pops and gurgling some exhausts make under decel.
And what is the tool you used to press the cat studs out with? Had a heck of a time with those when I installed the center bypass.
Hi Chris, sorry I have not been very responsive, just got back from vacation. As for the pops and burbles... they are there but you have to listen for them... in other words, not that loud. Not sure if this is what you're looking for. The tool I used was a ball joint separator, similar to this -
Sounds good, and not bad price for a valued exhaust system, but I have to add it sounds very similar to x pipe and fister/gundo combo (which is much cheaper).
Yea that is exactly what I was going to say. I have Billy Boat bipass and Fister exhaust and it sounds the same but no ability to turn it off. And it cost a lot less...$1200 installed
The price is actually very similar to your BB//fister system. The cost I stated was in Canadian dollars, so around $1500 US which included taxes and import fees.
I'd happily spend an extra few hundred bucks to have the ability to turn it off and on rather than on all the time 😁
The price is actually very similar to your BB//fister system. The cost I stated was in Canadian dollars, so around $1500 US which included taxes and import fees.
I'd happily spend an extra few hundred bucks to have the ability to turn it off and on rather than on all the time 😁
I installed a set of these mufflers today. They sound great; louder than PSE but with a similar tone. I agree it’s nice to have it quiet when you want it quiet such as on a long trip. I’ll post up a longer review once I get some more time with them and a video but just wanted to say thanks again to @Mike5070 for his post and video.
They've got a good reputation and get great reviews. You make a valid point about pops and bangs as I've seen akot of people assume that this will increase with the new exhaust and sound like a 991 GTS. Without altering the map, you're going to need a keen ear to hear them, or tickle the throttle on overrun to induce it.
Can be heard, but not blatantly obvious.
04-15-2019, 07:52 PM
Another Catback Exhaust Review
