iCarbon N54 downpipe review

mineo77 · 02-22-2011, 09:59 AM

As some of you know I have had and test a few other downpipes. I just got back from install of the new iCarbon N54 DP's. I did a few dyno pulls but dont have my graphs to show

since they are over at HPF.

The pipes I received where the prototype pipes, so they are unfinished without the coating and special process they use for the one on DTMrack and HPautowerks (and soon HPF).

I was very pleased with the construction and welding points on these pipes. We did a very detail inspection prior to install over at HPF and we where all very pleased. Now we all know that there isnt too much that goes into welding downpipes...main concerns are: Quality, fitment, and performance. Out of the box you will be very impressed with the quality of these pipes. After having 3 different downpipes on my car these where by far the best fitment. The O2 bungs where nearly in the perfect location to the OEM and where easily installed. There new gaskets are far above the previous I was using...granted I have had my exhaust on and off many times, but have already gone through 3 sets of other gaskets. I was impressed with these new ones but only time will tell the longevity of them.

Installed they sounded great. No weird rattling or droning (rattle issues are usually install related). My car pulled extremely hard on the dyno and there was no performance loss between the 3 downpipes. Didnt expect to see a change, biggest thing we where looking for was a loss. We didnt have time to install the OEM DP's and compare dyno runs that day. I have older dyno charts with OEM DP's but these are worthless cause the day / temp /etc where different.

Road testing them and they feel great. No performance loss from my butt dyno etc. will be out on the track with them soon. But like I mention, I went from catless DP to catless DP and my main focus was maintained performance, fitment, and quality. They nailed it all.

So why iCarbon? Well for folks in the market for DP's its another option out there. DTMrack, HPautowerks and HPF offer great customer service and deals on the new iCarbon pipes. I am very happy with them and am confident those going that direction will be too.

Available at:

http://www.hpautowerks.com/

http://www.dtmrack.com/

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/

lpphreakx06 · 02-22-2011, 10:07 AM

Good review!

Imperator · 02-22-2011, 10:45 AM

Thanks for the review--I'm happy to read that you had no issues with the installation and the pipes fit well. I've got a set of titanium reconstructed and thermal coated ones on the way. Sometime in March I hope to install and compare gains from the stock pipes while using the Cobb tune on my car.

cincy335i · 02-22-2011, 10:59 AM

Do you know when these will be available and prices (for the downpipes and thermal coating)?

Thanks...great review.

mineo77 · 02-22-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincy335i

Do you know when these will be available and prices (for the downpipes and thermal coating)?

Thanks...great review.

I know they are available now from what I have been told. I would send DTMrack or Harold a PM. I noticed they where not listed on the website but they should be able to get them now with thermal coating.

Tarthuss · 02-22-2011, 07:37 PM

Good review! I have a set of SM-55's on the way! Can't wait!

Ryan Mills · 02-22-2011, 08:45 PM

I would really like to see a picture of the inside, if you have them. I emailed dtmrack, I just want something new, different than the garbage that I picked up yesterday. Check 'em out!

What other downpipes have you had in the past to compare these (the iCarbon) to? Thanks!

Also I want to make it clear that the picture that I posted are NOT the iCarbon downpipes, they are RACELAND

135i · 02-22-2011, 08:55 PM

my thermal coated icarbons are being shipped. review to follow

wren57 · 02-22-2011, 09:18 PM

What other downpipes have you had? Any fitment differences between the sets?

creaminz · 02-22-2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Mills

I would really like to see a picture of the inside, if you have them. I emailed dtmrack, I just want something new, different than the garbage that I picked up yesterday. Check 'em out!

What other downpipes have you had in the past to compare these (the iCarbon) to? Thanks!

Also I want to make it clear that the picture that I posted are NOT the iCarbon downpipes.

Is that iCarbon!? Mine didn't look anything like that. It was sooo smooth in and out.

BMW1986 · 02-22-2011, 09:27 PM

Word! that doesn't look good at all!

Ryan Mills · 02-22-2011, 09:34 PM

Not iCarbon!!! I don't want to give them a bad name. They're a set of racelands that I was hoping would be a decent cheap set, but they don't even fit well enough not to leak at the vband connection. I guess the Raceland pipes are a hit or miss, and these missed -bad. I'm looking into the iCarbon to replace these.

Mikey_Bo0sts · 02-22-2011, 11:22 PM

lol damn

DTMrack.com · 02-23-2011, 08:35 AM

WHOA WHOA WHOA!!! TO BE CLEAR, THOSE DOWNPIPES POSTED BY RYAN MILLS ARE NOT iCARBON!!!

Ryan Mills · 02-23-2011, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTMrack.com

WHOA WHOA WHOA!!! TO BE CLEAR, THOSE DOWNPIPES POSTED BY RYAN MILLS ARE NOT iCARBON!!!

Yes, what he said. I thought I made it clear, but if not -that sure did!

So, any pricing info on the set for the N54?

michael1284 · 02-23-2011, 08:40 AM

wait...so were those crappy ones that ryan posted the icarbon?

jk

icarbon looks good though! i'm jelly...

DTMrack.com · 02-23-2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Mills

Yes, what he said. I thought I made it clear, but if not -that sure did!

So, any pricing info on the set for the N54?

lol.

Forum member pricing for the iCarbon SM-54 DPs for the N54 right now is $679.00 shipped WITH TBGR included.

Imperator · 02-23-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTMrack.com

lol.

Forum member pricing for the iCarbon SM-54 DPs for the N54 right now is $679.00 shipped WITH TBGR included.

Hey now, I thought I got the last set?!

J/K... stellar deal and I can't wait to get these in. I'll take some pics before they go on.

DTMrack.com · 02-25-2011, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imperator

Hey now, I thought I got the last set?!

J/K... stellar deal and I can't wait to get these in. I'll take some pics before they go on.

Oh you know you did

mineo77 · 02-25-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wren57

What other downpipes have you had? Any fitment differences between the sets?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Mills

I would really like to see a picture of the inside, if you have them.

What other downpipes have you had in the past to compare these (the iCarbon) to? Thanks!

Also I want to make it clear that the picture that I posted are NOT the iCarbon downpipes, they are RACELAND

I unfortunately didnt get a pic of the inside, but is is perfectly smooth!

I have used AR design and Macht Schnell DP's. Gotta say the gaskets with the iCarbon pipes look more solid the my other sets (3 so far) I have gone through..but thats cause we keep using my car for testing products so time will tell about my new gaskets!

These are solid pipes and have been extremely happy with them!

OneThreeFive · 02-27-2011, 08:33 PM

Got my iCarbon pipes this weekend. Figured I would snap a few photos and post em for anyone curious to see the thermal coated pipes.

Imperator · 02-27-2011, 09:05 PM

Hmm, that's not exactly what I expected to see from the GB announcement thread. I don't care so much as it's functional and will see road grime but the pre-production pictures looked so nice with the titanium finish and stenciled logo.

02-22-2011, 09:59 AM	#1
mineo77 Lieutenant Colonel 125 Rep 1,925 Posts Drives: 2010 135i,1989 PRO3,2001 530i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Portland,OR iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 135i coupe [7.56]	iCarbon N54 downpipe review As some of you know I have had and test a few other downpipes. I just got back from install of the new iCarbon N54 DP's. I did a few dyno pulls but dont have my graphs to show since they are over at HPF. The pipes I received where the prototype pipes, so they are unfinished without the coating and special process they use for the one on DTMrack and HPautowerks (and soon HPF). I was very pleased with the construction and welding points on these pipes. We did a very detail inspection prior to install over at HPF and we where all very pleased. Now we all know that there isnt too much that goes into welding downpipes...main concerns are: Quality, fitment, and performance. Out of the box you will be very impressed with the quality of these pipes. After having 3 different downpipes on my car these where by far the best fitment. The O2 bungs where nearly in the perfect location to the OEM and where easily installed. There new gaskets are far above the previous I was using...granted I have had my exhaust on and off many times, but have already gone through 3 sets of other gaskets. I was impressed with these new ones but only time will tell the longevity of them. Installed they sounded great. No weird rattling or droning (rattle issues are usually install related). My car pulled extremely hard on the dyno and there was no performance loss between the 3 downpipes. Didnt expect to see a change, biggest thing we where looking for was a loss. We didnt have time to install the OEM DP's and compare dyno runs that day. I have older dyno charts with OEM DP's but these are worthless cause the day / temp /etc where different. Road testing them and they feel great. No performance loss from my butt dyno etc. will be out on the track with them soon. But like I mention, I went from catless DP to catless DP and my main focus was maintained performance, fitment, and quality. They nailed it all. So why iCarbon? Well for folks in the market for DP's its another option out there. DTMrack, HPautowerks and HPF offer great customer service and deals on the new iCarbon pipes. I am very happy with them and am confident those going that direction will be too. Available at: http://www.hpautowerks.com/ http://www.dtmrack.com/ http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/ __________________ 135i coupe  6MT  TiAg  ///M sport http://www.rhominnovations.com www.musicarNW.com www.unitedBMWonline.com Last edited by mineo77; 02-22-2011 at 10:15 AM..
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02-22-2011, 10:07 AM	#2
lpphreakx06 Professional Moose Racer 316 Rep 7,509 Posts Drives: SG 335i E92 RIP + 2015 SS M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (25)	Good review! __________________ Visit my blog anytime: http://www.sfpayments.com BMW Dream Team PNW Chapter, member #1 \|HP Autowerks \| AR DESIGN \| BMW PERFORMANCE \| STOP TECH \| Volk Racing\| AMS \| ARKYM
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02-22-2011, 10:45 AM	#3
Imperator Major 54 Rep 1,175 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Plano, Texas iTrader: (8)	Thanks for the review--I'm happy to read that you had no issues with the installation and the pipes fit well. I've got a set of titanium reconstructed and thermal coated ones on the way. Sometime in March I hope to install and compare gains from the stock pipes while using the Cobb tune on my car.
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02-22-2011, 10:59 AM	#4
cincy335i Lieutenant 77 Rep 418 Posts Drives: '08 Black Saph 335i coupe 6mt Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Do you know when these will be available and prices (for the downpipes and thermal coating)? Thanks...great review. __________________ Performance \|PROcede V5\|Stett CAI\|UUC/Corsa Exhaust\|AA Intercooler\|RPI Scoops\|Stett Charge Pipe w/Forge DV's\|UUC Evo3 SSK/DSSR\|Mod CDV Style \|Aero Lip\|Aero rear\|Aero Spoiler\|M-Tech Side Skirts\|Black Calipers\|Black Grille\|Black Shadow emblem\|Black Vinyl Wrapped Window Trim\|35%Tint\|Tinted Tails\|Style 230 19"rims\|Lux H8'sTech \|Nav\|Cold Weather\|Premium\|Comfort Access\|Sport\|
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02-22-2011, 07:37 PM	#6
Tarthuss Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 262 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Good review! I have a set of SM-55's on the way! Can't wait!
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02-22-2011, 08:45 PM	#7
Ryan Mills Enlisted Member 2 Rep 36 Posts Drives: E90 335i Manual Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Mechanicsville, VA iTrader: (1)	I would really like to see a picture of the inside, if you have them. I emailed dtmrack, I just want something new, different than the garbage that I picked up yesterday. Check 'em out! What other downpipes have you had in the past to compare these (the iCarbon) to? Thanks! Also I want to make it clear that the picture that I posted are NOT the iCarbon downpipes, they are RACELAND Last edited by Ryan Mills; 02-23-2011 at 08:42 AM..
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02-22-2011, 08:55 PM	#8
135i Cobb Stage 2+/ICarbon/HPF/Stett 40 Rep 488 Posts Drives: E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Deep in the Heart iTrader: (0)	my thermal coated icarbons are being shipped. review to follow
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02-22-2011, 09:18 PM	#9
wren57 Roll Tide 591 Rep 2,345 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St Louis iTrader: (10)	What other downpipes have you had? Any fitment differences between the sets? __________________ Fix your broken/stripped cowl bolts with this elegant brass solution! http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=20230306
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02-22-2011, 09:27 PM	#11
BMW1986 Major 92 Rep 1,465 Posts Drives: 11 M3 E92 ZCP JB/PS & BLK Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (7)	Word! that doesn't look good at all! __________________ 11 E92 M3 DCT Jerez Black ZCP...Eisenmann, Dinan, Fabspeed, IND, LUX
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02-22-2011, 09:34 PM	#12
Ryan Mills Enlisted Member 2 Rep 36 Posts Drives: E90 335i Manual Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Mechanicsville, VA iTrader: (1)	Not iCarbon!!! I don't want to give them a bad name. They're a set of racelands that I was hoping would be a decent cheap set, but they don't even fit well enough not to leak at the vband connection. I guess the Raceland pipes are a hit or miss, and these missed -bad. I'm looking into the iCarbon to replace these.
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02-22-2011, 11:22 PM	#13
Mikey_Bo0sts Banned 8 Rep 494 Posts Drives: 335i M Pack Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Far Far Away, BKlyn NY =D iTrader: (0)	lol damn
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02-23-2011, 08:35 AM	#14
DTMrack.com Major 84 Rep 1,256 Posts Drives: BMW M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (5)	WHOA WHOA WHOA!!! TO BE CLEAR, THOSE DOWNPIPES POSTED BY RYAN MILLS ARE NOT iCARBON!!!
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02-23-2011, 08:40 AM	#16
michael1284 Colonel 219 Rep 2,634 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: DFW iTrader: (44)	wait...so were those crappy ones that ryan posted the icarbon? jk icarbon looks good though! i'm jelly... __________________ e92, e90, f30 #DieselLife, e46, f80
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02-27-2011, 08:33 PM	#21
OneThreeFive Lieutenant 42 Rep 596 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: NoVA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 \| SOLD [10.00] 1999 BMW M3 \| SOLD [0.00] 2009 BMW 135i \| SOLD [10.00]	Got my iCarbon pipes this weekend. Figured I would snap a few photos and post em for anyone curious to see the thermal coated pipes. Attached Images
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02-27-2011, 09:05 PM	#22
Imperator Major 54 Rep 1,175 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Plano, Texas iTrader: (8)	Hmm, that's not exactly what I expected to see from the GB announcement thread. I don't care so much as it's functional and will see road grime but the pre-production pictures looked so nice with the titanium finish and stenciled logo.
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