exhaust mod advice

[bike&ski]

I have a 99 S (original owner,3rd BMW) and am thinking about exhaust mods. I think I've read all the exhaust threads on this board and have search the web a bit. Here's my conclusions, please correct any errors.
Vanderlinde won't work because of the early build date
Remus will only make added power above 6000
Ztechnik, expect only nice sound not added power
Staintune best build quality, but very lean without chip
Laser, cat replacement a good option, but may add vibes (is this still a problem with a cross bar support)?
Two brothers, cheap cost, but many say you get what you pay for.

I'm leaning toward either a Staintune/induct /chip or cat replacement / induct/ chip. Chip would be either BBPower or FIM for the Staintune(BCM in New Hampshire says they can do the FIM chip)

Any comments would greatly apprieciated. I would rather leave it stock than risk screwing up its sweet character!

[johnnydanger]

I havn't been able to find the FIM chip for purchase in the US. Who's BCM and how can I get ahold of them?

Thanks.

[Eron Flory]

I have a 99S that I purchased May 31st 1999 and a Vanderlinde exhaust and chip that I am quite happy with. I have heard of some problems with certain ECU's but don't know what production dates those fall under. I think I purchased the exhaust and chip Dec. 2000. I don't know if this helps you or only confuses the issue? I hope it helps...

Eron

[jclark]

Another WAY satisfied Vanderlinde owner.


jeff
99S

[Kristian,CO]

I enjoy the 'note' of my staintune. The only downside to the tune(other than price) is that it may 'walk' off of the exhaust hanger posts. I believe there others that will respond in kind but have not.

Kristian

[Oilhead259]

I have Laser cat-eliminator, stock cans, no chip. They have gotten a little louder over 5000 miles. I find it to be a good balance sound of the bike vs. noise. Much of what we hear is induction sound and opening up with freeflow filter ala K&N or SJBMW Superflow plus Lennie's In-Duct or others should be satisfying, without making yer ears bleed on longer trips. I have not experienced any extra vibration w/ Laser, and I always ride w/ full face helmet and ear plugs. $0.02

[Raven]

Two brothers, cheap cost, but many say you get what you pay for.

You don't make new freinds at new places very well, do you?

[alq2]

I vote for Vanderlinde also...

I apologize if someone already referenced this article, but if not, check out this before and after dyno run by Jeff Bloor @ Cycle Max, and the CMG diaries as they race a 1100s.

http://www.cmgonline.com/racing/CMRRG/RaceDiaries/Part3/index.html

Here is an excerpt from the article.....

"Wow, this was looking good! Right from the base point and all the way to redline the power and torque curves (almost) remained above the stock ones. According to Jeff, aftermarket pipes usually sacrifice something, somewhere for a gain up top.

There's a significant gain in torque between 3400 and 4800 rpm (with a slight dip at 3800, but a peak gain of 4 ft.lbs.) and then again from 5200 rpm all the way to redline, where it parallels the standard curve, but with a healthy 3 ft.lbs. increase.

Significantly, the max power gain of 7 hp comes at redline, which means that we can now pretty well rev it out before changing gear, without any noticeable power loss. Peak power is up by 3.2% (to 90.5 hp - for the Squids you understand) and peak torque is up 3.8% (to 68.9 ft.lbs.). Excellent.

We were happy and Jeff was suitably impressed. He's tested a few pipes before and reckons that the pipe is a much cheaper option than you would have to do in motor work, to get the same results.


Go Vanderlinde!

[jclark]

wurd.

[DavidSoine]

I noticed another exhaust option on the BBPower site - remove the cat from the OEM pipe (i.e. cut the cat box apart, remove the cat, and weld back together). Claimed improvement with the BBPower chip.

Anyone tried that?

best,

Dave

[ErricZ]

Who said the Z-Technik doesn't make any additional power? The dynos say it does and so does my arse!

[Joe]

Originally posted by bike&ski

Two brothers, cheap cost, but many say you get what you pay for.

Any comments would greatly apprieciated. I would rather leave it stock than risk screwing up its sweet character!

Who's saying you get what you pay for...... The one's that can't repack their system when it burns out.... or the fugly sausage in the middle guys.... or the guys with the overweight & overpriced two up system that produce less power? All I can tell you 23k mi. no problems yeah I have to repack... minor sacrifice for a lightweight and best looking system IMHO and the sound....BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.........

BTW. if you don't buy it this is what you'll be seeing.

[buckeyeRS]

I like the idea of a Vanderlinde or a Staintune. I'm pretty sure I can do the leg work on the "tune" side, but who you gonna call on the Vanderline?
I have a 1999 and do not have a clue on the build date or the ecu and if I read the posts on this issue I get a little confused.

- There is a chip for early 1999 models
- There's no chip for early 1999 models
- The bike will run fine without the chip
- The bike will not run and the fuel pump will.
- There is a chip but they may not make it any more.

Wow!

So, can someone step forward with a reliable contact for a Vanderlinde system. I'll make the call.

Thanks!

[bike&ski]

Thanks for all the input. First of all sorry to the Two Brothers owners (especially Raven), my choice of words were poor. What I meant was that many people have gravitated to their system based on cost and while most must be happy, looking through the threads the are a number of people that were either disappointed or upset with their system.
Those of you who are running pipes with no chip, how is the mid-range OK or soft?
On the FIM chips BCM motorsports phone # is 603 524 4898, now they don't stock them, but were sure they could order them.
Thanks for the EDGEMOTO tip on the Vanderlinde. It seems they have a supply of "A" chips for the early motronics on an exchange basis.
I too would like to here if any one has modified the cat per BBPowers sugestions.
Thanks again you guys have given me alot to think about. I'm glad I'm not the only one looking for answers!