As per Matt's request, the following is my review of the ERT prototype DP:

First off, right away you can tell that the piping is a higher caliber metal. When compared to the stock piping, it seems more solid, thicker, and the bends are smoother. In many way, the piping exceeds the quality of the Pacesetter. The welds on this particular prototype were functional, but alas this was still a prototype and (and told to me before I received it) that the final production version would have clean welds.

Next, as far as the install goes, went much easier than the stock one piece DP (mine is a welded DP combining the HRC DP and the stocker). Since there are two pieces to the ERT DP, you simply install the top section which bolts to the turbo first, and then, via a second flange, bolt the second piece next that eventually mates to the cat. And as had been relayed to before, the ominous third bolt on the underside of the turbine flange was MUCH easier to bolt on (and later bolt off). You still have to bolt, alternatly push, and then bolt again, but it's much, much easier. There is one fitament issue with this top section in how close it comes to the water pipe (that's under the exhaust manifold) that parallels the block. Due to the closeness of the DP to the aforementioned water pipe, that creates a problem in terms of fabricating a bracket to mate the DP to the bracket situated next to the tranny. This fitament issue is really only related to one portion of the DP and once it's resolved, I think this DP is definitely ready to go. Asides from the above issue, the fitament and channel to the cat is terrific. It totally eliminates a large S-curve that's present in the stock DP (under the car) that's very noticeable as a slow down in exhaust velocity.

In the model that was sent to me, the O2 sensor bung was placed almost in the same spot as the stock O2 sensor, but perhaps an inch lower to avoid the flange mating the top and bottom sections. I have since recommended having the O2 sensor placed in the upper section to avoid any issues with a possible bad bottoming-out incident in a lowered vehicle. Moreover, that placement would closely resemble the 4g63 placement of their O2 sensor, thereby placing the common label on the upper DP portion of the "O2 housing." One side note, having this upper section at a necessary 2.5" and also housing your O2 sensor and the complicated bend avoiding your A/C lines, oil check line while still mating to your turbo obviates possibilities in differing the size for the lower portion of the DP to a larger size, if desired.

As far as performance, I knew what to expect. Having friends upgrade their own 4g63 DP's to 2.5" and also from reading all of the popular import mags, I knew the car was going to get an added kick in terms of HP and spool up quickness. After driving around with it for a couple of days, it certainly did substantiate those claims. Since I've varied my boost a couple of times, it felt like an "up" in boost from anywhere from 1 to 3 psi, so I figure a conservative 10-25 HP was added from using the DP by itself. However, I'm not a dyno, so I don't want to inflate these figures. It might even be more depinding on mow much HP you're running. I figure it's better in terms of this review to be conservative and reasonable.

The spool up quickness IMO, is the better and more noticeable improvement. This jumped out at me on how much quicker the car spooled up. It must have quickened anywhere from 300-600 RPM's. This was a definite plus. I think this attribute, by itself, would make anyone want to jump for this DP. Moreover, I noticed absolutely no loss off-boost in torque either.

I was definitely sad the other day to put the stocker back on. However, I didn't want to hurt anything with the one fitament issue of the DP.

One last note, The DP mated up perfectly with the stock cat with its larger universal 2.5" flange to the 2 inch flange cat. However, taking a gander of my full exhaust with the larger 2.5" DP, the 2" cat, and then the 2.5" catback, really, really made my cat look something more akin to a plug rather than part of a free-flowing exhaust.

Make sure and do something to that cat at the same time.

That's about all I have. If ERT can do a good job of resolving the fitament issue, I think this is a REAL must-have mod. And believe me, since this involves that difficult upper S-bend by the turbo, this is no easy job for any muffler man. Certainly not a cheapo easy replacement. I can't imagine anyone else getting that whole in 2.5" that little spot.

I think this more pertains to the HRC owners but how do you feel this will work out for the Star guys? I've now had two problems with my Star DP which involved relocating the O2 b/c it hit the A/C compressor and fitment to the cat was a tad off which made it a nightmare to get it aligned to the turbo. I believe that we recieve the 2.5" DP instead of what the HRC kit came with. So I guess what I'm asking is: Would this be worth the cash for Star owners?

"One last note, The DP mated up perfectly with the stock cat with its larger universal 2.5" flange to the 2 inch flange cat. However, taking a gander of my full exhaust with the larger 2.5" DP, the 2" cat, and then the 2.5" catback, really, really made my cat look something more akin to a plug rather than part of a free-flowing exhaust."



I got one thing to say to that Jason........TESTPIPE!!!!! :7

Also, what's the projcted price range of these things???

>I think this more pertains to the HRC owners but how do you
>feel this will work out for the Star guys? I've now had two
>problems with my Star DP which involved relocating the O2
>b/c it hit the A/C compressor and fitment to the cat was a
>tad off which made it a nightmare to get it aligned to the
>turbo. I believe that we recieve the 2.5" DP instead of what
>the HRC kit came with. So I guess what I'm asking is: Would
>this be worth the cash for Star owners?

Eric
We have thought about doing a Star dp, if we can generate enough intrest, it is something we will definately persue. We are aware of the current problems with the Star dp. I take it that you have the Star kit. If you have pics of the kit, I'd be interested in seeing them.

RobotechDSM
Price has yet to be determined. When we do release the final version, we will be doing an initial group buy. Bolt up high flow cats will also be discounted if purchased with the dp.


Thanks
Matt
Exile Racing Technologies, Inc.

I'd be glad to send pics. I plan to have it out in the week or next. I'll take pics and show you how it had to be moddified. I have one of the first kits sold by Wyatt and my problems may have been resolved since, but I'm still stuck with this one and would like to ask for a new one for X-mas if it could be done. It's a shame we can't get 3" to fit, b/c you guys would be rolling in money!

I want one.....drool running down my face......
hehe
lates
james

i have been waitting for the review on this dp.. i hope they fix this little problem soon....cant wait ..hehe




Michael 99gs
HRC Stage 2
http://www.dreamwater.net/purplebeast

That's disgusting James....:P

I'm in for one as well. Just say the word....group buy.

James, and Mike, you want to get it shiopped to the same place so that shipping might be cheaper?

hey dude, i doubt it will be cheaper or not by that much.. but if so i would assume james would agree with me here.. have all 3 dp's shipped to you, you pay for all 3, deliver the 2 dp to us? and we will pay you for it when you deliver them? sound good?.. oh yah a side note, once you put the 2 dp's in your car for delivery you got 28mins to deliver it to us from your house if your any later you got to pay for the 2dp's...hehe when is dan going to install his engine back? if im free wanna give a helping hand if so...



Michael 99gs
HRC Stage 2
http://www.dreamwater.net/purplebeast

hahahahahaha.

Not sure when dan is goign to get his car done. I told him to email me to give me an update.

He's been out of a car for 3+ months now.

BTW,
I just want to say thanks to Jason again for his dedication and time on this project :) It has been a pleasure and we look forward to doing more with him in the future.

I'm down for a Star DP.But really though,Isn't there someone good enought to fabricate a 3" DP somehow?

>I'm down for a Star DP.But really though,Isn't there someone
>good enought to fabricate a 3" DP somehow?


....thanks lol
Sure we are "good enough" to do it, it just makes it hard for those who are lowered. If you have ever seen the size of a 3" flex section, you'd see why. The flex body is almost 4.5" across and hangs down off the car almost 2-3" lower than the crossmember. I wouldn't feel comfortable putting that on anyone's car, or just leaving it out as Star has.
We cannot create a downpipe from pictures, we would much rather have a local car from or near Chicago come up and let us poke around for a day. Looking at engine bay shots, you guys have more room up top to do it with than the Hahn people. Only hurdle is the flex section and the cat. You will have to replace the cat to run a 3" downpipe, no way around it. Now, I have heard that the star DP is 2.5" and I have also heard that it is 2.75" anyone know the EXACT size? Also, if we did a downpipe, it would also include a dumpe tube connection for the deltagate discharge. No more atmospheric dumping. As for other quirks and problems with the current design, Matt will be picking some brains around here to get a better idea on what needs to be fixed and how we'll do it. If you know something off the top of your head, email matt at matt@teamert.com


Here's what's needed to get the ball rolling:
First, we need pictures of the current setup. Donpipe shots from above and below.
Next, we need a list of problems with the current pipe and what you'd like changed. We'll try and work in as many as we can to make the best pipe for everyone.
Then, we'll need a donor car. Someone to spend the day with us and allow ERT to build the prototype on the car.
After that, we'll need someone to test and review the system. Could be the person we build it on, but now we are spoiled thanks to Jason and we need someone with hands on knowledge of their system and a firm grasp of mechanics.
Once we get all that, we can put them on your doorsteps.

I have a Hahn setup, and I had my buddy weld me up a 3'' downpipe, 3'' flex section, and delete the cat for 150 bucks... not some snazzy chrome looking beast... but good mandrel bends... I am lowered with Eibach pro kit springs... so i am not slammed to the ground, but I dont scrape... unless its a crazy gutter entrance or something.

But does your oil pan fit back on ;)

I got star and I want one too!!!

make that 27 1/2 minutes
hehe
lates
homies
james

I'm in for a downpipe too :) I can put it on the garage floor like everything else. I'm suprised the turbo hasn't started to rust hehe.

You know I'm having so much fun in this 1.8 beater... what's another month or two? lol... Nah, we'll put my shit together soon... I'm at work right now. it sux.