If only one, Downpipe or Exhaust first?

[iso100]

I'm about to pull the trigger on CP-E's full system but the price is pretty steep to get both at the same time *and* installed ($~1700).

If you were to only do either the downpipe or exhaust but not both, which would you choose and why?

I'm leaning towards DP first as it will should a noticeable improvement in power and responsiveness of the turbo spool.

Thoughts?

Exhaust:
http://cp-e.com/webstore/product/ford-fiesta-st-nexus-3-cat-back-exhaust/

Downpipe:
http://cp-e.com/webstore/product/ford-fiesta-st-qkspl-downpipe/

 

[airjor13]

If you want nice power and response, an aftermarket DP mated to the stock exhaust if great and it keeps a bit of stealth.

Plenty of nice and very reasonably priced DP options like 2JR or ATP.

If you decide to go full-exhaust down the road, the 2JR will mate to 2.5 or 3 inch turbo back.

 

[CanadianST]

I agree with airjor13 if you're after power get the downpipe, exhaust is pretty much just for the sound.

One thing I've run into on a previous car though is that the stock exhaust can't handle much more flow than what it's given with stock parts. I installed headers and a catless y pipe on the previous rig and in a few months my mufflers made the most ridiculous sound, like they were being torn apart at anything over 3000rpm. It got progressively worse until I finally bought a catback, it's been fine ever since.

 

[Hijinx]

Another hand raised for DP, here. But are you sure you want CP-E?

 

[iso100]

My main reason for looking at the CP-E is because they're literally a 20 minute drive from me and will do the install right there. I also get a lifetime warranty and if any issues, again it's only 20 minutes away.

I noticed the ATP doesn't have a cat and necks down to 2.5" at the outlet.

The 2JR seems nice enough, but the ultimate workmanship on the CP-E product seems better.

Is there something I should know (negative) about CP-E's products? I'm new to the Ford/Fiesta scene (my car only has 1700 miles) so I don't know if there's a back story here. The biggest plusses for me (despite the increased cost) are the lifetime warranty, proximity to my house and the fact that they'll do the install.

 

[airjor13]

My main reason for looking at the CP-E is because they're literally a 20 minute drive from me and will do the install right there. I also get a lifetime warranty and if any issues, again it's only 20 minutes away.

I noticed the ATP doesn't have a cat and necks down to 2.5" at the outlet.

The 2JR seems nice enough, but the ultimate workmanship on the CP-E product seems better.

Is there something I should know (negative) about CP-E's products? I'm new to the Ford/Fiesta scene (my car only has 1700 miles) so I don't know if there's a back story here. The biggest plusses for me (despite the increased cost) are the lifetime warranty, proximity to my house and the fact that they'll do the install.

If you run the CP-e DP matted to the stock exhaust, you will have to run a space down gasket to take it from 3 in to 2.5 in, I don't think they have a specific cut for the stock diameter.

The 2JR necks down to 2.5 also to mate with any 2.5 exhaust. The quality of the 2JR is really good to me, I have about 2000 miles on my 2JR catless DP with no issues what so ever, the welds are super beefy and the fit is spot on.

CP-e parts are really nice, I like the coating and high quality, the extra support bracket is nice too. If they can do an install for you even better! But you can't go wrong with the 2JR DP, and its much cheaper too.

Seems like you are not too far away from CP-e in Maryland, I am in VA but if you every decide to tackle the DP install yourself, I don't mind lending a hand for some beers

 

[Hijinx]

My main reason for looking at the CP-E is because they're literally a 20 minute drive from me and will do the install right there. I also get a lifetime warranty and if any issues, again it's only 20 minutes away.

I noticed the ATP doesn't have a cat and necks down to 2.5" at the outlet.

The 2JR seems nice enough, but the ultimate workmanship on the CP-E product seems better.

Is there something I should know (negative) about CP-E's products? I'm new to the Ford/Fiesta scene (my car only has 1700 miles) so I don't know if there's a back story here. The biggest plusses for me (despite the increased cost) are the lifetime warranty, proximity to my house and the fact that they'll do the install.

In the event that there is a problem, CP-e (in the past), has been reluctant to correct said issues. Ex. Their CAI box for the Genesis Coupe rubs into the engine bay creating a hole. Many customers have had the problem, and CP-e wholly denies it to this day (in my knowledge), even with pictures provided. I'm not trying to blow it out of proportion, because aside from that there's been no problems (again to my knowledge). Just like with anything else...be cautious with your purchases.

 

[BlueBomber]

downpipe.

ATP, MillTek, 2JR and when it comes out, Cobb downpipes will all be fine choices and yield actual gains whereas a catback will just make you louder.

haven't dealt with CP-e personally so can't comment one way or another

 

[Sourskittle]

Downpipe FOR SURE. Stock catback isn't bad at all.

 

[iso100]

@airjor13 I appreciate the offer! It's cool you're at least reasonably close by. Do you have a garage?

I'll likely still have them do the install (they've since offered to reduce the install fee if I do both the DP and exhaust... hmm) because I think it'll be that much easier to get warranty claims handled if they installed their own parts. I'm hoping I'll never have to worry about that.

@hijinx I'm hoping that since I'm local I won't have such issues. Thanks for the data point... it's good to see all sides especially when modifying a car with under 2000 miles (WTF am I thinking?).

Thanks for the input everyone. I need to get Ford to diagnose and replace/repair my transmission before I take it in for these kinds of mods. Just uninstalled the AP in preparation for my service appointment at 10am tomorrow. Hope they don't try to wriggle out of this...

 

[Hijinx]

Hey OP, I had my Cobb AP tune, Mountune Silicone intake pipe, Mountune filter and DP on at 700 miles. We're all mad here.

 

[iso100]

Hey OP, I had my Cobb AP tune, Mountune Silicone intake pipe, Mountune filter and DP on at 700 miles. We're all mad here.

I had my AP in hand before I even finished break-in. Installed it at about 900 miles because I couldn't wait any longer.

 

[CanadianST]

I had my AP in hand before I even finished break-in. Installed it at about 900 miles because I couldn't wait any longer.

Do I win anything for having my AP and Injen intake before my car even got here haha. I've never owned a car that I didn't add at least a few mods to

 

[iso100]

I think you do!