After a few months of searching the forums and listening to many different exhaust systems in person, I finally decided on Europipe Stage 2 exhaust for my 2008 997.1 TT.

Two weeks to build, three days from Stef to my door (Minnesota) for shipping (amazing), and a few days at Imola Motorsports in Minneapolis (sways, springs, underdrive pulley also were installed) for installation.

I put 700 miles on over the weekend "breaking in" in the exhaust, and getting a feel for the new stance - so here are my impressions:

1. I know it has been said many times on 6speed, however, I'll say it once again; nothing on the web (videos, sound bites) does this exhaust justice. Nothing, period. And unless you hear this exhaust in person, next to other exhaust brands, you will not get a true picture on how refined this system sounds. It is truly above anything I have heard (for me, anyway, as I know exhaust note is extremely personal).

2. The sound in the cabin is not nearly as loud as I was expecting. I was expecting it to be a lot louder based on the manufacture comment "Not for Sensitive Ears". It is a great addicting sound, though - just not overbearing like other cars I have owned (at least until you hit WOT, then WOW, un-describable emotion!). Perfect for daily driving, and when the urge hits for a weekend "stroll", IMO.

3. The sound outside, however, is a different story. Great note, very audible turbo spool, and head turning presence. WOT is, once again, stunning.

4. Stef, at Europipe, is really, really great to work with. Answered my questions quickly, made sure I was comfortable with my purchase (EP2 over EP1), checked in during the build process, confirmed build and shipping, made sure it was being installed by a reputable shop and installed correctly, then confirmed that the exhaust met my expectations. The whole process was quite refreshing.

5. Can't do a Europipe review without commenting on the packaging, and care given into shipping the product... Pretty cool...

So after 700 miles, with some very hard driving, I am VERY happy with my purchase. Totally exceeded expectations, and worth the cost. Every penny.

I can not say enough about "auditioning" exhaust systems in person, before you purchase - it will save you a lot of frustration, cost, and headache (made the you tube audition process mistake when I put new exhaust on my RS4). EP2 was exactly what I was looking for - combining daily drivability, refined explosive sound (when called upon), and performance.

Sorry for the long thread -

Max

 

Great review, I am stuck between the EP stage 1 and the Tubi Street, what was your decision process between the EP 1 and the 2 version that you chose, what was the cost of the pipe and installation.

 

I can't PM yet - but if you e-mail Stef at EP, he will send you a quote for EP1 or EP2 pretty quickly

Install took 4 hours at a great performance shop

I chose the EP2 over EP1 - for the more aggressive note - nothing more. My only complaint of EP2 over EP1 is you can only use a larger version of the stock tip (I had my heart set on dual rounds). Though, after installation - I am pretty pleased with the tips that came on the EP2. They fill the cutouts better.

Max

 

Great review and congrats on your purchase!

Having dealt with Stef myself i found it to be one of the easiest (and better) transactions i've ever made for my 997tt. Delivery from Belgium to Sydney Australia in 2 to 3 days was simply amazing as the was the packaging, the system and the entire result. My EP1 wasnt my first aftermarket exhaust on my 997tt but its thankfully my last! Like yourself, I too am very sastfied . Worth every penny...and them some .

 

thanks for the response I will do some checking. I have read such great reviews on the Tubi Exhaust on this forum, new to the EP, but it sounds that it maybe the exhaust of choice now. Is the EP1 still a sporty sounding exhaust, is it similar to the Tubi, if different how?

 

Great review!

Exactly what I have been saying all along. The Europipe exhaust (mine is also EP 2) is the best I have heard from inside and outside the car. I let people drive my car JUST so I can hear that glorious exhaust note myself.

And Stef is great to deal with. He made some custom tips for me and I received them in less than a week from when they were ordered. You can't beat (or even match) that anyplace!

 

I've got a near new one ready to go if you want one. You may love it too .

Sorry...on the EP1, to answer your question honestly, i would have to say its (infinately) better everywhere. But thats not to say you wont like the tubi.

 

I have the same exhaust! Couldn't agree more with you...

+10000

 

You can find prices on the Europipe website...but they are in Euros. The tip with the EP2 is the stock tip (just a larger hole - 68mm - on the back side) so they fill the cutouts the same as the stock tips.

I also have the EP2 (second time for me) and I couldn't be more pleased. It's a great sound. Stef suggested that you can really hear an interesting growl if you rev the engine to 1500 rpms with Sport on and the clutch in - try it. Also, I was interested in alternative tips and Stef said that during testing, dual tips gave a really objectionable sound so they stayed with the stock tips. Good choice!!

 

Install is 4 to 6 hours depending on the skill set at the shop. Stef will even send you instructions and pictures if you want to do it yourself - something I wasn't willing to try since it involved doing it in the driveway with the rear up on wood blocks...but someone with good skills could do the install easily. My dealer said he's never seen such outstanding workmanship - everything fit perfectly and the welds are a work of art.

 

Thanks Speed21 that is exactly what I was looking for, sounds like the EP1 for me.

 

Hey Max,

I would love to meet you some time and hear yours in person. I currently have Stage 1 but may need to go stage 2 when we get bigger turbos.

Congrats again on the best pipes for your car!

 

Wtf...turbos?? pm on way

 

No problem - I live in S. MPLS, send me a PM, and we can plan to meet.

BTW - as with most exhaust systems, this one is already getting better with age!

 

Can't agree more Max.. especially on point 1. They need to be seen in person and heard too. They've been doing it for years