Review: Fighter's LICP and Buschurs Bullet TBE
Review: Fighter's LICP and Buschurs Bullet TBE
For starters, this is a no BS review. I will tell you all exactly how the install went and how it felt on the street later on. May be long, but should be a good read.
My car is a 2005 8, with a Stiffy ETD, Works drop in and short shifter, and the Kartboy 8pc shifter bushing set. There is currently 2900 or so miles.
First up:
Fighter's Garage LICP
First impressions.. not bad. Decently clean welds and was painted a somewhat graphite color, with a blue Fighter's sticker. First disappointment: Only one upgraded coupler (turbo side).
I ended up dropping the entire undertray, and for ease, the front bumper as well. I removed the factory LICP and positioned the Fighter's LICP. The provided silicone piece was kinking when the LICP was in place. It was enough to worry about it. The coupler needed to be longer and have a slight bend to fit perfect. A few trys later, I jumped onto their website, to find red X's on the most important pics of the installation guide (the last two...). Then, busted a search and only a couple people had issues but sent them back for replacements. On top of that, at the IC side, the factory coupler seemed rather large for the Fighter's LICP, but it did tighten quite well in the end.
I then had an epiphany about the stock turbo coupler: Ill just chop the *****. I placed the stock piece besides the provided coupler and noticed it would be just about right. So with a trusty razor blade, I cut the factory piece (about 6" or so), whipped off the provided one, and tightened everything up. Voila... worked beautifully. In their installation instructions, they recommended zip tieing the ac line out of harms way. As I didnt notice any place to zip tie to, I used some loom (1" split loom) and wrapped her up.
Bumper and undertray fit fine. Overall, does its purpose at a reasonable price.
(NOTE: Both were installed the same time. I didnt drive the car until both nestled into their home)
Bushur's Bullet TBE with Test Pipe
First impressions: Holy badass exhaust. Minimal bends and solid straight-thru design. The negatives: (My fault) Forgot to let Buschur know that I wanted a cut tip... not the bling rolled tip. Oh well, thats on next weeks list to do.
Install was easy. I reviewed their instructions so there wasnt any added surprise. It was clear to me, but to some, I can imagine it being a little difficult. Im very glad all the hardware that was needed was provided (and not a washer more). Once I finally removed the tape on the end of the IP, I noticed it wasnt 100% round. At worst case: 90%. I had to make use of a hammer to straighten things back out. Damn UPS... always throwing **** around.
I was worried about the SS clamps at first. Ive used the stupid U bolt ones before on a slip fit design, but Buschur really did think about it. They seal damn well, and definately keep things round.
At first, the muffler section had a hard time fitting flush against the bumper due to the slightly un-round IP. I whacked it a couple times with a mallet and got it as close and as center as possible. I setup each piece until everything looked fine and tightened it all up.
I reviewed the exhaust when I was done to check for clearances. Since spacers are provided for the tie bars, they cleared a good 1/4". Everywhere cleared 1/4" or more except one spot... and kinda got me thinking. It is right next to the oil pan, and it is the downpipe that is pretty damn close. After yanking on the whole exhaust, Ive determined it would be impossible for it to rub anywhere.
Although I am still wondering about one thing: Is it just me or does the muffler itself hang a little low? I checked and re-checked everything to make sure a simple twist would correct it. I played with the muffler section for about 10 mins, and found it sits like that. Its not by any means too low, but I was just wondering.
I would highly recommend this exhaust to others. Very reasonable price and backed by one of the biggest names in DSM performance (I remember when David was barely running 11s... it was some **** back then).
Outcome
The Buschur TBE sounds damn good. Nice throaty snarl at idle and a beast at WOT. Gains are definately there. Noticed quickly, boost came in much quicker than before (almost no lag with mild, no chirp launch... keep in mind that both were installed at the same time) and pressure went up about .75~1 psi. There is a very big difference in power delivery, with a very sweet, turbo spooling tone. Very mild inside with the windows up and didnt notice any droning at cruising speeds. It may be loud for some...
The LICP has definately proven its claims of quicker spool. There may not be a significant HP gain, but the spool alone is worth the $145. The Buschur exhaust, with a mechanical CEL fix was $840. It was definately worth it... sounds sweet and makes quite a bit of power. Plus its as straight as possible.
Im totally satisfied with both pieces. Im glad I did my searching to finally settle on an exhaust and LICP. Next will be MBC, fuel pump and flash.
- Rich
My car is a 2005 8, with a Stiffy ETD, Works drop in and short shifter, and the Kartboy 8pc shifter bushing set. There is currently 2900 or so miles.
First up:
Fighter's Garage LICP
First impressions.. not bad. Decently clean welds and was painted a somewhat graphite color, with a blue Fighter's sticker. First disappointment: Only one upgraded coupler (turbo side).
I ended up dropping the entire undertray, and for ease, the front bumper as well. I removed the factory LICP and positioned the Fighter's LICP. The provided silicone piece was kinking when the LICP was in place. It was enough to worry about it. The coupler needed to be longer and have a slight bend to fit perfect. A few trys later, I jumped onto their website, to find red X's on the most important pics of the installation guide (the last two...). Then, busted a search and only a couple people had issues but sent them back for replacements. On top of that, at the IC side, the factory coupler seemed rather large for the Fighter's LICP, but it did tighten quite well in the end.
I then had an epiphany about the stock turbo coupler: Ill just chop the *****. I placed the stock piece besides the provided coupler and noticed it would be just about right. So with a trusty razor blade, I cut the factory piece (about 6" or so), whipped off the provided one, and tightened everything up. Voila... worked beautifully. In their installation instructions, they recommended zip tieing the ac line out of harms way. As I didnt notice any place to zip tie to, I used some loom (1" split loom) and wrapped her up.
Bumper and undertray fit fine. Overall, does its purpose at a reasonable price.
(NOTE: Both were installed the same time. I didnt drive the car until both nestled into their home)
Bushur's Bullet TBE with Test Pipe
First impressions: Holy badass exhaust. Minimal bends and solid straight-thru design. The negatives: (My fault) Forgot to let Buschur know that I wanted a cut tip... not the bling rolled tip. Oh well, thats on next weeks list to do.
Install was easy. I reviewed their instructions so there wasnt any added surprise. It was clear to me, but to some, I can imagine it being a little difficult. Im very glad all the hardware that was needed was provided (and not a washer more). Once I finally removed the tape on the end of the IP, I noticed it wasnt 100% round. At worst case: 90%. I had to make use of a hammer to straighten things back out. Damn UPS... always throwing **** around.
I was worried about the SS clamps at first. Ive used the stupid U bolt ones before on a slip fit design, but Buschur really did think about it. They seal damn well, and definately keep things round.
At first, the muffler section had a hard time fitting flush against the bumper due to the slightly un-round IP. I whacked it a couple times with a mallet and got it as close and as center as possible. I setup each piece until everything looked fine and tightened it all up.
I reviewed the exhaust when I was done to check for clearances. Since spacers are provided for the tie bars, they cleared a good 1/4". Everywhere cleared 1/4" or more except one spot... and kinda got me thinking. It is right next to the oil pan, and it is the downpipe that is pretty damn close. After yanking on the whole exhaust, Ive determined it would be impossible for it to rub anywhere.
Although I am still wondering about one thing: Is it just me or does the muffler itself hang a little low? I checked and re-checked everything to make sure a simple twist would correct it. I played with the muffler section for about 10 mins, and found it sits like that. Its not by any means too low, but I was just wondering.
I would highly recommend this exhaust to others. Very reasonable price and backed by one of the biggest names in DSM performance (I remember when David was barely running 11s... it was some **** back then).
Outcome
The Buschur TBE sounds damn good. Nice throaty snarl at idle and a beast at WOT. Gains are definately there. Noticed quickly, boost came in much quicker than before (almost no lag with mild, no chirp launch... keep in mind that both were installed at the same time) and pressure went up about .75~1 psi. There is a very big difference in power delivery, with a very sweet, turbo spooling tone. Very mild inside with the windows up and didnt notice any droning at cruising speeds. It may be loud for some...
The LICP has definately proven its claims of quicker spool. There may not be a significant HP gain, but the spool alone is worth the $145. The Buschur exhaust, with a mechanical CEL fix was $840. It was definately worth it... sounds sweet and makes quite a bit of power. Plus its as straight as possible.
Im totally satisfied with both pieces. Im glad I did my searching to finally settle on an exhaust and LICP. Next will be MBC, fuel pump and flash.
- Rich
Rich, where are you in CO? Have we met yet? It's too bad you weren't just able to do the whole Warrtalon package, since you're getting all those parts now anyway. Regardless, wise choice of mods...
Originally Posted by Warrtalon
Rich, where are you in CO? Have we met yet? It's too bad you weren't just able to do the whole Warrtalon package, since you're getting all those parts now anyway. Regardless, wise choice of mods...
I didnt go with your package as I already have a boost gauge (guess I shoulda listed that) and have no use for another. I already have the fuel pump and the MBC should be coming from Al anytime.
Blah, and he was just here at the beginning of march. I definately plan to get a custom tune. Hopefully he makes his way back out here in the summer.
Maybe it is the shipping company..maybe not..Mine was not round either (SCCA catback) and I ha a HELL of a time getting it to couple!!
after trying everything I could at My LEXUS dealership's shop...I ended up hving to go to Mineike (spell) and they Spread the pipe...then taking it back to my car it still didn't couple @ all..so I gave them the Muffler part and he "spread"that open to.
FInally it fit...thank god the guy was cool and did it for free.That was the only upset about the puchase.BUt kinda forgot about it once it was mounted and on.
I plan to get the Horsepower Freaks LICP though.Comes w/ TBolt clamps w/ thiers.
Nice review!
after trying everything I could at My LEXUS dealership's shop...I ended up hving to go to Mineike (spell) and they Spread the pipe...then taking it back to my car it still didn't couple @ all..so I gave them the Muffler part and he "spread"that open to.
FInally it fit...thank god the guy was cool and did it for free.That was the only upset about the puchase.BUt kinda forgot about it once it was mounted and on.
I plan to get the Horsepower Freaks LICP though.Comes w/ TBolt clamps w/ thiers.
Nice review!
Adx, I don't really go to meets unless you refer to racing events as meets. I only moved here a month and a half ago, but you can find me at DIA autocrossing and PMI road racing/drag racing (Bandi, too, later). It's too bad you missed the tuning trip. I coordinated Al coming out so that I could get tuned for cams/altitude and so all the Evos out here could get done, but I wouldn't expect him to come back for a long time. It requires 5 paid custom tunes to get him back out here, although he may be coming back to take care of TwstdEvo's car after his rebuild at Buschur.
MrFairlady - I dont believe T Bolts are necessary with the stock turbo - UNLESS, the factory ones are broken. And the factory coupler is adequate for the stock turbo. But dont get me wrong, they do look nice. Thanks on the compliment.
Warrtalon - Events or just shootin' the ****. Ill definately hit the track days with everyone.
Timing was just totally off. By the time I found out the date, the exhaust still hadnt arrived (Buschur waiting on the muffler). Hopefully he does come out to tune again... Ill indefinately jump on it then.
kevin- Got a couple of shots that saved... side by side comparisons. The after shots got lost some how....
With a good ol camera phone. Enjoy.
- Rich
Warrtalon - Events or just shootin' the ****. Ill definately hit the track days with everyone.
Timing was just totally off. By the time I found out the date, the exhaust still hadnt arrived (Buschur waiting on the muffler). Hopefully he does come out to tune again... Ill indefinately jump on it then.
kevin- Got a couple of shots that saved... side by side comparisons. The after shots got lost some how....
With a good ol camera phone. Enjoy.
- Rich
