My AMS downpipe and high flow cat arrived on Tuesday and both were installed the same night. Here are my observations so far:

The first thing I noticed was that the packaging was superb. The items were packed very thoughtfully and were properly “cushioned.” Now, I wouldn’t normally pay much attention to it to write about it, but after my recent experience with another vendor (cough, cough), where the items were basically thrown in into the box and shipped, I thought I would give credit to AMS for it.

The first thing I noticed about the DP when I took it out of the box is how “straight” it is. I don’t thing you can design anything less restrictive than this piece. Also the workmanship is amazing. Mandrel bent, TIG welded (see pics below). Comparing it to some of the other downpipes I have seen, this thing is a piece of art .

The installation was smooth and took about 30-45mins. I wrapped the pipe with some thermal wrap to keep the heat away from the oil pan as well as to keep the velocity of the gases up. There were no issues with fitment. The downpipe uses the stock gasket on the 02 sensor housing side. The cat (catco) comes with a welded-on extension that replaces the tapered 6” adapter section, which comes with their cat-back. So for those that have the AMS catback, you now have a true full 3” exhaust.

My only 2 setbacks with the downpipe were:
1. The bolts that came with the DP had one nut that was of a different size, therefore unusable. Thankfully I had one that fit and so it wasn’t a big deal.
2. The bigger disappointment was that the DP didn’t clear EITHER one of the lower tie braces. It’s not even close. I hope that I can replace it with some aftermarket ones, but for now I had to take both of these off. I guess that is the price for such a straight design.

The morning following the installation, we left for a 500 mile drive (in-laws visit ), which gave me a good opportunity to test the new mods (I also installed the Defi D-gauge). First, the power increase is very noticeable. The turbo spools up much quicker. There is a big difference in acceleration when cruising on a highway (say in 4th or 5th gear). The car just takes-off when you punch it. It’s ridiculous. To my surprise the noise isn’t much louder than it was with just a catback. It’s only louder at WOT and in higher RPM ranges. That might change with time tough once it breaks in.

On my way there I’ve hit the fuel cut a few times (very unpleasant). Basically, under WOT acceleration, the ECU would cut fuel in 2nd gear after 4k rpms. To my surprise on the way back everything was fine. I am not sure what caused it, perhaps the weather or maybe the ECU has learned the new mod? I was peaking at 21psi during both days. I will see in the next few days if the situation repeats itself and I will see what to do about this.

Thanks to Renn-Art (Emil) and AMS for getting this to me in time and great customer service!

 

Wrapped and ready to go!

 

close up...look at the workmanship!

 

What is AMS doing about the lower tie braces? hopefully they can chime in on this thread and offer a solution. I hope a new set isn't required and spacers will do the trick. I was hoping to go with a full AMS turboback.

 

That pipe sure is straight, hopefully they will offer a simple solution to the lower tie brace problem

 

Looking good wojo!
Glad that everything went straight hehe unlike the RNR one

Memo

 

Nice! Thanks for the great review wojo!! Huge kudos!!!

I'll check with AMS what they say about the tie bars.. I think there has to be a solution.. Most likely the second bar can be used with some spacers.. and I believe they were thinking of designing a replacement tie bar for the front one.. but don't quote me on that!

Thanks again wojo! I'm glad you're happy now!

 

I'd rather have a downpipe with less bends and use new tie bars then compromise on the downpipe to clear the stock tie bars anyway. If AMS can come up with a solution that doesn't cost significantly more then other downpipes, then I'll get one for sure.

 

the rear brace can be saved by adding two to three washers or spacers. the Front is a loss but we are working on some sort of a sollutuin. Glad you liked the Piece Wojo.

Eric

 

Fuel cut? Didn't experience this... Try disconnecting the battery, this seemed to resolve some minor issues I was experiencing. And... 21psi! I need a boost gauge.

 

Congrats, wojo.

It's good to hear you're previous exhaust woes are behind you.

Oh, and I'll be down your way later this afternoon (To visit my old roommates).

 

nice review man...

what kinda wrap did you use, and where did you get it...?

 

Nice man.

 

Thanks man!
So you don't live around here anymore? When did you move out?

 

Thanks...I try to give credit where its due

The wrap I used is called Exhaust Insulating Wrap by Thermo Tec. I picked one roll from SummitRacing.com for under $40. I went with the 2" x 50ft size. Here's the manufacturer's website www.thermotec.com