WOW. Incredible transformation of my car. You will not be dissappointed with the intake or exhaust. If you are looking for some easy/fairly inexpensive mods, these might be what you have been looking for.
First, the Vararam.
Turns out they are located in Texas which is cool. I got my intake in 3-4 days I believe. It has been a few months now since I put it on. This is a quality product. I am not sure what some of the complaints are about, but to me this thing is well designed and made from quality materials. The install took 2 hours. I took my time, knowing that the ECU reset would take 2 hours anyway. The install instructions were great and easy to use... if I had needed them Actually I did reference them to get the radiator support clips out. The first 30 miles were close to torture. But I made it without driving fast. Then the fun began. Man this thing sucks some air. It makes the engine GROWL! The throttle response increased dramatically. It took about 100 miles I think to fully learn, getting faster the whole time. It is unbelievable how much faster this car is with a Vararam. I have driven it in moderate rain with no problems.
SOLO Mach Cat-Back Exhaust Unbalanced with QUAD 3.5" Tips
HOLY S*%T.... I dare you to try to drive without smiling. No joke, I was literally grinning ear to ear for about 45 minutes. This thing SCREAMS when I go WOT. It is the perfect combination for me. Tame..ish when I want it for cruising/going on a date, and then.... BAM, IN YOUR FACE, YES I HAVE A 6.0 V8 AND ITS FAST. The youtube videos do not do justice to this exhaust at all. It sounds 10 times better in person than in the videos, and I was listening through legit headphones.
Basically, it is quiet enough to leave for work in the am without waking the neighborhood, and loud/tasty enough to make anyone that calls themselves a "car guy/gal" to stare and desire.
I installed this yesterday in my garage, on the floor with one jack-jacked all the way up under the front left. I did the complete swap in 2 hours by myself, and 45 minutes of that was aligning and slowly tightening things up to get the tips perfect. Instructions, if you need them, are emailed to you and seem to be perfect for anyone to do the install. Very simple stuff. I would recommend using some DEEP CREEP penetrating lube a few days before. I sprayed all the bolts and o2 sensors 2 days before, and the day before. The o2 sensors I was worried about stripping and they came out with one firm bump then finger loose the rest of the way. The exhaust nuts to the cats put up some resistance all the way out, but not unbearable. Did not need to use soapy water on the rubber hangers, just used my "guitar hand strength" to squeeze them out haha
Solo has exceptional customer service. I called Steve for a few questions and he called back in about 30 minutes and TOOK THE TIME to deal with me. I never once felt like he was hurrying to get off the phone, and to me that is priceless. I felt like he honestly cared about helping me, and earning my business. I was sold, but driving in traffic so I asked to call him back in 30 to give my card info. He said fine, and when I called back he was driving, so he pulled over and took the time to get my info, again never rushing or hurrying me. Shipped in 6 days, including the weekend. From NY(I believe) to DFW TX.
When buying either of these products, budget in an extra $50-100 for gas. I have lead foot like I haven't had since I was 16. I hope it goes away soon, cause gas is getting crazy expensive!
Taylor
p.s.
I DESTROYED(3-4 cars ahead 0-80) a new 335i after the vararam only. Also with the intake only, raced my friend in a 2010 subaru WRX and caught him at 75, pulled away after that. He got about a car/2 cars off the line usually.