ZHP on 04 330xi 6spd manual trans

Has anyone swapped out the stock exhaust system on their 330xi with a ZHP system? Is this a easy swap out - same configuration? I am looking at purchasing a full cat back system, but wanted to make sure I will be able to unbolt existing system and replace with the ZHP....

Thanks!
Nick

If you look up your exhaust on realoem.com it says "performance=no" under the parts for your car. I am taking that to mean it won't fit. They are different part numbers (obviously) too and the images unfortunately are the same. Why do you want a ZHP exhaust?

Yeah, just was looking under my car noticing the differences in the system config.

I recently heard a 3 series with the same 3.0l as mine with a ZHP system and really like the sound - guess it's just my preference....I've heard a couple others on youtube and they just are not me. I want a system that is not overly loud, but slightly more aggressive than stock.

Thanks for the quick reply and reference link, I'll check it out.

-Nick

Originally Posted by Homestead'er

Yeah, just was looking under my car noticing the differences in the system config.

I recently heard a 3 series with the same 3.0l as mine with a ZHP system and really like the sound - guess it's just my preference....I've heard a couple others on youtube and they just are not me. I want a system that is not overly loud, but slightly more aggressive than stock.

Thanks for the quick reply and reference link, I'll check it out.

-Nick

Borla gives a nice deep, rich tone similar to the ZHP`s....

Originally Posted by Homestead'er

Yeah, just was looking under my car noticing the differences in the system config.

I recently heard a 3 series with the same 3.0l as mine with a ZHP system and really like the sound - guess it's just my preference....I've heard a couple others on youtube and they just are not me. I want a system that is not overly loud, but slightly more aggressive than stock.

Thanks for the quick reply and reference link, I'll check it out.

-Nick

Reason I asked is because as Bob stated, you have a lot of options for the muffler that would likely be easier and sound better.

the ZHP sound is only from the muffler? i always thought it was engine + complete exhaust that gave that beautiful sound it makes
i'm getting lots of compliments for how my car sound stands out from all others

Originally Posted by heztheone

the ZHP sound is only from the muffler? i always thought it was engine + complete exhaust that gave that beautiful sound it makes
i'm getting lots of compliments for how my car sound stands out from all others

Funny enough, I too got a compliment the other day. The ZHP has a nice mellow undertone in the lower revs. At the top of the tach it just plain sounds "angry" and I love it!

I'd still take a UUC exhaust all day.

Originally Posted by smolck

Funny enough, I too got a compliment the other day. The ZHP has a nice mellow undertone in the lower revs. At the top of the tach it just plain sounds "angry" and I love it!

I'd still take a UUC exhaust all day.

No headers with a race cat installed somewhere in the line? I can get you a deal on the headers if you'd like.

Originally Posted by heztheone

the ZHP sound is only from the muffler? i always thought it was engine + complete exhaust that gave that beautiful sound it makes
i'm getting lots of compliments for how my car sound stands out from all others

I hope I'm not dropping the "santa clause doesn't exist" bomb on you right now but .... it's the same engine the "mortal" 330's have.

Originally Posted by Coconutpete

I hope I'm not dropping the "santa clause doesn't exist" bomb on you right now but .... it's the same engine the "mortal" 330's have.

Hotter cams and remapped software for a higher redline means "No....it`s not QUITE the same engine"....

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

Hotter cams and remapped software for a higher redline means "No....it`s not QUITE the same engine"....

I won't argue with you because ... well because you're awesome - but I think it just comes down to definitions and everybody's idea of what that means

Originally Posted by Coconutpete

I won't argue with you because ... well because you're awesome - but I think it just comes down to definitions and everybody's idea of what that means

Everyone knows the ZHP engine is magical. It has loctite pre applied to the oil pump nut for cryin out loud. How can you compare a stock car that amazing difference?

Sent from my HTC One X using Bimmer App

Originally Posted by SPDSKTR

No headers with a race cat installed somewhere in the line? I can get you a deal on the headers if you'd like.

countdown started, 2 months till installation and counting

Originally Posted by Coconutpete

I hope I'm not dropping the "santa clause doesn't exist" bomb on you right now but .... it's the same engine the "mortal" 330's have.

u owned a ZHP, u should know better

Not this yet again. All non-ZHP owners, can't we all just humor them and let them think the M54B30 in a 330i with the Performance Package is the best engine BMW ever made, light years ahead of us mere mortals with our ordinary M54B30s? People get made when you challenge their religious beliefs.

I have the performance cams and reflash, as well as an exhaust. Do I qualify for the magical status?

Originally Posted by Jimmys 530i

I have the performance cams and reflash, as well as an exhaust. Do I qualify for the magical status?

Only if you added the ZHP blinker fluid. However, to the purist, your car would also needed to originally have ZHP air (thought to be a mix of helium and krypton) in the tires, and have this air transfered during each new set of tires. The air won't stay inherit in the tires if the wheels are mounted on a non-ZHP car, and will break down into nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.

Originally Posted by cwsqbm

Only if you added the ZHP blinker fluid. However, to the purist, your car would also needed to originally have ZHP air (thought to be a mix of helium and krypton) in the tires, and have this air transfered during each new set of tires. The air won't stay inherit in the tires if the wheels are mounted on a non-ZHP car, and will break down into nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.

What is funny is I too suffered from ZHP envy for years while I had the 323, I know how you feel. Step 1 is admitting you have a problem.

Originally Posted by smolck

What is funny is I too suffered from ZHP envy for years while I had the 323, I know how you feel. Step 1 is admitting you have a problem.

this thread is cracking me up

Originally Posted by Jimmys 530i

I have the performance cams and reflash, as well as an exhaust. Do I qualify for the magical status?

From an engine standpoint if it works for you yes. Those upgrades are valid performance adders. Definitely a great set if mods. IMHO, magical engine tune.

Originally Posted by cwsqbm

Only if you added the ZHP blinker fluid. However, to the purist, your car would also needed to originally have ZHP air (thought to be a mix of helium and krypton) in the tires, and have this air transfered during each new set of tires. The air won't stay inherit in the tires if the wheels are mounted on a non-ZHP car, and will break down into nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.

Couldn't care less about the ZHP purist crap. I just don't like it when people mis-inform the masses that there is no difference between the ZHP vs the 330i Sport versions.

As simple as it was to upgrade the a-arms to M3 quality stiffer ball joints, hotter cams, reflashed ECU, M bit parts (body kit, rims, steering wheel), larger exhaust, taller rear diff, higher top speed limiter, and better Sachs shocks/struts. These all are different details that make a huge difference above a 330i Sport. But keep drinking your kool aid telling yourself there's no difference; just don't mis-inform other people.

I actually feel my current setup is better than the stock ZHP but the upgrades were subtle and researched- Koni yellows + Hotchkis sways + custom alignment. It will even make a 330i Sport better than a stock ZHP as long as you upgrade the rear diff and do the hotter cams & ECU remap if you need the extra RPMs n more aggressive powerband.

Either way it all about the details, with the proper informed and proven parts upgrades you can't go wrong.

i have a friend who owns a Golf 4 GTI M/T with a bigger turbo setup (~240hp), he tried with several stock 330's and beat the crap out of them.
last night i had a go with him and i edged him by 1 car length at end of 3rd, we gave it a go twice for better results, same thing happened.
those 8hp/10tq really give an edge for those non-believers in the ZHP performance