[Matts]

Guys,

I’ve been reading through this thread and figured I’d share some insight based on my experience.


Over the years, I’ve personally installed over 30 exhaust systems on Audi R8 Gen 2 and sold more than 60- around 90% of those were Capristo. We’ve offered other brands too in the past, usually by customer request, but there’s a reason we stick to Capristo.


The problem usually starts when a client looks only at the price especially when we’re talking about such a critical component like the exhaust. Our profit margin on Capristo is minimal. If I messaged a supplier in China today asking for 10 systems, I’d make a lot more money per unit. But here's the thing…


I have never had a single complaint with Capristo or Akrapovič, for that matter ( though I no longer sell Akrapovič due to pricing and long lead times). On the other hand, when it comes to Chinese-made systems or brands like IPE, Milltek, Fi, QuickSilver, it’s a different story entirely:

• Rattling exhaust valves
• Cracked manifolds
• Melted or damaged taillights (often both sides)
• Power loss
• CELs
  ...the list goes on.

Over the last 4 years, I haven’t had a single issue with Capristo. Zero. That’s not luck—it’s engineering.

People often think a full straight pipe automatically means more power. In reality, without proper flow calculations you often lose performance. Every Gen 2 R8 we’ve tuned with our Stage 1 and a Capristo system reliably makes just over 650 HP. Meanwhile, a stock Performance or Plus model makes 602–605 HP on the same dyno. There’s no way I’m buying that Chinese manufacturers have done any proper flow analysis. Most of the time system is just built to look good and be light—and that’s it. When selling these chinese systems, you also have to take responsibility for potential and frequent issues. Buying from a Chinese supplier is a one-way street — things like warranty claims simply don’t exist.

All it takes is one poorly bent exhaust elbow and you’re looking at melted taillights within 2–3k km. I’ve swapped out at least five systems from other brands due to exactly that issue, replacing both the exhaust and rear lights for OEM back to stock or Capristo.

Totally agree with what R8-staff said: buying a reputable, proven exhaust system doesn’t cost more in the long run. In fact, it may cost less. A new Capristo might lose you $1,000 when sold used. Try selling a Chinese system after 2–3 years… most of the time, it ends up in the trash right where it belongs.

I respect your decisions if you choose to drive around wondering whether pressing the gas pedal a bit too hard might melt your taillights, or if pushing the car on the highway in high temperatures might cause the whole thing to go up in smoke. Respect your V10s — there won’t be any more of them.

Regards, Matt.



PS: Last job

Reason of replace- smell of burning plastic after first 100 km.

 

[topcarbon]

Guys,

I’ve been reading through this thread and figured I’d share some insight based on my experience.


Over the years, I’ve personally installed over 30 exhaust systems on Audi R8 Gen 2 and sold more than 60- around 90% of those were Capristo. We’ve offered other brands too in the past, usually by customer request, but there’s a reason we stick to Capristo.


The problem usually starts when a client looks only at the price especially when we’re talking about such a critical component like the exhaust. Our profit margin on Capristo is minimal. If I messaged a supplier in China today asking for 10 systems, I’d make a lot more money per unit. But here's the thing…


I have never had a single complaint with Capristo or Akrapovič, for that matter ( though I no longer sell Akrapovič due to pricing and long lead times). On the other hand, when it comes to Chinese-made systems or brands like IPE, Milltek, Fi, QuickSilver, it’s a different story entirely:

• Rattling exhaust valves
• Cracked manifolds
• Melted or damaged taillights (often both sides)
• Power loss
• CELs
  ...the list goes on.

Over the last 4 years, I haven’t had a single issue with Capristo. Zero. That’s not luck—it’s engineering.

People often think a full straight pipe automatically means more power. In reality, without proper flow calculations you often lose performance. Every Gen 2 R8 we’ve tuned with our Stage 1 and a Capristo system reliably makes just over 650 HP. Meanwhile, a stock Performance or Plus model makes 602–605 HP on the same dyno. There’s no way I’m buying that Chinese manufacturers have done any proper flow analysis. Most of the time system is just built to look good and be light—and that’s it. When selling these chinese systems, you also have to take responsibility for potential and frequent issues. Buying from a Chinese supplier is a one-way street — things like warranty claims simply don’t exist.

All it takes is one poorly bent exhaust elbow and you’re looking at melted taillights within 2–3k km. I’ve swapped out at least five systems from other brands due to exactly that issue, replacing both the exhaust and rear lights for OEM back to stock or Capristo.

Totally agree with what R8-staff said: buying a reputable, proven exhaust system doesn’t cost more in the long run. In fact, it may cost less. A new Capristo might lose you $1,000 when sold used. Try selling a Chinese system after 2–3 years… most of the time, it ends up in the trash right where it belongs.

Regards, Matt.



PS: Last job

View attachment 310906


Reason of replace- smell of burning plastic after first 100 km.

View attachment 310907
View attachment 310908
View attachment 310909

from someone that knows!!!!

 

[topcarbon]

You’re absolutely correct, I would even argue some American made products are WORSE quality

I think it’s as simple as this : the dealers like R8 Stuff want to sell you their 8k exhaust and make money off of you so they bash Chinese quality.

They don’t make money if you skip the middle man and go direct to China!

I dont think you need to disrespect a solid vendor @R8-Stuff who is a great resource for big and small items, and has always been available to answer questions and stands behind what he sells.
I would love to hear what happens after you buy your Chinese exhaust and something happens to either the exhaust or something more catastrophic.
My guess is they will hyperspace and you will be left with junk.
Nobody is stopping you from moving forward with buying your exhaust, so do it.
Did you come with this thread to reaffirm your buying decision or because you have doubts?

 

[Matts]

" They don’t make money if you skip the middle man and go direct to China! "

I think you’re missing a very simple point. Neither I nor Osman (R8-stuff) offer these exhaust systems at low prices because neither of us is willing to take responsibility for any potential failures or issues, which can be very serious. We also know how to find direct sources in China and buy these exhaust systems wholesale for half the price that you can buy as retail customer, then make over $1,000 profit on each one.

What’s more, I personally get messages from Chinese sellers directly once or twice a week with offers and collaboration proposals. Recently, one even claimed to be directly from a large factory that manufactures exhaust systems for QuickSilver and offered me identical 1:1 with price that I can earn twice more than on Capristo.

That's not the path I'm interested in. I've already made my money in life and everything I do on this forum and in the automotive world is driven by passion and hobby. None of my other businesses bring me kind of satisfaction I feel when a happy customer sends me photos of their car- I absolutely love it.

 

[bavarianstance]

Ryft exhaust melted bumper, and these are one of the more well known brands in the exotic space with a price tag to match.

 

[topcarbon]

Ryft claims hand made to order in Vegas. I don’t know if this is so, but before you say it isn’t, do your homework.

 

[bavarianstance]

Ryft claims hand made to order in Vegas. I don’t know if this is so, but before you say it isn’t, do your homework.

did more research, highly likely made in Taiwan. Similar to iPE, armytrix, etc. Ryft is just based in Vegas and claims handmade by their team, but never specified where.

To OP's credit, these are one of those brands where the price tag isn't justified IMO.

 

[Matts]

iPE, Fi and Armytrix shipped from Chinese factory not Taiwan.

 

[NSY64]

Can’t thank the opinions of incredibly knowledgeable members on this site. This information is so valuabl.
thank you.

 

[Napstar]

Mine homemade by me and works perfect 😅

 

[QR8]

Nonsense...... 95% of these systems are Built in China, to begin with; they are just rebranded. Just like your iPhone. Does that melt too?

 

[Db34]

Is topgear exhaust systems affiliated with the site? I think I’m going to purchase through them

 

[Veteran1]

Mine homemade by me and works perfect 😅

Any pics ? SS or titanium ?
what’s your take on all this Chinese exhaust. If you built your own you are clearly technical. Thx

 

[Napstar]

I made it in 1,25mm 2,75inch SS,
What I don't have in the pictures is the small wall/divider that I welded onto the end pipe, so that the little bracket that is attached in the middle of the original end pipe in the bumper (2016-2018) might get hot and possibly melt the bumper.
I bought mufflers from ebay and replaced the vacuum valves to oem and been running this exhaust for 3 years now without any issues, Valves controlled by button on steering wheel.

Regarding Chinese exhaust, I wouldn't be afraid to try JTLD as people have tried and written about here before.

 

[topcarbon]

I made it in 1,25mm 2,75inch SS,
What I don't have in the pictures is the small wall/divider that I welded onto the end pipe, so that the little bracket that is attached in the middle of the original end pipe in the bumper (2016-2018) might get hot and possibly melt the bumper.
I bought mufflers from ebay and replaced the vacuum valves to oem and been running this exhaust for 3 years now without any issues, Valves controlled by button on steering wheel.

Regarding Chinese exhaust, I wouldn't be afraid to try JTLD as people have tried and written about here before.

View attachment 311013 View attachment 311015 View attachment 311016 View attachment 311018 View attachment 311019

can you post a sound clip. thats impressive

 

[R8-Stuff]

For anyone interested in why cheap Chinese stuff is criticized.

Have a look at these BC Bor Chuann Coilovers. Your life, your hands.

 

[Db34]

For anyone interested in why cheap Chinese stuff is criticized.

Have a look at these BC Bor Chuann Coilovers. Your life, your hands.

View attachment 311171

To be fair there are many exhaust companies, valvetronic and aeroflow dynamics to name a couple I’m sure of, that are simply white labeling Chinese exhaust and calling it their own. You can order their same stuff significantly cheaper from China direct.

That being said, if you sell TopGear UK exhaust or any other reputable brand at a reasonable price I’m happy to purchase it.

Ive reached out to TopGear twice and received no response.

 

[bavarianstance]

To be fair there are many exhaust companies, valvetronic and aeroflow dynamics to name a couple I’m sure of, that are simply white labeling Chinese exhaust and calling it their own. You can order their same stuff significantly cheaper from China direct.

That being said, if you sell TopGear UK exhaust or any other reputable brand at a reasonable price I’m happy to purchase it.

Ive reached out to TopGear twice and received no response.

I've found that UK companies are better with calling then email. Try giving them a ring but you gotta deal with their accents

 

[JuddS]

I don't mind their accents, but the fact they eat beans for breakfast freaks me out. I prefer the American breakfast.

 

[madflava]

For anyone interested in why cheap Chinese stuff is criticized.

Have a look at these BC Bor Chuann Coilovers. Your life, your hands.

View attachment 311171

Any context to that picture? Did it come off a car that was totaled? Or are you implying that American made shocks can withstand hitting a curb lol