We pop over to EMP Performance to get a stunning new custom exhaust for our competition Honda S2000…
If you’re on Instagram, or one of the many social media platforms adopted by most petrolheads, chances are you would have heard of, or at least seen, the work of EMP Performance. Not a week goes by without them, or one of their very happy customers, posting pictures of what can only be described as exhaust fabrication porn.
You know the stuff. Pictures of beautifully built back boxes, stunningly crafted TIG-welded pipes with beautifully flowing multicolour beads and lovely, lovely big shiny tips! Sorry, are we making you horny?
You see when it comes to exhausts, EMP are not just any old company. Nope, these guys really are at the top of the exhaust building game, and one of the UK’s best Powerflow dealers. So when it came to choosing somewhere to get an exhaust made for our Honda S2000 it was an easy decision. Even if it did involve a 260-mile round trip.
We left Bristol at 5am and after hitting the normal M25 rush hour traffic, we arrived at EMP in St Albans just after 9am. It was clear from the roadside we were in the right place, as outside was littered with stunning cars slammed to the floor, all boasting gorgeous pipe work. It’s obvious these guys practice what they preach.
Within minutes the car was on the ramps and EMP’s Dave Phillipson was coming up with ideas for the system. After a quick chat we agreed on a 2.5-inch cat-back system going through to twin backboxes with 3.5-inch exit Japanese style tips. Dave also recommended positioning the back boxes at a bit of angle for that authentic Jap look.
In no time, the old system was on the floor and Dave was measuring, cutting, grinding and working his magic with the 2.5-inch Powerflow T304 grade stainless steel pipework. As with most of EMP’s work there was none of this shaping pipes in a hydraulic bender, no everything was made to measure and custom made with free flowing straights and beautifully TIG-welded mandrel bends.
Glenn takes it easy whilst someone else does all the work. Nothing new there eh?
But my favourite bit of the build is the Y-piece where the exhaust splits to the back boxes, Dave has built it so it sits dead centre and shows off the rear cans and the welds. Pure exhaust porn!
So, how does it sound? Well, going by the amount of necks it snapped as I booted it down St Alban’s high street, we would have to say, rather well. And, we’re sure the winner will be very happy as they drive it off into the sunset. Unlike us that is. As it sounds so good now we don’t want to give it away. Err… boss, can we keep it?
Spent this month:
Custom built Powerflow cat-back 2.5-inch exhaust system with 3.5-inch Japanese style tips £650
Total car build spend so far: £6,384
Contacts:
EMP Performance
01727 850537
**WIN THIS CAR**
For your chance to get your hands on this car look out for the Competition Station tent in the main paddock area of the following shows; Japfest – Silverstone 30th April, Japfest 2 – Donington 1st July, The Fast Car Festival – Donington 2nd July, TRAX – Silverstone 1st October. Additional show appearances TBA. The winner will be drawn at TRAX at Silverstone on 1st October 2016.
