Labree vs. Fast Intentions Catback

[rzundel]

I am in the market for an catback exhaust for my B6 S4. I spoke to Brent Labree and he told me about the story of Danny leaving Labree, copying all the jigs and opening up his own shop known as Fast Intentions. Of course, he isn't very happy but said that Danny will get what's coming to him. Brent claims that he still makes a better product (taught Danny everythings he knows) even though they both use the same materials, Sebring muffers, etc.. I'm sure Danny would also claim to also make a superior product.

So, with that said, who really makes a better product? Labree or FI? I would like to hear your experiences with both. For whatever reason, the sound clips I hear on youtube lean me towards Labree for whatever reason. The exhaust note just seems tighter for some reason. Does have as much girgle when you let off the throttle. Brent claims to prefer the 14" resinators. He claims it doesn't take away much from the sound but will cut back on any potential droaning. I have a TIP so I definately do not want droaning.

Would love to hear your opinions? Who make a better exhaust and is there a difference in sound?

[Todeshandler]

You'll get the same quality from either. Danny is the one who made the jigs at LaBree so when he left he took his design. There is a lot more to the story and obviously two sides. I know both personally. IMO I would go with the FI as you'll get better service if you ever have any problems in the future.

[Justincredible]

your going to get 2 stories. But only one is correct.

But first to answer your question FI better parts better service (Brent is a great guy tho) Danny has a little more hot rod exhaust method to him then labree.

Ive known both Brent and Danny for the past 6 years. Danny stole nothing. Brent worked out of his house for a while and then started to grow. Danny was part of why Brent grew as a company.

You can't copy jiggs. You have to make them. There is only one jigg and you build parts off of that. After you built a part you then make a jigg to help recreate that part. Danny was the one that made the jiggs so all he did was remake what he made in the first place. But to do that you still needed to make another exhaust to build the jiggs off of.

I also know that Danny makes his own different parts. That is part of why Danny left. If things were so great then Danny wouldn't have left. So many people know Danny because they dealt with him either before or after he went out on his own.

Brent is going to be mad that one of his past employees left to do his own thing and is now competing with him. You are always going to feel betrayed when a friend is now competing with you.

In the end Danny saw one way to make parts and Brent saw another.
Brent is a great guy and sells great products. But he sells you what he wants. Danny will try to sell you what you want. Since Danny left I'm sure Brent is better about selling the customer what they want but in the end your not just buying a party you are buying that persons idea. I just happen to like Danny and his thought process and his back ground. Altho I made my own exhaust based off of what flowmaster recommended. I would get the FI exhaust if I was unable to have someone fabricate the exhaust with me

[joeycuccaro]

I had both exhausts and like stated they are pretty much the exact same thing. Quality is pretty much the same. Id say which ever you can get for cheaper than go with that. I love the non-res system, which is why i went with Labree.

[iamproph]

Picked up the fullback F.I , had troubles ordering from APR and other companies. Danny's stuff is awsome, he will help you out whenever you need it, the service is amazing. All stories aside, my run-in with F.I was a great one so I will always recommend them.

[tadhgbrosnan]

You'll be happy with either one. I went w/ LaBree because a new-used LaBree catback popped up on the AW forum last April. Then I wanted to keep things uniform so I opted for the LaBree downpipes about 2 months later. I ordered from Brent and the service could not have been better. I asked if he could accomodate a specific 10-day timeline and he had the DPs built and delivered to me in 7 days. Not to mention the DPs were discounted by $400 at the time ($1100 on sale from $1500.) Superb service and the sound is ridiculous. Based on the youtube vids I've seen the FI system sounds virtually identical.

[joeycuccaro]

You'll be happy with either one. I went w/ LaBree because a new-used LaBree catback popped up on the AW forum last April. Then I wanted to keep things uniform so I opted for the LaBree downpipes about 2 months later. I ordered from Brent and the service could not have been better. I asked if he could accomodate a specific 10-day timeline and he had the DPs built and delivered to me in 7 days. Not to mention the DPs were discounted by $400 at the time ($1100 on sale from $1500.) Superb service and the sound is ridiculous. Based on the youtube vids I've seen the FI system sounds virtually identical.

Did you install the DP's yourself or have a shop do it? Looking for a DIY to best remove my DP's tomorrow.

[tadhgbrosnan]

I DID NOT do the DP install. Local Audi mechanics did it. Took all damn day, too.

[iamproph]

DP's are a pain in the ass to install, took me and my mechanic 7+ hours and a lot of crazy methods. Find someone who has done them before itll save you a lot of pain.

[rzundel]

Thanks guys for the great feedback. Sounds like both companies are good but FI is the way to go price being equal.

Any feedback on size of resonator that is preferred would be helpful. Is it true that size of resonator doesn't impact the loudness of sound?

[joeycuccaro]

DP's are a pain in the ass to install, took me and my mechanic 7+ hours and a lot of crazy methods. Find someone who has done them before itll save you a lot of pain.

Yeah,

The whole exhaust is dropped. I have to unbolt the axle's and axle shields now to get some room to remove the DPs. Maybe i will do a DIY write up.

[EnjoyIncs]

Yeah,

The whole exhaust is dropped. I have to unbolt the axle's and axle shields now to get some room to remove the DPs. Maybe i will do a DIY write up.

Please do, I was trying to find a DIY for Tip cars but could not find one. I want to see how much of a pain in the ass it is.

[whartung]

Please do, I was trying to find a DIY for Tip cars but could not find one. I want to see how much of a pain in the ass it is.

I feel like I've seen a DIY for downpipes before...

[GameBreaker]

Please do, I was trying to find a DIY for Tip cars but could not find one. I want to see how much of a pain in the ass it is.

x2 on that. I know I have seen one on the forums for manual cars, but I would really like to know on the added difficulty of Tip cars.

[Silver B6 S4]

Whats the pricing on these exhausts?

[Justincredible]

Yeah,

The whole exhaust is dropped. I have to unbolt the axle's and axle shields now to get some room to remove the DPs. Maybe i will do a DIY write up.

you do not have to mess with the axle at all. you just have to drop the back of the sub frame. From there you are good the rest is easy.

As for the install I was able to do the removal and the install. Just needed to have the right tools.

Read over both. this will help. Look down for the pix of the bolts for making the back cradle or sub frame down. Both tip and 6 speed info Dp removal

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229185


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229355

[joeycuccaro]

you do not have to mess with the axle at all. you just have to drop the back of the sub frame. From there you are good the rest is easy.

As for the install I was able to do the removal and the install. Just needed to have the right tools.

Read over both. this will help. Look down for the pix of the bolts for making the back cradle or sub frame down. Both tip and 6 speed info Dp removal

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229185


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229355

Thank you very much, i was under the impression the axle has to be removed. I will look this over and give it a shot. I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!

Joey

[rzundel]

Does anyone know about the different x-pipe configuration that Brent and Danny use? I spoke to both today and they both claim to have the better x-pipe. This makes a difference in the sound. In fact, this is really the only difference between the two companies. Frankly, I think I like the sound of the Labree better. Anyone else hear the difference?

[brit78]

I am somewhat of a novice when it comes to these exhausts as well and just can't decide on which one. I know the difference between res and non res obviously, but can someone speak to the size of the resonators a little bit? I spoke to Brent last week and he said that he had 8", 12" and 14" left. Didn't have 10" any more. I am guessing that the bigger the resonator the quieter the sound. I have a 6MT for what its worth. Looking for a lot more sound outside the car, more inside the car, but nothing too crazy. Would prefer little to no droning as well. I think non res may be too loud for me. Any opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

[Fast Intentions]

Does anyone know about the different x-pipe configuration that Brent and Danny use? I spoke to both today and they both claim to have the better x-pipe. This makes a difference in the sound. In fact, this is really the only difference between the two companies. Frankly, I think I like the sound of the Labree better. Anyone else hear the difference?

Rick,

I just got your e-mail and I completely understand your decision to go with the exhaust system that has the sound that you are looking for, because as I had mentioned before; the end result is that you drive the car and you are the one that needs to be happy. However I would like to offer some insight to some of the confusion in regards to both systems. We have been using an x pipe design on the s4 for over four years now and have tried several versions in the beginning. What I am getting at is that Labree has only recently starting putting x pipes on the s4's and to say that it will not drone on a tip is a false statement. We have experienced more drone and cabin noise with that style x pipe: which most likely explains the reason why he only offers the 14� long resonators. What I recommend to any one is that if possible to try to hear the systems in person. I still to this day hear some sound clips of our systems that sound nothing like the cars that we have done, and we have done a lot of them. Sound as you know is subjective and either system may or may not drone in an unpleasing manor for you and your driving style. Like I mentioned to you on the phone the reason why we offer the x-pipe, h-pipe, different tip choices, Non res, 8�,10,�12� and 14� long resonators is because we try to offer in all our systems that of which others do not; A custom tailored system that fits your needs and in the end is the one you want. If someone else has achieved this goal than by all means go with it.

*Note*-

For everyone who is participating in the Fast Intentions/JHM group buy. We currently have received all of our product to build your exhaust systems and you should start to see tracking numbers for those who not already been shipped out.

Thanks to all of you who have participated in this current group buy and a special thanks to Jason @ JHM...

Thank you,

Danny
Fast Intentions Inc.
(818) 882-2788

[jaybquick@JHM]

FYI.

We just went to the track on Friday night 6-12-09 and we trapped 108.43 mph in the quarter mile and went 13.03 with the temps in the mid 70s. We have the FI cat back and the FI No cat downpipes on our car with just our JHM bolts ons and our tune.

This is the highest trap of ANY B6/B7 S4 period, even a supercharged car. We had a handful of 108.2s and 108.1s as well with some slower 107.9s as well. Unfortunately we didn't run 12s since this was our first track visit with our car.

Bottom line this is exactly why we sell FI, we haven't found anything that performs better. PERIOD.

Just my .02.



P.S. Videos and more info coming from our track visit soon.

[rzundel]

Rick,

I just got your e-mail and I completely understand your decision to go with the exhaust system that has the sound that you are looking for, because as I had mentioned before; the end result is that you drive the car and you are the one that needs to be happy. However I would like to offer some insight to some of the confusion in regards to both systems. We have been using an x pipe design on the s4 for over four years now and have tried several versions in the beginning. What I am getting at is that Labree has only recently starting putting x pipes on the s4's and to say that it will not drone on a tip is a false statement. We have experienced more drone and cabin noise with that style x pipe: which most likely explains the reason why he only offers the 14� long resonators. What I recommend to any one is that if possible to try to hear the systems in person. I still to this day hear some sound clips of our systems that sound nothing like the cars that we have done, and we have done a lot of them. Sound as you know is subjective and either system may or may not drone in an unpleasing manor for you and your driving style. Like I mentioned to you on the phone the reason why we offer the x-pipe, h-pipe, different tip choices, Non res, 8�,10,�12� and 14� long resonators is because we try to offer in all our systems that of which others do not; A custom tailored system that fits your needs and in the end is the one you want. If someone else has achieved this goal than by all means go with it.

*Note*-

For everyone who is participating in the Fast Intentions/JHM group buy. We currently have received all of our product to build your exhaust systems and you should start to see tracking numbers for those who not already been shipped out.

Thanks to all of you who have participated in this current group buy and a special thanks to Jason @ JHM...

Thank you,

Danny
Fast Intentions Inc.
(818) 882-2788

Danny, I appreciate your professional response. You easily could have taken a different position. You have always been helpful and first class on every interaction. I mean it when I say I really wish you had the sound I was looking for. You would have my business. Please let me be clear on something. I agree that a big part why Labree doesn't get the drone is because of the 14" resonators. I'm sure this is no different than your setup with a 14" resonator. Where I see the complaints on your unit is really only with guys that have an 8" resonator and Tip.

But here's the problem. There are guys like me that have a tip and are looking for best sound with minimal drone. To be honest, I don't think you compare in sound with your 14" resonated exhaust against Labree. Labree is a much more refined sound with a deeper tone. In my opinion, FI get's a little raspy and is less agressive in sound. I really think the secret sauce Labree has over FI (especially for guys with Tips) is that he uses his brand of x-pipe that creates a deeper, more robust sound and then tones down the bad noice with the 14" resonator. I would like to see that configuration with FI. This is not a criticism, but simply a perspective from a guy that has installed my share of exhausts on cars and pays attention to the small details.

Once again, you are the king of the forum when it comes to exhausts for our S4's. Keep up the great work and keep on innovating.