Quick update on my exhaust upgrade....so took my
Cupra 280 back to
EMP Performance to get the anti-drone pipes fitted and surprisingly they made the drone even worse! The car windows were vibrating! When I tried to explain this to EMP, they claimed that sound is purely subjective and they had reduced the level of drone. But then admitted that they don't actually drive the car before/after fitting so there was no way to say for sure, I hadn't taken any dB readings, which I probably should have. I maintained that it was definitely producing more drone than previously and that I wasn't happy with this at all.
The options I was presented with were to potentially remove the anti-drone pipes which would be messy and still go back to the previously boomy noise at 3000rpm, to revert back to the stock exhaust system entirely and just replace the tips or leave it as it is. I was also told by EMP, that it is not possible to make an exhaust system without any drone.
I wasn't happy with these options and sought a second opinion. This led me to
Full Throttle Performance (FTP) in Kensworth, just outside Dunstable. James went on a test drive with me and agreed that the drone level was not acceptable, it shouldn't be that intrusive. He spoke with me at length regarding what I was after and suggested two options, one of which was just a back box delete. He also said that going for a 3" system was overkill on a non-modified car. I was surprised that EMP hadn't suggested these options at the beginning, the only option I was given was a full 3" system.
Long story short, I got FTP to remove the EMP system and fit just a back box delete. The sound is now amazing; exactly what I wanted. Quiet when off throttle, around town and on the motorway, but when you use the revs, the sound really builds and gives the classic whip-crack noise when changing gear near the red line.
In summary, I would highly recommend Full Throttle Performance, their customer service is exemplary, Mack and James are real gentlemen. Sadly I wouldn't recommend EMP as they don't seem to put you the customer first. When you question them, you are made to feel like you are being difficult.