OrangeRush
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
If you're like me, you bought this exhaust because it's the most affordable cat-back system available; even cheaper than Roush axle-back system in some cases. I wanted to love this exhaust, but honestly, the rasp and the drone (albeit minor) was annoying and just killed the experience.
I have to thank gzstang for being a pioneer; I was skeptical that any resonator would fit anywhere in the system. I had multiple exhaust shops tell me that it couldn't be done. Well, apparently MBRP makes a resonator that is the perfect size for this system.
What you need and how to get it:
The MBRP part number is R1013 and you'll find a link to the listing on MBRP's website below. I found mine on Amazon for $79.99 each.
You'll also need clamps. I chose to go with SmartParts #100300 3" Lap Joint Band Clamps. I also found these on Amazon for $9.79 each.
The only other items needed are basic tools (sockets) and some sort of cutting implement. I used a sawzall with a fine-tooth blade but, as you might imagine, the cuts weren't the straightest or the prettiest. Ideally a band saw would be used, but you could get away with using a good 'ol hacksaw.
How to do it:
The amount of pipe I removed from each "leg" of the the H-pipe was, more or less, 15". I arrived at this number by taking the total length of the resonator (20") and subtracting 2.5" from either end for a total of 5". This will put both ends of the cut ~3/8" from completely bottomed out inside the resonator. This is more than enough as the slip joints on the resonators are almost 3" deep. This also allows for some wiggle room if I wanted to make the H-pipe slightly shorter. If you use my measurements and screw up your exhaust, I'm not responsible.
The hardest part of this project was getting the gumption up to start cutting into the H-pipe. The second hardest was getting everything to line up correctly after re-installing the H-pipe. Since 4 additional joints are added by doing this, it can make it somewhat frustrating trying to get everything where it should be. Marking each joint, prior to removal from the car and cutting, would have made things much easier.
Impressions:
So, finally, what does it sound like? I'll give my impression first and then post a few videos later. To be perfectly honest, the reduction of sound inside the car is surprising; almost to the point of being disappointing. The location of the H-pipe plays a major role in the amount of perceived sound inside the car. With the resonators in place, there's a decent amount of insulation added.
The best way to describe it is...your foot no longer feels connected to the exhaust. Previously, when I'd blip the throttle during a down-shift, I could feel the vibrations from the exhaust through my foot. Now, that sensation is greatly reduced. It feels and sounds stockish.
It's hard to tell if the exhaust note any quieter, or if the pitch has changed at all. HOWEVER...the raspy, farting-in-a-tuba sound is completely gone. It's like night and day, I kid you not. The note is pleasant, clean, and sounds appropriate for the car.
By virtue of eliminating the rasp, there is definitely a perceivable drop in volume inside the car. Because shorter-length sound waves (highs) travel and bounce more easily, the net result is that it seems quieter. Again, I don't know that I would say it's actually quieter. Don't worry, the car will still be plenty loud and you get to keep all the rumbly, gargling V8 sounds that everyone loves. Interestingly, it still burbles and rumbles at low RPM when using engine braking; I worried the resonators would kill that.
Driving on the highway with the windows up is, for all intents and purposes, equivalent to stock. The faint droning is 100% gone.
So am I happy with it? Absolutely - I'd take the loss of feedback over the alternative any day of the week. The total cost was a few cents shy of $200 (though I used reward points and basically paid $80); even with $200 on top of what I paid for the MBRP system, it's still quite a bit cheaper than other cat-back systems.
Video(s) and pics to come later; you'll just have to trust me for now.
Links:
gzstang's post (with pics): http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54833&page=3
MBRP resonator: http://mbrpautomotive.com/?page=products&part=R1013
I have to thank gzstang for being a pioneer; I was skeptical that any resonator would fit anywhere in the system. I had multiple exhaust shops tell me that it couldn't be done. Well, apparently MBRP makes a resonator that is the perfect size for this system.
What you need and how to get it:
The MBRP part number is R1013 and you'll find a link to the listing on MBRP's website below. I found mine on Amazon for $79.99 each.
You'll also need clamps. I chose to go with SmartParts #100300 3" Lap Joint Band Clamps. I also found these on Amazon for $9.79 each.
The only other items needed are basic tools (sockets) and some sort of cutting implement. I used a sawzall with a fine-tooth blade but, as you might imagine, the cuts weren't the straightest or the prettiest. Ideally a band saw would be used, but you could get away with using a good 'ol hacksaw.
How to do it:
The amount of pipe I removed from each "leg" of the the H-pipe was, more or less, 15". I arrived at this number by taking the total length of the resonator (20") and subtracting 2.5" from either end for a total of 5". This will put both ends of the cut ~3/8" from completely bottomed out inside the resonator. This is more than enough as the slip joints on the resonators are almost 3" deep. This also allows for some wiggle room if I wanted to make the H-pipe slightly shorter. If you use my measurements and screw up your exhaust, I'm not responsible.
The hardest part of this project was getting the gumption up to start cutting into the H-pipe. The second hardest was getting everything to line up correctly after re-installing the H-pipe. Since 4 additional joints are added by doing this, it can make it somewhat frustrating trying to get everything where it should be. Marking each joint, prior to removal from the car and cutting, would have made things much easier.
Impressions:
So, finally, what does it sound like? I'll give my impression first and then post a few videos later. To be perfectly honest, the reduction of sound inside the car is surprising; almost to the point of being disappointing. The location of the H-pipe plays a major role in the amount of perceived sound inside the car. With the resonators in place, there's a decent amount of insulation added.
The best way to describe it is...your foot no longer feels connected to the exhaust. Previously, when I'd blip the throttle during a down-shift, I could feel the vibrations from the exhaust through my foot. Now, that sensation is greatly reduced. It feels and sounds stockish.
It's hard to tell if the exhaust note any quieter, or if the pitch has changed at all. HOWEVER...the raspy, farting-in-a-tuba sound is completely gone. It's like night and day, I kid you not. The note is pleasant, clean, and sounds appropriate for the car.
By virtue of eliminating the rasp, there is definitely a perceivable drop in volume inside the car. Because shorter-length sound waves (highs) travel and bounce more easily, the net result is that it seems quieter. Again, I don't know that I would say it's actually quieter. Don't worry, the car will still be plenty loud and you get to keep all the rumbly, gargling V8 sounds that everyone loves. Interestingly, it still burbles and rumbles at low RPM when using engine braking; I worried the resonators would kill that.
Driving on the highway with the windows up is, for all intents and purposes, equivalent to stock. The faint droning is 100% gone.
So am I happy with it? Absolutely - I'd take the loss of feedback over the alternative any day of the week. The total cost was a few cents shy of $200 (though I used reward points and basically paid $80); even with $200 on top of what I paid for the MBRP system, it's still quite a bit cheaper than other cat-back systems.
Video(s) and pics to come later; you'll just have to trust me for now.
Links:
gzstang's post (with pics): http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54833&page=3
MBRP resonator: http://mbrpautomotive.com/?page=products&part=R1013
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