Exhaust Mod Experience

[blue-mw]

Hey gang,

I’ve decided to go with the OEM exhaust mod and wanted to share my experience. I was originally torn between the ACM bypass and the 2-pipe OEM method and thought this might be helpful for others. After much deliberation I met up with Sephiroth who was a class act in letting me hear his 2-pipe system. I decided to go a similar route and at the last minute went with the full 4-pipe mod.

Here are some samples recorded via the same device to help anyone interested gain a better understanding of the differences in the notes.

Stock startup/idle of my own stock car:

I was quoted ~$200 for the welding and ~$15 on 2ft of 2.5” stainless steel piping. Despite my repeated instructions, the welders cut the top and bottom of the muffler to ensure fully wrapped welds. Midway through I got a call about the top right pipe being curved, which they didn’t anticipate. After slicing it off we had it welded back on and covered the perforations using some of the spare piping. Admittedly, this was far from the prettiest job, but here's what it looked like:









Next, I wanted to paint the exhaust for two reasons to protect from corrosion and hide the can a bit better. I decided to go with a Glacier Black ceramic coat for a more stealthy, aggressive look.

And then… it was on!

The tone of this thing is amazing. It feels so much more alive now. I wanted something that would come alive when feathering the peddle and this has exceeded expectations. Haven't gone on the highway yet but from my drives in town I have yet to hear much drone (subjective, just some bass and occasional backfire when you get on it). I couldn't imagine this money being spent on something better.

Many thanks go out to forum members who have helped me through this process, especially Sephiroth and Philippe (///M Power-Belgium) who entertained my endless questions and curiosity throughout the whole process. I will probably record some better videos in the coming weeks but just wanted to get this up for anyone considering the 4-pipe method as I would have found something like this helpful in my own experience.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Fantastic thread from a fantastic mod. !
Excellent write up from OP through the whole process with pics and comparison videos .

For the moment I'm helping 2 other members with the Oem. exhaust mod . but in the last years I actually lost count.
It's for sure that everyone loves this mod. because it sounds really amazing and the sound quality (that matters too) is just perfect !

Thanks for sharing my friend , and of course it was all my pleasure ...

[Jhanksm3]

I think I've made my mind up

[M3ANMACHINE]

I've had both ACM and now the 4pipe. Personally I like the ACM better as you get more volume in cabin as well as a bit more of a high pitched tone overall. Both are great bang for your buck though! 2 pipe method seems like a waste IMO.

[blue-mw]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Fantastic thread from a fantastic mod. !
Excellent write up from OP through the whole process with pics and comparison videos .

For the moment I'm helping 2 other members with the Oem. exhaust mod . but in the last years I actually lost count.
It's for sure that everyone loves this mod. because it sounds really amazing and the sound quality (that matters too) is just perfect !

Thanks for sharing my friend , and of course it was all my pleasure ...

Agreed! I went back and forth on this because I was unsure about chopping up something that came with the car…. but now I see why you say it should’ve came like this stock.

I'm told it's even better from the outside. Maybe when I’m finally content with being in the cabin I’ll let a friend drive so I can hear it

Originally Posted by jhanksevo

I think I've made my mind up

Let us know how it goes!

Originally Posted by M3ANMACHINE

I've had both ACM and now the 4pipe. Personally I like the ACM better as you get more volume in cabin as well as a bit more of a high pitched tone overall. Both are great bang for your buck though! 2 pipe method seems like a waste IMO.

Yeah I was leaning heavily towards ACM but feared the rasp/possible drone. I think 2-pipe sounds great though. It's a bit more refined with a better bite than OEM. At the last minute I decided if the exhaust was getting cut up it may as well all get cut up.

[M3ANMACHINE]

Originally Posted by blue-mw

Agreed! I went back and forth on this because I was unsure about chopping up something that came with the car…. but now I see why you say it should’ve came like this stock.

I'm told it's even better from the outside. Maybe when I’m finally content with being in the cabin I’ll let a friend drive so I can hear it

Let us know how it goes!

Yeah I was leaning heavily towards ACM but feared the rasp/possible drone. I think 2-pipe sounds great though. It's a bit more refined with a better bite than OEM. At the last minute I decided if the exhaust was getting cut up it may as well all get cut up.

True. Zero rasp on the ACM imo. Drone is minimal

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by blue-mw

Agreed! I went back and forth on this because I was unsure about chopping up something that came with the car…. but now I see why you say it should’ve came like this stock.

I'm told it's even better from the outside. Maybe when I’m finally content with being in the cabin I’ll let a friend drive so I can hear it

I heard my car outside . I'm sure you will not been disappointed
And I drove also behind my car while it pulled away from me ...

[Jhanksm3]

im doing it for sure. my father in law and I will tackle it. im going to source the piping will be following the the thread Belgium started. 2 pipe, 4 pipe acm hmmmmmm

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by jhanksevo

im doing it for sure. my father in law and I will tackle it. im going to source the piping will be following the the thread Belgium started. 2 pipe, 4 pipe acm hmmmmmm

Awesome ! Please call me Philippe . If you need help you can PM me at any time

[Jhanksm3]

blue where did you source the piping to do this

[Powashiftin]

Got the same done. Went 4 pipe and it surely wasn't the prettiest inside. I painted the outside flat black.

I think the sound is great but I want more. So I Just picked up catless test pipes. To wrap things up, I also got magnaflow tips ?. Then I should be done... I'll post videos and pics once I'm done.

[Sephiroth]

Nicely done man! Glad i could be of help.

[blue-mw]

Originally Posted by jhanksevo

blue where did you source the piping to do this

I got mine at a custom automotive shop. You should be able to find some at any performance or exhaust shop. About 2' of 2.5" stainless steel will do the trick for the 4-pipe mod.

Originally Posted by Powashiftin

Got the same done. Went 4 pipe and it surely wasn't the prettiest inside. I painted the outside flat black.

I think the sound is great but I want more. So I Just picked up catless test pipes. To wrap things up, I also got magnaflow tips ?. Then I should be done... I'll post videos and pics once I'm done.

Using riveted tips? I tried to get tips added but the shop wanted to cut mine off halfway and weld on new ones while the exhaust was on the car. Wasn't really feeling that so I'm on the hunt for tips with rivets.

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

Nicely done man! Glad i could be of help.

Thanks again! Looking forward to getting them side by side soon.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by jhanksevo

blue where did you source the piping to do this

I just replied your PM

[blue-mw]

Update: First highway pulls today. My personal definition of drone is a continuous, overwhelmingly bassy sound.

At ~70mph in 7th with the windows up, I experienced none. The sound quickly returned as I accelerated, but at a steady cruise it is very easy on the ears.

Got ready to record some more samples but then the sky darkened and off to the stable we went.

[6ixSpd]

I did the OEM 2 pipe mod paired with an AA HFC xpipe. It absolutely SCREAMED up top like a F355! Sort of wish I kept that...

[blue-mw]

Mmmm very nice! I almost lost my resonators/secondary cats until I realized how terrifyingly loud it would become. Yours sounds just right 6ixSpd