Quote:
Originally Posted by montrokc
As noted above, I played around with a few different thoughts of how to start chopping up the exhaust and was considering (a) pulling both resonators and putting in an X-Pipe, or (b) pulling the secondary cats and the first (non-x-pipe) resonator.
As an initial first step, I (at home) permanently opened the valves by removing the exhaust-side valve piece and spring, which allowed me to wire tie the valves open AND place the valve control unit back on where it was from the factory to avoid prying eyes and needing to zip tie things anywhere… not a fan.
Anyway, I decided to take the first step of removing both resonators and putting in a speed-shop sourced X-Pipe. The shop I went to would be willing to cut out the secondary cats, but I wanted to see how the sound hit my ears with this first step. Result - I love it. Cold starts are loud (again, valves wide open) and driving volume is good. Nice deep tone and more pronounced burbles. Have not experienced any drone, and expect the rasp level will be under control - I’m still in the break in period and haven’t been able to get into the high revs to truly confirm.
I saw that Dinan released their own mid pipe and separate axle back muffler, which may be my step if I get bored with the current set up, but this is a STRONG change for relatively cheap. Also, as the valves are opened and essentially straight through, I’m not sure how much the Dinan muffler would change things…
Cost for the work was $700 all said for the shop to take down the exhaust, install/MIG weld an X-Pipe stainless steel in place of the resonators. To make sure fitment was on point, the shop suggested (and I agreed) to not cut out both suitcases in one piece but rather cut them out separately to allow the natural bend between the two OE resonators to be retained and comfortably run over the support that runs between the two OE suitcases. The X pipe was placed where the first suitcase previously was located, and the second suitcase was replaced with straight pipe. From what I can gather from videos posted here, the X-pipe does really help to merge the pulses and results in a smoother sound.
Overall - very happy with this and appreciate all the posts, input, etc… provided above! I read this thread 2 or 3 times before making the jump.
Pictures and video below!
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https://youtube.com/shorts/tDzOuzQJdq0?feature=share |
Could you do me a favor and look inside the two resonators that were taken out? Are the two inlets both straight through on each of them or are do they cross over in any way (H or X pipe)? Thanks