Exhaust setup (Raptor headers, Xforce catback)

[Daytona]

Yeah, I went for the more extreme angle because of the charger install really.
I'd go with the headers first definitely - they are worth it. I think with the stock cats, you'll get the smaller flanges from Raptor.

I'll get some audio up in the next couple weeks - just started a build page and will stick it up there.

[McDoof]

Just received my 3rd cat delete Y pipe, so I will get that fitted this week.

[Daytona]

Good to see another Kiwi on here!
I tried using the US forums, but the 3.0 liter isn't that popular over there. There is that clubsub website, but I've found this website is pretty awesome for the 3.0 engine.

[McDoof]

Good to see another Kiwi on here!
I tried using the US forums, but the 3.0 liter isn't that popular over there. There is that clubsub website, but I've found this website is pretty awesome for the 3.0 engine.

Agreed. This site has been pretty helpful.
Although, thanks to this site, I have gone from the thought of keeping my car pretty much stock to slowly but surely eroding it into a whole new beast.

[Shiv]

Great thread, just been reading through and taking notes Thanks for posting the progress.

Getting a custom cat back system done tomorrow, then retune on Saturday.

[Brunsy3.0]

Hey mate. The H6 sounds pretty good once opened up
Here's mine for reference sake

Raptor ceramic coated headers. 3rd cat delete, 2.25" X-Force y section and centre pipe with Phat quad tip mufflers

[/quote]

Keep us in the loop on which setup you choose

[McDoof]

Love the sound of that, just a maybe a few db quieter though.

[Brunsy3.0]

Whilst cruising at around 130kmph just shy of 3000rpm there is no drone or much cabin noise at all even in the cabin at WOT its not overly loud is a lot more noticeable outside than it is inside
I do however have a lot of soundproofing in the boot that could be cutting a lot of the noise down though my misses hasnt complained once about the noise. It is sometimes a bit loud on startup before it warms up

[Shiv]

Glorious sound. I might just rip my exhaust off all together, haha

[Brunsy3.0]

Sounded like a 2 stroke motorbike. Such a harsh bite to it was soo loud in the shed with no exhaust

[Daytona]

I've got a slight bit of drone now at about 2500ish-2700ish RPM, but nothing major. Definitely getting better.
I've got soundproofing in the boot (Dynamat type material), underside of rear seat and side of floor pan.

Overall car is really quiet - I'm probably a bit of a nanna on the highway (long story) so I stick to just above 100km/h most of the time and car is nice and quiet, but roars when you put the throttle on.

I had a bit of playtime on the weekend, ended up trying exhaust wrap - mainly just to try it out. Didn't make a difference in noise, but does keep the pipes warm. Took it off though, I know you can seal it and all, but prefer not having wrap. Might be just me, but how far the Xforce exhaust tips extend can make a difference as well.

I am noticing I'm changing gears quicker though - before I would probably end up staying in 4th around town, but I generally head for 5th now.

Was going to get some sound clips this morning but weather turned pretty crap.
Will get some clips as soon as I can.

[Daytona]

Audio:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tyron-d675/16945471719/

Crappy video, but gives a bit of an idea with how the exhaust sounds.
It's not insanely loud, idle is a really quiet rumble.

Quick attempt anywho.

[McDoof]

Sounds pretty good. The headers really give a distinctive note.

[Tradewind]

A bit of extra though material - see last post

viewtopic.php?f=65&t=17262&p=404877#p404877

A youtube of what happens if you remove the rear cans only from the system

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlCzkkeKj5Y

[Daytona]

Thanks heaps for taking the time to record that Tim - really useful info.

In hindsight, after I got a completely new exhaust, this is what I've learnt:

- Be patient (like, number one, really important) - I wasn't.
- Probably easier to do the exhaust in one go, if you plan on upgrading the whole thing.
- Shop around for muffler places, make sure they can do the work you request.

I spent a bit of time on the weekend fixing the lawnmower and also trying to get rid of the drone with poor mans tools. I bought a silencer,/muffler insert which drastically reduces the outlet size and although it worked - it was just silly. Spend all that time and effort on a 2.5" exhaust only do stick a dinky winky outlet at the rear. Gave it a try for a bit though, ended up drilling holes in the plate as well (of the silencer) to let some more gases through. Totally got rid of the drone - at the expense of sounding like a sh** box. The worst of the drone just happens to be cruising in 6th gear at about 110km/h. It's probably around 100 to 130ish hz - so really low.

So they came off pretty quick. Ended up recording the audio from a camera in the boot, but with a mic hanging out of the boot (just a $20 mic from Jaycar designed to go on the lapel of a shirt).

I wish I spent more time and was more patient at the start and waited until both the headers and catback arrived (catback came after the headers by something like 4 weeks). Then I should have shopped around looking for an exhaust shop that would have put a muffler where Tim suggested (near the 3rd cat). PS - Tim suggested all of this before I commenced work.

For some background - I'm a programmer by trade, but just read up as much as I can before I start any major work. Unfortunately I spend my work days in front of a blasted computer, but love mechanical stuff and working with my hands. Ever since going to Subaru dealership in NZ for the first service I got for the car I basically thought I'll start servicing the car myself instead of lining their pockets with my cash! Went from servicing to modifying - fun stuff!

Anyways, bit of a ramble. All in all, I'm happy with the exhaust - but I should have stuck the middle muffler in - I'll try probably early next year when I save up some money.