And a step by step list of what I've gone through with the exhaust, hopefully this helps others out when they're figuring out exhaust options!
1 ) HEADERS/CATS
- Installed headers (Raptor) and hi flow cats (Xforce 100cell)
- Third cat delete
- Found that exhaust sounded like crap (due to the hiflow cats)
- Hiflow cats also make your car smell like a vintage vehicle (very raw exhaust smell)
2 ) FRONT RESONATORS
- Front resonators (2x Coby) installed to help reduce rasp
- Exhaust sounded good at this point, very different from stock.
3 ) CATBACK
- Catback went on (Xforce)
- Wrong midsection supplied
- Rasp back, different note though
- Felt like loss of power (maybe due to extreme free flow?)
- Drone
4 ) MODIFICATION OF MID SECTION
- Mid section removed
- Collector flange removed
- 22" Resonator (Coby) installed
- Drone still present
- Most of rasp removed, but still there on acceleration
- Around this time got the 0420 code, was tuned out
- Deep sound, but very low notes that created vibration
5 ) INSERTS
- Created my own inserts based on standard muffler inserts
- Removed a lot of drone
- Removed a lot of rasp
- Still loud (I don't mind loud, but this loud is headache inducing low frequency)
6) SOUND PROOFING
- Added sound deadening into trunk
- Added sound deadening under rear carpet and seat
- Blocked vents above mufflers (not sure if this is AOK yet)
- Didn't make a huge difference but was noticable.
7 ) SENSORS
- Changed O2 sensors, no difference to exhaust notes.
8 ) TUNE CHANGE
- Tune changed
- Engine sounded different
- Drone and rasp still present
9 ) FUEL CHANGE
- Changed my fuel to Gull Force 10
- Removed a lot more rasp
- Very small amount of rasp left, noticable on takeoff/hard acceleration
11) HEAT SHIELDS
- Removed heat shields above mufflers
- Did remove some of the rattle/rasp
- No major amounts of heat exiting top of mufflers (Xforce ones anyways)
12 ) VIBRANT
- Removed custom inserts
- Vibrant 1141 installed in mid section
- Coby 22" moved into the rear Y
- Rear Y flange removed
- Removed major rasp and drone
- Vibration removed
- Overall much better on the inside
- Still feels like loss of power
13 ) FIX POWER LOSS
- Reinserted muffler inserts
- Feels like more power
- Further reduced drone
- Quiet as what you could probably get it
14 ) PROBABLY HAPPY NOW, NEED A NEW VIDEO THOUGH.
And a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE thanks to:
- Tim at Raptor, very helpful dude and great products!
- Ed
- Matt
- McDoof
- And all the info from various members here!
The muffler inserts are not ideal but I swear the butt dyno says they make a difference. They're only in because of that - not because of sound.
Every time I start the car on a cold start, always brings a smile to the face
EDIT - Forgot to add bits about adding sound deadening, muffler shields and a bit more on the muffler inserts.