More Exhaust Questions and Concerns

[hmrlvr]

Aren't all these exhaust systems just a different muffler, some piping and a couple "TIPS". A muffler for $100.00 and two tips at $50 each with a muffler shop welding it all together shouldn't be more than $250 or $300 bucks. Am I missing something? The dyno charts all pretty much look the same to me (not that I know what they mean). I will be upgrading my exhaust but at what price? Am I just paying for a pretty package when I buy the system complete? And, these tips will be torn off or at least damaged with any sort of offroading except maybe fireroads. Thankyou Evldave and Edspad for your earlier remarks.

[hmrlvr]

Aren't all these exhaust systems just a different muffler, some piping and a couple "TIPS". A muffler for $100.00 and two tips at $50 each with a muffler shop welding it all together shouldn't be more than $250 or $300 bucks. Am I missing something? The dyno charts all pretty much look the same to me (not that I know what they mean). I will be upgrading my exhaust but at what price? Am I just paying for a pretty package when I buy the system complete? And, these tips will be torn off or at least damaged with any sort of offroading except maybe fireroads. Thankyou Evldave and Edspad for your earlier remarks.

[H3Eric]

I just installed today a Flowmaster 50 delta flow. with dual exhaust and tips. total bill with installation and tax $400. I will post sound and pictures in the next few days.

[First Hummer]

One thing that is very different between each of the systems is inside cabin noise.I went the cheap route with just muffler and tips and hated it.The inside cabin noise was to annoying to live with.I know have the SMA exhaust and in my opinion it has alot less inside cabin noise.

[hmrlvr]

I also was looking at the flowmaster. From what I understand, some of the interior noise is diminished if your tips have resonators? Any truth to that? Also, the flowmaster can have one in and one out or one in and two out. Would two out give better flow? Post pics please.

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
One thing that is very different between each of the systems is inside cabin noise.I went the cheap route with just muffler and tips and hated it.The inside cabin noise was to annoying to live with.I know have the SMA exhaust and in my opinion it has alot less inside cabin noise. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Do you get that drone at about 2000 rpms? It's loud inside at just the perfect rpm only.

[H3Eric]

The Flowmaster 50 delta flow is specificly designed to have outside the original flowmaster sound and reduce inside noise and drone to an absolute minimum.

[Steve - SanJose]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H3Eric:
The Flowmaster 50 delta flow is specificly designed to have outside the original flowmaster sound and reduce inside noise and drone to an absolute minimum. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So the question is, does it work? How's the noise in the cabin? Much louder than stock inside the cabin? Does it drone at highway speeds?

S.

[Steve - SanJose]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
One thing that is very different between each of the systems is inside cabin noise.I went the cheap route with just muffler and tips and hated it.The inside cabin noise was to annoying to live with.I know have the SMA exhaust and in my opinion it has alot less inside cabin noise. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

First Hummer,

Did you remove your intake system and return it to stock? If so, did that get rid of some unpleasant noise. So you are still happy with your SMA exhaust?


S.

[phantom2]

hmrlvr...I think there is a lot of truth to your comments.I personally believe that if you don't have a V8 motor,any of these aftermarket exhaust systems sound like rice burners.They just sound like crap with a V6 or less and I wouldn't waste my money on them.The dual exhaust tips look great but that "putt-putt" sound sucks.

[hmrlvr]

Let me assure you guys I wasn't slamming the different exhaust systems. I'm just trying to get some facts before I buy anything. I've never had a vehicle long enough to have to change out an exhaust so I'm not familiar. The prices just seem high for what your getting.

[Aperformance]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hmrlvr:
Let me assure you guys I wasn't slamming the different exhaust systems. I'm just trying to get some facts before I buy anything. I've never had a vehicle long enough to have to change out an exhaust so I'm not familiar. The prices just seem high for what your getting. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You have to remember when buying a complete exhaust kit like Zoomers for instance...The system is tuned to your vehicle to get the best sound and performance.

The pipe used is 304 stainless steel "304" being the purest stainless, it will never rust.

All the tubing is mandrel bent "No kinks" in the pipe like you'll get from a compression bender at your local Midas. No flow restriction...

Our tips accually have a function where most tips just look pretty. The Tips we use have an open chambered design with ceramic and stainless mesh packing. The tip draws in air that is moving under the vehicle. The inlet of the tip where the exhaust gasses enter also necks down resulting in a venturi effect. This creates a low pressure area in the tip, that helps to extract the gasses and at the same time cancel out the pulses that help create drone and cabin resonance. The effect increases with speed.

Our innovative designs are patented and carry a lifetime warranty and a 110% money back performance guarantee.

These are just a few things you get with Zoomers as well as other cat-back makers, that you can't get at your local muffler shop.

It makes $600 to $700 bucks look like a bargin.

[ETD]

Interesting.
Here's the link http://www.zoomersexhaust.com/H3/default.htm

[hmrlvr]

That is exactly what I'm talking about. They sound the same. How much performance will you loose if the pipes are a little narrower at the bends? It's only a 5 cylinder to begin with. And installing resonator tips is always an option with any system.
http://www.dayvideos.com/media.php?viewfile=32

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Steve-SanJose-H3:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
One thing that is very different between each of the systems is inside cabin noise.I went the cheap route with just muffler and tips and hated it.The inside cabin noise was to annoying to live with.I know have the SMA exhaust and in my opinion it has alot less inside cabin noise. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

First Hummer,

Did you remove your intake system and return it to stock? If so, did that get rid of some unpleasant noise. So you are still happy with your SMA exhaust?


S. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes Steve, I went back to the stock intake and I am very happy with the SMA exhaust.There was no big noise difference going back to stock intake.I believe alot of the inside cabin noise comes from the fact that the large vent behind spare tire has alot to do with inside cabin noise.This spring I am going to throw some insulation where the jack is and see if that makes a difference.I dont have any problems with the noise rite now.

[Steve - SanJose]

First Hummer - thanks for the feedback on the SMA exhaust.

Hopefully we will get feedback from other H3 owners on experiences with some of the other exhaust systems (Borla, Zoomer, etc.).

S.

[hmrlvr]

I think another member is having the zoomers exhaust installed tommorow as a trial. I'm looking forward to hearing what he thinks.

[FJD]

Just had my SMA exhaust installed last weekend. Initial thoughts:
I can definitely feel a little bit more "giddyup" with them (Yeah, I know, this "expert" over here can tell the difference with a few more HP's added !!), although it isn't much it seems to help a little bit.
The cabin noise has increased about 5x what it was before (what?? Did you say something?? Sorry, I can't hear a thing with this humming in my ears !!) so I'm going to look into trying to add some sound deadening material somewhere or just turn up the tunes!
For someone really into trying to squeeze a little more HP's out of it, it might be a decent upgrade.

But, of course, just my $.02....... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[H3Eric]

FJD, could you please post some sound files.

Eric

[Steve - SanJose]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FJD:
Just had my SMA exhaust installed last weekend. Initial thoughts:
I can definitely feel a little bit more "giddyup" with them (Yeah, I know, this "expert" over here can tell the difference with a few more HP's added !!), although it isn't much it seems to help a little bit.
The cabin noise has increased about 5x what it was before (what?? Did you say something?? Sorry, I can't hear a thing with this humming in my ears !!) so I'm going to look into trying to add some sound deadening material somewhere or just turn up the tunes!
For someone really into trying to squeeze a little more HP's out of it, it might be a decent upgrade.

But, of course, just my $.02....... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


FJD,

Good feedback on the SMA. You are the first guy who feels that the cabin noise was up significantly after adding the exhaust system. Do you think the upgrade was worth the money?

S.

[Aperformance]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hmrlvr:
I think another member is having the zoomers exhaust installed tommorow as a trial. I'm looking forward to hearing what he thinks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Yes, Phil just left our shop about an hour ago. He should be posting his first impressions tonight. His first comment was " it sounds much deeper than the others I've heard" He was very happy.

[FJD]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Steve-SanJose-H3:



FJD,

Good feedback on the SMA. You are the first guy who feels that the cabin noise was up significantly after adding the exhaust system. Do you think the upgrade was worth the money?

S. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think the upgrade was worth the $$ because I was looking for a little bit more out of the 5-banger and I think this accomplished it. It still isn't a speed demon which I don't expect or want it to be) but I definitely feel a little something more when accelerating. Living in the NY metro area, there's a lot of highway merging goin' on back here so the added pep certainly helps. I will admit I didn't expect the increase in cabin noise. I did an exhaust upgrade on my last SUV and really didn't notice any increase in cabin noise so I was kinda' expecting the same. Really where it hits you is low speed cruising in high gear and you get that low level drone that you seem to feel more then hear.
That said, I would still recommend the upgrade and just turn up the tunes !!

[Aperformance]

If anyone is interested here is one follow members first impressions on his new Zoomers Exhaust. Check it out! Thread below:

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/2706067735/m/1131036151

[Klint]

Trying to figure out where to get the Zoomer and how hard is it to install.

[Aperformance]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Klint:
Trying to figure out where to get the Zoomer and how hard is it to install. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Klint, I sent you a PM... Give me a call 949-916-3240, Ron P.S. you can install it with a sawzall an impact and some lube for the hangers. We always recommend at least welding all the clamped joints. You local muffler shop can do that for you after you do the install.

[Vindutch]

I love the sound of the SMA exhaust it gives the H3 the rugged sound it deserves.Yes it is a little loud in the cabin but thats what i wanted its sound like a beast and the SMA intake also adds alot of noise.You can definetly feel better trottle response.The only thing the bugs me about the SMA exhaust is trying to keep the tips clean.As soon as i clean them the chrome turns gold from heat and gets black around the rim of the tips.I just use alot of mothers and elbow grease.

[hmrlvr]

If the "TIPS" are actually chrome, the color will be a problem with heat. The stainless are apparently a better option.