I will be picking up my new TT Cab X50 and one of the first items I wanted to install was a sport exhaust. I have read many posts concerning different systems but I have a few questions concerning some of the terms and descriptions used in the various posts.

1. What exactly is "resonance", what does it sound like? Based on most comments it is a negative attribute, but to a newbie like me, how will I recognize it when I hear it without numerous exhaust systems to hear side by side?

2. With a Cab., how much extra loudness is enought? I am considering the FABSPEED MOTORSPORT SPORT EXHAUST as it appears to be softer than some of the others (considering top-down motoring).

3. In some posts, I have read that the pipes of some systems may hang differently in the rear facia opening. This would bother me a lot! I want any replacement to hang evenly in the openings. Is this typically an issue with replacement systems? How can this be avoided?

4. While I am not making this change for extra HP, a system like the Fabspeed appears to add 28 HP. With the X50 motor, will I see any noticeable improvement in performance?

5. Any other exhaust system thoughts, info or recommendations?

Thanks All!

 

I believe that most people would consider "resonance" in the context of an exhaust system to be an unpleasant low frequency noise in the lower RPM range.

I think it is a subjective thing though. What sounds like resonance to one person, may sound just fine to another. The trouble is, with the cost of most exhaust systems, it's a pretty expensive lesson to learn. I've been through four different aftermarket systems trying to find one that I liked (sound wise).

2. is pretty subjective. I'd hate to even try to answer the part about how much loudness is enough. That's really a matter of personal taste. If you just want something louder, just about any of the aftermarket systems will do. But, if you want a particular sound, then it's probably going to be an expensive lesson. Of the ones I've tried, I'd rate them as follows (for loudness in the cockpit).

1 = factory (very quiet)
3 = Europipe Stage 2 Loud
5 = B&B
6 = Fabspeed Sport
9 = Fabspeed Super Sport
10 = open pipes

3. The four I've tried all fit just fine. Didn't really change the look relative to the fascia at all.

4. I sincerely doubt that you will feel 28HP on a 450 HP car. On a road course, you'd notice the difference as you'd gain a couple tenths each lap (assuming consistent driving). On a drag strip, maybe you'd gain a tenth or two? (Not completely sure about the drag strip. That's not my gig really.)

5. My advice is to listen to any system you are considering first, from the cockpit.

 

resonance is a physics term that relates to a frequency that causes vibration in surrounding structures such that they contribute to the noise simultaneously. The combination is usually unpleasant and the listener isn't sure how much is noise and how much is "shaking". Europipe makes the best sound with the least resonance and has the best quality of hand welds and looks exactly like OEM. It is art. The stage II quiet is my personal preference for not sounding like a race car but having exotic tones. On Racer63's chart, it would be a 3 and stage II loud would be a 4.5. Good luck finding out what you like.

 

To chime in, resonance is the sound of a particular frequency being amplified by the exhaust system. It's actually the same principle as a woodwind musical instrument. In autos, the exhaust resonance is usually a low pitched booming like sound. Imagine someone blowing a low long note on a tuba.

I've had experience with various cars and exhaust systems. I found that a little resonance is a pleasant sound, as it makes your engine sound powerful. The stock exhaust system has some. However, too much can give you a headache after a long ride.

I've found that resonance in an open top car is much more acceptable. However, in a coupe, the hard top seems to focus the sound and make it more annoying. Also, if you live in a area with large hills or mountains, (like I do near Seattle), then you will hear a lot more res as you power up the hills. If you plan to make a lot of interstate trips, the res will get to you.

Finally, just today I had an extended test drive by myself in a X50 Turbo Cab. The regular stock exhaust sound with the top down was very nice and louder than my TT Coupe (also stock exhaust). You might want to just keep the OEM system for a while before you decide on anything.

 

Ray G:

I will take your advice and try the stock system first. Thanks to all for your input--it appears like everything else, personal taste is a major factor that comes into play with exhaust systems. I gather from the comments above, that finding the correct system to match one's personal 'ear' can be quite a journey as there is not one place to hear the exhausts in place in a side by side comparison.

Wouldn't it be interesting to have a manufacturer exhaust 'sound-off', where there is a gathering of cars representing the various systems so people could hear them in comparison to each other? At various events or shows, are there cars that they bring which can be heard before making a choice? (If so, which events and where/when.)

I have listened to the clips on-line, but my computer speakers do not seem to reproduce the sound well enough to provide me with a real impression.

 

racer63.
i liked your explanation and sound grading.
where does the ruf exhaust fit in?
thanks.
jose

 

Jose,

Unfortunately I've never heard the Ruf exhaust. $6K for a modified stock system just seemed a bit steep, although I've heard it sounds nice and has made up to 500 rwhp on EVO's dyno.

By the way, I just had the EP Stage 2 Loud system installed today. I think James's rating of 4.5 is an interesting contrast to my initial rating of 3. It has no low end resonance to speak of (at least much less than either of the Fabspeeds) but really screams at the top end. It might even be a 6 at WOT... but more like a 3.5 at lower RPMs, part throttle. More like a 2 at low RPM cruise. Pretty much ideal for me as volume is controlled by throttle input.

The sound is also very European/exotic. Very intoxicating.

I should have dyno nos. soon. Todd's dyno install is still not 100% complete. There's no anchor points yet. I guess it worked fine when he dyno'd his 0.8 HP scooter. But, a 600+ beast needs the tie downs. FWIW, he dyon'd another stage 4gt with the EP stage 2 loud and EVO intake - 560 at the wheels. He said that he believed the intake accounted for 20 rwhp. So, 540 with the stock intake is what I am shooting for. (At least until the production version of the intake is available...)

 

Jack(LA) recorded various exhaust sounds and video's. You can check them out here. http://www.jackspictures.com/videos.htm

 

racer63
thanks for yor answer.
agree, a ruf exhaust would be a consideration as part of a conversion pkg.,but expensive as only mod. unfortunately only 2 other 996tt in town both stock. i haven't come across one with EP.
jose.

 

thanks bruce. i'll check jack(la) site. jose.

 

I totally agree. I've had my TT Cab since September and now have about 2,200 miles. The exhaust sound is much more impressive with the top down - especially above 4,000 RPMS. It also has a nice "gurgle" when the engine is cold, something I never noticed on my TT Coupe. Before buying a $3,500 +/- exhaust system, I'd suggest driving the car with the top down for an extended period and then decide.

 

When I picked up my Cab yesterday, I mentioned that I was considering an after market exhaust system and they recommended the PES system since, according to them, it does not trigger the warning(?) light on the dash. Has anyone used their system? I noticed that in none of the previous comments that a PES exhaust was never mentioned, is it any good?

 

I'll tell you, the Cargraphic super sound really is the best sounding I have heard. However, fit and finish is not up to par, although, I believe my particular exhaust had some problems anyway. I had a video of my car with Cargraphic on it, if I find it, I will post.

Lou

 

This advice coming from someone that had 3 sets of wheels (including OEM's) on his TT cab in the first few months.... LOL

J/K'ing...

hmm.... I heading for my 4th set myself...

 

Someone's got to be the voice of reason on this board!

Oh, by the way, did I mention I'm thinking of selling the car?