Fabspeed Exhaust Experience

[M Baldwin]

Hi, all! I thought I'd share my experience installing my new Fabspeed Maxflow exhaust. The install is actually dead simple...it's more about after. My first test drive seemed alright. However, the following day I went for a two hour drive and had my brain blasted by some nasty drone. Nasty...as in headache inducing.

(Edit)...almost forgot, my car is a '99 base.

First...my fault, I set the X pipe too close to the bumper. I thought a nice tight fit would look good. This lead to vibration, which lead to drone. From about 2000-3000 RPM, it was painful. I adjusted the X pipe down and reduced the drone quite a bit. At that point it was between 2000 and 2600 RPM, but still loud.

My next idea was to get a '00 and up muffler hanger and trans bracket from 20th Street. The later style bracket appears much stiffer than the earlier rod style. Having installed that this afternoon (with no major drama, thank goodness) drone was reduced more.

While adding the new bracket, I also trimmed the fender liner. The cat pipe of the new exhaust touches the heat shield on my car. By trimming away some of the plastic, I was able to bend the heat shield away from the pipe.

At this point, drone is down to the 2000-2400 range, and at a much more acceptable level. It is really only noticeable under power now, as well.

The last thing I did was to make new tips. The Fabspeed parts are super nice, but they don't fit under the exhaust hump very well. I made a set of minimalist slash cuts with some 316 stainless tube.

Overall, the Fabspeed system is awesome. It sounds like a sports car ought to sound, and adds a few horsies to the power curve. Build quality is outstanding. I recommend the system to anyone, just know you may have to do a couple of extra steps to really nail it.

[M Baldwin]

A couple more tip pics...

For the record, I talked to Fabspeed about my issues. They were responsive and helpful. According to them, they had some issues with Tip cars at one point, but haven't had complaints about manuals like mine. My problem could be unique. They asked me to stay in touch as I work on this, so I'll be reporting back to them this week.

[Fabspeed Motorsport]

Mr. baldwin,

Thank you for the feedback and please do not hesitate to give me a call so I can assist.

[M Baldwin]

Originally Posted by Fabspeed Motorsport

Mr. baldwin,

Thank you for the feedback and please do not hesitate to give me a call so I can assist.

Thanks. I spoke to Jason on the phone last week. I meant to get back to him this week, but I was busy and didn't get a chance to call. I'll give you guys a ring next week.

[stealthn]

As posted here before, lots of exhausts have the drone issue, I went with the Carnewall option and I am really happy with it, and no drone.

[M Baldwin]

Originally Posted by stealthn

As posted here before, lots of exhausts have the drone issue, I went with the Carnewall option and I am really happy with it, and no drone.

Sure! Now you tell me! Actually, I'm still super happy with my FabSpeed system. It just took a few extra steps to make it "mine".

I can't wait to hear it on Road America next year. I'm not able to do a lot of track days, but I think the occasional trip to RA for some fun is good for me...and the car. The full throttle howl is what a Porsche should sound like.

My dad, who also enjoys playing with the car absolutely loves the sound now. He gets a little excited about hard turns with a full throttle exit. The only difference I've noted is during 35-45ish mph cruising is to keep it in third gear. It's quieter, and you're in a better part of the power band. I keep telling him, "keep the rpm's up, gas mileage be damned!"

3000 rpm cruising at 75mph is still quiet enough for a conversation with the top down. Which is nice for Sunday brewery runs to get the growler filled.