Hey all, I just had a midpipe from Velocity AP installed along with a Valvetronic catback from Zen Rage. Prior to this the exhaust was stock with the exception of a resonator delete the previous owner had done. I was hoping for a deeper/richer sound and the ability to control volume with the valvetronic. Problem is, I hate the sound. The closed valve position is quieter than stock and has less of a deep note, and open it is OBNOXIOUSLY loud and extremely raspy which was the exact opposite of what I wanted. It also sounds flatter if that makes sense, there's just no low end growl to the sound any more.

I'm trying to think through my options now, the mechanics that installed it still have my original parts so I could swap back. I don't think the Velocity AP midpipe changes much so I'll likely leave that in place with the sport cats. I'm wondering if the x-pipe added by the Zen Rage system or the muffler is more to blame for the raspy sound now (or just the combination of the two). I'm thinking about potentially trying to replace the muffler with something like a Borla. Even though I can't control it I've heard that borla's give a deeper tone that is louder than stock but not extremely so. I just don't want to do that if the x-pipe change is the more likely reason for the complete change in sound. Any thoughts or suggestions from other owners that have done exhaust stuff would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Interesting, I'm looking into an exhaust upgrade for my XE, but it seems that every aftermarket system comes with some type of compromise.

I was intrigued by the valvetronic systems offered by zen rage and mab tuning.

You should start with leaving the VAP mid-pipe and putting the stock exhaust back and see how that sounds.

 

An X (or H) pipe works well on a V8 but works poorly on a V6.
Due to the different firing order and exhaust scavenging effects.
Also a V6 needs a resonator to avoid drone/rasp and general unpleasantness.
Get rid of the X pipe, fit a resonator in it's place, and fit low restriction "sports" rear mufflers.
You may have to experiment with the mufflers a bit to get the sound you want, from mucho experience on V6 exhaust systems (many moons ago on various Mitsubishis) you want the largest free flowing / straight through mufflers you can fit and small mufflers don't work well.

 

Thanks! Maybe I'll try swapping the center exhaust to stock and see if the shop can still hook up the new mufflers to that and see if that makes a noticeable difference

 

Borla will be more of the same. Don’t go there.
Magnaflow is what you’re looking for. They make resonators and the large free flow mufflers OZ suggested.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

@gambit07 any updates on this, i'm curious about your findings since I'm considering the same exhaust system.

 

Hey there, it's actually evened out a bit since install. I do really like the ability to put it in quiet mode, but open it is still definitely very loud. I'm considering a couple options right now but I'm bringing it to the shop tomorrow morning to see what's feasible. I may try going back to stock with the vap midpipe and see if that gives me any increase I like. I'd be open to selling it if I go that route, if you're interested just let me know