XLR8 Performance Catback Exhaust: 09+ TL SH-AWD
#162
Drifting
Your description in an earlier post pretty much was exactly what I experienced:
Okay, quick update. Got the car back from the exhaust shop. It's definitely a LOT louder than I expected (not a good thing). Keep in mind that I have the SRI, J-Pipe, and High-Flo cat as well. There is noticable drone below 3K rpm (not too crazy loud in cabin, but it's there. I'll need to take her on the interstate to confirm), above 3K the exhaust sounds wicked, below it sounds a little ricey. Although the sound is much louder than I'd like (somewhere between rice burner and dodge charger), the look and build quality of the system and tips especially are top-notch. Now for the exciting part, I know I need to let my ECU learn the exhaust but initial trials of gunning it from a dead stop were mind-blowing. I just about gave myself whiplash! There is a very noticible difference in low end power that I did not anticipate.
Sound: A little on the loud side, but should tone down and mature in the next 1000-1500 miles
Appearance: It looks awesome, no questions asked. It's difficult to photograph, it looks like they are tilted down more, but really that's just how they are cut. Looks awesome, perfect fit for the angular look of the 4G. Personally, I think it looks even better with the rear lip kit on.
Performance: Noticeable increase in power/torque especially on the highway, 60-80 in 6th gear.
Last edited by Pete2010; 02-16-2011 at 09:41 PM.
#163
Drifting
***Pics and Video***
Ok - fair warning/disclaimer, the videos really don't do it justice, the do a pretty decent job, but not perfect. It's louder than in the videos, but expect after it breaks in to sounds exactly like the video.
Pics:
Videos: **This is a brand new exhaust system, it needs to be broken in before it sounds as it should** I will repost videos again in about 1000-1500 miles with the "true" sound. The startup sound needs to mature a bit. This is just to show you the 2.5k+ RPM sound and the minimal drone, but wanted to include everything. Click on the video to go to youtube for HD versions:
Car Starting
[youtube]Ru1D2utyFtE[/youtube]
Accel, Upshift, Downshift
[youtube]t5FvPW-tPhw[/youtube]
Drone Test
[youtube]v2setUiUKl0[/youtube]
Pics:
Videos: **This is a brand new exhaust system, it needs to be broken in before it sounds as it should** I will repost videos again in about 1000-1500 miles with the "true" sound. The startup sound needs to mature a bit. This is just to show you the 2.5k+ RPM sound and the minimal drone, but wanted to include everything. Click on the video to go to youtube for HD versions:
Car Starting
[youtube]Ru1D2utyFtE[/youtube]
Accel, Upshift, Downshift
[youtube]t5FvPW-tPhw[/youtube]
Drone Test
[youtube]v2setUiUKl0[/youtube]
#164
Racer
Pete, Nice job with the initial review, video, and pics. Nice job to the Excelerate team. It is a bit loud but.....Im tending towards SSG idea of what to do if on the fence...... Thanks
#165
Drifting
Yup - i don't regret the purchase at all, and knowing aftermarket exhausts, it will tone down and mature the next month or two. I'll take some updated videos later so you all can compare.
#166
Thank you Pete for the pictures and videos and review. Also keep in mind Pete, has the full system, which will make the exhaust a bit more aggressive. He has the j-pipe and high flow third cat and catback exhaust. The exhaust itself will be slightly less aggressive if retaining factory components before the catback system. But, on a whole, I'm very please with how the system sounds. It sounds almost exotic.
#167
Drifting
Thank you Pete for the pictures and videos and review. Also keep in mind Pete, has the full system, which will make the exhaust a bit more aggressive. He has the j-pipe and high flow third cat and catback exhaust. The exhaust itself will be slightly less aggressive if retaining factory components before the catback system. But, on a whole, I'm very please with how the system sounds. It sounds almost exotic.
#172
Drifting
I'm in Texas this week so can't get more photos till I get back. Any specific angles or shots you guys want to see? I've been traveling so much for work I haven't had a chance to rack up the miles and get a full "break in". It does seem to have quieted down a bit so far, I don't think I'm just getting used to the sound, I think it actually is quieter. So i'm optimistic for a few more weeks as it breaks in.
I'll try to get some videos up with drive by's and takeoff's to help you guys with your decisions.
I'll try to get some videos up with drive by's and takeoff's to help you guys with your decisions.
#176
Pro
I'm in Texas this week so can't get more photos till I get back. Any specific angles or shots you guys want to see? I've been traveling so much for work I haven't had a chance to rack up the miles and get a full "break in". It does seem to have quieted down a bit so far, I don't think I'm just getting used to the sound, I think it actually is quieter. So i'm optimistic for a few more weeks as it breaks in.
I'll try to get some videos up with drive by's and takeoff's to help you guys with your decisions.
I'll try to get some videos up with drive by's and takeoff's to help you guys with your decisions.
#177
Drifting
Hey Everyone - Just wanted to provide a "one month" update to my experience with the XLR8 exhaust setup (J-pipe, HFC, Catback). I haven't driven much over the past couple months (only maybe 500 miles or so) as I've been traveling for work. But I can tell you that the overall loudness of the exhaust has started to tone down quite a bit.
Cruising at 2.5k-3k RPM's is significantly quieter than when the exhaust was brand new.
The sound above 3k RPM's sounds amazing (really, just beyond amazing). There may be a small drone at 2k RPM's. It seems to sound a bit louder at 2k than 3k. But it's not bad at all (when I have the radio at 8 on xm I don't hear the exhaust unless I hit the gas).
The sound of deceleration (probably 6MT only since it stays in gear when you decelerate) it higher than the 2k drone sound, but not anything crazy. Would love to hear from a 5AT guy to see if they hear that same sound, but I'm guessing not).
I look forward to putting on a few hundred more miles on the car in the next month and see how things go from there.
Overall - I love the whole exhaust system (looks and sound). Installed on the car it looks great, but difficult to really photograph since the tips are cut diagonally down and not straight like the ALTL ones (but if you don't like the tips, you can easily have a shop change them). Bottom line, if you're on the fence, I would highly recommend, it sounds great (as others who have the exhaust can probably attest to).
I'm super busy over the next month with more traveling and home renovations, but still plan on getting some more exhaust videos up and posted. Want to also get a few hundred more miles on the exhaust beforehand.
Cruising at 2.5k-3k RPM's is significantly quieter than when the exhaust was brand new.
The sound above 3k RPM's sounds amazing (really, just beyond amazing). There may be a small drone at 2k RPM's. It seems to sound a bit louder at 2k than 3k. But it's not bad at all (when I have the radio at 8 on xm I don't hear the exhaust unless I hit the gas).
The sound of deceleration (probably 6MT only since it stays in gear when you decelerate) it higher than the 2k drone sound, but not anything crazy. Would love to hear from a 5AT guy to see if they hear that same sound, but I'm guessing not).
I look forward to putting on a few hundred more miles on the car in the next month and see how things go from there.
Overall - I love the whole exhaust system (looks and sound). Installed on the car it looks great, but difficult to really photograph since the tips are cut diagonally down and not straight like the ALTL ones (but if you don't like the tips, you can easily have a shop change them). Bottom line, if you're on the fence, I would highly recommend, it sounds great (as others who have the exhaust can probably attest to).
I'm super busy over the next month with more traveling and home renovations, but still plan on getting some more exhaust videos up and posted. Want to also get a few hundred more miles on the exhaust beforehand.
#179
Racer
Well, I just installed my XLR8 catback today. Did it on my own on a ramp and pair of jack stands. It takes some time, but it can be done. They really look good. Now the sound takes some getting use to, because it is louder, but the tone is very good. So I know what you mean when its 'louder'. It will take some getting use to, but it does have an exotic sound to it.
The only thing Im struggling with is the passenger side muffler/tip. It is not centered and it is closer to the inside. Needs to move over about an inch. Can't seem to find the right adjustment. The driver side is perfect.
So is this system worth it? I say "yes."
The only thing Im struggling with is the passenger side muffler/tip. It is not centered and it is closer to the inside. Needs to move over about an inch. Can't seem to find the right adjustment. The driver side is perfect.
So is this system worth it? I say "yes."
#180
Chapter Leader (Northeast Florida)
Intake, xlr8 full exhaust system , j-pipe, high flow 3rd cat, catback exhaust
Thanks to Josh @ Excelerate for the excellent customer service.
Just finished the install, the exhaust fits perfect and the sound is sweet with a very deep growl. All i gotta say is woooooooow.
Still fine tuning everything...more pics and sound clips to follow. Few quick pics.
Just finished the install, the exhaust fits perfect and the sound is sweet with a very deep growl. All i gotta say is woooooooow.
Still fine tuning everything...more pics and sound clips to follow. Few quick pics.
#183
Chapter Leader (Northeast Florida)
Also i just finish making final adjustment. The exhaust tips had a slight angle downward. What i did was cut the tips off and actually reweld them straight to my liking. The tips are now straight across and look awesome. I'll tell you this thing is a beast. I'll get some pics up soon.
What you waiting for to get yours install...do it you'll be happy you did. I put money on it!!! it'll put a smile on your face once install and you step on the gas .
I really loved the deep sound of the XLR8 setup.
Last edited by FYAH TL; 04-08-2011 at 10:20 AM.
#184
Drifting
I'm still in love with mine, the power increase is noticeable, acceleration is improved, and also even on the highway it pulls much harder. 6th gear @ 2k rpms, there is no need to downshift to pass quickly.
#185
Chapter Leader (Northeast Florida)
Xlr8 full exhaust system
Final adjustments done, The exhaust tips are straight across and the blowers out the back makes the car look so aggressive. Am completely satisfied with the looks and sounds from the full exhaust system. Here are the pics .
#187
Chapter Leader (Northeast Florida)
^ It was good that i had a welder available so i just cut all the exhaust tips off. Align them straight and reweld back on...Not sure if yours are tilted downward slightly mines was but i fixed it. Pic of the tips getting welded back on .
Last edited by FYAH TL; 04-08-2011 at 09:24 PM.
#189
Chapter Leader (Northeast Florida)
^ My ride is just photogenic. lol. I try to keep it clean all the time man...With the mods my ride is alot more powerful and the exhaust sound now has a nice deep growl to it....I likey.
Last edited by FYAH TL; 04-08-2011 at 10:41 PM.
#190
Pro
#192
Chapter Leader (Northeast Florida)
Was able to get this video while testing the new intake, new XLR8 catback exhaust, J-pipe and HFC . The setup is all new and still getting broken in. Here are the sound clip and testing video .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWo5CRsqFkY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOWELY87pSI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWo5CRsqFkY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOWELY87pSI
#193
Thanks for the videos! It really does have a nice almost exotic growl to it! Really really tempting... hmm.... Wish we knew the SH-AWD HP and Torque differences. It really sucks that the SH-AWD is such a pain to Dyno. Would love to see some numbers around the mods. Deffinately would love to do the full combo exhaust, I'm still not sure on the Takeda SRI with the rumors of running rich (I know most people say it doesn't, but no one has done any real tests from my knowledge).
I really would love to do the CompTech SC upgrade once I pay off my car but that would be until next spring so I could always do the full exhaust now... Tempting. The exhaust tips do look a little odd though, wish they could be more circular than rectangular oval.
I really would love to do the CompTech SC upgrade once I pay off my car but that would be until next spring so I could always do the full exhaust now... Tempting. The exhaust tips do look a little odd though, wish they could be more circular than rectangular oval.
#196
Pro
#197
Chapter Leader (Northeast Florida)
Here is another video with a rolling start pulling 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear...All i gotta say is this setup turn my 4G into a beast .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ualcJ87InNM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ualcJ87InNM
#198
Chapter Leader (Northeast Florida)
Thanks for the videos! It really does have a nice almost exotic growl to it! Really really tempting... hmm.... Wish we knew the SH-AWD HP and Torque differences. It really sucks that the SH-AWD is such a pain to Dyno. Would love to see some numbers around the mods. Deffinately would love to do the full combo exhaust, I'm still not sure on the Takeda SRI with the rumors of running rich (I know most people say it doesn't, but no one has done any real tests from my knowledge).
I really would love to do the CompTech SC upgrade once I pay off my car but that would be until next spring so I could always do the full exhaust now... Tempting. The exhaust tips do look a little odd though, wish they could be more circular than rectangular oval.
I really would love to do the CompTech SC upgrade once I pay off my car but that would be until next spring so I could always do the full exhaust now... Tempting. The exhaust tips do look a little odd though, wish they could be more circular than rectangular oval.
Personally, the exhaust tips flows well with the car but everyone has different taste. The way the tips are welded makes them easy to be cut off and replace with whatever design you like. So you have options.
Intake, XLR8 j-pipe, HFC and catback exhaust is an excellent combination .