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FVD / M&M (SpeedART) Exhaust Review

12K views 29 replies 12 participants last post by  sixisenuff  
#1 · (Edited)
First off, I'd like to thank GatorBite for his excellent and in-depth review of the system. It was a contributing factor to me getting this system.

Background:

I previously had the AWE genII exhaust installed for about a year with a little under 10K kms. The AWE, (also reviewed by GB) has a deep, smooth, low end sound to it. I would classify it as an aggressive exhaust - along the lines of Borla and fabspeed from what i've heard in person. The resonance is quite loud for my tastes so I was looking to change to a more docile exhaust but still edgier than stock. This brings me to the FVD/M&M from the GB exhaust chronicles.

Since this is the same M&M made exhaust as the speedarts, i won't bother posting the pics. it is identical other than the FVD stamp.

Installation:

Since it is the same system, I also experienced the same issue with the bumper bracket pressed against the system. this created a heavy vibration at various rpms. I am not sure if this is a problem for all cars (FVD states it isn't) but I had to get mine unmounted and the bracket trimmed off as well. FVD was kind of enough to sort out the labour charges with my installer (which is also an FVD dealer) at no extra cost to me. Another point is the OEM bolts may not be long enough for the mounting bracket. (this is also shown in GB's isntall article, they are not threaded all the way through the nut.) I am awaiting a response back form Rhonda to see if this is ok or not in the long run. Other than those issues, the installation is pretty straightforward.

Driving:

I can say that GB's description is dead accurate. The exhaust is completely tame at idle and part throttle, but when you open it up, it lets out a mean, exotic sounding roar. The tone differs from my AWE in that it is higher pitched and it doesn't scream as loud - but by no means quiet.

Another comparison that my installer as well as I felt, strangely, my car seems to accelerate faster in the upper rpm's than the AWE. This is STRICTLY my butt dyno and it does sound strange to me because i know there is no way to tell that small a variance (since they both dyno'd roughly the same)

Conclusion:

If you are looking for an aggressive/mean sounding exhaust - go for awe, borla, or fabspeed. If you are looking for a louder than stock but not into the loud boomy ones, this IS what you want. I haven't heard a milltek in person, but i am guessing it may be similar. I've experienced Borla, AWE, fabspeed, cargraphic, NHP/maxspeed (never heard because it didn't fit properly and had to return it) and this one hits the nail on the head for what I am looking for. keep in mind, YMMV. I will report again when i put some more mileage on it, but so far i LOVE it!

A huge thanks to GatorBite, Rhonda/FVD, and the entire caymanclub community for helping me achieve everything I want my car to be.

PS, Tomasz - i think this is definately what you are looking for in your search for the perfect exhaust.
 
#4 ·
it's hard to explain depending on your definition. which exhaust are you comparing to? under part (up to maybe 50%) throttle, there is no drone. if you floor it in that zone, you will hear some noise, but it is not distracting or loud like the other systems. whether or not i classify it as drone or not is hard to say.

since my version was the louder sport version, they also have a TUV version that should be on teh quieter side if that's what you are looking for.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I would expect the two to sound very different. One is a reflective baffle type muffler (Tomasz), the other is a perforated straight through multi chamber type muffler (06cs).

A straight through will bark much louder under WOT because once the expansion area becomes saturated or overwhelmed, the system turns into a straight pipe and loses some baffle ability but continues to flow well. A reflective baffle plate muffler does just the opposite. When it becomes overwhelmed it gets quieter and it's flow rate drops. Have you ever heard a stock Cayman s go by on the track? It sounds more like a Gulf Stream jet than it does a car. That's because the muffler is full of gasses that can't get out.
Image
 
#10 ·
I would expect the two to sound very different. One is a reflective baffle type muffler (Tomasz), the other is a perforated straight through multi chamber type muffler (06cs).

A straight through will bark much louder under WOT because once the expansion area becomes saturated or overwhelmed, the system turns into a straight pipe and loses some baffle ability but continues to flow well. A reflective baffle plate muffler does just the opposite. When it becomes overwhelmed it gets quieter and it's flow rate drops. Have you ever heard a stock Cayman s go by on the track? It sounds more like a Gulf Stream jet than it does a car. That's because the muffler is full of gasses that can't get out.
Yes, I know what you mean about a stock Cayman at the track. But I do not know what my Cargraphic looks like inside. All the descriptions from you and others would match my exhaust. Anyway, its off the car as it still was too loud for me.
 
#19 ·
I have about 6,000 miles of experience with the speedART Export system. That's the more aggressive choice. It can get loud under certain conditions, but when cruising it sound nearly stock. Stick your foot in it, and WOW....!

Yes, these systems are pretty much the same, as stated by 06cs. The system is really made by M&M Power of Germany. SpeedART actually helped design it. In fact, speedART handed over their Cayman S as a development car, one of the first on the streets back in 2005. They now make this system for a number of companies including speedART, FVD, Farnbacher Loles, Gemballa, and some others.

I don't suspect you'll find any significant differences between the different brands. So the choice basically comes down to company integrity, reputation and service. I chose speedART because of their long standing support of our club, and because they and GMP Performance (the U.S. importers) are real stand up folks. I wish I could say the same for all the companies that sell this system, but I've seen some really dirty behind the scene politics that really concerns me. I suppose that's another story.

PM me if you have any questions.
 
#21 ·
Have you ever measured Decibel sound levels? What about analysis of frequency composition of sound at different rpm and load levels? In other words what is the scientific essence that makes one exhaust more appealing than others? Gator,with your knowledge of audio and exhaust you might be the one who can answer this, or perhaps it's just a stupid question??:cheers:
 
#27 ·
Update:

Just got back from a drive down to seattle (4 hrs round trip) The ride was very comfortable without any overpowering drone at cruising speed. I was fairly light footed and averaged about 70mph straight highway. I managed to get 26.8mpg for the trip! Thay may be equal or better than stock if i remember correctly. I think i managed about 24mpg with no mods. the SRP improves mpg while the exhaust worsens. I think this exhaust definately has a mpg improvement over my AWE as i was never able to get such mileage with the latter.

man i love my car....

:D

:cheers:
 
#29 ·
I"ve have this FVD exhaust as well on my 07 CS for about a month now and LOVE IT! A sudden change of plans however has me moving on to another car and I'm selling my CS. So the mods are coming off and this exhaust has to go. It's in the classifeds at a very reasnoable price if anyone is interested.