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.
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.