Brian_92GSR

I'm planning on purchasing the 3" thermal exhaust from importparts and wondered how big of difference there is between the normal and stealth versions? I'd like the stealth version, but how big of performace drop does it have? Or is it even noticeable.

degradated

I spoke with a Thermal rep, and he chuckled and said that for the amount of boost I'm running, (7-9 pounds), there should be little if any performance drop. I have heard rumors of three horsepower or so....

But, I would like to hear from others on the board as well to see what they think or have personally seen. Can't always believe what you hear from one person alone.

Also, who has heard the thermal with and without the stealth cone? I think he said it would muffle it by an additional 5 db....doesn't seem like much to me.

JM Performance

well (and dont quote me on this) ever 2 (or is it 3) db is equal to twice the volume. so a 5 db decrease is about 1/4 of the sound.

GruvyTune

they quoted me a 15db decrease in sound volume. 3dB decrease is a reduction in sound power by half. Doesn't mean half the "volume". 90db is very loud, but 75db is also very loud for most people. you will significantly reduce your flow so why bother. i am now used to my Thermal. its a low freq rumble that is worst when you come off throttle. you can feel the difference though on spoolup and acceleration.

TurboSedan

I think it is best to not use the Stealth, IMHO. I like the low rumble tone, and believe I will be able to live with it once the thing is on there.

Brian_92GSR

I went ahead and went with the regular version. I'll probably have it next week, but I'm not putting it on until I get my f-max kit. Will let everyone know how I like it.

tonydatyga

I wrote the sales dep. recently and they said "The power difference is minimal, about 5hp loss. The noise difference is about 5db less." Dunno if that helps, I'm leaning towards the stealth unless someone really explains the bp difference.

tonydatyga

you got the thermal in the HT group buy right?? $500 btw

proton

I've heard that the 3" Thermal is very loud. There are other ways you can make it quieter. Austrian type-R over at SuperHonda and Hostboard has a mid-pipe resonator, which he says works really well. There's also this guy over at Hostboard forum running a Morso spiral flow race muffler as a mid-pipe resonator. Here's a link: http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/Forum40/HTML/007967.html

I'll probably get one of these when I get my Thermal this spring.

Brian_92GSR

I got it from importparts as part of the groupbuy. Also picked up a 3" Carsound cat for $80.

GruvyTune

http://www.mufflertech.com sells the carsound stainless 3" for $59

Lsos

Does anybody know what the difference in sound is (on either the regular or stealth) with and without a turbo?

degradated

my question is....
Once you get the stealth option, is it removable later? Is this something you would have to have Thermal perform, or can you take out the cone yourself once you unbolted the pipe?

RGAZ

Bad link on the muffler tech.

I would love to get the cat for $59.

Someone give the right website.

Randy

Etylorcen

Does anyone know if its louder than the Tanabe RM? Before I was turbo the RM was very very loud. Now its only semi-loud and bearable for long trips. I really need a 3'' exhaust and if the stealth will only decrease a couple ponies to make it bearable for long trips I think its worth it.

degradated

Bah..maybe I'll just call Thermal and ask them tomorrow.

Xerxes

Mine's loud as hell and I've been thinking about sending in my muffler for Thermal to convert to stealth. I've also got a 3" borla resonator inline, and i still feel it's a bit loud. Main problem is that it's hard to hear my turbo and blow-off valve because all i hear is the exhaust

91DA9

vrooooom vroooooooom...