SM_ATL's Carrera S Journal
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 52
From: Malibu, CA
Rep Power: 15
The sound level with the valves closed is in fact very close to stock. Maybe a little bit louder, but not significantly and cruising on the highway, the engine/exhaust noise is not as loud as tire or wind noise and you can perfectly listen to music and appreciate your sound system.
Due to the solenoid issue and the weather, I could not record sound clips last week end, but this is on my to do list for this Sunday.
As far as headers and mufflers are concerned, I would be more cautious. I had asked the very same question to AWE and they legitimately responded that the system has been designed to work with OEM mufflers and headers. The system currently works great and does not cause any drone. Once you start replacing other components, there is a risk to alter the frequencies and create a drone issue (which can be worse in case you have PDK running in automatic mode and do not control your rpm's).
I would definitely stay away from the mufflers. Exhaust gas go through the mufflers in quiet mode only (in loud mode, most of the exhaust gas go through the past of least resistance and very little of it go through the mufflers). The only benefit of replacing the mufflers would thus be a lower weight, but it is not worth the risk of getting drone IMHO.
Regarding the headers, if you do it for the performance improvement, you already get some upside from the exhaust and I am not sure than the benefit of headers would simply add up (1+1 is often not equal to 2 in this case). Overall, considering the price point, the exhaust is the best bang for your buck: pricing is similar to headers but you get the better sound (main motivation), lower weight weight and the same performance bump. If you want to go further, headers can be an option, but again, there is risk. The headers work well with the stock exhaust, I do not know what happens with aftermarket exhausts.
Hope this helps.
PS: if you ask the question because you already have headers and mufflers, I would go and get the exhaust and if there is a drone issue change back to the stock mufflers first, check again and if the headers are causing an issue go back to stock headers too. You should easily find someone who is interested in buying Fabspeed headers and mufflers
Just saying -because I like the new exhaust a lot 
Due to the solenoid issue and the weather, I could not record sound clips last week end, but this is on my to do list for this Sunday.
As far as headers and mufflers are concerned, I would be more cautious. I had asked the very same question to AWE and they legitimately responded that the system has been designed to work with OEM mufflers and headers. The system currently works great and does not cause any drone. Once you start replacing other components, there is a risk to alter the frequencies and create a drone issue (which can be worse in case you have PDK running in automatic mode and do not control your rpm's).
I would definitely stay away from the mufflers. Exhaust gas go through the mufflers in quiet mode only (in loud mode, most of the exhaust gas go through the past of least resistance and very little of it go through the mufflers). The only benefit of replacing the mufflers would thus be a lower weight, but it is not worth the risk of getting drone IMHO.
Regarding the headers, if you do it for the performance improvement, you already get some upside from the exhaust and I am not sure than the benefit of headers would simply add up (1+1 is often not equal to 2 in this case). Overall, considering the price point, the exhaust is the best bang for your buck: pricing is similar to headers but you get the better sound (main motivation), lower weight weight and the same performance bump. If you want to go further, headers can be an option, but again, there is risk. The headers work well with the stock exhaust, I do not know what happens with aftermarket exhausts.
Hope this helps.
PS: if you ask the question because you already have headers and mufflers, I would go and get the exhaust and if there is a drone issue change back to the stock mufflers first, check again and if the headers are causing an issue go back to stock headers too. You should easily find someone who is interested in buying Fabspeed headers and mufflers
Just saying -because I like the new exhaust a lot After reading your response, I called Fabspeed right away and asked them to cancel the mufflers. phew..
But I am going to try out the headers.
I remember reading when you took off your Fabspeed headers while having the FVD exhaust that the sound level barely changed. So hopefully it will be the same deal with the AWE.
Once again thank you so much!
-Michael W.
They do good products, it is just a matter of specific setup.Let us know about your experience with the headers!
Got this in the latest Vividracing newsletter.
991 vs Big Cam Z06 Video
Sorry guys, I did not find this very smart or interesting. Not a bit annoyed by the fact that a 'Vette can beat a P-car in a straight line (except that I have not interest in straight line comparisons), but more by the fact that this straight line is a public highway (with traffic) at night.
Please focus on more technical videos...
991 vs Big Cam Z06 Video
Sorry guys, I did not find this very smart or interesting. Not a bit annoyed by the fact that a 'Vette can beat a P-car in a straight line (except that I have not interest in straight line comparisons), but more by the fact that this straight line is a public highway (with traffic) at night.
Please focus on more technical videos...
Last edited by SM_ATL; Feb 5, 2014 at 06:51 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 353
From: Atlanta
Rep Power: 28
Got this in the latest Vividracing newsletter. 991 vs Big Cam Z06 Video Sorry guys, I did not find this very smart or interesting. Not a bit annoyed by the fact that a 'Vette can beat a P-car in a straight line, but more by the fact that this straight line is a public highway (with traffic) at night.
Yes, it was grossly stupid to run at night. But how was that beat down possible? I don't think that guy knew how to drive the car yet. Especially since he just picked it up. I have seen turbos eat Vettes alive before and that seemed weird. Cam or not that did not seem right.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 781
From: Maryland USA
Rep Power: 59
If I recall correctly, they told me the issue with the batch they replaced was bad seals against moisture. None had failed on my car but apparently they were having trouble.
Makes sense, That's what I read about the most frequent failure mode of these parts. Thanks again!
Caffeine and octane last week end
I like to report any now and then about our local North Atlanta Caffeine & Octane gatherings. The weather was not great last Sunday and the attendance was not as strong as usual (which means it was OK as it has become really too crowded for what the current location can accommodate).
Please take my sometimes cynical comments with a grain of salt. If you like your car, you are my friend
Beetle or 911
Funny how a body kit, headlights and rims can make a Beetle look like a 911. "The bloodlines are unmistakable" like Porsche was saying in a Cayenne commercial.
Is there something we have not understood and we should learn from the Mopar crowd?
So disappointed we do not have aftermarket options to do the same on our cars. It looks like the 70's color themes are back and Porsche did not get the memo.
Something is not at the right place on this picture
As I was taking the picture, someone giggling close to the 'vette asked me if I wanted to get my picture next to the car (not sure a 100%, but I swear he was serious about it).
Nothing against the C7, just found it funny... and reminding of this one
:
Cutie
Made me think of a character of "Cars"
...but when you look at a Porsche event in Japan, they have a much better way of using the colors of the German flag:
Finishing with a rant!
We had the privilege to see an undisguised version of a prototype of the new Chrysler 300 too:
Sunday was also Superbowl day and the Chrysler commercial made me angry. Of course, it is only a commercial and I am not a leftist who is going to call Dylan a corporate sellout, but really guys? Is 'patriotism' the only value to put forward to sell cars? What's the difference between BMW, VW, MB, Toyota, Honda etc. building cars in the US and Fiat now making Chryslers??? The Autobahn was invented (maybe for the wrong reasons) well before the US Interstate system and the "So let Germany brew your beer, let Switzerland make your watch, let Asia assemble your phone. We ... will build ... your car" is borderline racist.
Bad cars, bad company, bad commercial. Fiat is a subpar European manufacturer and it is not going to take Chrysler to the next level.
And please leave true patriotism to honor people who deserve it and who serve their country risking their lives, inside or outside of the borders, not to 'foreign' car companies trying to make believe they are more american than others.
End of the rant
I like to report any now and then about our local North Atlanta Caffeine & Octane gatherings. The weather was not great last Sunday and the attendance was not as strong as usual (which means it was OK as it has become really too crowded for what the current location can accommodate).
Please take my sometimes cynical comments with a grain of salt. If you like your car, you are my friend
Beetle or 911
Funny how a body kit, headlights and rims can make a Beetle look like a 911. "The bloodlines are unmistakable" like Porsche was saying in a Cayenne commercial.
Is there something we have not understood and we should learn from the Mopar crowd?
So disappointed we do not have aftermarket options to do the same on our cars. It looks like the 70's color themes are back and Porsche did not get the memo.
Something is not at the right place on this picture
As I was taking the picture, someone giggling close to the 'vette asked me if I wanted to get my picture next to the car (not sure a 100%, but I swear he was serious about it).
Nothing against the C7, just found it funny... and reminding of this one
:Cutie
Made me think of a character of "Cars"
...but when you look at a Porsche event in Japan, they have a much better way of using the colors of the German flag:
Finishing with a rant!
We had the privilege to see an undisguised version of a prototype of the new Chrysler 300 too:
Sunday was also Superbowl day and the Chrysler commercial made me angry. Of course, it is only a commercial and I am not a leftist who is going to call Dylan a corporate sellout, but really guys? Is 'patriotism' the only value to put forward to sell cars? What's the difference between BMW, VW, MB, Toyota, Honda etc. building cars in the US and Fiat now making Chryslers??? The Autobahn was invented (maybe for the wrong reasons) well before the US Interstate system and the "So let Germany brew your beer, let Switzerland make your watch, let Asia assemble your phone. We ... will build ... your car" is borderline racist.
Bad cars, bad company, bad commercial. Fiat is a subpar European manufacturer and it is not going to take Chrysler to the next level.
And please leave true patriotism to honor people who deserve it and who serve their country risking their lives, inside or outside of the borders, not to 'foreign' car companies trying to make believe they are more american than others.
End of the rant
Last edited by SM_ATL; Feb 7, 2014 at 10:33 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 353
From: Atlanta
Rep Power: 28
Caffeine and octane last week end I like to report any now and then about our local North Atlanta Caffeine & Octane gatherings. The weather was not great last Sunday and the attendance was not as strong as usual (which means it was OK as it has become really too crowded for what the current location can accommodate). Please take my sometimes cynical comments with a grain of salt. If you like your car, you are my friend Beetle or 911 Funny how a body kit, headlights and rims can make a Beetle look like a 911. "The bloodlines are unmistakable" like Porsche was saying in a Cayenne commercial. Is there something we have not understood and we should learn from the Mopar crowd? So disappointed we do not have aftermarket options to do the same on our cars. It looks like the 70's color themes are back and Porsche did not get the memo. Something is not at the right place on this picture As I was taking the picture, someone giggling close to the 'vette asked me if I wanted to get my picture next to the car (not sure a 100%, but I swear he was serious about it). Nothing against the C7, just found it funny... and reminding of this one : Cutie Made me think of a character of "Cars" ...but when you look at a Porsche event in Japan, they have a much better way of using the colors of the German flag: Finishing with a rant! We had the privilege to see an undisguised version of a prototype of the new Chrysler 300 too: Sunday was also Superbowl day and the Chrysler commercial made me angry. Of course, it is only a commercial and I am not a leftist who is going to call Dylan a corporate sellout, but really guys? Is 'patriotism' the only value to put forward to sell cars? What's the difference between BMW, VW, MB, Toyota, Honda etc. building cars in the US and Fiat now making Chryslers??? The Autobahn was invented (maybe for the wrong reasons) well before the US Interstate system and the "So let Germany brew your beer, let Switzerland make your watch, let Asia assemble your phone. We ... will build ... your car" is borderline racist. Bad cars, bad company, bad commercial. Fiat is a subpar European manufacturer and it is not going to take Chrysler to the next level. And please leave true patriotism to honor people who deserve it and who serve their country risking their lives, inside or outside of the borders, not to 'foreign' car companies trying to make believe they are more american than others. End of the rant
Beetle or 911 Funny how a body kit, headlights and rims can make a Beetle look like a 911. "The bloodlines are unmistakable" like Porsche was saying in a Cayenne commercial. Is there something we have not understood and we should learn from the Mopar crowd? So disappointed we do not have aftermarket options to do the same on our cars. It looks like the 70's color themes are back and Porsche did not get the memo. Something is not at the right place on this picture As I was taking the picture, someone giggling close to the 'vette asked me if I wanted to get my picture next to the car (not sure a 100%, but I swear he was serious about it). Nothing against the C7, just found it funny... and reminding of this one : Cutie Made me think of a character of "Cars" ...but when you look at a Porsche event in Japan, they have a much better way of using the colors of the German flag: Finishing with a rant! We had the privilege to see an undisguised version of a prototype of the new Chrysler 300 too: Sunday was also Superbowl day and the Chrysler commercial made me angry. Of course, it is only a commercial and I am not a leftist who is going to call Dylan a corporate sellout, but really guys? Is 'patriotism' the only value to put forward to sell cars? What's the difference between BMW, VW, MB, Toyota, Honda etc. building cars in the US and Fiat now making Chryslers??? The Autobahn was invented (maybe for the wrong reasons) well before the US Interstate system and the "So let Germany brew your beer, let Switzerland make your watch, let Asia assemble your phone. We ... will build ... your car" is borderline racist. Bad cars, bad company, bad commercial. Fiat is a subpar European manufacturer and it is not going to take Chrysler to the next level. And please leave true patriotism to honor people who deserve it and who serve their country risking their lives, inside or outside of the borders, not to 'foreign' car companies trying to make believe they are more american than others. End of the rant 
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 354
From: Colorado/Paris
Rep Power: 34
Got this in the latest Vividracing newsletter.
991 vs Big Cam Z06 Video
Sorry guys, I did not find this very smart or interesting. Not a bit annoyed by the fact that a 'Vette can beat a P-car in a straight line (except that I have not interest in straight line comparisons), but more by the fact that this straight line is a public highway (with traffic) at night.
Please focus on more technical videos...
991 vs Big Cam Z06 Video
Sorry guys, I did not find this very smart or interesting. Not a bit annoyed by the fact that a 'Vette can beat a P-car in a straight line (except that I have not interest in straight line comparisons), but more by the fact that this straight line is a public highway (with traffic) at night.
Please focus on more technical videos...
I totally agree!
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 781
From: Maryland USA
Rep Power: 59
Caffeine and octane last week end
I like to report any now and then about our local North Atlanta Caffeine & Octane gatherings. The weather was not great last Sunday and the attendance was not as strong as usual (which means it was OK as it has become really too crowded for what the current location can accommodate).
I like to report any now and then about our local North Atlanta Caffeine & Octane gatherings. The weather was not great last Sunday and the attendance was not as strong as usual (which means it was OK as it has become really too crowded for what the current location can accommodate).
