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So I ended up having my Cargraphic mufflers "gundo'd". I just wanted a little bit more volume and exotic tone but was worried it would be crazy loud with drone. Nope... turned out to be exactly what I wanted. They used 1.75" pipe for the bypass as the bends on on the Cargraphics are a bit different and my mechanic said 2" would have been too difficult to weld.
As usual with videos, it's so much better in real life, but here's clip:
I have the Maxflow's from Fabspeed on my 996. They were a slight step from stock but noticeable weight savings which is a big part of my M.O. for my build. (I've take 150lbs out of it since I bought it, 40 of which were the wheels alone!)
So, I own the Maxflow's and live close to Fabspeed. I was able to work with my guy John Gaydos there and we went for it. This is the pre-muffler bypass, not the second exit bypass. I'll attach a pic.
The welds were perfect, the cost was the same as a reputable performance shop, and it's done by the people who made them.
The result is AWESOME. It's got better sound, and much louder on the gas, which means I just drive a little more reserved around town. The ultimate benefit to me- NO DRONE. I tried the bypass pipes (OMG TOO LOUD FOR ME!!) which seemed to negatively effect power (I am running a full Fabspeed set-up with no cats) but was in the far reaches of the direction I wanted.
The car certainly picked up part-throttle response, which is great. I have a 99 so it's a pretty analog car compared to the 00 and later (cable throttle, no PASM, etc). I LOVE IT! People on the forums will tell you it's crazy to to, but if it aligns with your goals, go for it. Just make sure you get someone who can weld.
FWIW I believe we went with a 2" pipe, but a 1.75" might be the ticket if we did it again (I believe that's also with Fister uses).
The upsides: Sound is awesome (not for the timid). You can easily stay out of the volume. No Drone. Done in 1-day locally with perfect welds.
I have the Maxflow's from Fabspeed on my 996. They were a slight step from stock but noticeable weight savings which is a big part of my M.O. for my build. (I've take 150lbs out of it since I bought it, 40 of which were the wheels alone!)
So, I own the Maxflow's and live close to Fabspeed. I was able to work with my guy John Gaydos there and we went for it. This is the pre-muffler bypass, not the second exit bypass. I'll attach a pic.
The welds were perfect, the cost was the same as a reputable performance shop, and it's done by the people who made them.
The result is AWESOME. It's got better sound, and much louder on the gas, which means I just drive a little more reserved around town. The ultimate benefit to me- NO DRONE. I tried the bypass pipes (OMG TOO LOUD FOR ME!!) which seemed to negatively effect power (I am running a full Fabspeed set-up with no cats) but was in the far reaches of the direction I wanted.
The car certainly picked up part-throttle response, which is great. I have a 99 so it's a pretty analog car compared to the 00 and later (cable throttle, no PASM, etc). I LOVE IT! People on the forums will tell you it's crazy to to, but if it aligns with your goals, go for it. Just make sure you get someone who can weld.
FWIW I believe we went with a 2" pipe, but a 1.75" might be the ticket if we did it again (I believe that's also with Fister uses).
The upsides: Sound is awesome (not for the timid). You can easily stay out of the volume. No Drone. Done in 1-day locally with perfect welds.
Have fun!
I appreciate the write up! John is fantastic and I'm sure helped you with whatever came up along the way. Please let myself or John know if there is anything else we can assist you with!
Nice, you've effectively created the "sport" profile sound I get from my Fabspeed Valvetronic setup, but I can close the valve when I want it quieter, like leaving the neighborhood in the early morning.
Not mine, but better profile photo
Valve mechanism can be seen working through the vents in the RUF rear bumper
I'm 100% doing this to my 996 C4S. Maxflow mufflers are too quiet and catless X-pipe too loud (and smelly) looking for that Goldilocks factor for sound. Should I go with 1.825, 1.75 or 2 inch 304 tubing and how much do I need to buy? Thanks!
