Need Exhaust advice with my setup...
 

So as some of you guys know, I'm running a full AAM setup. Currently in my possession, I have:

AAM Resonated Testpipes
AAM Mid Pipes
AAM S-Line Short Tails
AAM S-Line Axleback

I recently added the resonated test pipes and to summarize; everything went to hell. It got retarded loud, it sounded awful at 3k-4500rpm when it used to sound so purty. It really only sounded good at part throttle, in lower rpm's or balls out at 6k+ rpm. With the stock cats, AAM midpipes, and short tails, it was a bit too loud and it droned like mad, but it sounded pretty bad@ss. I didn't want to remove the RTP's because from a performance standpoint, its pretty outstanding.

So like a good forum member, I researched my axle back options... We have the Meisterschaft axle back, the AAM axleback, Stock axle backs, Ebay axle backs, and maybe a couple other options I didn't list. The exhaust was so retarded loud, I expected to hit the happy median. I went and pulled the trigger on the AAM axleback. Lets just say it worked a little too well. It sounds like its a few decibles louder than my old stock Nismo exhaust. Running straight TP's may add a bit more noise, but not nearly enough to increase the volume I desired.

Now to just get this out of the way, yes, maybe I should have just went with the F.I. 12" and RTP's. I heard Elmo370Z's car and it had a good compromise between loud, aggressive, but neighborhood friendly if need be. MY car was at least twice as loud as his, now it's twice as quiet. So I have to find another solution...

Try another axleback... I see a used Meisterschaft floating around here, but I really don't feel like dropping $1500 for it. And that can either be just right or still bonkers loud.

Weld 12" Vibrant resonators into the Short Tails I have. That may not do enough to make it sound better, but still be loud. But its quick, cheap, and only mods the cheapest part.

Weld 18" resonators into the midpipes with the 12" in place, leave short tails as is.

Replace the 12" resonators with 18's, and move the 12"s to the short tails. I think this would sound great, but seems a bit intensive and I compromise the quality and integrity of the AAM midpipe.

Sell the AAM stuff and buy something else

Or, throw the factory cats back on, sell the AAM axle back, and take the performance hit until I find another option. FYI, the car is tuned with the RTP's. So the next question is, do I need a retune putting stock cats back on, and am I better off using that money looking for a solution?


Now this is no knock on AAM's stuff, their exhausts are awesome and high quality. It makes great power, definitely on par with F.I gear in that regard. It just seems like I'm in this weird spot where they don't offer an appropriate option for what I am trying to achieve. And to list that out, it's:

A complete exhaust with TP's/Headers/HFC's that is not much louder or quieter than short tails, that sounds aggressive, with no rasp.


I need some fu*#king help getting this fixed and not blast a fu*kton more money on the solution.

Maybe you need to put in some ear plugs...:p

Seriously, sounds like a setup I'm heading for. To each his own. :driving:

My Wife even told me my car is quiet...

my regular setup of non-res TP/CBE and CF mufflers is a good mix between i can roll around my neighborhood but when i get into the gas it opens right up.

with you RTPs it'll be even better since that'll drop out the rasp a bit.

also i understand your pain. when i put my mufflers back on the wife made jokes about it being quiet and said go back in the garage and put the straight pipes back on lol

Hey I am in the same same boat almost. Berk Non-resonated TPs, AAM Mids, and AAM short tails. I recently switched back to the stock nismo axle back. The sound was nice for short trips and WOT but terrible when taking long drives on the highway or just trying to get through local towns. I had the learn what RPMs didn't have huge amounts of resonance and avoid them, 3.1k was the worst at any amount of throttle. Resonators won't help the situation much, they'll just reduce some of the high points, might even make some new ones, resonators don't muffle, mufflers do =P.

One thing I could not do with the layout of the stock nismo midpipes was put in electric cut outs. The AAM mids seem to give enough room to install a pair of QTP cut outs for on demand volume. In the end it would be similar to the Armytrix setup but for a lot less and no Y pipe. One thing to note is that cut outs are notorious for failing QTP is the best of the lot but being exposed to the elements and hot exhaust is not good for electric motors.

This is the only way I have found without having to spend nearly 3k on an exhaust and have the best of both worlds loud and no restriction or cruising around being able to listen to my stereo.

You can put back the stock cat and that should put enough restriction in to make the sound levels bearable but that would reduce power output.

I'm debating putting everything up for sale and ordering an F.I. Nonresonated exhaust. At least with this option, I can just order or trade midpipes if it's too much. I blame FPEnvy. I listened to his video with his CF cans on and TP's, it still sounded awesome. Just wish AAM had an option for a more aggressive axleback with actual mufflers.

:stirthepot: yessss yessss come to the dark side :bowrofl:

also just a heads up if you arent aware but theres is a 10-12 week wait for FI exhaust typically. if you're in a need it now mode i suggest snatching up that guys in the for sale thread lol

next week its's all mid 60's weather here so i may even be able to get some new videos for you if needed

Yeah, I know... But he's not shipping, unless there is something new. I'm going on another deployment next month, so yeah... I'll have plenty of time.

well if thats the case then yea i'd go new lol

it'll be waiting for you when you get back. nicel ittle present to come home to.

I forgot he even had a nismo lol, it is super quiet.

I installed a FI 18" resonated 6 weeks ago, fits perfect, just its too loud for me (67) and my girlfriend hates to ride in my car..I just bought a stock used Nismo and will be putting it on next week.
I will take pics and put it up for sale here and CL, hoping for a Sacramento/SF/Norcal sale or I might ship as i have original FI shipping box/materials.

Maybe we can broker a trade;)? With stock cats, it's only a few db louder than a stock Nismo exhaust.

His head is going to explode now. :shakes head: You should of gone with FI in the first place. You could have saved money from not doing it twice. :rolleyes:

Here are a couple vids I shot today. I swear it's louder in the videos than in real life

Sounds loud as hell too me. I have the non res and I thinks it's too loud. I think a 12'' res would of been a good volume. I'm not changing anything now. I think you should just take the RTP off and put it back to what it was for now. At least you will hold you off until you find a good deal or just get impulsive and make a buy. It's not like your going to be slow, just slower.

YzGyz