Originally Posted by V8SL500
(Post 6788137)
My advice:
1. Initially, I just removed the rear mufflers and installed straight pipes. It sounded like a Mustang. Lost low RPM power but reckon more power on higher RPM range. Cabin noise was unbearable. During cruising speed, the sound of the drone prevents you from chatting with your passenger. It does indeed sound nice from the outside but too loud for my liking. 2. Installed the mufflers back on and removed the secondary cats. Perfect! There was more power (or maybe it was just the sound). Cabin noise was the same as stock. The sound from the outside was amazing. There was a slight growl and it sounded like a performance exhaust. The sound was way more refined than my initial mod. After the ECU got use to the new exhaust, it was even more enjoyable. 3. I would want to try the Top Speed Pro 1 Perfomance exhaust with my secondary cats back on. @brentsl550 needs to stop tempting me with his videos!! 2003 SL 500 R230 - By the way, my mechanic told me that the 2003 models do not come with resonators. So basically we have primary cats, secondary cats and then the mufflers. Cost: $300 CDN for labour and non-rust pipes for muffler. $150 CDN for labour and non-rust pipes for secondary cats. |
Originally Posted by TxBoss23
(Post 7737832)
Are Secondary Cats and Resonators the same part or two different parts?
i have a 2011 SL550 as well. Your car has primary cats, secondary cats and mufflers. The secondary cats are located in line with the doors. Search the forums and look for a "secondary cats removal" thread by Aussiesuede, he clearly has done all of the footwork and it was his write up that convinced me that this was the way to go. |
On the 550 engine, the secondary cats are actually resonators so zero issue with removing them.
|
Originally Posted by gaazmon
(Post 7739037)
On the 550 engine, the secondary cats are actually resonators so zero issue with removing them.
Are they at the line level of the doors? |
won't remove secondary CAT set off CEL?
|
I am looking at removing my resonators too, I have a really good exhaust guy that makes any custom set up so will update in due course.
|
Originally Posted by bellwilliam
(Post 7739222)
won't remove secondary CAT set off CEL?
|
Originally Posted by danaw007
(Post 7739160)
Are they at the line level of the doors?
|
This is correct. As they are downstream from the downstream oxygen sensors (which sole purpose is to monitor catalyst efficiency), you can pass a plug in emissions test with them cut out. Having said that, part of the emissions test is to visually verify all emissions components are in place and not modified or removed. Thankfully since its just an OBD2 plug-in test these days on 96+ vehicles, most inspectors wont look underneath the car.
I am an emissions inspector myself and live in a county with no emissions testing. My SL500 had both downstream cats removed aswell as both mufflers removed so it's straight-pipe from the primary cats back. Is it loud? Sure it is but that's what I wanted. Does it smell? No. |
so you would suggest to visit one of the local shops that offer inspections?
|
Make sure you have the shop install an X-pipe and increase you're pipes to 2.5 all the way to the mufflers. Magnaflow is the best for the R230. People love the sound of mine with those mods. I want go to 3 inch exhaust later.
|
Originally Posted by Badsoldier10
(Post 8065146)
Make sure you have the shop install an X-pipe and increase you're pipes to 2.5 all the way to the mufflers. Magnaflow is the best for the R230. People love the sound of mine with those mods. I want go to 3 inch exhaust later.
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:51 AM. |
© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands