SL/R230: Looking for slight improvement in exhaust note for SL550
06-25-2010, 12:13 PM
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Looking for slight improvement in exhaust note for SL550
Yes, I have read all the threads, but still can't find a specific answer to this question.
I had a Corvette with complete exhaust replacement, including headers. It was mean, and it was loud. Maybe a little too loud!
The SL550 on the other hand is way too quiet. For a V8 with almost 400Hp I'd expect a little more. There is nothing more satisfying that the sound of V8 fully opened up, especially in a tunnel or driving through a canyon!
I am really trying to avoid spending thousands on a new system.
Some have mentioned removing the inner silencers, or even the mufflers and going with straight pipes. Some say it sounds goods. Others say it has a high level of drone when driving on the highway or around town.
I want the improved sound, but no annoying drone - some level is OK 'cause I always have the music cranked, but not too loud.
So to get to the point of this ramble, what are my best options?
Looking to hear from SL500 and SL550 owners - SL55's are probably completely different. some have said SL500 and SL550 are different - but not sure if this is true?
I had a Corvette with complete exhaust replacement, including headers. It was mean, and it was loud. Maybe a little too loud!
The SL550 on the other hand is way too quiet. For a V8 with almost 400Hp I'd expect a little more. There is nothing more satisfying that the sound of V8 fully opened up, especially in a tunnel or driving through a canyon!
I am really trying to avoid spending thousands on a new system.
Some have mentioned removing the inner silencers, or even the mufflers and going with straight pipes. Some say it sounds goods. Others say it has a high level of drone when driving on the highway or around town.
I want the improved sound, but no annoying drone - some level is OK 'cause I always have the music cranked, but not too loud.
So to get to the point of this ramble, what are my best options?
Looking to hear from SL500 and SL550 owners - SL55's are probably completely different. some have said SL500 and SL550 are different - but not sure if this is true?
06-25-2010, 11:33 PM
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His wifes head hard into the headboard nightly!!
Remove rear MUFFLER piece right at the exhaust tip. If you want Loud rumble
Remove the 2 smaller resonators/exhaust pieces that are in middle/close to front side by side. For a better sound when stepping on it. It's nice, not to loud etc. I have. Thread with pics. Any muffler shop 50-150$ depends on shop rate.
These do not have sensors so you will have no dash error lights. Many say it takes a few days for the sound to settle as engine adapts. I likable with the resonators ( middle) gone. Better sound, not too loud. Unless you want it to be.
Remove the 2 smaller resonators/exhaust pieces that are in middle/close to front side by side. For a better sound when stepping on it. It's nice, not to loud etc. I have. Thread with pics. Any muffler shop 50-150$ depends on shop rate.
These do not have sensors so you will have no dash error lights. Many say it takes a few days for the sound to settle as engine adapts. I likable with the resonators ( middle) gone. Better sound, not too loud. Unless you want it to be.
06-26-2010, 01:01 AM
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SL500
From what I've gathered, its usually removing the resonator or muffler, then straight-piping.
Else you would have to spend big bucks on a new system.
This is what it sounds with straight-pipe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6hF1IgThWg
Sexy
Else you would have to spend big bucks on a new system.
This is what it sounds with straight-pipe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6hF1IgThWg
Sexy
06-26-2010, 02:32 AM
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Did you remove just the resonators, or the secondary CATs as well?
Remove rear MUFFLER piece right at the exhaust tip. If you want Loud rumble
Remove the 2 smaller resonators/exhaust pieces that are in middle/close to front side by side. For a better sound when stepping on it. It's nice, not to loud etc. I have. Thread with pics. Any muffler shop 50-150$ depends on shop rate.
These do not have sensors so you will have no dash error lights. Many say it takes a few days for the sound to settle as engine adapts. I likable with the resonators ( middle) gone. Better sound, not too loud. Unless you want it to be.
Remove the 2 smaller resonators/exhaust pieces that are in middle/close to front side by side. For a better sound when stepping on it. It's nice, not to loud etc. I have. Thread with pics. Any muffler shop 50-150$ depends on shop rate.
These do not have sensors so you will have no dash error lights. Many say it takes a few days for the sound to settle as engine adapts. I likable with the resonators ( middle) gone. Better sound, not too loud. Unless you want it to be.
06-26-2010, 03:29 AM
#5
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I asked an exhaust specialist here in the UK about removal of the centre boxes / resonators and they replied by sayng that the 500 doesnt have any only 4 cats then rear mufflers.
I thought the 2003 SL500 has 2 small resonators side by side after the cats, is that correct ?.
Thanks
Carl
I thought the 2003 SL500 has 2 small resonators side by side after the cats, is that correct ?.
Thanks
Carl
06-28-2010, 12:31 AM
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I had a good look under mine today while I had it jacked for rotor change. I can definitely see the resonators in the middle. It depends on the model I believe.
I thought about changing out the stock cat's for some high flow models as someone else on the forum had done, but not sure of affect on the smog test here in AZ.
I thought about changing out the stock cat's for some high flow models as someone else on the forum had done, but not sure of affect on the smog test here in AZ.
