ddb

I was satisfied with the exhaust note after I had my resonator removed, x-pipe and headers installed some time ago. Over time, I got used to the sound and it became normal, so I decided to remove the OE muffler, in lieu of purchasing an expensive aftermarket muffler. I had a fabricator make up the muffler replacement so that it attaches exactly as the stock muffler does. So I can switch the straight pipes with the muffler myself in 30 minutes or so. I also purchased a new set of aftermarket tips to make the new piece appear as stock as possible. The ovals are slightly larger, but close enough for me.

It is loud, as I wanted and expected. It sort of sounds like a high performance sixties muscle car without the syncopated, big cam, rhythm. At idle and cruising speeds it isn't too offensive, but when you get into the throttle, it really rumbles. It isn't a daily driver and I can always switch systems if I wanted to use it for a long trip, etc. Right now, I dont see me changing it anytime soon.

cm60k

EXCELLENT..

ZAYED,,

ddb

Thanks, Zayed!

KJI3jflarryfe93

that's pure sex sound!

Solo wing

Finally, a HQ clip showing a muffler delete. Thanks mate, it sounds lovely, perhaps it'll be on my To-Do-list.

snooozie

I like the sound. Maybe I'll do that instead of looking for the eisenmann and paying crazy money for it. If you don't mind me asking, how much does it cost? Can your fabricator make more? text me 860 620-2927

ddb

Thanks, guys!

Yes, the Eisenmann was way too much for me, especially since you're getting basically the same thing with their race version. It wasn't inexpensive at $725 + the cost of the tips that I provided. But you're not getting the quality stainless and super nice welds at a bargain price. It took a lot of time to put it together. I'm sure competent muffler shops can do it a lot cheaper, but I don't know of any. I was adamant about it lining up nicely and having the correct reveal of the AMG on the tips when standing behind the car. The fabricator mocked it up on my car as a one-off piece. I'm sure he could make more, but he didn't make any fixtures that would allow him to make more without having a car there to work with. When I picked up my car, he was working on a side-exiting exhaust on a 700+ RW HP G63. He said he was making fixtures so he could make more as needed. With the age and minimal examples of our cars out there I don't they will feel it is worth their time to make the needed fixtures to easily replicate the system.

I forgot to mention in my original post that in addition to the weight savings from removing the heavy OE muffler, the straight pipes wake the motor up, big time. I'm not talking about sound, but power. The butt dyno detects a nice improvement!

IanB

That sounds great! I'm looking to have my Y-pipe/resonator (wagon exhaust is dual to the resonator, and a large single inlet to the muffler) replaced with a custom Y-pipe, hoping for that tone, but quieter.

snooozie

I wish I had a welder like that where I live. Maybe there is but I never come across yet. That is some good welding. Very study hands for sure to produce that unified small weld. The price is not bad, talking about brand new stainless steel custom pipes. What size are they...2.5" or 3". Hard to find good workmanship nowadays especially the younger generation. I like the tips too. Very low key I guess the sound gives it away

ddb

Thanks, IanB! So your custom Y-pipe will eliminate the resonator? If so that should definately help. Ideally I wouldn't mind my system being a bit quieter. It is difficult to achieve the desired tone and decibel levels. When I had my pipes built, I talked to the fabricator by adding an aftermarket muffler if I found the straight pipes too loud. Thus far I'm loving it and have no current plans to change it. I can see (hear) how it can be too much for some!

I agree with you, the craftsmanship is top notch. In a way, I hate that those welds aren't somehow visible. If you stand (or drive) far enough behind the car you can see the shiny stainless pipes where they turn and drop down before extending to the back of the car. They are 2.5".

IanB

Yes, the OEM resonator acts as a Y-pipe on the wagon, and I'd be retaining the OEM muffler, which is very large and runs the width of the car tucked behind the rear bumper. I'm hoping it nets me a nice rumble and tone, without drone on the highway or being too obnoxious, lol.

OOgsAggie

Exactly! Finally a clip worth listening to. That workmanship is superb! Has me thinking as well.

snooozie

Hey ddb,

How's the sound of your pipes after a few months of usage? Can you do another sound video?

Just curious after hitting zero on the Eisenmann muffler.

Frank N Sense

Matches the owner a bit more than the car.
....and that's what counts.
Fantastic.

IanB

Quick update for anyone interested, completed my resonator delete on my '99 E55 wagon, net result is no noticeable change. Possibly more noise from outside the car, but from inside you can't tell anything has changed. The huge factory muffler is still doing its job a bit too well for my liking.

ddb

Hey snoozie,

At this point it sounds the same. I've only put a couple hundred miles on it so far. The more I drive it the more I love it. I don't think I would get tired of it if it were a daily driver, but it is not. I take it out to have fun on nice days and make a little noise. It is fun to start it in a parking lot and see people looking confused. They are probably thinking what an idiot.

I will make another video after finishing my next mod during the next week or two. I have a new set of shorty headers ready to be installed.

ddb

Yes sir! That's what I love about it; the sound just isn't expected. It's amazing how quiet they wanted our cars compared to modern AMG beasts.

ddb

That sucks. Makes a nice improvement on the sedans. What are you going to do next?

wasp01amg

My original stock exhaust is quite when you baby it and roars when you put your foot in it. I love the rush when it pushes you back into your seat. Good job AMG.

IanB

No immediate plans, maybe I'll revisit next year. I was thinking an electronic exhaust cutout on the 3" pipe just before the rear muffler so I could bypass the muffler when I wanted to would do the trick, but I'm not sure if I want to go down that road with this car. It would allow the car to remain silent for regular use and highway trips, but unleash the fury when needed. I haven't priced it out, but probably comparable to replacing the muffler and tips, but lets the car remain quiet for normal use.

snooozie

ddb,

Yeah, do make another video when you have a chance. I thought you have longtubes for headers? No? Seriously, with the straight pipes, you save a lot of weight. The eisenmann will be the same weight as the oem muffler and I seroiusly don't think it's any louder then straight pipes. I think I'll ask around and see if a local shop here can make me a set.

ddb

I'm running a set of the Top Speed/AMS headers currently. I recently got a killer deal on a new set of Renntech shorty headers. The catch is, they are for a R230 SL55. I know they will bolt up to the heads perfectly, but I think the collector flange angle is slightly different and they won't line up with the down pipes. If that is the case, I will turn to my fabricator and have the down pipes modified to fit the headers or have them fabricate new down pipes altogether. I just need to get the time to bolt them on and go from there.

I definitely will make a new video once I get it all figured out.

v8sonly

Updates? That exhaust sounds amazing. Were all the original cats still in place?

ddb

Thanks, v8only!

Prior to the muffler delete I replaced the secondary cats with 200 cell cats and replaced the resonator with an x-pipe. It has been a year now and I love this setup more than ever. No thoughts at all of installing the OE muffler.

ddb

v8sonly

How have the TopSpeed headers been holding up? They are the shorty ones listed on eBay right?