Fabspeed on my CS, probably

If you know of a reason why I should not have a Fabspeed Maxflow exhaust system installed on my Cayman S, please say what it is. I'm thinking of starting with just the exhaust, then adding headers sometime next year. Thanks! Snaxster

Three letters...A W E

The only issue with Fabspeed is make sure your installer installs it correctly so it doesn't hang down to low, some installers aren't getting it right the first time. Otherwise see the comments I posted in another thread about differences between the systems and choose whichever one you like best. Fabspeed makes a good system just ask the article author!

Thanks, Will, but why particularly?

Thanks, K-Man. If I go for it, I'll be sure to advise the installer (and to check their work.) I think I've read everything here about your and others' experiences of the two solutions, A.W.E. and Fabspeed. It seems that they offer comparable quality, function and even sonic aesthetics. What's selling me on the Fabspeed is visual aesthetics.

Very Happy with my Fabspeed cat back. Sounds better every mile I put on the car.

have to go with Silent Will on this one. I read both articles and have looked at several pics and reveiws of the FabSpeed....the tips look off in almost every pic. FabSpeed has a great rep, but I think AWE may have put more thought into the cayman exhaust. For me personally I will probably go with AWE and add the headers later too. I love my boothe SS tips and can use them on the AWE...bonus and as K-Man S pointed out...it comes personalized.

i have only the exhaust in my car and so far i have no complain or whatsoever about it. it does hang a little low, but it doesnt bother me while driving.

I personally feel the AWE offers the "best" sound. Obviously this is subjective and only you can decide what sound you like best. The Fabspeed also sounds great to me, but not quite as good as the AWE. The proven gains on the AWE are decent for just a catback. You can use your stock tips or some nice Black Nickel Tips from Boothe Design. The AWE appears to be the result of very high craftmanship. The fit with the Cayman is near perfect. Every Fabspeed I have seen always appears to hang too low or the tips appears lob-sided or off center? This of course could be just an installation issue.

Please read my article on the Fabspeed before jumping to any conclusions. I will agree that i did need to fit the tips a couple of times to get them on straight but they look a million times better then stock even if they are slightly off center. I have not heard any other exhaust systems first hand but i have to believe from the articles that i have read and the sound clips i heard that the fabspeed system is a worthy competitor. I have no complaints and would recommend it to anyone. Also the look of the system is awesome. If you look at the mufflers it fills the gap in the back of the bumper. It gives the car a better look from the back. The other systems I've seen the mufflers are tucked up under the car and can not be seen or they are a dull matted finish which adds nothing to the cars appearance. For the money that these systems sell for i would/did go for the polished stainless look. Why pay for less???

Just to be clear on the Fabspeed, Milltek and AWE exhausts the main mufflers are ALL polished stainless. Fabspeed and AWE also offer polished pipes and headers (which all turn blue anyway) whereas the Milltek piping is not polished. (Not sure if it could be done or not). If you drive your car in the rain or simply drive it for awhile you WILL have to get under your car and clean your mufflers off to get that shiny appearance back as they will pick up road debris over time.

Thanks for those details, Will. I haven't heard either the A.W.E. or Fabspeed in person, so I can't comment on their sound based on my experience. But I've seen the Tubi installed on a CS; it's the Tubi that's my standard for visual aesthetics. Given that, the side view of the A.W.E. is simply too crude looking to my taste. I was willing to go with its angular form, but the side view killed it for me. (Thanks to K-Man S for detailed photo-documentation.) The Fabspeed solution shows its designer's greater emphasis on appearance. The combination of its curvaceous form and clean sides put it in the Tubi's league, I think. In fact, based on the video at the Fabspeed site, it looks like their solution is meant to look good in the round. There is no angle at which it looks bad. So, for far less money than the Tubi I think the Fabspeed offers performance and sound comparable to other solutions, with best of breed appearance. That's why I think they'll get my money.

Thanks, RedRocket. I'll ask Fabspeed whether they are willing to guarantee correct alignment of the tips (I will use stock) given a correct installation of their exhaust unit.

Hello, NETHNGBTSTK. Belated thanks for your article and video. Very helpful!

Good decision SNAXSTER. You'll be pleased

Snaxster, are you planning on getting the 987/Cayman MAXFLO Exhaust System from Fabspeed? C

Hi, cycaza. That's looking likely. The eventual upgrade path for me would be the addition of Fabspeed headers with cats. Luckily, perhaps, finances prevent me pulling the trigger immediately. Yesterday I learned that Remus has a solution for the 987. Unlike the Fabspeed, it doesn't eliminate the 2nd set of cats. But I heard that it is some kind of stainless steel and about half the price. My strong inclination is to get exactly the solution I want rather than try to save money. Having bothered to get such an excellent car, I think it's worth it. Best, Snaxster

Thanks. For me am on the fence about the FabSpeed or the A.W.E, but am leaning more towards the A.W.E only because there is a dealer here in San Jose that can install it for me. I haven't searched if FabSpeed has any dealers in the Bay Area. C.

NP, C. I was going to order directly from the Fabspeed and have them ship to the dealership for installation.

If you buy direct from Fabspeed let them know you saw their ad here!

Will do, K-Man S.

I agree...the AWE is certainly not the prettiest of the bunch. When I first saw it I thought it was an air-conditioning duct. The best looking is certainly Tubi or Fabspeed. Good luck with the new Fabspeed, I'm sure it will be great!

Sorry I missed your reply, Will. I've been working like crazy! Thanks for your good wishes. If/when I go for it, I will post impressions and pics. Best, Snaxster

fafnir, Covered in another topic. Milltek is the quietest of the aftermarket exhausts but still makes good sound. AWE does not make headers No one has weighed systems but judging from my picking up either the Milltek weighs more than the AWE, not sure about Fabspeed or Tubi as far as weight goes.

i heard tubi in person. not loud at all. try muffler bypass then we are talking.