Soul Performance Headers, Catless Crossover

Hey all. I'm looking for advice on which mufflers to add to recently installed Soul Performance headers and catless crossover pipes on my 996 C2 cabriolet. The goal is to find a light-weight "quiet" muffler, since no cats already amplifies the sound (especially in a cab). The first 150 miles break in miles on my 3.4 to 3.8 rebuild (still haven't created a thread for this 2 year endeavor....), I ran ttt123's custom-made exhaust (photo below). Removed it because around town cruising in 3rd gear at 3000 RPMs (approx 45 mph) resulted drone. Not to mention, for a cab, I think it's too loud. I've read exhaust threads for hours and still can't make up my mind. I thought about buying some SpinTech 344 DSC (the "D" is quieter than the regular "SC") mufflers and taking it to a muffler shop to have some 304 stainless pipes bent and OEM tips TIG welded. If found out about SpinTech from a thread here from 2011. I think it sounds pretty good! YouTube Video Soul Performance header (merge collector close-up) Soul Performance headers & catless crossover pipes (not x-pipe) Soul Performance Exhaust Soul Performance catless crossover pipes SpinTech 344DSC Muffler forum member "ttt123" custom exhaust forum member "ttt123" custom exhaust

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Quotes source post: 16743736

I'm leaning this way, too. I have some 10+ year old Maxflows in the basement. I'm hesitant to reinstall them because at least one has loose internals. When I called Fabspeed to inquire about a "refresh", they weren't interested, due to some tip welding that had been done over the years. Granted, they do look like crap. I'm going to install them and go for a drive to at least get an idea of how new Maxflows may sound.

With all the 4th of July festivities cancelled in our neck of the woods, I had time to start re-conditioning the Fabspeed mufflers. First on the list was to cut off the tips that were horribly welded (MIG), should have been TIG. That's my doing, 8 years ago. Learned a lot about the difference between AC & DC welding since then. Then, to figure out what was "shaking" inside, I cut an access panel. What I think is stainless steel wool/wrap was flaking off. Not too bad, but a small chunk of it was lying inside. The rest of the wrap was attached to the 1st inlet tube (from the crossover pipe). Next was using an angle grinder to clean up the finish. I used a variety of flap disks and wire wheels. I know this is all temporary, as it'll yellow again with time. Last night I researched some stainless wool "packing" options. I think the best route is to call Fabspeed about purchasing replacement stainless "blanket". Will also ask them if adding a blanket to the other internal, perforated pipe would bring down the decibels. But then again, what if it's too quiet. I think at the very least, adding high temp stainless steel zip ties to keep the blanket secured is a no brainer! To aid in heat protection, I wrapped the flimsy, often rattling aluminum heat shield with Cali Biker Club heat shield. Now for pics. stainless wool blanket around top internal pipe access door and result after mr. flappy disk old can, but still structurally sound yuck MIG welds on left, cleaned up can on right Cali Biker Club heat shield wrapping the one of the exhaust heat shields installed, and no longer flimsy

I made some progress on the exhaust project. Ordered new stainless wool wrap for the passenger Fabspeed muffler that was cut open earlier. Cut off the nasty MIG welds from the driver side muff. Will need to TIG weld the pin holes as well as add pie cuts to make up for the lost material. Instead of flanges, I'm going to just TIG weld the newly buffed chrome tips to the pie cut. As far as sound, I'll wrap both the baffles inside the passenger muff and run the driver side without any internal modification. That'll give me a good idea of how wrapping (or unwrapping) I'll need to do to achieve the desired decibels. Who doesn't like pics?photos!!! passenger side Fabspeed muffler internal baffle (stainless wool removed) of passenger side Fabspeed muffler driver side Fabspeed muffler 10+ years old, but cleaned up with various flap disks and wire wheels Driver side Fabspeed after cutting off MIG welded tip. Need to fill pin holes with TIG and rod. Also will add pie cuts to account for lost material Driver side Fabspeed muffler inlet pipe attached to Soul Performance cat bypass pipe. Etched metric socket size to clamp overall pic

Quotes source post: 16764643

I'd flip those exhaust to mid pipes clamps around. You never get to the (should you have to) without removing the bumper cover. I have a used set on the way to me. And is there anything that one can spray (high heat clear) to keep the shine?

Interesting to see what the Maxflos look like inside. Did you find the rattle? Was it the steel wool blanket? They sure clean up nice!

Quotes source posts: 16765712, 16765735

Good call about flipping the clamps. Hmm, interesting question about using high heat spray of some sort. I probably won't bother, since the cans are hidden. Using "rattle" to describe the sound wasn't a good choice of words. Yes, it was just a portion of steel wool that had flaked off. Probably during one of the many 6500RPM pulls! UPS man just delivered ISW's wool wrap! I'm seriously contemplating purchasing an Eastwood TIG welder to finish up this project myself. Been eager to learn TIG welding. Been MIG welding projects for years. But with TIG, so many variables. Stayed up way too long last night watching Justin's The Fabrication Series. You Tube

ISW muffler repack arrived. First layer is a stainless screen (much like a window or door screen). Second the stainless wool, wrapped with a stainless wire. Then fiberglass. Next is TIG welding her "door" back on. You can see I had to cut out another section too!