I've spent quite a while researching available exhaust modifications for the SLK55 but I would appreciate opinions of other owners who have modified the exhaust. I don't have any experience with 8-cylinder engine exhausts so I have a hard time imagining what individual component changes would do to the sound.
I am not looking for a horsepower or torque increase, just a different (moderately to significantly louder, and meaner) sound. I would also like to stay below the California 90 dB limit (at least under 4-4.5 K RPM), so I am not aiming for anything outrageously loud.
I believe the stock exhaust is too restrictive. It sounds like exhaust gases strain to pass through which is not surprising given the number of obstacles in their paths.
I don't want to replace headers or catalytic converters, just the center resonator and the two rear mufflers.
The question is, what would give me this type of sound?
Option 1. Purchase an entire catback system (x-pipe and two mufflers) from Supersprint for $2800+.
Option 2. Remove center resonator, replace with straight pipes; keep stock rear mufflers.
Option 3. Remove center resonator, replace with an x-pipe; keep stock rear mufflers.
Option 4. Keep center resonator; replace rear mufflers with straight pipes; keep exhaust tips.
Option 5. Remove the entire catback exhaust, replace with straight pipes all the way; keep exhaust tips.
Option 1 is the most attractive to me because stock catback exhaust can be disconnected at the flanges and kept intact. However, I doubt this Supersprint setup will sound loud enough, or the way I want. Anybody here with Supersprint mufflers?
Options 2, 3 and 4 make it impossible to put the stock exhaust back together in its original form. Having searched through existing threads, I know that several members of this forum have done option 3 and maybe even 2. I'd like to hear their opinions. Is the sound achieved by the Supersprint or any other x-pipe similar to the SL sound in the clip above?
Options 4 and 5 require a good exhaust shop that is probably next to impossible to find. They may end up way too loud as well.
What do you think?
P.S. If anybody between Santa Rosa, Walnut Creek and Santa Cruz, CA has a modified exhaust I'd appreciate the opportunity to hear it.
Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S
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The sound is marginally louder and stays louder only if you drive fast or on top of the rpm's however above 2,500 rpm it gets louder as the exhausts are more free flowing. If and only if you love to hear the sound of the v8, its worth it. If you get annoyed by the increase in sound your money isnt well spent. I love the sound of the x pipe with the catalytics as I find it to give the car with a muscular tone that you can control with your speed. In cruising the car sounds close to oem and is nothing annoying nor obnoxiously loud. What is loud is my current setup with the Kleemann headers which sounds loud cruising.
The 19-20 second scene is around 3-4,000 rpm.
__________________ 06 Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG
06 Porsche Cayenne S
07 Jaguar XKR Coupe'
This video starts out with a full throttle run from about 70 to 142 in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears. The mic is mounted on the rear license plate. My car is stock except for a Magnaflow x-pipe and Green filters. http://videos.streetfire.net/video/T...un4_148795.htm If you look at some of my other videos at Streetfire, you can hear what low speeds sound like. This link is a lower speed event at GSS. You can hear what the car sounds like at part throttle below 100 and at idle. http://videos.streetfire.net/video/G...K55_157528.htm
I also have a G55 and can tell you the blown 55's sound much different from the naturally aspirated ones. Both sound great.
The Magnaflow stainless X-pipe cost me $200 to get installed.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rb136
This video starts out with a full throttle run from about 70 to 142 in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears. The mic is mounted on the rear license plate. My car is stock except for a Magnaflow x-pipe and Green filters. http://videos.streetfire.net/video/T...un4_148795.htm If you look at some of my other videos at Streetfire, you can hear what low speeds sound like. This link is a lower speed event at GSS. You can hear what the car sounds like at part throttle below 100 and at idle. http://videos.streetfire.net/video/G...K55_157528.htm
I also have a G55 and can tell you the blown 55's sound much different from the naturally aspirated ones. Both sound great.
The Magnaflow stainless X-pipe cost me $200 to get installed.
I just knew you have a G55 AMG, what a impressive machine any video clips ?
__________________ 06 Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG
06 Porsche Cayenne S
07 Jaguar XKR Coupe'
No vids of the G55. I use it as my daily driver and as a tow car when I track the SLK. The torque this thing puts out is amazing. Although the SLK is faster and handles worlds better, I like the G more as a street vehicle. Like the SLK, it attracts a lot of attention. It will also polish off most of the "quick" street cars around. Here in Texsas, there is always some idiot in a pickup that wants to run. It's hard to resist. For a reference point, it's quicker than a 350 Z or a Boxster S in a straight line. The only thing I don't like about it is the lack of manual control of the transmission. The SLK has spoiled me.
SLK55 AMG exhaust options 
