Doug Thorley Exhaust System - Real World Experience Report

[SmartPassion]

Finally picked up my cabrio from the gang at DTH yesterday. Couldn't wait to try it out. Man, if you thought your car gets attention now, wait till you get one of these things on!

Drove it through a variety of conditions - moderate to heavy freeway traffic, in-town traffic, open road, etc. The extra horsepower is noticeable, confirmed by my BD (butt dynometer). Pick up is noticeably improved. No more bogging off the line. Its almost like a different car. Just need suspension work now.

Before the install, I was a little concerned about excessive noise and interior resonance with this engine. But DTH did a great job tuning the system. While you will definitely notice an increase in sound, it is no louder than other cars with a system (the car sounds best on a quiet early Saturday morning run. ). Those who've driven older British cars will feel right at home.

As an added bonus, you may notice sound similar to manual heel-toe downshifting as the computer match engine RPM to the transmission upon downshifting in manual mode. Really cool. Felt like a Ferrari for a second there.

It was a pleasure working with Nick, Jaime and others at DTH (they doing all the work and me having all the fun) to get this system going. I know they tried a lot of stuff before finalizing this unit.

They have a great product. IMHO, no need for a high-priced imported unit. And I've bought my share of high-end brand-name stuff before, believe me.

This is a great start for accessories for the smart car. Frankly, I wasn't sure how a company that traditionally makes systems for hot rods and motorcycles will do with a smart. But now that I've had first hand experience with their exhaust, I feel they can do the job and do it well.

I'm also confident that other smart owners will enjoy them too. So, I've decided to become a wholesale/retail distributor. I have a special allotment of systems coming out and will be taking reservations for them.

I'll be taking my car to as many smart meets as possible for everyone to see. Check out the so cal smarties schedule listed elsewhere. If you can't wait, give me a shout out.

[124tom]

Smartpassion,

Thanks for your post let us know if MPG is affected.I have mine on order from Nick. Someone has to take a leap of faith thanks again for stepping up.


Regards

[Evilution]

All very well and good but what does it look like, is it a "visible" exhaust or a stealth exhaust?

[jwight]

The pics are in the exhaust system thread; looks like all you see is a bit of the new tailpipe with the rolled edge. Most people won't know one from the other.

[RussBarnes]

OK, how close to plastic parts, looks like close enough to melt in photos. How about a turndown just ahead of the plastic trim so don't have to butcher it?

[SmartBill]

Thanks for the info SmartPassion. Does installation of this aftermarket exhaust system have any negative impact on the warranty? How much does it cost? I am interested in purchasing a system, located in Westminster, where is the facility located for installation?
SmartBill

[diegosilang]

SmartPassion, I practically live right next to the DTH store (Corona). Is there a special price for us SCOA members? Can you pm me your price, I know smarttune has one deal going for everyone purchasing from him (discounted with free shipping). Thanks again for having your car be a guinea pig for all of us smart car enthusiasts .

Diego

[SmartPassion]

I'll post a picture of the pipe as soon as I can. But I can say if you are going for a chromed "fart can" look, you will be disappointed. The system (the can portion) is not visible at all from the exterior of the car. The only thing you see is the tail pipe. The prototype unit I'm testing has a round tip. Since most people have yet to see a STOCK smart let alone a modded on, like Jwight said, few will know one from the other.

[brian r]

Originally Posted by RussBarnes

OK, how close to plastic parts, looks like close enough to melt in photos. How about a turndown just ahead of the plastic trim so don't have to butcher it?

This isn't a concern. The tailpipe isn't that close to the plastic compared with some cars, and the tailpipe isn't very hot compared to the muffler. Also, most modern cars have plastic covers on the engines, and they don't melt.

My Passat turbo has engine and airbox covers, and the engine compartment is much hotter than a tailpipe could ever get from heat generated by the turbo. When you drive the car hard at night, and then stop and raise the hood, the turbo is glowing various shades of red or orange. No melting. The car (which is modified and puts out 240 hp vs the 150 it came with) has a Supersprint exhaust, which has two large tips about 3/8" from the bumper, and the bumper looks new after 30k miles.

[brian r]

Originally Posted by diegosilang

SmartPassion, I practically live right next to the DTH store (Corona). Is there a special price for us SCOA members? Can you pm me your price, I know smarttune has one deal going for everyone purchasing from him (discounted with free shipping). Thanks again for having your car be a guinea pig for all of us smart car enthusiasts .

Diego

Nick told me when I ordered that the price for the initial run was $325 vs $350 (regular price). They will be shipped in about a month and we will not be charged until they are shipped or picked up.