DTH cat-back system vs. BPP Twin Tip Center Exhaust Performance Muffler

[soareyes]

As I have posted before in another thread, I had the Breathless twin tip (sport version) but found it a little to loud. I sold it with the intention of buying the Breathless touring version. I was very happy with the quality of the unit, and it bolted right in and fit perfectly.

However, while I was at 4smartcar's shop to pick up a double-din stereo bezel this last Monday, I impulsively bought their twin tip exhaust. I installed it this morning and am very happy with the sound and quality. Definitely less loudness compared to the Breathless sport exhaust. I wish I could have heard the Breathless touring version for comparison but nobody local has one that I know of.

The only very minor complaint I have with the Doug Thorley unit is that my driver's side tip is tilted up slightly compared to the other tip, so they don't look exactly level if you look closely. Very minor and most wouldn't notice, and it doesn't bother me enough to swap it for another. Otherwise the welds are beautifully made and it is so much lighter than stock. I'm happy!

Stan

[VinceLA]

Originally Posted by soareyes

The only very minor complaint I have with the Doug Thorley unit is that my driver's side tip is tilted up slightly compared to the other tip, so they don't look exactly level if you look closely. Very minor and most wouldn't notice, and it doesn't bother me enough to swap it for another. Otherwise the welds are beautifully made and it is so much lighter than stock. I'm happy!

Stan

Definitely the hanger issue. Try bending them slightly to get that symmetric look.

[SylenThunder]

Based on what I have read about the noise level, and overall price being an issue as well.... I just ordered the DT system from SmarTune. I can't wait to get it installed. I do plan to also get a K&N filter, mod the intake hose, and get the BPP intake scoop. (There will be some customization done to the intake piping to improve flow as well.)

[tsutaoka]

thanks all...keep the posts coming

[tigerwong58]

My DTH tips were also off, when it was hot I stuck a pipe into the left tip and bent it into position. I just modified my Smann Diffuser and everything is copesetic.

[eolon]

I recently installed the Breathless Touring version. The installation was pretty easy. The De-installation of the stock muffler was a pain in the 455.

I noticed an increase in power, mileage, and noise. The exhaust sound is always present, and quite loud. I can't imagine how loud the Sport version is!

The fabrication of the exhaust was a bit rough - the exhaust pipe was not centered in the flange (or else the bolt hole wasn't in the right place), and the bolt head hit the flange weld before it came up tight against the flat of the flange. Kind of sloppy.

There is a very annoying rattle and clunk with this exhaust system at low idle, and especially if the air conditioner compressor is loaded. This is not surprising, due to the lack of a flexible hose section to isolate engine vibration from the muffler system. The engine vibration is transmitted directly through the muffler to the rubber hangers, which is more vibration than they can handle, so it makes an alarming rattle/clunking noise. At higher rpms, as the engine smooths out, the rattles go away.

I was thinking about cutting out the stainless flex section of the stock muffler and welding it into the Breathless unit, but then I remembered I can't weld stainless.

Anyhow, that's my experience so far. I know nothing about the DT unit (except that it also does not have a flex section).

Best Regards,


e

.::.

[tsutaoka]

eolon, sorry to hear about the challenges with the BPP touring exhaust. thanks for addin to the discussions, it is pushing me towards the 4smartcar/dth unit

[geosynch]

Originally Posted by eolon

I recently installed the Breathless Touring version. The installation was pretty easy. The exhaust sound is always present, and quite loud. I can't imagine how loud the Sport version is!

This concerns me greatly. I have a BPP touring version due to be delivered any day.

I knew the sport was too loud for some, but "loud" is subjective. I do like the looks of the BPP model more than the DTH, so I crossed my fingers and took the plunge.

But now I'm hearing the touring version is also "loud." Loud is still subjective, but it seems to be a universal opinion.

I'd like some hard data. I intend to call BPP before I install my new exhaust to see if they have any hard data. Anything over 90 db is simply too loud. In the meantime, if anyone has a SPL (sound pressure level) meter, and a BPP touring exhaust, it'd be fantastic to get hard data.

(Handheld SPL meters are less than $100 on Amazon....)

If I can't get hard data before I'm ready to install my new exhaust, I may send it back to BPP or sell it. I don't want the hassle of installing it only to find out it is too loud.

geosynch

[tsutaoka]

geosynch, excellent question. i would love to see "objective" data before taking the plunge. i also like the looks of the BPP exhaust over the 4smartcar/dth, but it seems there's more positive posts for the 4smartcar/dth. let's see the hard data on noise levels. thanks

[geosynch]

I talked to Ernie today at BPP. Very nice and helpful, but no hard data. Makes me wonder how they concluded the touring is 20% (or 12%) quieter...? Of course Ernie defended his product -- what else could he do? He has a lot of happy customers and one person's loud is another person's music.

But I'd still like hard data before I go to the trouble of installing the exhaust. If there is anyone within 100 miles of the 94040 zip code (use maps.goggle.com to check) that has a TOURING version of the BPP twin tip, I'll buy the SPL meter and drive out to you and take a measurement.

My touring version arrived today, but I'm not in a rush to install it. Want data first.

geosynch