Vibrant exhaust finally installed...pics

[scooter3]

Thanks Ken at ProtégéGarage.

Finally received my new Vibrant Streetpower exhaust. 3" stainless steel tubing with a 4" exhaust tip. This is a DP back kit so it came with a high-low cat, 2 Streetpower oval mufflers with straight thru internals. Too bad I have to hide all that stainless under the car.

Had my mechanic do the install since I really don't have the tools to do this kind of stuff. Took him about an hour and all I can say is wow! Love the sound and the throttle response is so much better. Has a nice low tone during freeway runs, but really comes alive when I stab it. Here are some pics of the exhaust and install. Let me know what you think

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y153/phoenixtc/DSC03084.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y153/phoenixtc/DSC03091.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y153/phoenixtc/DSC03090.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y153/phoenixtc/DSC03092.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y153/phoenixtc/DSC03094.jpg

[uncletime]

ound clip?

[BoostedSpd6]

looks pretty nice a buddy of mine is going to be having one made custom by the same shop that did my one off exhaust... sound clips would be nice.

[scooter3]

No sound clip yet. I plan on doing that tomorrow I hope!

[Captain KRM P5]

looks awesome, thanks for the purchase!

[blacksheepms3]

A couple of questions...1) did he have to cut off your stock exhaust to get them off? 2) I cant tell from the last pic, but is the tip of the exhaust centered in the exit hole on the bumper? Thanks in advance

[scooter3]

A couple of questions...1) did he have to cut off your stock exhaust to get them off? 2) I cant tell from the last pic, but is the tip of the exhaust centered in the exit hole on the bumper? Thanks in advance

Yes the stock exhaust had to be cut out. You can remove it in one piece if you want to spend the time taking the rear assembly down. And yes the exhaust tip is centered. I took the pic at a weird angle. Overall I am very happy with the system. I did have to mess around with some of the heat shield only because it was hitting some parts of the tubbing and making it rattle, but it is all good now.

[blacksheepms3]

Yes the stock exhaust had to be cut out. You can remove it in one piece if you want to spend the time taking the rear assembly down. And yes the exhaust tip is centered. I took the pic at a weird angle. Overall I am very happy with the system. I did have to mess around with some of the heat shield only because it was hitting some parts of the tubbing and making it rattle, but it is all good now.

thanks for the quick reply. I think I'm gonna try to take the exhaust out without cutting so i can put it back for emission or warranty work. OR...I can sell it to who ever wants it someday. thanks again.

[numbnuts22715]

thanks for the quick reply. I think I'm gonna try to take the exhaust out without cutting so i can put it back for emission or warranty work. OR...I can sell it to who ever wants it someday. thanks again.

it really doesn't look like it would be that much fun to drop the whole rear suspension to do that..... Has anybody done it before?

I'm in the same boat as you... I'd really prefer to be able to keep it all one piece, so if someone could chime in and let us know how much more difficult that way is, it would be great.

[mazdaspeed32007]

i love the amount of heat shield on these things. its fucking ridiculous. lol

[Captain KRM P5]

it really doesn't look like it would be that much fun to drop the whole rear suspension to do that..... Has anybody done it before?

I'm in the same boat as you... I'd really prefer to be able to keep it all one piece, so if someone could chime in and let us know how much more difficult that way is, it would be great.

we have installed a bunch of exhausts on the speed3 and even with a lift i'd refrain from pulling the subframe off.

[SHAGwagn]

Just cut it and have ur local muffler shop weld on flanges on both sides of the cut so you can clamp it back together when ur ready with 2 sets of stainless steel bolts. easy.

[blacksheepms3]

One more question...I see that the test pipe part of this exhaust have a catalytic converter. Would it crack from thrashing and heat since it's not a flex pipe? (or is it a flex pipe underneath?) I'd appreciate a reply on this.

[scooter3]

One more question...I see that the test pipe part of this exhaust have a catalytic converter. Would it crack from thrashing and heat since it's not a flex pipe? (or is it a flex pipe underneath?) I'd appreciate a reply on this.

No, that cat is is not going anywhere. It is TIG welded to the pipe and has a heat shield on it.

[blacksheepms3]

oh I see, I called the manufacturer and they said not to worry cause the stock comes with spring bolts and donut that u can reuse and that will allow some movement when the engine is thrashing. I installed an aftermaket rear engine mount anyway, so the movement is not as much as before. So does the stock really have spring bolt that i can reuse when installing this exhaust? It's hard to see in the pics.

[numbnuts22715]

No sound clip yet. I plan on doing that tomorrow I hope!

any chance youve been able to get the sound clip?

thanks man.

[scooter3]

oh I see, I called the manufacturer and they said not to worry cause the stock comes with spring bolts and donut that u can reuse and that will allow some movement when the engine is thrashing. I installed an aftermaket rear engine mount anyway, so the movement is not as much as before. So does the stock really have spring bolt that i can reuse when installing this exhaust? It's hard to see in the pics.


Yep the stock spring bolts were reused along wit the gasket.

[blacksheepms3]

thanks, mine gets here thursday, probably by next weekend it'll be installed. vids and sounds to follow.

[palerider]

thanks, mine gets here thursday, probably by next weekend it'll be installed. vids and sounds to follow.


Ditto here. Mine hopefully shipped today with the TRZ motor mount. Rays Mazdaspeed wheels follow later in the week, so Im told. All from our friends at ProtegeGarage(rockon)

[scooter3]

thanks, mine gets here thursday, probably by next weekend it'll be installed. vids and sounds to follow.

I hope you do better with the clips then I did. I ended up crashing my main hard drive so no clips. (pissed) Now I am using a back up computer!

Good luck on the install.

[Captain KRM P5]

Ditto here. Mine hopefully shipped today with the TRZ motor mount. Rays Mazdaspeed wheels follow later in the week, so Im told. All from our friends at ProtegeGarage(rockon)

thanks for the order :)

[blacksheepms3]

I hope you do better with the clips then I did. I ended up crashing my main hard drive so no clips. (pissed) Now I am using a back up computer!

Good luck on the install.

thanks. i'll do my best.

[palerider]

Im installing my Vibrant today. Early next week Im going in for the recall at the dealership. Whats everybodys opinion on the reaction I'll get. Do you think this exhaust will draw the ire of the dealership?

Is my drivetrain warranty cooked? I searched exhaust and warranty.... it seems the consensus is mixed.

[mrlilguy157]

i would think you're fine. you just have to find your cool dealership.

i found one that applies warranty to a BT rx8. :)

[palerider]

Well. Its on and.... I only was able to take it around the block but woah what a difference!!!!

I was a little weirded out because the pipe doesnt slip together, but instead the clamps lock down on both sides of the 3 inch pipe as they just sort of abut up next to each other.....During the installation I talked to Eric at ProtegeGarage and he assured me this was correct. But then the clamps wouldnt tighten completely, so I called Vibrants inhouse support and they told me that the clamp supplier had the bolt configuration wrong. After adjusting it, it fit like a charm.... no movement whatsoever.

Plus.... after cutting off the stock exhaust.. I think these clamps could be used to reinstall the stock exhaust with out any welding. Im glad it comes this way.

Cant wait to get it out on the road. Midrange and throttle response were just incredibly different feeling. And the fitment and sound was perfect.

I totally recommend this sucker, after my first impressions. Thanks again Protege Garage....

[Captain KRM P5]

Well. Its on and.... I only was able to take it around the block but woah what a difference!!!!

I was a little weirded out because the pipe doesnt slip together, but instead the clamps lock down on both sides of the 3 inch pipe as they just sort of abut up next to each other.....During the installation I talked to Eric at ProtegeGarage and he assured me this was correct. But then the clamps wouldnt tighten completely, so I called Vibrants inhouse support and they told me that the clamp supplier had the bolt configuration wrong. After adjusting it, it fit like a charm.... no movement whatsoever.

Plus.... after cutting off the stock exhaust.. I think these clamps could be used to reinstall the stock exhaust with out any welding. Im glad it comes this way.

Cant wait to get it out on the road. Midrange and throttle response were just incredibly different feeling. And the fitment and sound was perfect.

I totally recommend this sucker, after my first impressions. Thanks again Protege Garage....


thank you very much, glad to read good things and impressions! keep your eyes peeled for the wheels/mount

[scooter3]

Well. Its on and.... I only was able to take it around the block but woah what a difference!!!!

I was a little weirded out because the pipe doesnt slip together, but instead the clamps lock down on both sides of the 3 inch pipe as they just sort of abut up next to each other.....During the installation I talked to Eric at ProtegeGarage and he assured me this was correct. But then the clamps wouldnt tighten completely, so I called Vibrants inhouse support and they told me that the clamp supplier had the bolt configuration wrong. After adjusting it, it fit like a charm.... no movement whatsoever.

Plus.... after cutting off the stock exhaust.. I think these clamps could be used to reinstall the stock exhaust with out any welding. Im glad it comes this way.

Cant wait to get it out on the road. Midrange and throttle response were just incredibly different feeling. And the fitment and sound was perfect.

I totally recommend this sucker, after my first impressions. Thanks again Protege Garage....

Glad to see you got it installed. We had the same issue with the clamps as you did. I think it is a great set up. Get it out on the road and open it up, you will love it.

Try to get some clips.

[blacksheepms3]

I got mine installed today. The mechanic called the clamps cheap. i was kinda insulted. I dont think it's cheap. i paid good money for it. it does the job of holding them together though. That muffler mechanic i went to had my tip crooked. The "vibrant" logo is not centered when looking down from up top. the angle of the tip is cocked to the side.

Can u guys tell me if it's supposed to be like this or did he put it wrong>? I want to be sure it's not the parts when i go back there and make him straighten it out. I have sound clips already in my camera. I just have to transfer it to my computer. Btw, I paid $205 to get it installed. Was I robbed? this is in NJ.

[mazdaspeed32007]

205 for the install is a pretty good price. the logo should be on top. and the reason he would cock it is because the way it would fit into the stock muffler slot. but i havent seen anyone with problems with it fitting seeming how its basically the same size. id bring it back and have them straighten it out for you. just make sure they dont crap inside it when you ask them. lol.

[blacksheepms3]

haha yeah they probably dont like extra work, but if you pay good money for something u'd expect it to be how u want it to be.

Anyways, guys here's the video comparison on stock and vibrant.
enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBO73jzvYCQ

I like this exhaust. So far this is the one i like the best compare to GHL (too stock sounding), corksport, cpe and other exhaust (too loud)...Vibrant, just right. sounds like a v6

[numbnuts22715]

i really like it.

thanks for the post.

It makes me wanna get one. ahh.
Im sure you said it in the post, i'm just lazy. Do you have a downpipe too? or just the catback

[palerider]

I got mine installed today. The mechanic called the clamps cheap. i was kinda insulted. I dont think it's cheap. i paid good money for it. it does the job of holding them together though. That muffler mechanic i went to had my tip crooked. The "vibrant" logo is not centered when looking down from up top. the angle of the tip is cocked to the side.

Can u guys tell me if it's supposed to be like this or did he put it wrong>? I want to be sure it's not the parts when i go back there and make him straighten it out. I have sound clips already in my camera. I just have to transfer it to my computer. Btw, I paid $205 to get it installed. Was I robbed? this is in NJ.

Awesome clip. Saved us some work!!! Heres my thoughts on your install. First.... my mechanic thought the same thing(about being cheap) until I got off the phone with Vibrant and changed the bolt configuration. Initially there was play in the clamps. Did you change the bolts so they match on each side with the clamp running INSIDE the metal pieces? If you did then it clamps down like crazy. Also... He tightened it super tight, and each time he worked it tighter the exhaust tip kept torqueing more and more into the exhaust opening. It was tougher getting the bolts torqued on the second clamp right above the back wheel. My guess is that if the tip is not centered its because he didnt get the clamp on tight enough on the back seam.... at least. Maybe both seams.

Just a guess.

Also I think 205 is a ripoff. I paid 75. Granted the shop I used is right next to my business and they know me... but not THAT well, that I felt like I got some crazy discount or something. It only took an hour and that was even with the phone calls to Protege Garage and Vibrant. He did let me help though..... maybe thats why I got the deal:) I gave him 100 just to stay on his good side. Im gonna need this lift again before its all said and done.

Lastly I want to put in a plug for Vibrants headquarters in Canada. Within seconds of calling I was on the line with a customer service rep who knew EXACTLY my exhaust and issues. He was super clear, patient, and encouraging. The call was quick and professional, which surprised me considering how big they are. I was expecting something different I guess.

Hope this helps.

[palerider]

thank you very much, glad to read good things and impressions! keep your eyes peeled for the wheels/mount

Appreciate that Ken. You guys have been great every time I called. Ive been an addict on reading the boards, but its great to know that you guys are seconds away every time a noob to modding gets alittle gunshy on an actual install. I'll shop nowhere else. Your presence here is fantastic.

Im looking forward to the wheels and mount. Its got to drive you crazy when manufacturers are promising you delivery dates and you then have everybody going up the wall waiting around the country for deliverys. I dont envy your situation.

Just fire the stuff when you get it. Im gonna enjoy the exhaust aplenty for now:) BTW.... I left a message for you regarding CPEs standback for a price. Are you still taking orders? Maybe a thread clearing this up could sell a few. Im pretty sure thats my next step.... unless its the Autoexe intercooler. Im still stuck on that POS for some reason. Probably because of the lack of quality options for such a needed and quite frankly, seemingly SIMPLE mod, as an intercooler.

Sorry for the quasi-threadjack everyone. Now back to the Vibrant...... and all that grumbly goodness now being emited from the ass of my car.

[Captain KRM P5]

haha yeah they probably dont like extra work, but if you pay good money for something u'd expect it to be how u want it to be.

Anyways, guys here's the video comparison on stock and vibrant.
enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBO73jzvYCQ

I like this exhaust. So far this is the one i like the best compare to GHL (too stock sounding), corksport, cpe and other exhaust (too loud)...Vibrant, just right. sounds like a v6

excellent clip - can i use it for my site?

[blacksheepms3]

excellent clip - can i use it for my site?

Go right ahead. Let this be a waiver of release for the video. hehehe i'm eager cause my license plate wasnt showing, it was by design so i dont have to blur it out (how do u do that anyway with a vid?) And i did it that way so the sound dont overwhelm the camera and record an inaccurate sound.

[Nutari]

Awesome clip. Saved us some work!!! Heres my thoughts on your install. First.... my mechanic thought the same thing(about being cheap) until I got off the phone with Vibrant and changed the bolt configuration. Initially there was play in the clamps. Did you change the bolts so they match on each side with the clamp running INSIDE the metal pieces? If you did then it clamps down like crazy. Also... He tightened it super tight, and each time he worked it tighter the exhaust tip kept torqueing more and more into the exhaust opening. It was tougher getting the bolts torqued on the second clamp right above the back wheel. My guess is that if the tip is not centered its because he didnt get the clamp on tight enough on the back seam.... at least. Maybe both seams.

Just a guess.

Also I think 205 is a ripoff. I paid 75. Granted the shop I used is right next to my business and they know me... but not THAT well, that I felt like I got some crazy discount or something. It only took an hour and that was even with the phone calls to Protege Garage and Vibrant. He did let me help though..... maybe thats why I got the deal:) I gave him 100 just to stay on his good side. Im gonna need this lift again before its all said and done.

Lastly I want to put in a plug for Vibrants headquarters in Canada. Within seconds of calling I was on the line with a customer service rep who knew EXACTLY my exhaust and issues. He was super clear, patient, and encouraging. The call was quick and professional, which surprised me considering how big they are. I was expecting something different I guess.

Hope this helps.

what exactly do you have to do to get the clamps to tighten properly? I have my Vibrant exhaust standing up next to me and ready to install.

[palerider]

what exactly do you have to do to get the clamps to tighten properly? I have my Vibrant exhaust standing up next to me and ready to install.

My clamps came with one side of the clamp threaded behind the wedge and the other side... where the nuts are... threaded in front of the wedge. We tried to install it, as is, and didnt notice that it was differently configured on each side.

The clamp needs to be threaded inside both wedges, with the bolts locking up to the wedge....on the outer side. I dont know how else to describe it.

I might add that a more experienced installer might notice this immediately, but we had the car on the lift with the exhaust on and everything... we just didnt catch it. The guy at Vibrant was immediately aware of what the problem was.... so at least I didnt feel like I was the first guy to miss it.

Well now Im going to search "white smoke exhaust". After some hard driving this morning and this afternoon for about 20 minutes each way to my golf club... I ran into some incredible white/blue smoke BILLOWING from my exhaust after idling in my neighbors driveway for about five minutes. Later this evening I let a buddy drive it and I didnt see anything and the car pulls HARD... Holy Hard. So I dont think anything is up with it in a real bad way... but the smoke has me concerned.

Could be...

1. turbo seal? Its just bad like some of the other guys?
2. I switched to synthetic about 500 miles ago and they put 5w20 in(duh but caught it too late)... I was going to change it on Monday at the dealership for my recall. Maybe just to thin and the exhaust is pulling it through the seal? Maybe?
3. Maybe this exhaust, not only being badass, has a built in James Bond smokescreen.

Well anyway, if my turbos bad I guess it just means, oh I dont know. Maybe a bigger one:)

Edit. I cant stress how much faster my car feels. It BLOWS away the effect the CAI had on the butt dyno. Im gonna try and dyno this week too.

[Nutari]

My clamps came with one side of the clamp threaded behind the wedge and the other side... where the nuts are... threaded in front of the wedge. We tried to install it, as is, and didnt notice that it was differently configured on each side.

The clamp needs to be threaded inside both wedges, with the bolts locking up to the wedge....on the outer side. I dont know how else to describe it.




I guess they corrected all recent orders. Mine came with the corrected clamps.

Now to buy a saw..

[scooter3]

Awesome! More Vibrant exhaust installs. Nice clip by the way. The wifey bought me a new camcorder, one that has software compatible to my lap top, so now maybe I can get a drive by clip of the exhaust sound.

And yes, Vibrant has great customer service. Looks like the clamps were an issue with them as I had to also call. Once on the phone it was all of a few minutes before they had helped me.

Good luck on the install.

[palerider]

I guess they corrected all recent orders. Mine came with the corrected clamps.

Now to buy a saw..

Have you put it on yet? Impressions?

Also... is anyone else had any smoking? Mines only done it that once. I go in to the dealer tomorrow for the recall. I cant wait to see how excited theyll be about one of my cats missing:eek:

[blacksheepms3]

My clamps came with one side of the clamp threaded behind the wedge and the other side... where the nuts are... threaded in front of the wedge. We tried to install it, as is, and didnt notice that it was differently configured on each side.

The clamp needs to be threaded inside both wedges, with the bolts locking up to the wedge....on the outer side. I dont know how else to describe it.

I might add that a more experienced installer might notice this immediately, but we had the car on the lift with the exhaust on and everything... we just didnt catch it. The guy at Vibrant was immediately aware of what the problem was.... so at least I didnt feel like I was the first guy to miss it.

Well now Im going to search "white smoke exhaust". After some hard driving this morning and this afternoon for about 20 minutes each way to my golf club... I ran into some incredible white/blue smoke BILLOWING from my exhaust after idling in my neighbors driveway for about five minutes. Later this evening I let a buddy drive it and I didnt see anything and the car pulls HARD... Holy Hard. So I dont think anything is up with it in a real bad way... but the smoke has me concerned.

Could be...

1. turbo seal? Its just bad like some of the other guys?
2. I switched to synthetic about 500 miles ago and they put 5w20 in(duh but caught it too late)... I was going to change it on Monday at the dealership for my recall. Maybe just to thin and the exhaust is pulling it through the seal? Maybe?
3. Maybe this exhaust, not only being badass, has a built in James Bond smokescreen.

Well anyway, if my turbos bad I guess it just means, oh I dont know. Maybe a bigger one:)

Edit. I cant stress how much faster my car feels. It BLOWS away the effect the CAI had on the butt dyno. Im gonna try and dyno this week too.


I used 5w30 GTX. I didnt see any smoke comin out of my vibrant exhaust. Although after the install (and u can even see it on my video) some smoke came out and it got me a little worried. I didnt see it until i was editing the vid. But after the oild change I havent seen any smoke.

[Nutari]

Have you put it on yet? Impressions?

Also... is anyone else had any smoking? Mines only done it that once. I go in to the dealer tomorrow for the recall. I cant wait to see how excited theyll be about one of my cats missing:eek:

Eh.. I wasnt too happy about it sticking out a little more than stock..

but it sounds amazing... sounds like an STI with full exhaust ...


and it RIPS now.. I was punching it just a little and I didnt even realize I had hit 100mph that quickly..

omfg. (drive) (cool)


No smoke btw. I had that new exhaust burning smell for the first day or two. Its pretty much gone now.

[palerider]

Sweet. Mine feels alot faster too. I read someone said 20-25 hp is what Vibrant claimed over the phone. I think I might try to dyno today. I got 251whp with just the intake..... I'll be interested to see what Im sitting at now.

My wheels are supposed to arrive today too.

BTW..... My Vibrant exhaust cost $650 shipped from ProtegeGarage. But the fact that my wife hasnt noticed I modded my exhaust..... is priceless.

[Nutari]

Sweet. Mine feels alot faster too. I read someone said 20-25 hp is what Vibrant claimed over the phone. I think I might try to dyno today. I got 251whp with just the intake..... I'll be interested to see what Im sitting at now.

My wheels are supposed to arrive today too.

BTW..... My Vibrant exhaust cost $650 shipped from ProtegeGarage. But the fact that my wife hasnt noticed I modded my exhaust..... is priceless.

Theres no way she cant notice.. the thing is so loud.

[palerider]

I used 5w30 GTX. I didnt see any smoke comin out of my vibrant exhaust. Although after the install (and u can even see it on my video) some smoke came out and it got me a little worried. I didnt see it until i was editing the vid. But after the oild change I havent seen any smoke.

Im not talking about burnoff from the new exhaust. When I was in the driveway of my neighbors house I billowed a smokescreen that covered their ENTIRE house, and yard. His wife and mother in law were sitting upwind in the driveway 50 ft away and had to get up and go inside. Not cool. It freaked me and everybody out.

I tried to convince them that my car was starring in a rock concert with a pissload of dry ice for coolness. I didnt work. Nobody really liked it.

Thank god it was only that once for now.

[Nutari]

Im not talking about burnoff from the new exhaust. When I was in the driveway of my neighbors house I billowed a smokescreen that covered their ENTIRE house, and yard. His wife and mother in law were sitting upwind in the driveway 50 ft away and had to get up and go inside. Not cool. It freaked me and everybody out.

I tried to convince them that my car was starring in a rock concert with a pissload of dry ice for coolness. I didnt work. Nobody really liked it.

Thank god it was only that once for now.

Was this right after you installed it?

did your mechanic get some WD-40 in the exhaust? :)

Dont know what else would cause this. No cloud of smoke from mine.

[palerider]

Theres no way she cant notice.. the thing is so loud.


Dude she does not notice.... Im putting on wheels today hopefully and I aint gonna tell her about them either. She is clueless to stuff like this. I think she MIGHT notice if I painted the car another color.... maybe.

She did make the comment that my exhaust is loud this weekend, but she has always thought that:D

I make a pretty good living, so I'll be able to mod the hell out of it without her ever asking about where money is going. I just dont want her to know the actual figures or else I'll have to pay "luxury tax" on her CCs every month. So far so good!!!

[palerider]

Was this right after you installed it?

did your mechanic get some WD-40 in the exhaust? :)

Dont know what else would cause this. No cloud of smoke from mine.

It was the next day. After the third HARD run that day, of about 20 minutes from my club, back to the house. I was killing it on backroads and then pulled into my neighbors house to chat a little, while the car idled. After about five minutes he steps back and looks at the back of the car like WTF, and I get out to watch and it just kept billowing out and covering everything.

It got so bad I jumped in the car and had to leave so his wife could come back out of the house.

My next door neighbor was driving into the neighborhood at the time and he thought I blew my engine. When I saw him later he asked if Id misshifted or something(he races Hondas).

It was crazy.