Lexmex

Earlier this week I had an APC 156013 muffler (1 in, 2 out) attached to the vehicle as a resonator, it has dual 2.25 inch exits. This an example below of the muffler in question.

Now, normally I have had pictures of the actual process of installation, but to protect the handiwork of the installer in this case, I have just shown the after photos.

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The muffler itself I got at Pep Boys here in Bradenton for about $89 USD. I later had it installed at Carl's Muffler Center in Sarasota. Was very happy to work with them as they also fluent in Spanish. I had a nice morning with them in the installation, which only cost $75 USD, but I gave them $100 USD as I found the work to be exceptional.

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Now, we obviously had to cut the tips off at the end in order to make this fit. We also added a few inches of 2.25 inch tubing to the rear.

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Here's another shot of the rear, showing how far the new tubing stretched back. Keep in mind this tubing that I originally had done at Hangar-1 back in Mexico City was 2.25 inch, so no change there. I don't expect (though I have considered) widening it out to 2.5 inch piping (I will get to that in a bit). As you can see on the right side we are draining the transmission fluid (last of 3 drain and fills done with Amsoil ATF). This was done (by yours truly) at Westside Auto here in Bradenton.

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A straighter shot from the rear.

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Now, this is an OEM bend of Hangar-1 further downstream.

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But I think this bend done by Carl's is superior, not as much crumple zone on the bend, so smoother tubing than that of Hangar-1.

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Side view of muffler further back.

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Here is where the Hangar-1 piping meets Carl's tubing. I can tell you that Carl's used a special saw to cut this piping rather than cutting it with a welding torch (using the special saw is superior and gives a better look).

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Let's zoom out a bit.

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Another shot

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Now, I want to show the same picture, but I want to make an observation that I have discovered based on driving this around and my experiences in Mexico City. Notice that the 1 in/2 out doesn't occur immediately, it occurs much later (as noted by the yellow line). Now many of you remember my square muffler and the 2 out occurring almost immediately at the front of the muffler for better flow. Many of you also remember my round muffler that was 1 in/1 out.

Between those last two mufflers I mentioned, I had more low end power (and better 60 foot times in the 1/4 mile) than I did with the square muffler, but with the square muffler I broke all my km/h (or mph) records, which is a product of having greater speed further down the track.

However, my consideration for this APC muffler was noise, which is something I do have to concern myself with being back in the U.S. and this does do a better job and the previous resonators. In addition, when I was using my previous Kire resonator I noticed loss on the low end as I did with the square Vortex muffler. However, in the name of eventual 1/4 mile runs in the near future at sea level, I have to go on the fact that having this size resonator and the 1 in 2 out (with the 2 out so further back) having the greater possibility of faster 1/4 mile times, my records in time all came by them) over the 1 in 2 out further at the front of the muffler, this APC was the right decision...at least at this point.

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Now, I don't like anything shiny as far as an exhaust, so with the truck up on the rack, it was time to use some heat resistant paint.

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This is after we painted it and the pipes.

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Here is the exhaust clip, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j17199RgBk4

One other point. I have done some experimentation with the intake and came to the conclusion at sea level that my old silver y intake was the best bet. I put a new black coupler on it. I have for the time being removed the lower air intake, but will put it back on likely tomorrow after I have finished cleaning the IACV.

One thing is for sure, the intake is louder than the exhaust on my RX.

Now, some future considerations. I have thought about modifying the BMW dual/inlet outlet muffler in the near future to perhaps a Flowmaster 50 series. I think the Magnaflow direct would be too loud back there.