yet another exhaust question - The Ford Focus Forum

**shaggy01** · 11-04-2009, 09:16 PM

I know this has probably been asked a million times so just consider this a "bump" for an old thread.

I want my focus to have a little bit of sound to it. I've listen to clips to just about every exhaust out there and im still stuck. I dont know what set up to run. Im a huge fan of the FS stealth system but its alittle pricey for me. Im basically looking for a cheap way to give the focus a little tone without too much money. And i refuse for it to sound anything resembling a fart cannoned honda. i hate that. i'd keep it stock before i go ricer.

any way to modify the stock exhaust? any opinion on getting rid of the lunchbox at the back? i know im being cheap but if honestly, the best option is to save and buy a nice system, let me know.

sorry for the lame question. I know jeeps and 4x4's like the back of my hand but im not so savy with the focus yet so any help would be great.

**Lancer211** · 11-04-2009, 09:32 PM

Removing the lunchbox will make it slightly louder, but honestly, you may not even be able to tell, and it won't give you any performance gains.

There was a used FS stealth exhaust in the For Sale thread a couple weeks ago; I almost bought it. It's going for $300+ I think, but below $400.

**hEaT** · 11-04-2009, 10:02 PM

Can you work a welder?

**Great One** · 11-04-2009, 11:03 PM

You can hear a difference if you get rid of the lunchbox (not a big difference).
Or you can take it to a muffler shop and just have them weld in a muffler in place of your stock one for probably $100.

**faster_than_u** · 11-04-2009, 11:14 PM

4 letters MBRP. look at that exhaust. its inexpensive, quality is amazing, all stainless steel, and customer service is out of this world.

**hEaT** · 11-04-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faster_than_u

4 letters MBRP. look at that exhaust. its inexpensive, quality is amazing, all stainless steel, and customer service is out of this world.

It might be a bit loud for what the OP wants.

**faster_than_u** · 11-04-2009, 11:33 PM

i dont think so i have the 2.5 svt exhaust and its not really loud at all

**faster_than_u** · 11-04-2009, 11:36 PM

Also another guy around town has the exact same exhaust setup as me and its even quieter. They changed their mufflers scince i got mine 3 years ago. its really not that loud,

the exhaust setup is svt header, 2.5 orp, 2.5 flex, 2.5 svt mbrp and both cars arnt that loud

**RainyZX3** · 11-05-2009, 01:20 AM

Whatever you do it's not worth cheaping out on your exhaust. Changing it is gonna cost you more.

I'm a huge fan of the Apex'i World Sport. I have it on my car, nice and quiet.

**TimBrown** · 11-05-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faster_than_u

Also another guy around town has the exact same exhaust setup as me and its even quieter. They changed their mufflers scince i got mine 3 years ago. its really not that loud,

the exhaust setup is svt header, 2.5 orp, 2.5 flex, 2.5 svt mbrp and both cars arnt that loud

I can vouch for the quality of the MBRP setup as well. It's really not that loud, but it is noticeable. It's quite cheap, but decent quality. The only issue is with a couple of the hangers.. specifically the last two. They're just designed odd, and I am having to weld up some extensions to actually get the hangers to sit in the stock location exhaust mount for the second last hanger, and to cut off the washer on the last hanger. Kinda odd.. but it does sound great.

**shaggy01** · 11-05-2009, 12:11 PM

yes,i can work a welder. i've fabricated all the suspension on my jeep and done several others so im not new to making things work that arent meant too

. such as ford f150 axles in a grand cherokee. so i could probably do what ever it take to make my own kit.

i want it to be rather quite since its my DD and i take it on long road trips. im just gettin bored with the stock sound.

**01slo-cus** · 11-05-2009, 12:22 PM

If all your after is a bit more sound take it to a muffler shop and have the lunchbox cut off and replaced w/ a 2" pipe. I bought a decent 3-3.5" resonator tip and put it on mine originally. Believe it or not, they do modify the sound a little. After that, remove the resonator from the factory air box (assuming you're still running it). It's the small black rectangular thing off the right side of the airbox (as standing in front of the car looking towards the engine). Removing it will allow a bit more intake growl to reach your ears. between those two mods you'll be out maybe $50 and the sound will be vastly improved but not at all annoying or overly loud. I probably would have left mine this way but my factory resonator started buzzing (broke down internally) and it was annoying as all get out.

After that I bought the Trubendz borla kit and installed that myself. W/ the SVT header and no cat it is a bit too loud at around 65mph and a touch "buzzy" at around 3k but it sounds fantastic up high. I am still contemplating installing a resonator on it. The quality of the kit is pretty good, I had no fitment issues w/ mine. It is not stainless but to be perfectly honest, I've had non stainless exhausts last 10+ years even here in the rust belt. To me, stainless exhausts are a waste of money unless you plan on keeping a car forever. A good quality muffler is where you want to spend the few extra bucks. I've seen cheap ones rust out in no time flat.

**Comatose** · 11-05-2009, 01:46 PM

Also maybe consider just replacing your intake instead of the exhaust. When I replaced the stock intake with the FocusSport Cool Flo it definitely changed the sound of the car.

There isn't much difference at low RPMs but when you rev it up the induction note is really noticeable.

**zach92r** · 11-05-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comatose

Also maybe consider just replacing your intake instead of the exhaust. When I replaced the stock intake with the FocusSport Cool Flo it definitely changed the sound of the car.

There isn't much difference at low RPMs but when you rev it up the induction note is really noticeable.

Except my gas goes down like a hookers underwear when i hit the gas, need the FS exhaust to open up the back pressure

**Lancer211** · 11-05-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comatose

Also maybe consider just replacing your intake instead of the exhaust. When I replaced the stock intake with the FocusSport Cool Flo it definitely changed the sound of the car.

There isn't much difference at low RPMs but when you rev it up the induction note is really noticeable.

+1

If you just want your car to sound better, a Cool-Flo or other short ram will help everyone hear it at higher RPMs.

**hEaT** · 11-05-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggy01

yes,i can work a welder.

The cheapest and most rewarding way will be to make your own.

Grab a BIG resonator and a good muffler (I'd recommend Borla) and make your own. The Focus is pretty simple with only a few bends near the rear suspension. Go with 2.25" or 2.5".

**RainyZX3** · 11-06-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lancer211

+1

If you just want your car to sound better, a Cool-Flo or other short ram will help everyone hear it at higher RPMs.

If you port your TB then you can really get a good suck....ing sound.

**faster_than_u** · 11-06-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainyZX3

If you port your TB then you can really get a good suck....

fixed that for you

11-04-2009, 09:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
shaggy01 Rookie Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: clemson,sc Posts: 14	yet another exhaust question I know this has probably been asked a million times so just consider this a "bump" for an old thread. I want my focus to have a little bit of sound to it. I've listen to clips to just about every exhaust out there and im still stuck. I dont know what set up to run. Im a huge fan of the FS stealth system but its alittle pricey for me. Im basically looking for a cheap way to give the focus a little tone without too much money. And i refuse for it to sound anything resembling a fart cannoned honda. i hate that. i'd keep it stock before i go ricer. any way to modify the stock exhaust? any opinion on getting rid of the lunchbox at the back? i know im being cheap but if honestly, the best option is to save and buy a nice system, let me know. sorry for the lame question. I know jeeps and 4x4's like the back of my hand but im not so savy with the focus yet so any help would be great. __________________ '01 ZX3-5 speed BFG G-Force sports and Yak on the roof-stock for now (Daily driver) '93 Jeep ZJ-hp44/9" lifted and locked on 35's (big boy toy)

11-04-2009, 09:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lancer211 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,347	Re: yet another exhaust question Removing the lunchbox will make it slightly louder, but honestly, you may not even be able to tell, and it won't give you any performance gains. There was a used FS stealth exhaust in the For Sale thread a couple weeks ago; I almost bought it. It's going for $300+ I think, but below $400. __________________ For sale: Eibach Pro-Kit springs, sedan taillight, lower grille, DPFE, EVR, MAFS, side markers, trunk handle, fuel door, gas pedal, headlight switch, AC/vent/defrost button, hazard switch, ashtray, silver console bezel, HVAC controls, gauge w/ tach. 2004 infrared Focus SE Zetec ATX sedan "Ruby" CarDomain Page

11-04-2009, 10:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
hEaT I <3 UC^3 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: CT Posts: 7,449	Re: yet another exhaust question Can you work a welder? __________________ 2001 Twilight Blue ZX3 - Volant Intake, FC 65mm TB, SVT Header, RT High Flow Cat, SVTF Borla Exhaust, Koni's 1985 Nimbus Grey Merkur XR4Ti - Work In Progress Tuned By: Bristol Dyno

11-04-2009, 11:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
Great One TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lompoc, Ca Posts: 412	Re: yet another exhaust question You can hear a difference if you get rid of the lunchbox (not a big difference). Or you can take it to a muffler shop and just have them weld in a muffler in place of your stock one for probably $100. __________________ '03 Zx3 Zetec Toredor Red HKS Cat-back, FC race short shifter, AEM CAI, 17" Enkie Pk6 with Nitto NeoGens, Ford Racing Suspension Kit, SVT Upper Grill, SVT Lip

11-04-2009, 11:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
faster_than_u TEAM Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 731	Re: yet another exhaust question 4 letters MBRP. look at that exhaust. its inexpensive, quality is amazing, all stainless steel, and customer service is out of this world.

11-04-2009, 11:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
faster_than_u TEAM Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 731	Re: yet another exhaust question i dont think so i have the 2.5 svt exhaust and its not really loud at all

11-04-2009, 11:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
faster_than_u TEAM Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 731	Re: yet another exhaust question Also another guy around town has the exact same exhaust setup as me and its even quieter. They changed their mufflers scince i got mine 3 years ago. its really not that loud, the exhaust setup is svt header, 2.5 orp, 2.5 flex, 2.5 svt mbrp and both cars arnt that loud

11-05-2009, 01:20 AM	#9 (permalink)
RainyZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere where there is water and wind Posts: 1,396	Re: yet another exhaust question Whatever you do it's not worth cheaping out on your exhaust. Changing it is gonna cost you more. I'm a huge fan of the Apex'i World Sport. I have it on my car, nice and quiet. __________________ There is a special place in hell for people who go 45 on the freeway. 2001 Silver Focus ZX3

11-05-2009, 12:11 PM	#11 (permalink)
shaggy01 Rookie Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: clemson,sc Posts: 14	Re: yet another exhaust question yes,i can work a welder. i've fabricated all the suspension on my jeep and done several others so im not new to making things work that arent meant too. such as ford f150 axles in a grand cherokee. so i could probably do what ever it take to make my own kit. i want it to be rather quite since its my DD and i take it on long road trips. im just gettin bored with the stock sound. __________________ '01 ZX3-5 speed BFG G-Force sports and Yak on the roof-stock for now (Daily driver) '93 Jeep ZJ-hp44/9" lifted and locked on 35's (big boy toy)

11-05-2009, 12:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
01slo-cus Rookie Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 42	Re: yet another exhaust question If all your after is a bit more sound take it to a muffler shop and have the lunchbox cut off and replaced w/ a 2" pipe. I bought a decent 3-3.5" resonator tip and put it on mine originally. Believe it or not, they do modify the sound a little. After that, remove the resonator from the factory air box (assuming you're still running it). It's the small black rectangular thing off the right side of the airbox (as standing in front of the car looking towards the engine). Removing it will allow a bit more intake growl to reach your ears. between those two mods you'll be out maybe $50 and the sound will be vastly improved but not at all annoying or overly loud. I probably would have left mine this way but my factory resonator started buzzing (broke down internally) and it was annoying as all get out. After that I bought the Trubendz borla kit and installed that myself. W/ the SVT header and no cat it is a bit too loud at around 65mph and a touch "buzzy" at around 3k but it sounds fantastic up high. I am still contemplating installing a resonator on it. The quality of the kit is pretty good, I had no fitment issues w/ mine. It is not stainless but to be perfectly honest, I've had non stainless exhausts last 10+ years even here in the rust belt. To me, stainless exhausts are a waste of money unless you plan on keeping a car forever. A good quality muffler is where you want to spend the few extra bucks. I've seen cheap ones rust out in no time flat. __________________ 2001 ZX3 CAI, ported TB, SVT header, UDP, 2.5" exhaust and still barely gets out of it's own way!

11-05-2009, 01:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
Comatose TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 312	Re: yet another exhaust question Also maybe consider just replacing your intake instead of the exhaust. When I replaced the stock intake with the FocusSport Cool Flo it definitely changed the sound of the car. There isn't much difference at low RPMs but when you rev it up the induction note is really noticeable. __________________ 2000 Twilight Blue ZX3: SVT suspension, MBRP Exhaust, Cool-flo intake.

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