Thermal R&D 2.5" vs. 3"

[PurpleIcedExpoST]

Does anybody else’s Thermal 3” make a pop noise here and there? Think it happens when you let go of the gas. I like it, don’t get me wrong, but is it normal?

Yes! And it gets even more burble-y with different tunes. 3inch Thermal is the best on these rides

 

[LuxST]

Yes! And it gets even more burble-y with different tunes. 3inch Thermal is the best on these rides

Heck yeah! I love it. With CVF Downpipes it’s mean. My factory (probably everybody else’s too) DP failed and flex pipe failed so had to upgrade and am very impressed with the 3”. I’ve had them on for almost 2 months and had tons of compliments.

 

[Polizi212]

Does anybody else’s Thermal 3” make a pop noise here and there? Think it happens when you let go of the gas. I like it, don’t get me wrong, but is it normal?

My 2.5" Thermal will do that on occasion.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Does anybody else’s Thermal 3” make a pop noise here and there? Think it happens when you let go of the gas. I like it, don’t get me wrong, but is it normal?

Totally normal. It’s the excess fuel from the cylinder being extinguished.

 

[jwuonog]

Has anybody here heard both?

I have Whoosh downpipes ready to go on, and I'm considering either the 2.5", 3", AWE and Stainless Works, but I am 95% leaning towards a Thermal system. I've been very pleased with their catback on my Focus ST.

It is my family car and we don't want any drone. Is the 2.5" with downpipes any better (drone-wise) than the 3" with downpipes?

 

[Crash1311]

Get the 3 inch. There is no drone. And when I'm cruising on the highway I forget it's on there. But when I punch it, it sounds like a race car.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Has anybody here heard both?

I have Whoosh downpipes ready to go on, and I'm considering either the 2.5", 3", AWE and Stainless Works, but I am 95% leaning towards a Thermal system. I've been very pleased with their catback on my Focus ST.

It is my family car and we don't want any drone. Is the 2.5" with downpipes any better (drone-wise) than the 3" with downpipes?

Both of the Thermals will not drone, but the 3" will be loud. If you want quite around town, and mildly loud on WOT then I'd go 2.5 IN. If you want mildlly loud all the time, and loud on WOT then go with the 3". I'd definitely go with Thermal if your getting downpipes, I've heard the AwE gets some slight drone with downpipes.

 

[Crash1311]

 

[Funnbobby]

I have the 2.5 in version on my 21 ST. We have a 4 year old whos is autistic and does not care for loud noises at all. The 2.5 inch when WOT will give him a very slight and fleeting level of discomfort. At normal throttle, it sounds perfect (nice balance of deep bass tones, without any drone).

I would say if it’s a family car and a daily driver, go with the 2.5 inch. After about 2 months, mine definitely got louder.

Consider your family’s needs and aversions before you pull the trigger (if you have a wife and kids that is).