Thermal R&D 2.5" vs. 3"

mcfarlrm · Oct 10, 2022

If this has already been addressed, feel free to provide the url links. I am debating between the 2.5" and 3" Thermal R&D cat back exhaust. Any pros and cons of going with either or? Main differences, etc.? Just looking for opinions at this point.

2020FordRaptor · Oct 10, 2022

mcfarlrm said:

My opinion is that the 3" is the best sounding exhaust for the ST and best sounding exhaust for a V6. The main difference is obviously the diameter of the exhaust tubing, and the larger one makes the engine breath better and makes the sound louder. No other differences.

ron@whooshmotorsports · Oct 10, 2022

mcfarlrm said:

appearance and sound are the differences
no performance benefit 2.5" vs 3"

the 2.5" system has a slightly different center muffler design vs the 3" system
the 2.5" system has a nice deep tone yet won't drone on the highway, the 3" system is a bit louder and more aggressive

we have both systems in stock ready to ship , let me know if I can help with any further questions

3" system: https://whoosh-motorsports.myshopif...plorer-st-3-inch-exhaust-system-free-shipping

2.5" system: https://whoosh-motorsports.myshopif...xplorer-st-cat-back-exhaust-2020-freeshipping

mcfarlrm · Oct 10, 2022

ron@whooshmotorsports said:

Is there any drone with the 3"? I mostly drive alone but have the family with me on occasion. Also, forgive my lack of experience but do any of the Ford electronic systems need to be flashed/updated once installed? Have any fault codes been triggered after installation?

MikeyP · Oct 10, 2022

mcfarlrm said:

No drone. No updates for install. No fault codes unless you're super incompetent and ruin something upstream during the install.

ron@whooshmotorsports · Oct 10, 2022

mcfarlrm said:

with the stock downpipes, both systems do not drone at highway speeds
but the 3" is noticeably louder when at wide open throttle

StoneColdBlue22 · Oct 10, 2022

i was between the 2.5 thermal and the borla type-s. I went with the 2.5 thermal and it sounds amazing in person, idle has a really deep note with burbles and pops around 2k. Highway driving there is 0 drone... i mean 0. WOT is loud but bearable, honestly for the price 2.5 is the way to go.

T5ewell · Oct 10, 2022

Has anyone done a 3” straight from the cat back? I’m deciding between I believe the 3” thermal and just doing a 3” straight. Every car I’ve had has sounded great straight piped but I’ve got no experience with an eco boost exhaust. Obviously the cost of doing a straight is much cheaper, but does anyone have any real pros and cons from experience?

GearHead_1 · Oct 10, 2022

It'll drone with straight pipes. I couldn't do that.

l1tech · Oct 10, 2022

I love a good exhaust but drone is not something I would ever put up with no matter how little. I have the 2.5. Absolutely 0 drone at any speed. When you get on it you do hear it but it is no where near not being bearable.

mycbtech · Oct 11, 2022

I got my 3" Thermal From @ron@whooshmotorsports and it came SUPER quick.

I do have to say there is a slight low end drone at 79-82 MPH for me, its not terrible but its there. All I have is K&N filter for the intake so i dont have any other mods that might make a difference in the sound.I generally have the radio going so I dont hear it when cruising on the highway. only other thing i could mention is fitment of the rear tips being a biiitch to get on the rear mufflers and they seem to sit low in the cut out.

Im happy with the exhaust overall. the sound is agressive when you want it to sound that way but almost OE when just cruising along down the blvd. the Idle sound is a nice deep burble with just a hint of turbo whistle which is quite sexy to me.

Crash1311 · Jul 31, 2024

ron@whooshmotorsports said:

Is there any benefit to buying the system with the mid pipes versus just doing cat back? It doesn't sound like the exhaust adds any power unless you're doing the down pipes. So is it worth the extra $600-$700 for the mid pipes?

MikeyP · Jul 31, 2024

Crash1311 said:

Mainly to get rid of the trash OEM flex pipes.

2020FordRaptor · Jul 31, 2024

Crash1311 said:

Yes because the crappy stock mid-pipes will rattle sooner or later.

Crash1311 · Aug 25, 2024

2020FordRaptor said:

Thoughts on just doing an intercooler, down pipes, and tune to start? lol Doing all that isn't much more than just the exhaust.

PurpleIcedExpoST · Aug 25, 2024

CvFab catted DP’s and intercooler here- very happy with the results but you absolutely will crack those stock flex pipes. My original exhaust setup was the DP’s + welded in Valvetronics to keep the sound quiet when needed. Waste of money to be honest. Flex pipes leaked within 1,000 miles and just installed the Thermal 3inch catback to connect to the DP’s. Wish I just went thermal from the beginning.

Crash1311 said:

Crash1311 · Aug 25, 2024

Thanks for the info! I was thinking about starting with this. But if the exhaust is going to be an issue, should I start with just that?

2020FordRaptor · Aug 25, 2024

@Crash1311 replied to your other post answering all your questions.

BrooseDaMoose · Aug 25, 2024

I have the SPD 3" down pipes with the 3" Thermal exhaust and I love it! I don't find there is any drone at all. If you drive normal it's not too loud but when you get into it, it will sound more like a sports vehicle yet not overbearing.

LuxST · Sep 29, 2024

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?

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Thermal R&D 2.5" vs. 3"

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