Thermal 2.5 or awe 3" exhaust....

[Kirk ST]

Have had both Thermal exhausts. Zero drone with either, including later after I added CVF downpipes.

what's the upside to the downpipes? I just put the Thermal 2.5 on mine and really like it! thanks!

 

[Cruising68]

what's the upside to the downpipes? I just put the Thermal 2.5 on mine and really like it! thanks!

15-20hp


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[Cblue]

what's the upside to the downpipes? I just put the Thermal 2.5 on mine and really like it! thanks!

Snap crack pops are an upside, A better exhaust note and slightly louder is another . With a tune you net more top end maybe 20-30 whp. Downside if you have emissions in your state they aren’t exactly street legal. The only other downside is taking off the oem pipes is not fun even on a lift.

 

[Cruising68]

Yeah install not fun. Have had a set in my garage for months waiting for me to install. Also if you get them coated you get a marginal thermal improvement.


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[DrRicoSuave]

I have the AWE (No DP) on my 2023 ST and have no issues. No drone and its has a deep "growl" sound on startup and then goes to mild once the computer figures out idle. 50-60mph or whatever gear, there is a higher pitch muffler sound but "it is what it is" on a v6 Ecoboost.
Full throttle sounds fantastic and the cabin sound is minimal. Sport mode, downshift has a nice growling/popping noise as well.

....and those tips!

 

[Unstable Vic]

Soooooooooo subjective lol. Same awe Exhaust and 2 polar opposite reviews

 

[Dark Knight]

did anyone see on one of the Facebook groups, I dont know if it was Thermal or AWE but ti was an ST and the exhaust was full of water, something about no weep holes, dont know if it was real either

 

[Dale5403]

did anyone see on one of the Facebook groups, I dont know if it was Thermal or AWE but ti was an ST and the exhaust was full of water, something about no weep holes, dont know if it was real either

There was a discussion about weep holes here. https://www.explorerst.org/threads/psa-for-those-with-aftermarket-exhaust.7056/#post-89799

 

[bmidd]

I do agree, but I've also heard the 3" thermal has a drone on the highway. Can you confirm? I met a guy at the "st experience" that had the 2.5 thermal and said absolutely no drone at highway speeds

Zero drone from our 3" Thermal, don't know who told you that.

 

[Cblue]

Zero drone from our 3" Thermal, don't know who told you that.

Add the downpipes and drive on the highway uphill it will drone lol, not obnoxious, but bordering on uncomfortable. After about a year I don’t even notice it anymore.

 

[Saleen90]

I have the AWE with downpipes, no drone on the highway or cruising at any other speed but you hear the exhaust and you know its there. It's not intrusive and did a road trip with the wife and she never complained. However there is a drone when accelerating slightly aggressively. Basically normal acceleration no drone, a little bit of drone when slightly getting on it, and then screaming eagles when full throttle lol

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

Add the downpipes and drive on the highway uphill it will drone lol, not obnoxious, but bordering on uncomfortable. After about a year I don’t even notice it anymore.

I have the Thermal 3” with SPD 3” down pipes and have no drone at any time! It’s loud at cold start up but quiets right down after about 30 seconds. The only other time it’s loud is if you get into the throttle. Otherwise it’s fine.


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[SparxX]

I have the Thermal 3” with SPD 3” down pipes and have no drone at any time! It’s loud at cold start up but quiets right down after about 30 seconds. The only other time it’s loud is if you get into the throttle. Otherwise it’s fine.


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Appreciate the read here, I am currently popping in and out of you tube videos listening. Therm seems to be the most popular choice, but I feel like giving the AWE a shot, not only because wife is watching me like a hawk after buying this gem, lol but also because it feels like the underdog. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[jwuonog]

Have had both Thermal exhausts. Zero drone with either, including later after I added CVF downpipes.

I can't decide if I want the 2.5" or the 3". I am mostly concerned about drone. I have down pipes on the way.

What was the difference between them?

 

[EDWYER]

More info.

https://www.explorerst.org/threads/thermal-2-5-vs-3.5255/