DoctorQ

I read all threads, listened to all the sound-clips, exchanged PMs with fellow Forum members, and talked directly to a number of S197 exhaust vendors regarding the MAC Boomtubes…and still couldn’t quite believe all the hoopla. So I figured the only real way to know for sure would be to pull the trigger on a set myself. I’ll admit it… I was a skeptic….here’s my story. I’ve been running Flowmaster ATs on my 06GT for the past year+. My setup from intake to exhaust tips was: C&L Street CAI, stock TB, stock intake manifold, stock exhaust manifold, stock H-pipe (with cats), stock mid-pipes, Flowmaster ATs. Only change I made was swapping out the Flowmaster ATs for the MAC Boomtubes. This post is for anyone out there running Flowmaster ATs and just can’t feel fully satisfied! Now, don’t get me wrong, I really liked the sound of the Flows, but I have an Auto and the Flows were just too dang quiet. Ordered the Boomtubes from Ninosport. Best price I could find anywhere ($284 delivered). ‘Tubes shipped same day I ordered and were delivered on 2nd business day (Texas to Calif). Install was easier/faster than when I went from stock mufflers to Flowmasters. Most of the time was spent getting the Flows (intake flange) off of the over-axle pipe… had to resort to using a brass tipped hammer and worked the backside of the Flows until they dislodged. Boomtubes were easier to install given their smaller footprint and ease of being able to access the hanger bracket bolts. Tips were also easy to center by loosening the mid-pipe clamps, centering, then re-tightening all the clamps (over-axle, then mid-pipe). All tight…all centered…time to fire up. Kaboom, instant gratification! Sound is amazing. Volume is more than the Flows, however, it is NOT excessively, or anywhere close to obnoxiously loud. Rolled off the Rhino ramps and headed for open roads. Tone is absolutely awesome throughout the acceleration and deceleration band. At WOT, it really roars.. you not only hear it.. you feel it. And for drone, it’s non-existent. My Flows really got in my head around the 16-19 rpm band when under a slight load (uphill). Took the exact same hill, same speed, same gear with the Boomtubes, and I can assure you, there is no drone.. just music to your ears. Couldn’t be happier with the quality and sound of the ‘Tubes. Now, for the “Thumbs-Up Litmus Test”. Within the first 20 minutes of normal in-town driving, I got 4 thumbs-up (2 from fellow S197ers, and 2 from S197 admirers)… and that’s with a stock exhaust setup + Boomtubes only! I’m reaching out to any fellow forum member who’s currently on the “axle-back fence” and not feeling it from their current setup. If you’re running stock with Flow ATs, there is another level… I found it.. and won’t be going back. For your viewing/listening enjoyment, 3 small clips attached.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oqqIqWpQRQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6B92th0R30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNyuHOQcgbc

DoctorQ

apologies in advance for the 2 short clips... used an older digital camera which maxes out at 10sec per clip! 1st clip from a different camera and squeezed out a whole minute!

black S197

Hey thanks. I think you have just made up my mind.

FlaPony

Sounds really nice, good choice

Riptide

DoctorQ what do yours look like? The quality of these welds is pretty ugly.

Spackle:
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3231/dscf0086jp5.jpg
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2154/dscf0087pg7.jpg

Glob:
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4729/dscf0093dh1.jpg

They got it to hot here. Check out where I circled:
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6700/dscf0088oy5.jpg

There were scratches and marks all over these things.

nj07

I just put these on saturday I also bought them from ninosport.com they are just great sounding I also have a bbk CAI, and strut brace the power is felt instantly I recomend these to anyone who wants a great sound from there car.

DoctorQ

Riptide: Here's a pic of mine. Honestly, don't be too concerned with the weld aesthetics on the hanger rods or inlet flange connections... you won't see either of these when mounted. Now the 2 inside welds near the tips are another story. My first set had a similar issue as yours (inner weld burn to outer surface).. this is visible. The 2nd set I ordered from Ninosport were all good... no weld burn through or dimpled surface. Ask them to pre-inspect before they ship your set specifically paying attention to the outer surface by tip welds. I agree, the interior welds aren't the cleanest; mine improved a bit after using some Blue Magic metal polish.. took most of dark weld burn off the insides. Anyway, inner welds are not really noticeable unless someone is doing a face plant on your tips... pic below was from about 6 ft away.


[IMG]local://upfiles/48520/DC18F1028EFF46A780B80274CC2901F8.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/48520/A5BE50ED10264ADD891C7B25C411B939.jpg[/IMG]

metlcub

Im wondering how they would sound on a single excaughst V6.

Kara

BOOMTUBES ROCK!

1morepart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrNFeQI_Zfk i have the same set up as you did.........But i'm getting those Boomtubes!sounds great!