4.8is New Exhaust - Dinan Mufflers w/ Electric Cutouts Around Stock Resonator

[crystalworks]

I will update this thread with more pictures and videos, but wanted to post this one that I just took with the cutouts full open. Will also post a review of the Badlandz cutouts after having them installed for a bit.

I have a small exhaust leak at one of the clamps (previous owner must have broken/lost the Dinan clamp and used something else) that holds the Dinan muffler to it's piping. Will try to source something to fix that, but for now...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQfpkOwQlKw&t=4s

Disclaimer: the video (and any forthcoming) is monetized. YouTube (Google) cuts me a $100 check every year and a halfish. Just wanted to FYI anyone who may object. This will change soon though as YouTube has changed their partnership program and so my videos will be demonetized by the end of February I believe it is.

[jopecasa]

Awesome sound!

Share install pics please!

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I have a small exhaust leak at one of the clamps (previous owner must have broken/lost the Dinan clamp and used something else) that holds the Dinan muffler to it's piping. Will try to source something to fix that, but for now...

What are your thoughts on seals?

[1BADM6]

Sounds vicious! I sometimes wish mine were a little more throaty when I stomp on it but might just upgrade mufflers at some point.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

What are your thoughts on seals?

I hear they are good for clubbing... especially the babies. Sorry, couldn't resist.

I'll have them done in the not-so-distant future. I've started budgeting for it as I don't think I want to do them myself. Not because I couldn't, but because the down time involved DIY'ing it is undesirable. I usually don't have that much smoke but I had been doing a lot of idling in the driveway messing with the exhaust cut outs. Usually it doesn't look like an 80's Cadillac.

Originally Posted by jopecasa

Awesome sound!

Share install pics please!

Will do for sure. Thanks. It sounds incredible really as long as you are into that loud muscle car sound with. The cool thing is that it has a European flare to it. I didn't get to drive it at all today so will give my thoughts on drone and the like after living with it for a bit.

[crystalworks]

Just took the truck for a 20+ mile highway jaunt. Can confirm zero drone, which makes sense as it exits the rear still. Also the DB level @ 70mph is only a little higher than it was previously. Which is good... I can still take the kids in the truck no problem even with the cutouts full open.

Hopefully some install picture updates later tonight. Don't think think I'll do anymore videos until I can wash the poor thing, but we'll see. Just wanted to update on the audio levels.

[BigBody]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Just took the truck for a 20+ mile highway jaunt. Can confirm zero drone, which makes sense as it exits the rear still. Also the DB level @ 70mph is only a little higher than it was previously. Which is good... I can still take the kids in the truck no problem even with the cutouts full open.

Hopefully some install picture updates later tonight. Don't think think I'll do anymore videos until I can wash the poor thing, but we'll see. Just wanted to update on the audio levels.

Nice work Crystalworks. Wanted to ask if you had an pictures of the underside...i'm curious as to how you routed the pipes around the res.

[crystalworks]

Sorry I have not had a chance to get good pics of the setup. The weather has been miserable here and I spent an inordinate amount of time doing the wiring from the valves into the car and to the switch. As many of you know... I have OCD when it comes to wiring (and other things) soooooo, yeah it took a long time to plan the wiring and then do it.

Some thoughts about the Badlandz kits. First, the connectors are terrible. I had to bend the conductors in them to make reliable contact. It made testing the wiring and valves a royal PITA until I realized the connectivity problem. Second, the wiring itself, and the switch provided, seem great. I like the tactile feeling of the momentary switch and the footprint of it. It is tiny. This is a good thing, but it made cutting the hole in the bottom dash panel extremely tense. If you are off by a millimeter, you'll see it. So far I have had no problems with the valves or anything, including plenty of in rain driving.

Here are the pics that I do have though.





Used the gear switch cable grommet to pass the wires.



This is where I mounted the switch. It was complicated by a huge foam block that I am guessing is for sound insulation. Rather than ditching it and making my life easier, I bored a hole through it to pass the wires through.



All the wiring on the interior was wrapped in Tesa tape to match BMW's interior wiring looms. Followed factory wiring paths from the tunnel over to the dash panel.









All finished. I think it looks pretty clean and is certainly not attention drawing unless you are a "car guy/girl."







All the connectors underneath were heat shrunk with Permatex silicon sealer on the ends to weather seal. Then everything was wire loomed and zip tied. to factory harnesses.





I need to get better under body pics of the piping that goes back so you can see the full picture. I'll try to get those up soon. Installer said he took a bunch so I'll get him to text or email them to me. Let me know if you have any questions. Also need to get drive by's and valve open/closed difference vids.

[BigBody]

Install looks clean, job well done! Appreciate the photos as well. I would also like to install some cutouts, but have no idea what would be the optimal setup for me, so its great to see how other guys are tackling this mod!