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      12-19-2009, 10:12 PM   #1
Schn3ll
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2009 135  [0.00]
Talking Quick review of MadDad axleback exhaust

Got a chance today to bolt up my newly received axleback from MadDad, and I am quite impressed!


Finish:
The finish of the exhaust is top notch. Everything from the welds to the ceramic finish on the tips have had the utmost care in the design and implementation. The tips are single walled with a dull black finish, that are noticeably different than the shiny chrome of the stockers. Welds speak for themselves, and are some of, if not the best I have seen for our exhausts.

Install:
Install was very straightforward and only took 25 minutes. Most of the time was spent getting the stock exhaust off of the rubber mounts, I liberally used WD40 and kept all the rubber mounts in place. Working from front (of the car) to the back I was able to leave everything in place for easy install of the new axleback. I used a large screwdriver to pry on the mounts, just to get the tip of the hangar to slide, this part can be a PITA on a cold day like it was today.
The install of the Maddad axleback was extremely simple because of the precise location of all hangars. I simply reversed the removal of the stocker, starting with back mounts first and swung the exhaust up to the midpipe. Since this exhaust reuses the stock spring-bolts, I used a vice-grips on the flange to ensure I was not cross-threading, these bolts are very weak and can break easily.
Once all bolted up, there was absolutely no adjustments needed. I put the rear diffuser on and walked away!

Review:
Sound is much deeper and slightly louder than stock. Not obnoxious by any means, very mature sounding. Maybe a little too quiet for me (but that's what the mid-pipes are for - impatiently waiting!).
As far as performance goes, there may be a slight gain 5-6 hp but nothing extremely significant. It may be a placebo effect due to the added volume, but it seems to rev a little more freely. Axleback's on these cars are not the best bang for your buck, but in my opinion well worth it due to the improved look and the deeper, meaner and slightly louder sound.
All in all, I am very impressed with this product and would highly recommend it, once it is mated with the MadDad midpipes I think it will be perfect for my tastes!

I added and up close pic as well as a comparo of stock to MadDad. I will be trying to add a video soon, but couldn't today because 1' of snow just fell
And yes, my car is filthy.
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      12-19-2009, 10:42 PM   #2
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Love it! Can't wait to get one this summer!
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      12-20-2009, 09:59 AM   #3
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looks great!
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      12-20-2009, 10:27 AM   #4
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Add me to the "summer" list as well.
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      12-20-2009, 11:01 AM   #5
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Congrats! 'Bout to order the same setup.
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      12-20-2009, 04:59 PM   #6
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chris -

i love the set up too...the install yesterday when nice and smooth. I liked your idea of leaving the rubber hangers in place to the car and using a couple vice grips to align up the spring bolts. hardest part was the damn rear diffuser snaps!! hahaha.

i am working on some vids and pics too..and i will get some from the rear driving off for those who requested. Sound is nice, not very loud but you can hear a difference. Now the wait begins for the midpipes!

I agree about the car rev'n smoother, it was noticeable to me too. I only imagine it will spool even smoother with the midpipe section
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      12-20-2009, 05:18 PM   #7
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I concur with using vise grips to relieve tension on the bolt. I cross-threaded one of the bolts removing the stock exhaust and didn't notice it until the bold seized when I installed the new exhaust.

This is how it looked when I finally got it out with a torch and a two foot breaker bar:
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      12-20-2009, 06:01 PM   #8
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Nice review. I'm looking forward to sound clips as I'm worried this setup will be too quiet for my tastes as well. I'm hoping with the full downpipe back setup it'll be the perfect volume.
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      12-20-2009, 06:30 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW86 View Post
Nice review. I'm looking forward to sound clips as I'm worried this setup will be too quiet for my tastes as well. I'm hoping with the full downpipe back setup it'll be the perfect volume.
Its raining out, but i could try to get an audio bit for you later today. Not driving around cause it is so crappy out here in Portland today.

I think with the midpipe section it will be perfect, it is definitely a quieter exhaust..so if you are NOT planning on adding a midpipe or downpipe another system may suit your needs cause it is louder out of the box, but adding midpipes etc to those, in my taste, is way too loud for me. You can def hear a difference and the tone is hard to describe. I am very happy with the purchase and install
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      12-20-2009, 06:44 PM   #10
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Is it possible to install this exhaust without removing the diffuser?
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      12-20-2009, 06:51 PM   #11
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yep, but easier to remove it, esp when getting the hangers off. at least for me...was easy to reinstall
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      12-20-2009, 06:54 PM   #12
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WOW...Looks good. I can't wait til my exhaust comes. Starting to look at more pics with the diffuser removal and exhaust removal. I sure hope this is easy but I might just get a shop to do this...
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      12-20-2009, 07:01 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon_135i View Post
WOW...Looks good. I can't wait til my exhaust comes. Starting to look at more pics with the diffuser removal and exhaust removal. I sure hope this is easy but I might just get a shop to do this...
I am a complete newbie at working on my car (never done it prior to this). This mod is definitely a DIY..its fun and doesnt take that long approx 30-1hr. Just get everything you need set up. when you are ready PM some of us, there are a lot of people here to help. Chris had some great pointers. The diffuser is 6 screws and some snap in clips. Breaking off the spring bolts was my biggest fear.
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      12-20-2009, 07:05 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mineo77 View Post
I am a complete newbie at working on my car (never done it prior to this). This mod is definitely a DIY..its fun and doesnt take that long approx 30-1hr. Just get everything you need set up. when you are ready PM some of us, there are a lot of people here to help. Chris had some great pointers. The diffuser is 6 screws and some snap in clips. Breaking off the spring bolts was my biggest fear.
Don't get me wrong... I love DIY, perfect way to getting to know vehicle better

I didn't get the MD-Exhaust so my install might be a little different. Will def PM the experts in here when I get to it. Someone should do a DIY on rear diffuser removal!!! or there might be one already...lol
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      12-20-2009, 07:08 PM   #15
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simon

what exhaust did you end up getting?
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      12-20-2009, 07:15 PM   #16
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Eisenmann quads from WSTO. I know its pricey, but after talking to fasteddie.. I was convinced it was the right one for me. Along with my 3d design quad diffuser which is collecting dust at the moment.

Long story short I had order a Miestershaft waited 14 weeks... and they never came through. Unbelievable.
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      12-20-2009, 07:19 PM   #17
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sounds very nice. I almost ordered the meistershaft HP, but ended up going with maddad cause i wanted midpipes too and wanted to keep the volume down
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      12-20-2009, 07:24 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mineo77 View Post
sounds very nice. I almost ordered the meistershaft HP, but ended up going with maddad cause i wanted midpipes too and wanted to keep the volume down
Meistershaft from reviews I heard is really good, and the vendor is local for me and he is by far one of the best.

Mad dad is sick, and yes mid pipes YES! I ordered my Eisenamann Sport because I wanted complete bolt on for my quads and with an aggressive sound. Drones should be a minimum or so I was told. I can't wait to hear it!
There are more vendors now which is great for us!
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      12-20-2009, 10:27 PM   #19
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Audio file...just a sample

[u2b]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DNt9X0beSFQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DNt9X0beSFQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/u2b]
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      12-20-2009, 11:40 PM   #20
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The Maddad axleback can definitely be installed without taking the diffuser off. If you're worried about scratching the diffuser, just put a rag around the exhaust tips while installing it. I installed mine in about 10-15min on a lift at work without taking off the diffuser. I'd say I spent more time trying to rack the car than actually installing the exhaust due to how low my car is. lol I couldn't agree more about the quality of this exhaust! Best welds I've seen on anything aftermarket. Can't wait for those midpipes now!
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      12-21-2009, 10:40 AM   #21
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So, I have sprayed anti-sieze on all exhaust work I've done - even on brand new cars. Subies are real bad about shearing exhaust bolts. Have y'all tried any anti-sieze on these bolts?
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      12-21-2009, 12:38 PM   #22
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very nice Chris, the modding bug hit you hard haha. I like the debadged look. Are you planning on doing suspension next?
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