Love the new 2.5" Thermal R&D catback <3

Toadster · Mar 16, 2023

I have to give @Lethalperformance credit - they're going to help me out! incremental cost to get the midpipes - seriously AWESOME customer support!

Toadster · Mar 20, 2023

got my midpipes - dang that was quick! just need to get them installed now LOL

mycbtech · Mar 20, 2023

their fairly easy to install. I did mine myself - just needed a dead blow to get them off the cat.

Toadster · Mar 20, 2023

got it installed this afternoon, tool all of 20 minutes - I really wish I had a lift in my garage LOL

the exhaust does sound a little deeper now, not much but a little

mycbtech · Mar 21, 2023

Toadster said:

still curious to hear the 2.5 and the 3 side by side. I bet it would change peoples minds in the whole 2.5 vs 3 inch debate over the last year or so lol

TMac · Mar 21, 2023

mycbtech said:

Any "debate" has never been about which one sounds better- that is completely subjective. The debate is whether a dual 3" exhaust is necessary in a vehicle which isn't making north of 1100 hp! Especially from people who are running stock cats and turbos.

mycbtech · Mar 21, 2023

TMac said:

I agree, partially. The "more power" argument has been beat adnausium but sound is also a key feature when it comes to peoples decision on which one.

https://www.explorerst.org/threads/best-explorer-st-2022-exhaust-just-bought-today.4588/post-61236

there has also been debate on people wanting the 3" over the 2.5" in regard to sound as well. it was even noted by Ron at Whoosh that they are built a little different and have a sound difference.

https://www.explorerst.org/threads/thermal-r-d-2-5-vs-3.4459/post-58799

mycbtech · Mar 21, 2023

lol and to my point this was just posted lol

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

i swear it wasnt me

TMac · Mar 21, 2023

Like I said, sound "quality" is completely subjective.

mycbtech · Mar 21, 2023

and I dont disagree.

2020FordRaptor · Mar 27, 2023

Question for you @Toadster debating getting this exhaust. Would you say if you turn on the radio its would this exhaust be unnoticeable?

Toadster · Mar 27, 2023

not sure if 'unnoticeable' depending on whether you're romping on it, but in regular (non-romp) driving it would be unnoticeable (other than fake engine noise)

ARC · Mar 27, 2023

I had an MBRP exhaust setup it sounded good, but the quality of the Thermal is far better!
It's a Well put together kit. I would say get the flex pies as well.
Plus, if you ever do the downpipes the kit fits right in as they are both the same diameter.

Toadster · Mar 27, 2023

ARC said:

I added the midpipes, but won't do the downpipes since I live in Kommifornia... even the midpipes made the sound a little better since they're mandrel bent...

ARC · Mar 27, 2023

Toadster said:

Also they have a nice burble to them.
I am on an E50 tune so some say that changes the sound a bit.

Toadster · Mar 27, 2023

ARC said:

smells like popcorn

FLexplorer · Jun 27, 2025

1 year with my 2.5 Thermal complete system and I’m super happy with it.

Wohop · Jun 30, 2025

“The cat back doesn’t mean the cat back”

Toadster · Jun 30, 2025

Wohop said:

correct, you have to get their post cat pipes as well, kindof a silly setup IMHO - include those pipes if you're selling a cat-back!

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Love the new 2.5" Thermal R&D catback <3

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