• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


Any exhaust that is between stock and thermal 2.5 sound levels?

Messages
8
Reactions
2
Points
2
Location
NE Florida
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#1
I haven't heard any exhausts in person but based on videos, I wanted something more aggressive than stock but not quite at the level of the thermal 2.5. Has anyone found an option that sits in the middle????

My main concerns are less chance of the raspy sounding exhaust. And no drone.
 

Messages
65
Reactions
33
Points
17
Location
Illinois
Vehicle
2025 Explorer ST
#2
I haven't heard any exhausts in person but based on videos, I wanted something more aggressive than stock but not quite at the level of the thermal 2.5. Has anyone found an option that sits in the middle????

My main concerns are less chance of the raspy sounding exhaust. And no drone.
I think the Gibson axle back falls into this category. I was originally looking for the same thing and ended up with a Gibson. You know it is there on cold startup then it mellows out after warm. There is no drone in the cabin at any speed, I have done several 2 hour+ road trips with the family and no one had any issues with it. If you are inside the cabin and rev you hear it a little. While driving if you stab into the throttle, you hear it a little as well. With that said, I just received AWE touring exhaust yesterday. I think I actually want more sound. I may be selling the Gibson if I like the increased sound of the AWE better.
 

Messages
222
Reactions
88
Points
27
Location
San Rafael, CA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#3
I think the AWE system fits what you are looking for. Great sound and no drone.
 

OP
T
Messages
8
Reactions
2
Points
2
Location
NE Florida
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #5
I think the Gibson axle back falls into this category. I was originally looking for the same thing and ended up with a Gibson. You know it is there on cold startup then it mellows out after warm. There is no drone in the cabin at any speed, I have done several 2 hour+ road trips with the family and no one had any issues with it. If you are inside the cabin and rev you hear it a little. While driving if you stab into the throttle, you hear it a little as well. With that said, I just received AWE touring exhaust yesterday. I think I actually want more sound. I may be selling the Gibson if I like the increased sound of the AWE better.

If you think about it, please post your thoughts on the AWE once you install. Thanks for the info....
 

Messages
222
Reactions
88
Points
27
Location
San Rafael, CA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#6
I installed mine in my shop with no lift. Put my car on Race Ramp cribs and that was plenty of room. Installation was smooth. AWE does a nice job with labeling and instructions. A well made kit. I've never heard a thermal system in person but the AWE system is a very nice step above stock. Nice growl at start up and a great sound when you get on it. But nothing too loud. I've done 4-5 long road trips with my family and have never had a complaint.
 

Messages
2,337
Reactions
1,065
Points
252
Location
Nevada
Vehicle
'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#7
I haven't heard any exhausts in person but based on videos, I wanted something more aggressive than stock but not quite at the level of the thermal 2.5. Has anyone found an option that sits in the middle????

My main concerns are less chance of the raspy sounding exhaust. And no drone.
The AWE is a lot deeper sounding, but is quite a bit louder. The Thermal 2.5” is the quietest exhaust out there.
 

Messages
222
Reactions
88
Points
27
Location
San Rafael, CA
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#8
The AWE is a lot deeper sounding, but is quite a bit louder. The Thermal 2.5” is the quietest exhaust out there.
That's surprising to me based on the difference I hear between stock and the AWE setup. But good to know! Thanks!
 



Top