Finally installed the alta r53 exhaust system last night. I must say very nice product compared to most other exhaust i usally install, magnaflow, borla, etc.

Ran into one problem with the stock bolts that attach the mid-pipe and lower cat pipe together. These things where so insanely rusted the only way they came off was a cut off wheel. I was suprised that the alta system didn't come with stainless hardware for connection, i replaced mine.

My only other complaint would the the v-band that attaches the resonator pipe and drop down pipe, is that it is to close to the bracket that mounts the resonator pipe. There is a ton of room to move it towards the back and extra 1" ,1 1/2" for better access and no possible rubbing issues.

Overall great product and very satisfied with the look, ease of install and sounds it produces.

Thank you,
Adam

 

How's this system for highway runs...does it drone? And does it 'fart'/pop on overrun like some systems? I'm going to replace my rusted out stock system in the coming weeks and am casually developing a short list of supplier(s)...

Thanks,

--Rich

 

might want to buy it today... i just got one for $540 shipped with the coupon code 18spper
(it was 699 plus shipping (~750) a few days ago).

 

I have this exhaust as well and that v-band clamp has to be the dumbest part. Mine started to rattle at idle on that rectangular bracket that holds the central hangers. I had to bend the bracket to get it to stop.

The system has a slight drone, but I don't notice it too bad. Usually my music is louder than it. I don't have back seats either so your result will be quieter.

Another complaint is that one hanger in the rear must be fitted by tightening a set screw made of a soft metal. You will strip it the first time you tighten it so get it right on the first go-round or replace the hardware before you start.

Third, since the exhaust is one-sided, it will NEVER hang straight unless you rig something to hold it. It will be offset towards your passenger side.

All-in-all though, for the price, I am happy with it and love the sound.

 

how old is your exhaust?...do you have the new or old style resonator?

btw i just payed $557 for this shipped

 

It is the Alta Sportone and I think it is v2. I might be mixed up with the v2 but I think that's right. I bought it in the summer of 2009, when it was also on sale (Alta always has a sale) for about $600 if I remember right.

 

Here's my write up of my install (you can follow part2 back to part1)
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-part-2-a.html

Since then (about 8 months later) the muffler has started to rattle. Its obvious becuase I can tap on it and hear the loose stuff inside. I'm not happy. When it is not rattling I love the sound especially the pops when you leave off the gas.

As you can see in my part 2 write up, the replacement resonator I got is the new smaller kind. It makes the system louder than the previous style. There is a bit of drone at highway speed, but not so bad that it bothers me (your millage may very).

I did make some changes for mounting including locking nuts on those small set screws and one extra collar on one upper mount to keep the movement down. The exhaust is always centered although I've seen some auto x pics of my car on hard turns where the exhaust is off center. But at the end of the run it is always centered, so I am not concerned.

So the big question for me is if come spring if I replace the muffler (and the connect bits that I am sure are rusted by now) or try another exhaust. I really like the design of the Alta exhaust (the weight saving and for the most part the install.) It just seams there have been a lot of people (myself included) that have experience bad internal rattles. Those were always with the resonator, so I think that is cured with the new design, but I don't know why I have a muffler rattle now.

 

Its my understanding that Alta catback had a lifetime warranty

 

to piggy back on this, i just installed mine a week ago and yes the set screws will strip and homedepot has replacements for 80 cents.
it has been rattling like crazy so i need to check whats going on.
i don't have the rear seats nor the side rear panels on for the moment, i took them off to install Koni yellows, so it;s a bit louder, there is a lot drone on mine. trying to get use to it. but over all i like it.
plus i painted mine flat black, used header paint i don't like bling so it needed to be painted.
one more thing i wish it could improve is long tips.

 

MiniT

I have been thinking about trying this stuff for the noise, but my problem is not wanting to take the car apart at the moment. Maybe since you have things ready to go you can give it a try.

Listen to the sound clips for difference before and after. I would be really interested to see it this works if you put a bit on all the big panels near the exhaust.

http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/products/cld

Let me know. I still might try in the spring, but if you decide to do anything, keep me posted.

It isn't expensive, especially if it works. I wanted to do the rear door, battery box, and the wheel wells. It is only flat sheet metal that needs to be dampened. Seems like $20 will do it all.

 

from my past experiences with sound deadening (e-dead/dynomat) is that it does pretty much nothing to reduce drone. you would have to have massive amounts of that stuff on your whole entire car for it to make a difference for that type of application. not to mention that stuff is pretty heavy so its gonna slow ya down. it will probably take 50-75 lbs of the stuff to just do one lining of the bottom of the car..

 

This stuff is different. Look at the link.

EDIT: It appears that the site brings you to the index even though I have posted a link to the CLD tiles. They are what I am speaking about, the tiles that cover 25% of flat panels.

 

yeah thats the same type of stuff just a little bit thicker on the metal and cut into tiles haha

 

Miami, I'll have to look up the paperwork I got with the exhaust, but from memory I thought it said that the exhaust was only covered for one year.

 

Cool,
thanks for the link. I'll give it a try. i know it will add more weight to the car but if I manage to even it out by shedding some pounds myself it shouldn't make that much difference.
oh, today was bad day, I had a migraine and the sound of the exhaust was not helping. ahahah

 

i think they just recently changed it, but its definitely a life time warranty now for one sold in 2011. Im not sure if they are going to cover their old ones they sold in this manner though.

 

thanks for the tip unxpectederror. Before I do anything I'll probably call the folks at Alta and see what my options are. They were always very helpful to me in the past.