Solo Performance Mach-X review with video and Pics.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Steve, how important is the frame clip? I hope it's not because I have no clue how I'll ever get it loose, I had to use a screw driver stuck inside the frame rail to hold the nut still and it's cranked to like 1000ft lbs tight, lol.
But the system is awesome, sound beautiful and you guys might not publish dyno numbers but I'm sold on the performance gain. Thank you!!!
But the system is awesome, sound beautiful and you guys might not publish dyno numbers but I'm sold on the performance gain. Thank you!!!
#12
Member
Yah that exhaust looks really good. I just put on a magnaflow cat back on my 2013 FX4 and I'm having nothing but issues with it. It has a horrible helicopter like sound when u start from a slow or at low rpm. Almost the same sound as if u had ur sunroof open and windows up. You get on it and it clears up. Hoping when I switch to this exhaust and not have this horrible sound. Thanks
BadNivFX42013,
Oops. Not so sure I wanted to share this but maybe this will help us figure something out. I have a '12 5.0 with the SOLO Dual X system, had the same helicopter noise around 1400/1600 RPM. Had to put the factory 2 1/2" resonater back on which helped a bunch but I can still hear the helicopter. SOLO sent a 3" resonater which I had welded into the SOLO 3" mid-pipe and installed yesterday. Still makes the weird noise so now I'm back to the factory 2 1/2" resonater. Not sure why some folks report this problem but most don't mention it. I thought I was the vilage idiot with this problem but now I know I ain't the only one, and it happens with other systems as well (your Magnaflow for example). So, is it something about specific trucks or is it.......... what? It kinda sux being all excited about a tailored high dollar 3" exhaust system and then having to get back under the truck several more times and ending up with the old 2 1/2" factory resonater pipe. Let me be clear about this though..... Jeff at SOLO has been very good to work with me on this, shipping resonaters, a new mid-pipe and clamps. So, we're trying to figure this out but no luck yet.
I am very interrested in hearing if your new SOLO fixes the helecopter so if you will, please post your results back here.
Oh, and about the frame clip......it ain't that important but if it were included it would make the install SO much easier. Less than 2 bux from Ford.
Thanks,
~dp
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I don't have a helicopter sound, I have a low resonance (not drone) but it's directly related to throttle position. I hope you guys figure that out because that would be annoying as crap...You would think that it was scavenging actually creating a vacuum in the system at a certain rpm...but I'm not a thermodynamics exhaust gas flow master certified specialist.
And the video from the interior with the rear window open, poor quality and I apologize.
Last edited by 13'TwinScrew; 03-09-2013 at 11:12 PM. Reason: Add Video
#14
Check to see if anything is too close to the body or touching any of the frame. Even the slightest bit touching can cause noise. Also, are there any heat shields under there? If there are, check and make sure the bolts have not come loose on it. We have seen that in the past on other automobiles.
#15
Member
Without a doubt this was the most time consuming part of the install, I wasn't sure if driving it with no exhaust would mess anything up because I almost ran to Advance.
I don't have a helicopter sound, I have a low resonance (not drone) but it's directly related to throttle position. I hope you guys figure that out because that would be annoying as crap...You would think that it was scavenging actually creating a vacuum in the system at a certain rpm...but I'm not a thermodynamics exhaust gas flow master certified specialist.
I don't have a helicopter sound, I have a low resonance (not drone) but it's directly related to throttle position. I hope you guys figure that out because that would be annoying as crap...You would think that it was scavenging actually creating a vacuum in the system at a certain rpm...but I'm not a thermodynamics exhaust gas flow master certified specialist.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Posts: 226
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Yah on my system it's just the magnaflow dual cat back standard system. I took out the stock resonator as well and I did notice that the tip on the drivers side seemed to be not as solid as the passengers side. Not sure if its just lose or if that's how the kit is made, as they don't have a hanger come past the rear axle really.
Iv had the exhaust on for about 800-1000 km now so it may need some more time to break in but as of right now I haven't noticed any real change in the sound. It's still just as annoying as it was from the start. It's almost headache material.
I'm at work right now for another week and a bit but when I get back home ill try putting the stock resonator back on and also seeing if anything is lose or the heat shield bolts have come loose. I really like the equal exhaust sound of this magnaflow kit so I don't wanna have the resonator on. If that's what it takes then ill be switching out exhausts and going with the SOLO dual out the sides kit for sure .
Thanks for all the good info
Iv had the exhaust on for about 800-1000 km now so it may need some more time to break in but as of right now I haven't noticed any real change in the sound. It's still just as annoying as it was from the start. It's almost headache material.
I'm at work right now for another week and a bit but when I get back home ill try putting the stock resonator back on and also seeing if anything is lose or the heat shield bolts have come loose. I really like the equal exhaust sound of this magnaflow kit so I don't wanna have the resonator on. If that's what it takes then ill be switching out exhausts and going with the SOLO dual out the sides kit for sure .
Thanks for all the good info
#17
Senior Member
Can you hear your turbos better with the Mach-X system?
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
absolutely, I notice the 4-5lbs of boost clearly, and then the exhaust note takes over. On light throttle they sound awesome. The more I drive with the exhaust the better it keeps getting, w/ the exhaust I am in love with the truck....w/o it was just "pretty nice". So far I'm seeing about 1mpg better city, and 1.5 mpg highway. about 500 miles on it already.
I also feel pretty confident that power is smoother and stronger down low, after about 4k I doubt there's any difference...I am hitting the rev limiter at the end of 1/4 mile runs...which never happened before.
I also feel pretty confident that power is smoother and stronger down low, after about 4k I doubt there's any difference...I am hitting the rev limiter at the end of 1/4 mile runs...which never happened before.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I'll be surprised if you don't fall in love with your truck all over again. However, I must admit that I really want a tuner now, too.
I'm still a lil skeered...I'll admit it. (I know I'm going to give in, the last truck was fairly well modded).
I'm still a lil skeered...I'll admit it. (I know I'm going to give in, the last truck was fairly well modded).