----------- 2006 M45 Element 114 Exhaust Install -------------

[ATSELLAB]

Sorry guys, looks like too many people offering at once got the seller excited and now he thinks he can get more for them. I initially offered $450 and he came at $500!!!

Hey those ramps were from good ole Walmart!

[ATSELLAB]

You know, I actually prefer the oval canister and tips, It makes the exhaust tuck under the vehicle more. The rounded ones ive seen on lexuses and they hang down, I dont prefer that look.

You guys will love the exhaust, Its like playing a video game. So much more power- Engine revs up FASSSSTT.

[ken in az]

I guess it's personal preference on the muffler style. I don't want to see any muffler, just nice dual tips staggered like stock with the muffler tucked up and out of the way and painted black to hide away under the car.

I just want the performance of a higher flowing exhaust and the sound it makes at WOT should not sound like the car is struggling. Best of both - is that too much to ask for?

I have yet to ever buy an aftermarket exhaust from any company. Every single vehicle I've owned has had an exhaust fabricated to it. My old turbo 300ZX had at least 5 different setups on it to get the right sound I wanted. Every exhaust company has their way of making and exhaust and they all look pretty, but none have satified my taste in sound nor performance at the same time.

[M4T5]

He settled on $540.00 Not bad really...I thought you like this exhaust kit?

J

[SunLitSandMax00SE]

Dude, we literally live like 10 minutes from each other...I really would like to see this some time

[Bob24]

I am excited to get mine. I will call around and get an idea on install price around here. I really like the oval look and the 16 more horsepower will be nice.

I wonder what effect, if any, this system will have on gas mileage? I need to read up more on it I guess. I just wanted to strike while the iron was hot.

I checked the link and the guy has one left!

[cmark]

Dude, we literally live like 10 minutes from each other...I really would like to see this some time

I live a little bit further but wouldn't mind the drive to check it out too!

[Bob24]

I'm not so sure if I should buy them. As I cannot afford .... (wife's fault!!) to pay what he is wanting for them now! He won't go lower than $575.00!! Wife is saying no. I offered $515.00.... he said no.

J

Just get them anyway. I don't "ask" my wife anything. I "told" her that I bought a new exhaust. I am lucky that she grew up in a Hispanic home and her father, like me, oozes machismo.

She understands that there can only be one man of the house and that way everything runs smoother.

I know people get themselves in other jams with their relationships and I feel bad for them when they have go begging a woman for something. I just don't understand it.

[M4T5]

Just get them anyway. I don't "ask" my wife anything. I "told" her that I bought a new exhaust. I am lucky that she grew up in a Hispanic home and her father, like me, oozes machismo.

She understands that there can only be one man of the house and that way everything runs smoother.

I know people get themselves in other jams with their relationships and I feel bad for them when they have go begging a woman for something. I just don't understand it.

Bob, it is called respect. Learn some. I don't buy anything without her approval and vice versa. It goes hand in hand. We talked yesterday evening and agreed it would be fine for me to buy it.

I'm sorry man, but your still living in the olden days brother. Sorry to inform you, but their long gone and never coming back..Proof that the good ole days are gone: Barack Obama is our President. I'm not saying I like that statement either............

J

[Bob24]

Bob, it is called respect. Learn some. I don't buy anything without her approval and vice versa. It goes hand in hand. We talked yesterday evening and agreed it would be fine for me to buy it.

I'm sorry man, but your still living in the olden days brother. Sorry to inform you, but their long gone and never coming back..Proof that the good ole days are gone: Barack Obama is our President. I'm not saying I like that statement either............

J

As long as the olden days keep on trucking in my house I am fine! If you are happy with your situation than that is all that matters obviously.

[Excellent09]

Real Nice!!! where did you get the Rims?

[M4T5]

Wow.... finally the guy excepted my offer on ebay. Final price paid on last system-- $540Guess I can't wait....Will be installing it next Saturday.Just to get this ahead of time, what thread compound did any of you guys use on the bolts and nuts? Anti-seize or a high heat thread lock compound. I don't want the bolts backing out nor do I want them to not be able to come back out without them breaking.

J
Modified by M4T5 at 4:23 AM 2/1/2009

[RAGTPZ]

Curious, do you have any pictures comparing the two mufflers? Specifically, I would like to see the difference in the angle of the bends compared to OEM. From the pictures you've posted already it looks like a much sharper bend to the actual muffler from the pipes which would lead to restriction in the exhaust.

Don't get me wrong, it looks and sounds nice and if that is what you are going for then by all means a great buy, but I would certainly question 16hp with ANY exhaust on a naturally aspirated car unless it's OEM system is total crap which yours is not.

Definitely looks and sounds nice though.

Randy

[M4T5]

The OEM system has 4 severe bends in the system. 2 are on the mid pipes and 2 are right at the muffler. Plus the OEM piping does not have mandrel bends. Have you looked at the pictures closely???There are big differences in the designs between the two. Yes, there are 2 bends at the mufflers, but they would have had to shorten the mufflers quite a bit to take that bend out. Then the car would be too loud. The OEM exhaust system is not high quality or high quality design. OEM: No stainless steel (equals rust) ---no mandrel bends (restrictions)-- four critical bends (restrictions)---Resonators (restrictive)---Y-pipe is not matched evenly (exhaust flow unequal)--- The OEM system is heavier (slows you down a bit)---Fit & finish (fits good, finish is sloppy)---sound is too quiet (pure preference)

Element 114: All stainless steel materials (never rusts/ lasts lifetime)---All Mandrel bends (Maximizes CFM Exhaust Flow)---two critical bends (At least there are not 4, plus they are mandrel bends)---Resonators (hollowed out for maximum exhaust flow)---Mirror image Y-pipe (equals out exhaust flow and pressure)---lighter system (lighter car equals better performance and handling)---Fit & finish (excelent)---HP/TQ gains over OEM system (priceless)---Sound (Not too quiet and not too loud)

I don't know, you do the math and research. Now which one is better? Which one would you prefer?

J
Modified by M4T5 at 8:05 PM 1/31/2009

[RAGTPZ]

Don't get me wrong, I am by no means saying that this is inferior to OEM...oh no. My comment was purely based on the observation of the bend from the muffler to the pipe which traditionally should be more straight than the OEM one that's all. That's why I was wanting to see another picture as it was hard to see out of the picture he did post.

Performance-wise though, I will stand by my comment...that would equate to about a 5% improvement over OEM at best if it will produce 16hp (it won't), which cannot be felt at the type of horsepower an M45 produces.

One of you guys should get some dyno number to compare, that would be interesting to see.

[M4T5]

Not sure if Element 114 dyno graph is the real thing or a hoax, but they do claim it in a dyno graph.The installer ATSELLAB claims he feels the difference it added. Not sure why he would say it if it is not true.You will feel 16 more HP at the wheels, maybe not at the flywheel, but definately at the rear wheels.If it did net us a whole 16hp at the wheels, then it was well worth the money spent.

J

[antzrus]

As long as the olden days keep on trucking in my house I am fine! If you are happy with your situation than that is all that matters obviously.

Wow, I must be living on Mars compared to your home. If I were to demand the regime you apparently live by, my spouse of 33 years would have removed very quickly what Viagra very slowly hints at...

[Gm0_M45]

oh! looks and sounds gorgeous!!

i want it!!

he's out of exhaust btw

[harvdog21]

Very nice! Even if there were no horsepower gains, the upgrade in quality and looks alone would be worth it to me. Just like on my motocross bikes, the first thing to go is the exhaust, and I add a Pro Circuit or FMF pipe for lighter weight and a better exhaust note.

[ATSELLAB]

The exhaust for a fact adds some kick. Its definitely noticeable. I want the 0ther 5 buyers to confirm this as well. Its no joke.

This is the wife's car and she was also blown away by it. She noted it was like a race car.

Also INCREASED gas mileage as well according to the onboard computer.

[ATSELLAB]

The OEM system has 4 severe bends in the system. 2 are on the mid pipes and 2 are right at the muffler. Plus the OEM piping does not have mandrel bends. Have you looked at the pictures closely???There are big differences in the designs between the two. Yes, there are 2 bends at the mufflers, but they would have had to shorten the mufflers quite a bit to take that bend out. Then the car would be too loud. The OEM exhaust system is not high quality or high quality design. OEM: No stainless steel (equals rust) ---no mandrel bends (restrictions)-- four critical bends (restrictions)---Resonators (restrictive)---Y-pipe is not matched evenly (exhaust flow unequal)--- The OEM system is heavier (slows you down a bit)---Fit & finish (fits good, finish is sloppy)---sound is too quiet (pure preference)

Element 114: All stainless steel materials (never rusts/ lasts lifetime)---All Mandrel bends (Maximizes CFM Exhasut Flow)---two critical bends (At least there are not 4, plus they are mandrel bends)---Resonators (hollowed out for maximum exhaust flow)---Mirror image Y-pipe (equals exhaust flow and pressure)---lighter system (lighter car equals better performance and handling)---Fit & finish (excelent)---HP/TQ gains over OEM system (priceless)---Sound (Not too quiet and not too loud)

I don't know, you do the math and research. Now which one is better? Which one would you prefer?

J

Excellent reasoning M4T5, all makes sense.

But Im telling you, all you have to do is install it and drive and you would definitely be a believer.

[ATSELLAB]

Dude, we literally live like 10 minutes from each other...I really would like to see this some time

Let me know. We could see each others mods.

[M4T5]

Wow, I must be living on Mars compared to your home. If I were to demand the regime you apparently live by, my spouse of 33 years would have removed very quickly what Viagra very slowly hints at...

[Bob24]

Wow, I must be living on Mars compared to your home. If I were to demand the regime you apparently live by, my spouse of 33 years would have removed very quickly what Viagra very slowly hints at...

That is funny! The key is setting ground rules from the very first date. You have got to get your point across on EVERY single issue no matter how insignificant they seem at the time to set a precedent.

The analogy I use is car windows. I hardly ever remember to clean the inside of my car windows when I wash it. But, when I do remember, I can't believe all the filth I get off them and wonder why I didn't notice they had gotten so dirty beforehand.

Well, it is because they get dirty ever so gradually you don't notice until they are filthy. A relationship is the same way. They gain a pound or two every 3 months and you don't say anything and after 10 years they are 40 to 80 POUNDS overweight and you ask yourself why you ever married a fat woman.

Every aspect of a relationship seems to be the same as the dirty window analogy. You don't stay alert and assert yourself at every turn and pretty soon you end up at Victoria's Secret and your not sure whether the panties you are buying are for your wife or for you!

I will not comprimise my machismo for anyone. But, that is just me.

Back to the exhaust! My main reason for getting it was the killer price and for cosmetic reasons, however the increased MPG sounds good as well. With the poor mileage that our cars get, any little bit helps out.

I don't think I am going to attempt to install it myself. Maybe I will have the wife do it? Just kidding! I will start looking for a shop on Monday.

[M4T5]

Bob's analogy comes down to: Clean the inside of your windows often, marry only mexican women, cage her up in the house, feed her very little, and install exhaust!

Bob, install the exhaust yourself! Where's the pride in it if someone else does it?? You might not even know it, but your wife might be able to do it...you never know unless you let her do something on her own!

J

[M4T5]

I'll be doing mine myself this next weekend.Will have some pics of the exhaust pipe bends at the muffler comparing OEM and Element 114's. Really no need for too many extra pics as ATSELLAB has posted more than enough to give us all the basic idea.

Anyone care to answer my question on the type of compound to use on the exhaust nuts and bolts??I'm thinking anti-seize, but what type? Surely not locktite....

J

[Bob24]

Bob's analogy comes down to: Clean the inside of your windows often, marry only mexican women, cage her up in the house, feed her very little, and install exhaust!

Bob, install the exhaust yourself! Where's the pride in it if someone else does it?? You might not even know it, but your wife might be able to do it...you never know unless you let her do something on her own!

J

I am guessing the weather in Spring, Texas is a little more friendly this time of year to do it yourselfers than the weather around here in Minnesota.

I will feel better having someone who knows what they are doing install it. I like the look of the oval tips. I see that as a big plus. They will make the car look a tad more sporty.

The only issue I am having with my car is the color. No doubt that Umbria Grey is a very rich color, but it is certainly one of the less "sporty" colors that is offered. I would say the only color less sporty than the grey is the sand. My last 4 cars have all been black so this is taking a little getting used to.

[M4T5]

Yeah, I can see the cold weather delaying me from getting under my car on cold concrete. Don't forget about the electric blanket idea I told you guys all about!!!!Yeah, it's only 54*F right now. Yeah, it's not even light outside yet either. It's been around 33*-42*F lately, so this is pretty warm. It is supposed to drop to 32*F in a day again, but here in Texas, that is very short lived temps.Hopefully next Sat, will be warm! Ext Forecast shows 76*F. That's 6 days in advance too! It might snow between now and then!

I tend to dislike the oval tips that I will be getting. It just doesn't compare to the quad tips we have currently. Just look at the GT-R's quads! If they were two big ovals it would not look so good.Plus, have you looked at the cut out distance on your rear bumper for the exhaust exits?? The oval tips do not fill out the gaps. The quads fit it and look the best hands down!!!

J

On your color, yeah it's the less prefered color, but the right combo makes it look good. I've seen pictures of 20" wheels on your color car and that made it look really good! Just be careful what style you pick.

[M4T5]

You know what I was thinking. If I remember correctly, this Element 114 exhaust system comes with no warranty. Is that what the rest of you buyers read on the sellers site?I cannot believe it would not come with a warranty. What if the mufflers start to rattle inside?I know the guy selling them works for Element 114. His blackberry email address is a business email address for Element 114.Surely they are going to give a warranty with these kits. Anyone else on this?

J

[M4T5]

ATSELLAB, where did you get a 16hp gain from? The dyno graph shows a 9hp/ 13lbft of tq gain over stock in the run file comparison at the top of the graph. Either way it gives us more power. Did you see they are advertising CAI kits for the Infiniti? Though I have yet to find them for sale on their website.If they do offer them for the M45, I hope they figured out how to make it produce more power.

J