Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Thumbs up for the FTE resonator

[SSage]

I've been running my 12 valve straight piped. Maybe I'm accustomed to the bark and raspy tone, because the 4" x 30" FTE resonator really made the truck tame while retaining the signature 12 valve sound. The little sucker made a big difference with my 95 3500 with a right rear turn down. The droan is gone, I hear wind noise and turbo whine over the exhaust now. Still plenty loud at idle, but on the road the raspy scream under boost is muted, its more of a pleasant turbo whine. Yet it retains the big rig loudness. Hear lots more engine sounds now, I can hear an annoying belt chirp or something squeaking at idle, valve clatter etc..

The biggest difference is off idle, the loud aggressive bark is tamed. I can go through town without drawing unwanted attention now. Its actually louder at the front than the rear, I can talk at the tail gate with the turn down blowing dirt around. I still yell trying to talk at the front bumper with the engine rattling, but its a 12 valve.

No change in performance, still hits the same boost numbers. EGT appears to be the same or very close. I can hit 45 psi playing, I do try and keep my foot under control though. 35 psi comes easy just like before. The 2700 rpm pulls at 35 psi are so much better, headaches gone. I can roll down the windows and hammer it without my ears aching. I'm happy in case you missed it. Not to tame, not to loud... just right IMO.

 

[promisedland]

Good deal! Did you use the 17'' or 30''?

 

[SSage]

The 30" is what I have, mounted just behind the transmission support. So, its under the passenger side's seat. I didn't realize how much booming bass noise I had till it was gone. Its very compact, only 5" in diameter. It's still plenty aggressive sounding but with a more refined tone, the tin can hollow rattle sound is no more. I'm surprised how well the little resonator smooths out the exhaust tone with just a spiral screw thing inside. I guess it takes about 50% of the flow and routes it through the cork screw like outer chamber. For such a simple approach it is very effective at lowering cab noise. I think my stock 2003 is more boomy and droaning inside the cab. Not as loud overall, but the 03 really annoys me a 2300 rpm or so. The 12 valve doesn't bother me now at all inside the cab, that annoying sound pressure is gone at cruising speed. I only get a little droan when lugging it down to 1200 rpm in OD.

 

[promisedland]

I have the 30'' FTE on my 04.5 and this fixed my drone. The 17'' got most but not all. I also have a 24'' Flo-Pro muff [straight through]
The prob i have, and i dont know if its the FTE or not; is a 'tumbling' sound med thottle.
I rebuild my trans and T-case and thought that now this sound will be gone!,.. but its still there. Seems like exh flow or drive line...

I'm kinda using your thread... sorry [frustrated]

 

[SSage]

I know the 2 piece drive shaft can make some rumbling noises, especially if you have a torn center carrier bearing. I replaced mine with an aftermarket carrier and greasable u-joints, it made a noticeable difference, the roar and mild vibration is gone out back. Those MOPAR carrier bearings tear the rubber fairly quick.

The straight through mufflers do pretty much nothing for me except deepen the sound some. Glorified glass packs just don't cut it when I'm wanting to cut harsh noise. I must be getting old, but I did run straight pipe for 7 or 8 years. I want to use the 2nd gen as a daily driver again so, it was time to lower the noise. I can hear myself think now.

 

[promisedland]

Thanks,... i noticed some tearing on the rubber...

 

[WalterJ]

What's up with FTE? Not answering & not returning calls for nie on to 2 weeks now. Hope all is well with the family/business, etc.

Anyone suggest an alternative vendor?

 

[promisedland]

I didnt get ANY response from them before i placed my order as i wanted to talk with them, but when i placed the order i got my muff quickly so i guess thats there way of doin bizness.... shug...

 

[WalterJ]

That's a good thang. However i need to ask advice re a 32" long resonator. Figure it shouldn't be a big deal, but its not in their catalog.

 

[promisedland]

17'' & 30'' IS WHAT THEY HAVE; now if you have a welder..........

 

[SSage]

The 30" is doing a good job for me after a number of heavy hauls. It mainly takes out the raspy bark and droan under steady cruising. The booming droan is gone from my cab, I can hammer up hills loaded at 2300 rpm and its not bad at all with the windows up. Its still loud at idle, yet not obnoxious like a straight pipe.

I can hook up trailers and still talk normally at the rear of the truck, before I had to yell while working near the exhaust exit. Its still an aggressive loud exhaust, mainly I hated the droan while loaded. It gave me a headache, but I do like to hear the uncorked Cummins. I miss the bark going through town, can't scare the college kids walking on the sidewalks anymore blipping the throttle, but I can hear myself think now. You don't have to raise your voice inside the cab, mainly turbo whistle and diesel rattle now.

They don't respond to emails, but they do ship in a reasonable time.

 

[promisedland]

Do you have the FTE on your 03 as well?