In The Club

[Bomber]

Ok, short version. If buying the new xforce 2.5" twin catback for FG, make sure the 'Y' merge flange that connects to the cat, has the elongated holes. This enables you to bolt straight up to the factory cat (or venom in my case) with the 115mm hole spacing. Pull it out of the box and check it or it will cause you grief - I know! It took the best part of two weeks to sort this out with the supplier and xforce. It seems some earlier versions slipped though without the modified flanges fitted and yep, I got one.

Anyway, for all the fark around, I've ended up with a stainless catback now and fitted it myself today. Gotta say straight off, the quality difference between the two systems is significant. The front 'Y' merge is heaps neater and the pipes are ground off on the insides at all flange joints for a smooth inner. The mild steel system on the other hand had internal dags everywhere.

The initial start was 'tinny' but as it warmed up, sounded good. Not as deep as the m/s system, but I actually like the note better. I has that rasp back at wot like the stock system had. On cruise though it's quiter. I wouldn't say the m/s system was 'drony' but it did get a bit annoying going up a hill. This system though is much better. Can hear it at 100 - 115klm but its not intrusive.

The car feels a bit stronger and can hear the turbo spooling a bit more - maybe that's just a s/s thing.

It was hanging a little low in the rear so adjusted it a bit more tonight - happy now.

All said and after having both systems on my car in the last couple of weeks, I recommend the stainless system. Which ever one you buy though, make sure it has that 115mm spacing or it won't fit. Cheers, Bomber.

Edited 13/07/12 11:33 AM by Bomber

[f6mark]

good stuff Bomber. glad u got it all sorted out mate..

[Bomber]

Tip also, make sure you use an anti seize on the o2 sensor. I stripped the thread and farked mine today getting it out of the old cat because none was used (not happy). Ford wanted like $250+ for one. I ended up getting an aftermarket for $110. Expensive mistake that can be easily avoided with 2 seconds extra work.

[Vevapower]

How much boost you running Bomber?

[jimmixr]

Thanks for the tips Bomber.. it all helps..

Personally Im not thinking of changing anything from the cat back. But if I did Id probably get a full custom job. There are some switched on exhaust guys out there.

They, generally can give you what you want. Sound.. tone and so forth..

But they are suffering. Good on X Force for hitting the market in a big way.. .. but theyve lost a huge chunk of buisiness. Not just from us turbo guys.. but SS,WRX etc..aswell.

Anyway.. had my little rant..

[Bomber]

Hey, and I broke something today Matt

[f6mark]

lol.. was it a input shaft in the bin mate.?

[Bomber]

Quick update. Since I swapped the exhausts over, the car has been flying. I have no doubt it's making more power to a point it's going in next week to have the tune trimmed

On the suspension front, I've had enough of the pedders springs. Even with the superpro spacers, the fronts are lower than what I want at 343mm hub to guard. So, out they all come tomorrow and I'm fitting kings and the new Munroe GT sport shocks for FG.

Now before anybody starts on the shocks, know this. I'm lucky in that King's factory is on the goldie. I called in and spoke to one of their R&D guys. Kings did extensive work with munroe to develop the FG version of their GT shocks. Even the rear shock has been valved to suit the new progressive rate spring for FG, not just a B series carry over. Bottom line, these shocks have been tuned and matched to the king springs. The suspension shop doing the work has fitted several of these now, including his brothers new GT, and said the results have been excellent. The shocks also carry a 3yr 60,000k warranty. Height wise, I'm aiming for 350mm front and 345mm rear. Cheers, Bomber.

[Bomber]

Picked the car up this arvo and just got back from a drive on some ordinary roads with some twistie stuff as well. Extremely happy with the results. The shocks plane out the choppy stuff very well - on or off load on corners. Hit a couple of decent dips and they handled rebound brilliantly. None of that horrible front end shimmy that you get with the stock shocks, as they struggle to fight the spring. It keeps the wheels planted now and the car tracks spot on.

The ride with the progressive springs is almost better than stock from what I remember. Even with 30 series rubber on the rear, the ride is very good.

Height wise, I got pretty much exactly what I wanted (fingers crossed they dont sag too much). Went SSL's allround but the rears are at the lower end of the average at 345mm hub to guard. It does have a full fuel load though. The fronts are pretty much bang on 350mm.

Noticed they've added some shims - more on the drivers side. The fronts do look a bit squared up but I didn't ask for the alignment specs so don't know what the final settings are. I may still play with the rear camber as wheelspin seems to be a bit worse, lol. Also, an upgraded rear swaybar has been recommended.

All said, I'm very happy and the car looks awesome now. I'll take some photos tomorrow and put them up. Thanks to Kym at Mermaid suspensions for doing a great job

If anybody would like to know details (costs etc) send me a pm. Cheers, Bomber.

Edited 26/07/12 10:49 AM by Bomber

[1NSANE]

I've been contemplating the monroe shocks lately. Would prefer bilstein or koni but I get the feeling ill be breaking sh*t soon and want to leave some cash for that. I'm glad your experience has been good so far.