Thermal Classic vs. Stealth - Honda Prelude Forum

e94Si · 02-13-2002, 06:25 PM

I've been reading everyone's posts regarding the Thermal exhausts for 4th Gen. Most people don't mention which model they have (Classic or Stealth). I am looking for a quiet exhaust and most people say that it's quiet enough but some say it's really lound and annoying inside the car.

Does anyone know how much of a difference Stealth version makes vs. the Classic. I want to get the Thermal Stealth but I hope it will be considerably quieter than Classic but at the same time, still deep and not raspy...

I hope someone out there who's got a Stealth can clearify this issue from me...

Thanks in advance,

-e94Si

BlueLude1 · 02-14-2002, 12:04 PM

What is the thermal Website?

a1andres · 02-14-2002, 12:13 PM

as far as I know, thermal only makes one type of the exhaust for the 4g..

I think the 5g has two choices but not us....

yield · 02-14-2002, 12:16 PM

Is the thermal much louder than stock?

Frost_White94Si · 02-14-2002, 02:24 PM

yeah the thermal is louder than stock... when cruizing on the highway you can make it silent by giving it just enuf gas to maintain constant speed... i love the sound of my thermal.. ive since put in a test pipe which is kinda lound and "Bumble-bee" like, but it'll make things flow a lot nicer when the nitrous is on...

for a sound clip i made of my thermal exhaust go here...

www.geocities.com/knappie65

hope this helps..

-Mike

BryanS · 02-14-2002, 04:56 PM

It's my understanding that Thermal makes a stealth and a classic system for the 4th gen but for the 5th gen they make only the stealth version.

When I ordered my system from a local shop I asked for a stealth system, but never noticed any labelling on the box that would indicate, in any obvious manner, what version it was. I left the box at the shop and put the 2 sections in the trunk so I could take it home to install since the box wouldn't fit. The paper work I got didn't indicate what version I had either.

My exhaust looks good to me. It is all stainless steel and has a round can muffler that looks fairly small to me. It has a round tip that is a touch large for my taste, but then again I'd really want something that looks more like the 5th gen system with the dual tip muffler. It also has a resonator in the mid-pipe that is stainless.

Does anyone know how to tell a stealth system from a classic system visually?

I like the sound of my exhaust most days, but once in a while it's a git loud for my taste... like the time I was late to a funeral that was held outdoors at a cemetary and had to come driving up so that people could hear me

It doen't sound much like that audio clip above to me, at least from the inside of my car. It is about that deep, but is smoother... plus you can hear the VTEC changeover on mine

exhaust

In this thread above I wrote up a long post on my thoughts on the look, sound, fit, etc of my Thermal system

e94Si · 02-14-2002, 08:37 PM

Thanks Mike and BryanS for your descriptions... I've read both of your previous posts regarding this exhaust... that's where I got a lot of my info! Thanks for those extensive reviews!

BrianS -- that's kind of what I was afraid of - ordering specifically the Stealth version online and not being sure that they just didn't send me the classic.

I am gonna try and pick my Stealth up from Cementups... I've heard he's a great seller and hopefully he can make sure that it's Stealth vs. Classic that I get.

Either way, even you have a Classic you said that it only annoys you rarely, right? Any trouble with cops and this exhaust for anyone? Also, anybody know if it's legal in all 50 States... like Greddy has on their products?

Thanks again,

-e94Si

yield · 02-14-2002, 08:49 PM

Thanks Frosty, that sound clip was good stuff. It does have a nice growl to it doesn't it. When my exhaust finally starts giving out I will have to think hard about it.

BryanS · 02-14-2002, 11:12 PM

I have had absolutely no problems with Police or anyone else complaining. I have gotten some compliments on the sound from a few people, but nothing negative.

Once in a great while I just want some peace and quiet... at those times the sound of decelerating is a bit annoying. It's pretty quiet at highway cruising speeds and all, but when you slow down it drones a bit. At least it's a good sound rather than canned bees or something

BryanS · 02-14-2002, 11:13 PM

I don't know if they have a CARB number or not, but had no problem passing emmissions testing here in Indiana. They never even asked anything about it or gave it a second look. With the big shiney tip and the increased sound output I'm sure they noticed... in fact if I had to guess I think they were admiring it among themselves

e94Si · 02-14-2002, 11:55 PM

Bryan -- Thanks again for the important info... I'll get the exhaust as soon as I can!

It's too bad that I can't install it myself (no lift). That's fine though, I'll just get the shop to install the AEM CAI and the Thermal at the same time... hopefully they'll do it right and won't rip me off on the price.

-e94Si

BryanS · 02-15-2002, 03:25 AM

That's the setup I have (AEM CAI and Thermal Stealth) and 95% of the time I love the sound. I think it's a great choice! Installation was not too tough. I did fine with just a floor jack and jack stands... but I have to say that it was a pain in the butt to get the factory exhaust dismounted from the cat. I wound up cutting off the bolts from the cat and drilling out spots to run new bolts through. Definately not something I recommend doing if you don't enjoy cussing and throwing things

I think if I had access to an impact wrench it would have been cake.