I probably would have stayed with the stock mufflers, but this Forum planted the seed of what if. So I bought some RSRs and posted 2 threads on December 3 and 9 last year about the results – unhappy significant resonances below 3,000rpm and happy results above. Thanks to those who posted their experiences and advice. Quite a number of posters reported zero resonance and one implied that what I was describing as resonance was in fact good bass. Well, with 44 years of significant hi-fi experience I can easily distinguish between resonance and tuneful bass.

The resonance kept me looking for an alternative. First up I tried a pair of secondhand Rooks. Their sound lies between stock and the RSRs. They still had some resonance at lower revs but were too sedate for my preference. So back to the RSRs. I re-searched the Forum and came across posts by gslaberge who had installed some RUFs. I PMed Gregg who was very helpful. His enthusiasm for them and his not finding them too loud, got me itching. Then there is the excellent feature of the RUFs being switchable between stock and “bypass”. That won me. If they turned out to be too loud for constant use, all would not be lost as I could run them in normal mode, taking an aural fix whenever I chose.

Now all I needed to do was justify their high price to myself. They are expensive, particularly compared to the RSRs, but the sound of the car adds a great deal to my driving experience. Also I would get the revised spoiler raising module. My car is a Hong Kong import and its spoiler rises early at about 45mph. I wonder if Porsche decided the setting based on the generally prevailing maximum speed limit in a particular market for visual effect? I checked with my mechanic and he laid to rest my concern that I might loose cooling if the spoiler is not rise so early.

The RUFs are now installed with the bypass switch placed next to the handbrake. To my ears, they are excellent. There is zero resonance at all engine speeds. I much prefer their sound to the RSRs. It is more throaty (a lovely baritone) and it is louder, but to me, not to an oppressive extent. The only negative, apart from the high price, is the 16.9lbs per muffler compared with 15.1lbs for my ex standard Bischoff’s and 10.7lbs for my RSR Gillett’s. Not a big deal for me in the scheme of things.

This post is not meant in any way to be a criticism of RSRs which are so well received here. But it is a report of my experience that in some cars (very much in the minority from the reports of other posters) you may get resonances below 3,000rpm. While I experienced the worst amount, there were 1 or 2 other Rennlisters who also had experienced some resonance.

Conclusion: They are wonderful to my ears in my car and I highly recommend them. Yes at 1,900 Euros plus shipping they aint cheap, but for me they are well worth it. They bring a smile to my face every time I accelerate, and I also got the spoiler raising module and Ruf oval tips in this package.

All the best,

 

Chris,

Glad to hear you finally found an exhaust you can live with and enjoy.

Good luck

 

Chris,

Glad you like your RUF exhaust. I have the entire RUF package: free-flow plenum, exhaust, and tips (with RUF logo). I just love the sound.

CP

 

I've heard the Ruf exhaust only once, but I thought it was the best sounding 993 I've ever heard. Better than my RSR's at the time for sure. I was just turned off by the price and the weight. On a side note, I've never heard of anyone having resonance issues with RSR's, and I suspect you might be a bit more "tuned in" than most of us. Glad you like the Ruf's!

 

Chris,
I'm also interested in the Ruf exhausts., particulary as they are switchable aka the 996 factory sports exahaust. Is it actually as quiet as stock when switched appropriately?

Also, are they stainless cans or mild steel?

 

Chris or CP..would you mind posting pics of your Ruf Tip focusing on the fitment around the bumper openings...

 

what about a sound clip?

 

Here are two pics. Enjoy.

CP

 

"Chris,
I'm also interested in the Ruf exhausts., particulary as they are switchable aka the 996 factory sports exahaust. Is it actually as quiet as stock when switched appropriately?

Also, are they stainless cans or mild steel"

abar, I have had the stock mufflers off for a little while and aural memories are not always the best. At lower revs, I would estimate that there is little difference between stock & the RUFs switched to "normal". At higher revs, I really cannot say. One area where I think that there is a difference is when engine breaking - the RUFs in "normal" mode are more pronounced in tone and level, but the decibel level during engine breaking is of course much less than at WOT.

As to the steel, I do not know. They are coated with a black substance which is not very smooth.

Thanks to Kelly, Cp and Eric86Red911 for their posts.

All the best,

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this timely post.

 

Hi Chris,

Glad you got the ruf. I am think of taking out the cat and see how loud it could get. Free trial period so if I am not satisfy I can always refit the cat. the cargraphic has a nice sound but really not loud enough. Yes as they suggested how about a sound clip?

Thanks

 

Tour18, I am pleased I can give a little back to this community and am especially happy that my report is of help to you.

Winsome, I have not produced a sound clip before. I suppose I can use my Sony Handicam and will give it a try. Since I only drive on the weekend and I may have to travel next weekend, the clip may be 3 weeks off though. Since you are also in HK I would be happy to take you out. No substitute for the real thing.

All the best,