(Update) Tanabe Medallion Concept G Exhaust Installed 6/22/2011

[CadenceScion]

After working my 9am to 5pm shift, I went down to my buddies shop (After Hours Tires) in Endicott, NY and we removed the OEM muffler and installed the Tanabe Medallion Concept G Muffler. Here's a couple pictures I took after it was installed:

After installing the muffler, we started the car up to make sure everything was legit and no CEL's. The sound of the muffler is absolutely amazing, although it is a little loud w/ having the DC Sport Header, but cruising around town at 30mph, you can barely hear it. One of the guys at the shop that works w/ my friend said for me to bring the tC back next week sometime and he'll cut out where the OEM resonator is and weld in the Moroso Spiral Flow. The only thing I don't like is how tight the muffler tip rests against my RS1 Rear Lip. I am going to snag a piece of a shredded tire at my buddies shop and place it in between the muffler and the rear lip so that I don't melt the paint or ruin the lip.

Removing the OEM muffler and installing the Tanabe Muffler took us less than a half hour, a very straight forward install. The two bolts that connect the mid-pipe to OEM muffler had to be soaked in PB Blaster for a few mins, then using an air impact gun, the bolts came right out w/o a problem.

Last night I spent some time applying a couple coats of polish and a coat of wax to the muffler and piping.

[navylife59]

Looks super awesome. Too bad it can't stay right where it is at. It will definitely ruin that lip. Rubber will most likely melt and mar the finish of your muffler outlet. Instead of rubber, try a piece of silicon hose couplings like the ones used for CAI and Intercooler piping. It should hold up to the heat better than rubber? C-12 has that CF piece that fits right there that might just work. You could line the inside (the curved part that is next to the muffler) of the C-12 with that adhesive backed aluminum tape that HVAC guys use to tape up metal duct work. It will transfer some heat to the CF part but hopefully will reject and convey enough heat as to not damage the CF part. Still, too darn bad that you can't run it as it as that is one sweet look. I think you just started the next new trend; Hell-A-Flush Exhaust.!

I have been meaning to ask you, does your TYC taillamps seem to have what looks like a very thin clear top-layer that appears to be wearing off? Both of my tC's have the TYC's and have that issue. It made such a chore out of using VHT Blackout to smoke my tails. It really showed when I sprayed the 2nd and 3rd layers. I ended up have to re-sand the dang things like 5-6 times to get ride of it.

[CadenceScion]

Thanks Scott, it means a lot. I am very happy so far, even though its still breaking in. Under lower speeds its rather quiet, but if your rev the engine or get on it, it really roars. I am going to have a friend of mine that knows how to weld, install the Moroso Resonator and see if it tones the sound down a bit. I do have to admit I like how flush the exhaust fits w/ the rear lip, I don't care for how tight it sits against the rear lip. Someone mentioned to me on another site getting a longer exhaust hanger, the hanger that came w/ the muffler is triangular shaped.

[navylife59]

Problem there is it will lower your muffler. Might suffice at the stock ride height but not on a lowered vehicle. I would try the aluminum ducting tape attached to something like a piece of plastic about the thickness of a plastic milk jug. What ever you use, it can't be porous. It has to be smooth or it will contaminated with dirt and sand which will make it act like sandpaper against both muffler and the lip.

[CadenceScion]

Looks super awesome. Too bad it can't stay right where it is at. It will definitely ruin that lip. Rubber will most likely melt and mar the finish of your muffler outlet. Instead of rubber, try a piece of silicon hose couplings like the ones used for CAI and Intercooler piping. It should hold up to the heat better than rubber? C-12 has that CF piece that fits right there that might just work. You could line the inside (the curved part that is next to the muffler) of the C-12 with that adhesive backed aluminum tape that HVAC guys use to tape up metal duct work. It will transfer some heat to the CF part but hopefully will reject and convey enough heat as to not damage the CF part. Still, too darn bad that you can't run it as it as that is one sweet look. I think you just started the next new trend; Hell-A-Flush Exhaust.!

I have been meaning to ask you, does your TYC taillamps seem to have what looks like a very thin clear top-layer that appears to be wearing off? Both of my tC's have the TYC's and have that issue. It made such a chore out of using VHT Blackout to smoke my tails. It really showed when I sprayed the 2nd and 3rd layers. I ended up have to re-sand the dang things like 5-6 times to get ride of it.

To be completely honest with you Scott, I never noticed that problem w/ my TYC's. Every year when I clay bar, polish and wax my tC, I use make sure the head lights and tail lights are cleaned well and they get clay barred, polished and waxed. I have never had any issues with yellowed or faded head light or tail light lenses.

[slow_tc]

looks good any sound clips?

[CadenceScion]

Not as of yet, my Canon A540 needs new batteries. Once I get new batteries I will get a good sound clip. Thank you for the comments!

[CadenceScion]

Rear Lip & Muffler Tip Gap Fixed

Before:



After:




Just a follow up, I went down to my buddies shop today after work and we fixed the muffler so its not resting on my rear lip. He took a piece of rubber and wedged it in the after market hanger that came w/ the exhaust and it gave some clearance between the rear lip and muffler tip. I needed to get this done because next weekend I am going to the Rockland Toyota/Scion Car Show in Blauvelt, NY and I don't need the heat melting/burning my rear lip.

[navylife59]

Great Work!! That is what Modding is all about; custom, one-off, creative upgrades. Kudos to your Bud. Tell him he gets a gold star from me for his ingenuity.

I do have a car show suggestion for you though. If the rubber piece can be easily accessed, removed, and replace; You should take it out (after it cools down) to give it that extreme look that we both like. You should get some style points on that, unless, it is a "show what you brung event" that does not allow alterations or trailered vehicles.

[CadenceScion]

Thank you Scott, so far my buddies trick is working. The muffler is staying put and I have no vibration.

[navylife59]

Mine was that way till a pair of rubber work boots manifested itself from underneath a school bus in front of me. I was coming out of the tunnel with no wiggle room to maneuver or stop. My butt dyno went full lock up into pucker mode as I drove over them. I thought all was save till it hit the piping of the axle-back. It left a small dent and now it rattles at idle sometimes. The is no way to straighten it.