posted 03-28-2002 07:50 AM                  

All 8 of the first SSS (Sweet, Smooth & SASSY) production mufflers were shipped yesterday via AIRBORNE EXPRESS for delivery today. The 8 Field Testers are...

1. Laddie Roussel, Louisiana
2. Cliff Watson, California
3. Greg Schafer, Pennsylvania
4. Mike Krehel, Texas
5. Ted Mathieu, Florida
6. Roy Olcott, California
7. Wendy Willis, Texas
8. John Cramer, Washington

Each of the Testers were provided an outline of 10 specific inquiries as follows...

1. Your first impression of the SSS Muffler when opening the box.
2. Your comments regarding the SSS Installation
3. After the SSS installation, your thoughts when the Cat was first started.
4. Your comments regarding the sound during full throttle acceleration.
5. Your comments regarding the performance during full throttle acceleration.
6. Your comments regarding the sound @ Crusin' speed.
7. Does the SSS provide an "unique Prowler" sound identification?
8. Does the SSS sound enhance your Prowler driving excitement?
9. Are you totally satisfied with the entire SSS experience... ordering, shipping, installation, sound & performance?
10. Does Sweet, Smooth & SASSY effectively describe your Cat's "NEW" personality?

I have respectfully requested that each of the 8 testers post their honest comments and excitement, if any, regarding this personal experience.

Additionally, Laddie will be Dyno testing the muffler and Mike will being making a comparison with some other muffler products that he has personal knowledge.

I welcome SSS related comments from all of the Testers that are not specifically outlined as part of the testing.

To ALL Testers... THANK YOU for your assistance in this effort.

Sincerely, Jay

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posted 03-28-2002 09:28 AM                  

The SSS Muffler is "Hand-crafted" from 100% 304 Stainless Steel and production capability is approximately 10 units weekly. Currently, even before the testing is complete, I have confirmed orders for several weeks production.

All orders are first in, first out, so after the testing is complete and you have an interest, PLEASE contact me ASAP.
THANKS, Jay

posted 03-28-2002 10:33 AM                  

-Pete

posted 03-28-2002 11:14 AM                  

-Pete

posted 03-28-2002 11:19 AM                  

Check with Borla, You should be able to purchase just the Stainless Steel tips without having to buy the complete exhaust. If you still have your rear bumpers on your Prowler, you will wnat to go with the longer style Carbon Fiber tips so they come out to meet the bumpers like the stock tips do.
I purchase from Borla the short style SS C/F tips for my rear roll pans, so I know they can be purchase. If you have problems, let me know and I will get them for you.

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Metalcrafters Automotive Enhancements
www.metalcrafters.com / nschroll@metalcrafters.com
Toll Free: (800) 518-4364

posted 03-28-2002 11:55 AM                  

Have any custom design in mind? I will be pleased to discuss that with you too.

The design of this pipe will even enhance the sound qualities of the SSS Muffler, so stay tuned to www.prowleronline.com for an announcement.

THANKS for your interest and you will not be disappointed in the quality or design!!!

Sincerely, Jay

posted 03-28-2002 12:07 PM                  

2. My 99 Cat is 3 1/2 years old, has 37,500 miles
displayed. Due to the mileage and living in the
salt air environment of South Florida,
it required the use of a torch to heat up all
pipe fittings to facilitate their removal.
Installation of the new Triple S Muffler
is straight forward and a direct replacement
size wise.

3. Remember the Heinz Catsup commercial (Anticipation),
that truly describes the feeling prior to start up
after installation. Turning that key changed the
whole Prowler ownership excitement level to a
new plateau. You will immediately be aware of a new
soft throaty rumble even when idling.

4. Idle rumble is just a prelude to what happens upon
full throttle acceleration. My seat of the pants
(Butt Dyno) would swear that there has been a
definite increase in horsepower. It's possible this
maybe the result of less back pressure from the
straight flow thru design of the Triple S. I also
have the baffles removed from the tailpipes. I also
got the feeling that the shift points have changed
but have no explanation why? Prior to your first
full throttle acceleration, it is highly recommended
that you put on a new pair Depends. There is a good
chance you may pee your pants hearing the
NEW Prowler exhaust note take you up to speed. You
will not believe that the same stock V6 is still
anchored under the hood through all levels of
acceleration.

5. At a steady crusin' speed of 70 MPH I did not notice
any difference in sound decibel's from the stock
muffler.

6. The SSS will definitely establish a unique standard
for Prowler "sound identification"

7. As you can see by my mileage I definetly don't have
a "garage queen" and can't believe I now have
something that can enhance the driving excitement to
a new level!!! The only negative result from this
additional desire to accumulate more miles will be
the need to buy new tires. A little side note, I
have 37,500 miles now on the original tires and
still have 4/32 tread wear left. For your
information, new Good Year EMT tires come with
10/32 tread. Built in tread wear indicators will
show at 2/32.

8. Of all the mods that I have done in 3 1/2 years I
can honestly say NONE has been more dramatic and a
bigger BANG for the Buck than the SSS
(SOME, SWEET,SOUND) the Prowler experience is
now complete. It has always had complete visual
appeal. The SSS now adds the Audio message that was
always lacking.

9. YES, I would definitely give JAY the "cigar" for
this new product.
As a lot of you are aware, you will never consummate
a more enjoyable purchasing experience than dealing
with the Shimmer man.

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Ted & Marji Mathieu

posted 03-28-2002 08:23 PM                  

2. The installation was pretty straight forward, not much to it. I did have to widen the inlets to fit on the exhaust pipes (from the manifold) because they just wouldn't go on. As it is, I only got them on as far as the slits and I tried banging and levering and all kinds of tricks. Nothing worked. The tailpipes slipped on with no trouble at all - they were perfect.

What I did was put all the clamps in place and tighten everything down. I put the hangers back in the rubber holders. They are a little out of place but not bad. I will call a muffler shop in the morning and see if I can take it in to have them heat up the pipes so they will go the last inch or so.

3. I wasn't actually in the kat when it was first started because I was too dirty. Gina started it up and it is noticeably lower in tone. SWEET

4. Full throttle acceleration!!! WOW what a difference!!! I can't wait to see Laddies numbers because there is a gain in HP. The sound is SASSY when you step on it

5. When I punched it, it was like I hit 90 in no time at all! Much quicker than before. I punched it going on to the highway making a right turn and actually lost traction - my wheels just spun. Didn't expect that.

6. Cruising at about 70 - it sounds lower but not louder inside. It is really SMOOTH. I didn't have it out for long when when I take it to the muffler shop,that will be about 30 miles - so then I will really be able to tell.

7. This is definitely a better sound for the Prowler. The V6 doesn't sound so tinny and like a motorcycle.

8. The new sound certainly gave me a kick I like it so much better than the old sound. I was always kind of apprehensive when passing people because of the motorcycle sound before... not now

9. Ordering couldn't have been easier! Working with with Jay is such a pleasure!! He takes such concern with his customers and he wants everything to be perfect and he wants them completely happy! Anything Jay produces I would recommend, just to be able to deal with him. Shipping was a breeze. Installation - well, the inlets gave me problems but that was it! Everything else was perfect. I take this as a Prowler problem with the different tolerances. It will be interesting to see if anyone else had the same problem with a '01 or higher. Maybe they changed the size of the exhaust pipes a bit? Sound and performance are FANTASTIC.

10. My kat definitely is now Sweet, Smooth & Sassy

posted 03-28-2002 08:30 PM                  

3. The initial sound has a nice sweet rumble... Much nicer sound than my straight pipes. The three other guys around the Tire Kingdom store (where I was borrowing their lift) said it sounded good...
4. Nice sound, again has a rumble. Not near as loud as straight pipes... Much more pleasant sound...
5. Hard to tell. Seems to have some improvement. But, many times it just because it sounds better... Again, not anywhere near as loud as straight pipes... I like the rumble sound... It seems less restrictive. I have the Dyno test scheduled for Monday (shop is closed for Good Friday).
6. At cruisin speed sounds quieter than stock. not any louder...
7. The SSS has a unique (not loud), but lopping low rumble sound to it...
8. Yes the SSS sound enhances the Prowler driving experience.
9. I'm happy with everything but the installation.. The fit has to be fixed... And, I haven't had a chance to talk with Jay yet... But, I could have the only SSS where the pipes diameter are just off a little....
10. Sweet, Smooth & Sassy effectively describes the sound...

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posted 03-28-2002 09:46 PM                  

FACT... regarding the size of the original exhaust pipes, they are "Metric" much to our surprise. Additionally, there is no source for "Metric" 304 Stainless tubing, so we had to re-size the current stock. It appears that our re-sizing was insufficient, either diameter wise or depth wise or both. Either way I am very disappointed that there was a problem.

FIX... the field (Hot Rodder's) fix is to remove the muffler and let a muffler shop, with their equipment, re-size these inlet pipes or return the muffler to me for a replacement... whatever you choose.

I am very THANKFUL for everyone's test input and comments. Also I am grateful for the dedicated Cat owners that are participating in helping make the SSS Muffler the finest product available. Be assured that this information will be used to correct any non-conformances for future production insuring the Cat owner's satisfaction... guaranteed!!!

Laddie, please give me a call @ 800 669 3540 ASAP tomorrow so that we can share some information on the installation. I am particularly interested in whether is was a diameter or a depth problem. Once these inlet pipe pieces are cut to length, one end is re-sized, then the other... the entire length can not be done in a single operation. It appears that only one end was actually resized and our final inspection failed to detect this.

Sorry that the Dyno test was delayed, but it will give us time to make this adjustment.

I sincerely appreciate the pictures... these will really help.

Again, THANKS for everything from everyone.

Sincerely, Jay

posted 03-29-2002 06:52 AM                  

Being I do not have any of the actual product to measure as they were all sent out, I am assuming that we must increase the inside diameter of these pipes by .010", being careful not to over do it, as we do want a very snug fit. Snug, very snug is what we were after, using the original Prowler clamps, which do not compress the pipes. Also we wanted to insure there would not be any possibility of a leak. With all that in mind, it appears that we have got to add some tolerance to these inlet pipes.

Another part of this scenario is that some of the pipes may not have been re-sized on both ends. The good news is that these field test uncovered a potential concern and the problem as it appears now is very easily corrected.

Prowler owners, being true Hot Rodders, can overcome this, fix the problem and make suggestions how to improve the product... all at the same time!

THANKS again to everyone.

NOTE to the remaining 4 SSS installations that are scheduled for today... check the inlet pipes for fit and if they do not slide on correctly, take the SSS muffler along with the original one to a muffler shop and have the SSS inlets re-sized first, using the original unit for a guide.

I apologize for this inconvenience but am really encouraged that everything else has exceeded everyone's expectations. Keep posting progress and comments over the weekend so that Monday I can review all the data, make the necessary changes and begin transforming some other rather docile Cats into the wild animals that they should be!

Sincerely, Jay

posted 03-29-2002 05:36 PM                  

ATTENTION TO THOSE THAT HAVE THIS INSTALLED - if your hangers are not vertical, check your tailpipes and make sure they are not rubbing on anything. My right tailpipe was rubbing on the chassis. If they are rubbing you will probably have to do what I did.

I also dropped by my prowler tech dealer and he hooked it up to the computer to check the O2 sensors and gave it his approval.

It only took the muffler shop about 20 minutes to take care of the problem but I was there for over an hour LOL. We may have a new kat owner in Ventura County... a customer dropped by to talk to the owner and he REALLY liked my car - he will have to get one of his own though.

------------------
Cliff Watson

2K1 Mulholland, Colorshift Flames, Mud Flaps, TGF Side Panels, TGF Bumper Covers, Eric Wolf Chrome Tranny Cooler, Blueberry Shimmers, Front Ceramic Pads, Homemade Top Brace, SSS Muffler

posted 03-29-2002 06:01 PM                  

1 - Here's a picture of the shipping box prior to opening. It arrived by Airborne and was in excellent condition.

Here's a shot of how well packed the muffler was

The installation instructions (including a picture of the SSS Stainless Specialties shop) was sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard and clearly labeled:

Here's what the muffler looked like in the box with the packing removed:

The first thing I noticed after taking the muffler out of the box was the "H" pipe design on both the inlet and the outlet:

posted 03-29-2002 06:01 PM                  

A comparison of the SSS and the stock Prowler muffler:

The inlet of both mufflers showing the clamps that needed to be removed from the stock muffler:

2 - Click here to view the SSS muffler installation instructions.
The installation was hampered slightly by the fact that the inlet tubing was just a little too small to slide over the pipes from the cats. I decided to take a Sawzall and cut all four slots on each inlet pipe about 3/4 of an inch further to allow the opening to spread futher and allow the muffler to seat into the cat pipes further.

Here's a shot of the fit after cutting the slot before I slid the clamp forward to tighten it:

I also had a difficult time getting the clamps off of the old muffler and needed to use the Sawzall to remove them because the tack weld on mine was too large to just chisel off. I decided to look at some other stock mufflers that were sitting in my garage and noticed that some had light tack welds and others were larger. I spoke with Jay about this and he is in the process of trying to run down the OEM of the stock clamps to possibly include them with the kit.

As Jay and others have said there's a difference in the tubing on the inlet, but I also found that the outlet tubing was slightly smaller in OD from the stock muffler. This resulted in a loose fit with the tail pipe even with the clamp tightened as much as possible. The solution was to remove the spacer located in the middle of the clamp bolt. I was then able to tighten the clamp far enough to get a tight fit.

Once the tubing sizes are corrected, I would say installation will be a breeze! I would like to see Jay include two new clamps and a small tube of anti-seize, as not everyone has it sitting around in their garage and it would save a trip to the store.

BTW, before installation, I would recommend spraying WD-40 on the rubber tail pipe isolation hangers to ease in the removal of the tail pipe from the hanger.

3 - After starting the kat I noticed that the idle was much throatier and deeper sounding. I would say that I prefer the sound of the SSS muffler to the stock at idle.

4 - At full throttle, the sound was a lot louder and deeper than the stock muffler. I would have to say that it was pleasantly lounder without any harsh or raspy sound.

5 - By the seat of the pants "Butt Dyno" the car seemed more responsive and accelerated nicely.

6 - At crusing speed, the SSS muffler sounded very close to the stock muffler with no noticable droning noise like some other performance mufflers do.

7 - The SSS is definately unique sounding and lends itself to improving the hotrod image of the Prowler.

8 - The SSS does make driving the Kat more exciting.

9 - Beside the tubing fit problem (which Jay is correcting), I would have to say that I'm totally satisfied with not only the customer service and fast shipping that Jay provides, but the SSS is a high quality product that makes the Prowler more fun to drive and enjoy!

10 - The SSS muffler is truley Sweet, Smooth & Sassy. A big thank you goes out to Jay for another fine product!

posted 03-29-2002 09:34 PM                  

I positioned the clamps directly over the gap and I don't hear any leakage.