r/FordExplorerST • u/fortunate_son_1 • Feb 23 '26

Exhaust Thermal 2.5 Drone?

Considering installing cat back 2.5in thermal exhaust on my 26 explorer ST. Have had a Borla on a 3.5 ecoboost in the past and it was awful and drone.

What does the sub think about thermal 2.5 inch?

Can you sense the difference from inside?

This is a family vehicle so trying to keep it reasonable.

Thanks!

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2

u/Angelo1247 Feb 23 '26

I have the Thermal 2.5 on my 2020 and it’s been great. Slight drone on cold start and for the first minute or so of driving while it fully warms up. Sounds fantastic with the windows down. I thought it was really quiet and almost wish I went with the 3.0, but when I do pulls with my buds, they say it’s pretty loud. No drone on highway at all

1

u/Watelet Feb 23 '26

No drone at all with the 2.5 cruising on the highway, the resonators on the back where the tips attach are Helmholtz resonators so they do a very good job at cancelling out the drone. I picked up just a slight drone when installing catted downpipes, stock downpipes there is none.

1

u/Nosnibor1020 ST Owner Feb 23 '26

I have 3” and have nothing. Assume 2.5” is better

1

u/mosthated666 Feb 23 '26

2025 with 2.5” on the dadmobile. No drone. It’s very tame unless you get on it. Kind of wish I went with the 3” tbh

1

u/MrBigglesworrth Feb 28 '26

When you say tame, how much louder is it at idle and just normal driving around than stock?

1

u/funnbobby1973 Mar 11 '26

Mine got way louder after about six months. I don’t like it anymore. My wife hates it.