2002 SANTE with Fresh Air Exhaust system

[bezoar551]

I recently purchased a used 02 SANTE with an 8.1 L (425hp) engine with the Fresh Air Exhaust (FAE) system. The engine is big and loud which is nice, but when we are slow cruising the engine noise is distracting as we try to converse with others in the boat. The FAE makes the engine noise purr quietly, but we have had to replace both gaskets on the exhaust manifolds and the **** thing keeps bumping off the exhaust flanges.

Anyone have any experience with this system or have had the same problems? Any problems with possible back pressure causing the gaskets to blow? I love this system, but I don't want to have to keep paying to replace these gaskets.

I know some will think we are crazy to muffle this loud bad *** engine, but it's sure nice to have it quiet at slow speeds.

[crowmobe540]

RE: 2002 SANTE with Fresh Air Exhaust system

I don't think it is crazy to muffle the loud engine. I don't know why they make them loud on a wakeboard boat. To me the quieter the better. The loud engine should be left for the cigarette boats. As for the gasket problem I don't have an answer. I know there is an aftermarket piece that you can buy that puts the exhaust down in the water. Makes it a lot quieter. PM me and I will give you the number of someone so call in Austin if you are interested.

[bezoar551]

Thanks for the input. I would be interested to hear form anyone who has ideas on muffling this engine.

[krs0394]

What is a FAE (Fresh Air Exhaust System)???

[clubmyke]

is this the fresh air system you are referring to ?

http://www.freshairexhaust.com/

[bezoar551]

is this the fresh air system you are referring to ?

http://www.freshairexhaust.com/

Yes, that 's the system. I believe it was originally devised to help reduce carbon monoxide gases from the back of the boat for benefit those who wake surf - (since you have to be right next to the boat to catch the steepest part of the wake), but as of yet I haven't tried that. However, I've found that it reduces the engine exhaust noise considerably. I can hardly hear the engine at all.

For me, I need to make this system work, if it's safe for the boat, or find another way of quieting the engine noise. I love the boat, but a big part of our boating is cruising with a bunch of friends and the noise is too distracting. Any suggestions would be welcome. I don't want to give up the boat on account of this.

The mechanic at the dealership told me that a lot of people spend $5,000 to make thier boats sound loud like mine and here I am trying to quiet it down. I fell in love with the notion of the big block 8.1 liter 425 hp engine. The more power the better, right?.... Be careful what you wish for ... (425 hp is awesome, I must say!!) Maybe I have to take the good with the "bad".

[Miljack]

Bezo,
I know what you're talking about with the engine noise. We have a Pro Air Python, and my wife loves the noise the thing makes, SOMETIMES, but she also wants it quiet for those "putt-putt" cruises with friends. I've explored a couple of options, the one that I found that makes the most sense is a "captain's call" through hull mufflers. These look like the chrome tips you see on the new Malibus, inboard side is where the switch gear lives. It's not cheap, but should provide the best of both worlds.

When you stated that you had to replace the exhaust gaskets, is that between the head and the manifold, or where the elbows bolt to the manifolds? You can probably find some "tougher" gasket material if needed.

Jack

[bezoar551]

To my knowledge it's the gasket between the head and the manifold. I'll ask the mechanic if this continues.

How much are we talking about the captain's call? Ballpark .....

[clubmyke]

The FAE makes the engine noise purr quietly, but we have had to replace both gaskets on the exhaust manifolds and the darn thing keeps bumping off the exhaust flanges.

this is news on the fae system......any other prob;ems with it...[/i]

[NAUTIQUEjunky]

I have a friend with the python in his 02 SAN, from what I understand Correct Craft did not put a muffler on the python because of to many perfomance issues and reliabilty reasons as well. They just coulnd't find one that would hold up to the tremedous exhaust temps and exhaust pressure that the big block produces. The gaskets you are replacing are probably going to be a ongoing task with your aftermarket mufflers.. Any body who is familer with that engine could tell you it is not a engine that is good for passengers who like to talk to each other alot.. We we pulling my wife behind his the other night and it was all we could do to hear each other sitting right next to one another. But you have got to love the power this engine produces which is why most CC fans want it in the first place.

[bezoar551]

I was afraid of that response. I have a tiger by the tail.... thanks for the input.

Anyone interested in buying this tiger?