FAQs

What is True Helmholtz Technology and why does it matter?

In plain English, it’s the science that kills the drone. Technically speaking, a Helmholtz resonator is a precise frequency-canceling chamber built into our exhaust systems. We engineer these chambers to target the specific frequencies that cause the annoying drone you'll hear in other exhaust systems - usually at highway cruising speeds, or around 1800 RPM.

Will a Thermal R&D Performance exhaust make my car drone on the highway?

No. In fact, that's our claim to fame. Because we utilize True Helmholtz Technology, our systems have a drone-free exhaust sound. You get the performance tone you want without the headache-inducing hum inside the cabin.

What kind of material do you use to make your exhausts?

Every Thermal R&D system is constructed from T304 Stainless Steel. This is the premium standard for exhaust manufacturing because it is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning your exhaust will likely outlast the car itself.

Will I see performance gains, or is this just for sound?

While sound is a huge part of the experience, we engineer for flow, too. Our systems feature mandrel-bent tubing to keep airflow smooth and unrestricted. Every vehicle is different, but an upgraded exhaust system generally frees up horsepower and torque when compared to the restrictive stock exhaust.

Do you offer a warranty?

Absolutely. We stand behind our craftsmanship with a Limited Lifetime Warranty for the original purchaser. As long as you own the vehicle and the system was installed correctly and used as intended (and not used for racing/commercial purposes), we cover defects in material and workmanship, including blowouts. Note: You’ll need your proof of purchase, so keep that receipt handy!

How much is shipping?

If you live in the lower 48 contiguous United States, shipping is on us. For international orders or shipments to Alaska and Hawaii, please contact us for a quote before ordering.

What is your return policy?

We accept returns on new, unused products within 30 days of delivery. A few things to keep in mind:

• The system must be in its original packaging - it cannot have been installed or modified.
• There is a standard 15% restocking fee on returns.
• You (the customer) are responsible for return shipping costs.
• Made to order or special order items may have different terms or higher restocking fees (up to 25%).

Can I install your exhaust systems myself?

Many of our customers are DIY enthusiasts and install these systems in their driveways. Most of our systems are designed to be bolt-on replacements. However, exhaust work can be tricky (rusted bolts, tight clearances), so if you aren't comfortable working under a car, we always recommend taking it to a professional shop.

Do I need to tune my car after installing an exhaust?

For most of our systems, no tuning is required. You can bolt it on and go. However, if you are combining our exhaust with other modifications (like downpipes, intakes, or headers), a tune might be optimal to get the most out of your build.

Can I talk to a real person about my order?

Absolutely - if you prefer online contact, reach us here or email us at info@thermalrd.com. You can also call us at 661-464-1162, Mon-Fri, 9-5 PST.

Where are Thermal R&D Performance systems made?

Our systems are built right here in the USA, at our facility based in Southern California.

Do you ever offer coupons or discount codes?

We build high-quality, custom exhaust systems and price them fairly - so you won’t find discount or coupon codes at 3rd party sites for our products. However, we do occasionally offer discounts of our own on particular systems or at specific times of year. Stay tuned to our socials for the latest info!