The FMF Titanium Powercore Slip-on

By Danny Brault
Photos by Allison Kennedy

The Product: FMF Ti Powercore Slip-on

The Weapon: 2007 KTM 450 SXF (Available for most makes and models.)

Online: www.fmfracing.com

Canadian Distributors: www.partscanada.com, www.motovan.com

Cost: $404.95 CDN


First impression:

Short, small and light are the first characteristics you notice when holding the FMF Ti Powercore muffler. While those qualities lead to enhanced performance, they also lead to increased sound output. However, FMF states on their website that the Ti Powercore won’t blow over 100 dB and that is true. At the first three rounds of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals, with the FMF muffler bolted on, our 450 SXF registered 98 dB consistently. It’s not the quietest system, but it’s not the loudest either. FMF also offers a noise insert to lower the dB as well.

The Ti Powercore system features a titanium canister and formed endcap, stainless steel formed front endcap and midpipe, and advanced multistage packing. The muffler was easy to install and didn’t require a rubber mallet or chicken wire to fit properly.

 

Installing the FMF Powercore is easy; simply remove the two bolts from the subframe, take off your stock muffler and replace it with the Powercore. The stock muffler uses springs, but the Powercore doesn't, but don't worry--it stays in place.

Track Tested:

I didn’t believe FMF’s Steve Matthes when he told me that a muffler could make a difference. I know that’s ignorant of me since Matthes has worked on factory race teams, but I just couldn’t see how a slip-on would change anything other than sound. Fortunately, for once in my life, I was wrong.

With the Powercore installed, I hit start and listened to the new, deeper, more aggressive sound emitting from the can. Judging by sound alone, I figured I must have gained at least four horsepower, but the true test would come on the track. I found the Ti Powercore made a difference in three ways: It gave the 450 SXF better throttle response, improved power (just a little bit) from bottom to top, and allowed me to rev it out a little further in each gear. I’ve been racing and riding with the Powercore for over month, and have yet to suffer any issues.

 

Can a muffler make a difference? It sure can. With the Powercore, I found it improved throttle response and gave the 450 SXF just a hint more power throughout.

The Verdict:

If you’ve smashed up your muffler or are looking to make minor improvements to throttle response, power and over-rev, without breaking the bank, then the FMF Ti Powercore may be your solution.

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