Sorry, stupid EL vs. UEL question... - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Tromatic · 05-30-2014, 05:00 PM

I'm sure it's right in front of my face. Feel free to call me a dope but at least provide a link. The stock car has an EL header, which is why it does not sound like a typical boxer, correct? The various UEL headers are what would make the FR-S sound like a typical Boxer, correct? I DO NOT want it to sound like a typical boxer, so I need to look at aftermarket EL headers, correct? Thanks!

gramicci101 · 05-30-2014, 05:02 PM

That is correct. The uneven tube lengths are what produce the signature burble of a boxer engine. There are some decent EL headers out there to choose from.

skyloran · 05-30-2014, 05:07 PM

UEL makes better sounds...my 2cents

tahdizzle · 05-30-2014, 05:08 PM

The header in the FRS/BRZ is slightly UEL. which is why it doesn't sound "typical", but if you want a standard engine note, then EL is whatcha want.

Tromatic · 05-30-2014, 05:32 PM

Thanks! While I do like a (by my standards) non-obnoxious boxer sound, it's not what I want 'cuz I don't have a Subaru!*

* Joke

ETA: I have the OFT and am looking for a header. My intent is to keep the stock exhaust, but that may change if necessary. I know a header is only a part of it. In addition to a bit better performance, I'm looking for a particular sound. I dislike fartcans. If it's a track car, knock yourself out, though. The best way I can describe it is the difference between a Ducati and HD exhaust note.* A Ducati has a phlegm-clearing thump, a HD has broken farm implement bark. I am not seeking noise, in fact the opposite. Quiet, unobtrusive law-breaking is my goal.

* To me, HD's sound like ass.

johnnyfast11 · 05-30-2014, 05:38 PM

oem headers are extremely muffled. dont matter UEL or EL. it wont give you sound.

you know that already.

Tromatic · 05-30-2014, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyfast11

oem headers are extremely muffled. dont matter UEL or EL. it wont give you sound.

you know that already.

If by "sound" you mean volume, I'm seeking the opposite.

chiefshayan · 05-30-2014, 05:46 PM

IIRC, a lot of cars are unequal length. The rumble is present because of how Subaru puts the engine together. The UEL header promotes the boxer rumble. Even an EL header on an STI will still have the boxer rumble.

nelsmar · 05-30-2014, 05:46 PM

Boxers don't have a sound...

And if you don't want the UEL sound don't get one. Unfortunately there really isn't much out that seems to perform well enough to justify the cost for el. All of the good performing headers seem to be UEL

Also these cars are quite raspy with a el header so if you are you okay with lots of rasp you may want to keep the oem header or get a very well muffled exhaust.

Shagaliscious · 05-30-2014, 05:56 PM

This might be what you are looking for. He has a JDL EL header, the rest of his exhaust is aftermarket though. I think it sounds fantastic.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK1hgwwSiGQ"]FR-S + JDL EL catted + Nameless + Perrin catback: Drive-Bys - YouTube[/ame]

Tromatic · 05-30-2014, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shagaliscious

This might be what you are looking for. He has a JDL EL header, the rest of his exhaust is aftermarket though. I think it sounds fantastic.

ETA: At risk of contradicting myself, that sounds awesome. Loud Subaru's are a dime a dozen around here and I know without looking what the car will look like. THAT would make me look to see what it was.

ramiram1984 · 05-30-2014, 06:53 PM

still hate how our cars make more noise than what it moves. hope this sort of answers your question.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6ULcSDXn88"]DGM BRZ & SILVER FR-S = headers & exhaust on both - YouTube[/ame]

Digitalanalog · 05-30-2014, 06:59 PM

i guess im in some far off category. i dont like the rumble on the brz, nor am i a fan of the the way the el headers sound either. i would love someone to make a header similar to stock sounds but better performance.

mike the snake · 05-30-2014, 07:16 PM

I have an EL header with my FB turbo kit. I LOVE the sound, it is smooth and clear like an inline 4. I'm not a fan of the Subie rumble unless it's at 6 or 7000 rpms' or better.

05-30-2014, 05:00 PM	#1
Tromatic Banned Join Date: May 2013 Drives: FR-S Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,232 Thanks: 61 Thanked 1,728 Times in 786 Posts Mentioned: 19 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Sorry, stupid EL vs. UEL question... I'm sure it's right in front of my face. Feel free to call me a dope but at least provide a link. The stock car has an EL header, which is why it does not sound like a typical boxer, correct? The various UEL headers are what would make the FR-S sound like a typical Boxer, correct? I DO NOT want it to sound like a typical boxer, so I need to look at aftermarket EL headers, correct? Thanks!

05-30-2014, 05:07 PM	#3
skyloran Honeydew old ID Join Date: May 2014 Drives: GT86 Location: California Posts: 222 Thanks: 7 Thanked 43 Times in 33 Posts Mentioned: 2 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	UEL makes better sounds...my 2cents __________________ Used to owned M3 and Lotus, but love my GT86 the most.

05-30-2014, 05:46 PM	#9
nelsmar Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Drives: FR-S Location: Phoenix Posts: 2,605 Thanks: 733 Thanked 2,361 Times in 1,031 Posts Mentioned: 345 Post(s) Tagged: 3 Thread(s)	Boxers don't have a sound... And if you don't want the UEL sound don't get one. Unfortunately there really isn't much out that seems to perform well enough to justify the cost for el. All of the good performing headers seem to be UEL Also these cars are quite raspy with a el header so if you are you okay with lots of rasp you may want to keep the oem header or get a very well muffled exhaust. __________________ When I grow up, I wanna be God. My flickr - *Canibeat* Local magazine scout Old Setup: Vortech Supercharged 360WHP/262WTQ @ 11.5psi My build thread - WTF happened to nelsmar's car thread

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
stupid question about brz	andrewmay9	BRZ First-Gen (2012+) -- General Topics	55	05-17-2014 03:10 AM
Really stupid question regarding oil	hansthegerman	Mechanical Maintenance (Oil, Fluids, Break-In, Servicing)	9	10-08-2013 07:56 AM
Potentially headlight stupid question	BentAnat	Cosmetic Modification (Interior/Exterior/Lighting)	7	08-21-2013 02:32 AM
Stupid Question on Controls	Naughty	AFRICA	32	04-19-2013 04:51 AM
Stupid Question	Canibuz	Engine, Exhaust, Transmission	24	03-05-2012 09:50 AM

05-30-2014, 05:02 PM	#2
gramicci101 Off Topic Join Date: Feb 2014 Drives: 2014 Subaru BRZ Limited Location: Vegas, baby! Posts: 4,610 Thanks: 2,369 Thanked 4,243 Times in 2,170 Posts Mentioned: 43 Post(s) Tagged: 3 Thread(s)	That is correct. The uneven tube lengths are what produce the signature burble of a boxer engine. There are some decent EL headers out there to choose from.

05-30-2014, 05:32 PM	#5
Tromatic Banned Join Date: May 2013 Drives: FR-S Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,232 Thanks: 61 Thanked 1,728 Times in 786 Posts Mentioned: 19 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Thanks! While I do like a (by my standards) non-obnoxious boxer sound, it's not what I want 'cuz I don't have a Subaru!* * Joke ETA: I have the OFT and am looking for a header. My intent is to keep the stock exhaust, but that may change if necessary. I know a header is only a part of it. In addition to a bit better performance, I'm looking for a particular sound. I dislike fartcans. If it's a track car, knock yourself out, though. The best way I can describe it is the difference between a Ducati and HD exhaust note.* A Ducati has a phlegm-clearing thump, a HD has broken farm implement bark. I am not seeking noise, in fact the opposite. Quiet, unobtrusive law-breaking is my goal. * To me, HD's sound like ass.

05-30-2014, 05:38 PM	#6
johnnyfast11 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Drives: none yet Location: Houston Posts: 187 Thanks: 42 Thanked 67 Times in 57 Posts Mentioned: 2 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	oem headers are extremely muffled. dont matter UEL or EL. it wont give you sound. you know that already.

05-30-2014, 05:46 PM	#8
chiefshayan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Drives: 2013 AT Firestorm FRS Location: Berkeley Posts: 433 Thanks: 185 Thanked 184 Times in 88 Posts Mentioned: 7 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	IIRC, a lot of cars are unequal length. The rumble is present because of how Subaru puts the engine together. The UEL header promotes the boxer rumble. Even an EL header on an STI will still have the boxer rumble.

05-30-2014, 06:59 PM	#13
Digitalanalog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Drives: '13 BRZ Limited, '95 BMW M3 Location: Colorado Posts: 104 Thanks: 13 Thanked 67 Times in 25 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	i guess im in some far off category. i dont like the rumble on the brz, nor am i a fan of the the way the el headers sound either. i would love someone to make a header similar to stock sounds but better performance.

05-30-2014, 07:16 PM	#14
mike the snake Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Drives: 2013 BRZ Location: Norcal Posts: 1,592 Thanks: 1 Thanked 623 Times in 378 Posts Mentioned: 15 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	I have an EL header with my FB turbo kit. I LOVE the sound, it is smooth and clear like an inline 4. I'm not a fan of the Subie rumble unless it's at 6 or 7000 rpms' or better.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password