2017 BRZ Vs. 2005 Boxter S Vs. 2016 WRX Vs……

[rennlistuser3]

Originally Posted by daiheadjai

First time I testdrove a GTS (working summer at a Toyota dealership), I burned the clutch bad.... The poor thing.... Even considered a XRS Matrix to get the 2zz at one pooint.

When I first took my BRZ home, I thought something was wrong - it sounded like a dump truck (living in a condo, all sounds get amplified, especially the not-so-nice ones). The humble inline 4 in the GT sounded like music to me.
I did wish the BRZ/FRS was a hatch though - but I'm so glad I ended up in the BRZ instead of the Genesis Coupe I had originally been planning on.

We're practically identical in the way we think about cars. I too thought the BRZ sounded like a dump truck when I was in it at the dealer first time (this is at idle, the sound improves when you rev), and I too thought the inline 4 of the Celica GT sounded much better. This opinion is not shared by other members here though so I guess it's subjective.

Also, same thing I wish the BRZ was a hatch like the Celica but I guess there is no way for them to make it one without losing rigidity so oh well.

Also same thing in finding the WRX a relatively boring car to drive. I honestly just hated how it understeered like a FWD on the limit, just taking away the fun. The BRZ is like a glove, an extension of your own body, the WRX is a fast car. Two different things.

And heck yeah! BRZ >>> Genesis Coupe!! it's a different breed of car.

[WolfpackS2k]

I would agree with the sound of different 4 cylinder engines. I much prefer the sound of the B17A under the hood of my GS-R to that emitted from the FA20. It's not entirely a fair comparison though as the GS-R's engine has the standard I/H/E upgrades that really let it sing. And sing it does, up to 8100 rpm.

[rennlistuser3]

Originally Posted by WolfpackS2k

I would agree with the sound of different 4 cylinder engines. I much prefer the sound of the B17A under the hood of my GS-R to that emitted from the FA20. It's not entirely a fair comparison though as the GS-R's engine has the standard I/H/E upgrades that really let it sing. And sing it does, up to 8100 rpm.

Never had a GS-R before but I bet it is one of the best sounding 4 potters. That engine is legendary by now.

I still want an NSX to this day! one day if I find my time and finances allowing it, I will have a car collection and an NSX will be in my garage.

[Ganthrithor]

Maybe I'm just weird but I don't really like the UEL sound on the BRZ. It suits STIs cause it's their thing, but I prefer the EL sound on the BRZ. I feel like the BRZ exhaust sounds pretty good as long as you ditch the stock cat-back-- that thing makes it sound like a over-stressed vacuum cleaner.

[TylerLieberman]

^

You’re right; UEL on 86/BRZ is absolutely disgusting

[bfrank1972]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

^

You’re right; UEL on 86/BRZ is absolutely disgusting

I second that. Sounds like my old 73 porsche when my plug wires needed replacing

I also personally disagree on the honda 4 banger compared to BRZ/FR-S with a good exhaust setup. I like the hondas. and maybe it's just because my FR-S has grown on me, but having a good EL header + the right muffler make the FA20 sound really unique and borderline 'exotic'. For reference, my setup is a P&L 4-1 header + greddy sp elite, I absolutely love the way it sounds. Stock was very meh, and some aftermarket setups sound terrible to me, so getting the right aftermarket exhaust mods makes a big difference on this car. Only minor complaint I have is my current tune has a pretty big midrange overlap and you hear a bit of valvetrain noise as you cross that RPM range.

[dowroa]

I respectfully disagree. Been around Subarus since the 90s. Back when the NA's used to have UEL stock.

Many a' rallyX car with the UELs. They sounded amazing.

Maybe just the relatable experience?

[rennlistuser3]

Originally Posted by bfrank1972

I second that. Sounds like my old 73 porsche when my plug wires needed replacing

I also personally disagree on the honda 4 banger compared to BRZ/FR-S with a good exhaust setup. I like the hondas. and maybe it's just because my FR-S has grown on me, but having a good EL header + the right muffler make the FA20 sound really unique and borderline 'exotic'. For reference, my setup is a P&L 4-1 header + greddy sp elite, I absolutely love the way it sounds. Stock was very meh, and some aftermarket setups sound terrible to me, so getting the right aftermarket exhaust mods makes a big difference on this car. Only minor complaint I have is my current tune has a pretty big midrange overlap and you hear a bit of valvetrain noise as you cross that RPM range.

Thanks for the setup reference, I'll check it out, I am looking to fix the sound of my BRZ but not sure how far I'll go if anything at all

but yeah sound is subjective I guess and as can be seen some will be fans of UEL and others will like EL and so on...

[TylerLieberman]

Originally Posted by bfrank1972

I second that. Sounds like my old 73 porsche when my plug wires needed replacing

I also personally disagree on the honda 4 banger compared to BRZ/FR-S with a good exhaust setup. I like the hondas. and maybe it's just because my FR-S has grown on me, but having a good EL header + the right muffler make the FA20 sound really unique and borderline 'exotic'. For reference, my setup is a P&L 4-1 header + greddy sp elite, I absolutely love the way it sounds. Stock was very meh, and some aftermarket setups sound terrible to me, so getting the right aftermarket exhaust mods makes a big difference on this car. Only minor complaint I have is my current tune has a pretty big midrange overlap and you hear a bit of valvetrain noise as you cross that RPM range.

Personally, I found that if the resonator in the stock midpipe was left alone, a good exhaust note could be easily achieved (with ELH). I’ve heard so many exhausts that sounded tinny, raspy, and just flat out annoying; and every single one had a catback that was without a resonator in the mid pipe.

My car ran Tomei ELH and a muffled single exit Nameless axleback. Exhaust note was super smooth.

[bfrank1972]

Originally Posted by dowroa

I respectfully disagree. Been around Subarus since the 90s. Back when the NA's used to have UEL stock.

Many a' rallyX car with the UELs. They sounded amazing.

Maybe just the relatable experience?

Yup I hear you - just poking a little fun UEL is not to my taste but across the population of enthusiasts on this board it's probably the favored sound. Exhaust sound in general is extremely subjective. I'm old, so I favor more mellow tones etc.

[bfrank1972]

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

Personally, I found that if the resonator in the stock midpipe was left alone, a good exhaust note could be easily achieved (with ELH). I’ve heard so many exhausts that sounded tinny, raspy, and just flat out annoying; and every single one had a catback that was without a resonator in the mid pipe.

My car ran Tomei ELH and a muffled single exit Nameless axleback. Exhaust note was super smooth.

I think you're dead on - everything 'in the middle' is stock, just headers and axle back. And the headers also have a HFC as well. These cars can get loud and raspy pretty quickly, so my approach was to keep the mods as mellow as possible. I'll try to record some vids of the sound - not trying to sell mine as best, but I'm extremely happy with the sound and thought some folks might like the setup.

[chaoskaze]

I don't know but i just think with our car it's hard for good exhaust sound to be heard in the cabin & still be comfortable for daily and everything.






I found out that the easiest way to fix sound problem is changing out the intake scoop (ya in the bumper). Right now I have the beatrush one................ i gotta say it's putting a smile on my face.