HKS Exhaust Choices - Which one do I go with?
 

There's been a lot of confusion on HKS exhausts and what the differences are in each one. Looking at the HKS USA website, it's not real clear on what the differences are. We're working on clarifying on the website, but I wanted to give an overview of the different options and exactly what the differences really are.

To begin with, there are two main categories of exhausts HKS has for the BRZ/FR-S. The Hi-Power and Legamax. Hi-Power is going to be the one that makes the most power, while Legamax is designed to be a more tolerable sound for daily driving but doesn't quite put out the same power.

Let's start with Legamax.

There are two types of Legamax exhausts. Legamax Sports and Legamax Premium. Legamax Sports uses a dual muffler design whereas the Legamax Premium uses a single horizontally mounted muffler. The Legamax Premium is available as a cat-back or axle-back, and the Legamax Sports is available with either single or dual tips.

Legamax Sports Cat-Back (Dual Tip)
Part #: 32018-AF009
MSRP: $1700
Stainless Steel Dual Tips, Dual Exit Exhaust

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...09_muffler.jpg https://youtu.be/Q39_kr66OPQ

Legamax Sports Cat-Back (Single Tip)
Part #: 32018-AT041
MSRP: $1500
Stainless Steel Single Tips, Dual Exit Exhaust

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...41_muffler.jpg https://youtu.be/2mRLIBx05R0

Legamax Premium Axle-Back
Part #: 32018-AT039
MSRP: $899
Stainless Steel Single Tips, Dual Exit Exhaust

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...39_muffler.jpg

Legamax Premium Cat-Back
Part #: 32018-AT040
MSRP: $899
Stainless Steel Single Tips, Dual Exit Exhaust

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...40_muffler.jpg

Moving on to the Hi-Power exhaust, there are 3 options from HKS. The Hi-Power Spec L is available with either titanium tips or carbon-wrapped tips, and the Hi-Power Racing exhaust is a single exit exhaust that will give you the most power.

Hi-Power Spec L w/ Carbon-Wrapped Tips
Part #: 32016-AT023
MSRP: $980
Carbon-Wrapped Single Tips, Dual Exit Exhaust

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...23_muffler.jpg https://youtu.be/OfqhyWRSKSg

Hi-Power Spec L w/ Titanium Tips
Part # : 32016-BT001
MSRP: $980
Titanium Single Tips, Dual Exit Exhaust

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...32016bt001.jpg

Hi-Power Racing
Part #: 32016-BT002
MSRP: $600
Titanium Single Tip, Single Exit Exhaust

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...32016bt002.jpg

In addition to the cat-back and axle-back exhaust systems HKS offers, we also offer 2 different header options and front pipe.

4-2-1 Exhaust Manifold (w/out cat)
Part #: 33002-BT001
MSRP: $799

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...33002bt001.jpg

4-1 UEL Exhaust Manifold (w/ cat)
Part #: 33005-AF018
MSRP: $1280

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...05af018_p2.jpg http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...05af018_p1.jpg

Front Pipe (w/out cat)
Part #: 33004-BT002
MSRP: $350

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...04bt002_p1.jpg

And finally, there are some combo packages available.

Exhaust Manifold & Front Pipe (*with* hi-flow cat) [fits 6MT only]
Part #: 33005-AT006
MSRP: $2200

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...33005at006.jpg

Hi-Power Spec L w/ Carbon tips & Exhaust Manifold & Front Pipe (w/ hi-flow cat) [fits 6MT only]
Part #: 32025-AT001
MSRP: $3300

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...32016at023.jpg

+

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...33005at006.jpg

Legamax Sports Cat-Back & Exhaust Manifold & Front Pipe (w/ hi-flow cat) [fits 6MT only]
Part #: 32025-AT002
MSRP: $3160

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/product_d...32018at041.jpg

+

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...33005at006.jpg

Hopefully that clears up some confusion and helps you pick the right one!

So which of the catbacks/axle backs is the quietest?

The first one listed, Legamax Sports with dual tips will be the quietest. Stock measures 82 db and that one measures 86 db.

Actually, if you have the info available. A ranking of quietest to loudest, and lightest to heaviest would be very helpful. It has taken me weeks to research Catbacks, and I am still trying to get all the info sorted to help make a good decision.

Good to know. I've already been doing research about this and contemplating switching since my Injen exhaust is too loud/droney.

From quietest to loudest:

Legamax Sports Cat-Back Dual Tip - 86 db
Legamax Sports Cat-Back Single Tip - 88 db
Hi-Power Spec L Cat-Back Carbon Tips - 90 db
Legamax Premium Cat-Back or Axle-Back - 91 db
Hi-Power Spec L Cat-Back Titanium Tips - 93 db
Hi-Power Racing - 104 db

From lightest to heaviest:

Hi-Power Racing - 23 lbs
Hi-Power Spec L Cat-Back Titanium Tips - 27 lbs
Legamax Premium Axle-Back - 32 lbs
Hi-Power Spec L Cat-Back Carbon Tips - 34 lbs
Legamax Sports Cat-Back Single Tip - 50 lbs
Legamax Premium Cat-Back - 51 lbs
Legamax Sports Cat-Back Dual Tip - 58 lbs

Excellent info. Thank you. This is helpful.


Interesting (thought not too surprising) that there is almost (I said, almost) a perfect inverse relationship between those two lists

Single Hi-Power because i loved it on my SW20

Do you have dB readings for your exhausts with your catless header and catless front pipe also installed?

Sorry but we do not have the data for the header. However, here is the sound data for the front pipe:

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...04bt002_g2.png

I just installed your HKS uncatted EL header, dual resonated front pipe, and Legamax Premium catback. Very satisfied with the results. Hoping to get it dyno tuned soon(on a OTS map currently). I don't have any current decibel recordings, but it's very manageable on the highway. :burnrubber:

Will you be releasing a 3" exhaust anytime soon?

The Hi-Power Racing exhaust is 3".

You should totally be pushing your boxer spec manifold.

This video
https://youtu.be/JTqoqnUGrpU?t=1m55s :burnrubber:

Hubba hubba - that is one sexy note! :party0030:

The Flash Editor that comes with that manifold is not compatible with USDM ECU's, so we aren't selling that system in the U.S.

A shame :( That is one of the sweetest BRZ exhaust notes I've heard... and I've consumed a LOT of BRZ videos.

I'm in Australia - so not sure about the status here.

I have the hi power single and it is LOUD! lol I like it with my turbo brz. Was going to check out to see if you guys had a 3 inch front pipe to match it. But anyhow What is that crazy looking resonator called that comes off the side of the Hi power single exits mid pipe?

Um...a resonator? It doesn't have a name, it's just part of the design. We don't have a 3" front pipe available.

HAHA, thats funny. Now i have to go clean coffee off of my keyboard.

lmao. I thought maybe there was a special name for it its so weird that it separates from the exhaust piping.

Sorry for the vague question. I meant will you be releasing a dual 3" like the Greddy Evo GT.

I'm not aware of any plans right now to release any more designs for this platform.

Thank you for the response!

Question about the Legamax Sports Quad Tip: are they ever sold WITHOUT the trim pieces?

I see this exhaust being sold for different prices online and I'm wondering if those trim pieces are the reason for the variance.

No, they are included in the system. If you see price variances online, it's just differences in the retailer and their markup. The prices I listed are MSRP, so everything you see online should be that price or cheaper.

why no overpipe!?

Awesome, that makes my shopping around easier.

Another question, is the rear bumper modification easy enough that the usual shop I go to can handle that at the same time as the exhaust installation, or should I go to a body shop first for that? (Cant do any of it myself, no driveway or garage space)

EDIT: And, in the video linked on the first post, is that the Legamax Sports without any other exhaust mods?

When it first was released there was supposedly a push to have it released to the USDM market without the flash editor at a discounted price, I'm guessing that fell through?


I like the sound so much I've been tempted to have the thing imported and just never use the flash editor...

I haven't done much comparison among UEL headers, but does the HKS one really sound that different from other quality UEL headers out there?

I figured the appeal of the package for the JDM was the fact that it comes with a flash editor so you dont need a custom tune.

The bumper modification is straight forward and doesn't require a body shop. Any shop that is installing the exhaust can easily do the bumper as well.

And yes, that is a Legamax Sports with no other mods.

That's interesting. I'll have to check on that. That happened before I joined HKS. But there seems to be some interest in this manifold because I've been asked about it a few times this past week.

I will see if we can get Japan to split the kit up and sell a non-FE version for the U.S. I'm not sure how critical having the FE tune on it is, but I'll ask.

I just got the dual resonated front pipe with the Legamax premium cat back. I have UEL and overpipe. The sound is great and it's actually pretty quiet. A tiny bit quieter than I would have liked but I haven't had any drone yet. Haven't tried it at 80mph but I didn't notice any when I past the 4000rpm mark so I'm not expecting to encounter any under normal conditions. Quality was good and finish was much wow, so many shiny.

I have a Legamax Premium as well. I will be putting on a Tomei UEL very soon so I'm actually happy to hear that the end result isn't stupid loud. I don't want constant headaches :bellyroll:

It appears to have the largest difference in runner length, leading to a very pronounced sound that I haven't heard on any other header. HKS tuned the header for the sound from what I've read. Apparently it doesn't make the power some other headers do (HKS compares it to their own EL header saying the EL makes more power), but the sound...


[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhZWtmuxuto"]SUBARU BRZ BOXER SOUND EXHAUST SYSTEM LIGHT DEEP Package - YouTube[/ame]



If it happens, and it's price is competitive with others on the market, you'll likely sell quite a few.


Us old school guys love HKS :party0030:

https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url...acks/250440906

I like my HKS legamax sports. it sound great when WOT, but it's so silent when city driving - almost same as stock .

Hey, so as it turns out, this UEL header *is* available by itself, however, we don't have it listed on our website. I will fix that today. I'll get it added up there as well as edit the first post in this thread with that addition.

Question about that header then. Is it catted or not? I tried looking it up and apparently theres a small high flow cat jammed in at the end there but i cant tell.

Yes, the UEL header includes a cat. The EL header does not.

Ok guys! Updated the thread with the Boxer Spec UEL header and also added it to the www.hksusa.com website!

Can we get a catless version of the UEL? Not interested in adding a cat back in but I wouldn't mind adding another HKS part to my exhaust