Advice on exhaust before first tune!
 

Getting the car tuned (for the first time) with Delicious Tuning's Flex Fuel kit on Ecutek. Before I take it to the tuner I had a few questions.

2013 FRS, 50,000kms, Recall not completed and bone stock except for JDL UEL headers.

Looking to get the FP/OP combo from JDL and thinking of dual resonated and 3in. Dual resonated for the sound so its not obnoxious, 3in is in case I want to go turbo down the line. Any reason to go 2.5 instead?

Additionally, would it be worth to also install an aftermarket catback and/or mid pipe (also probably going to be JDL) to maximize tuning results or do they make no difference so I can tackle those pieces later?

Lastly, I am given the option to choose a donut or flat flange option for the FP/OP combo. Any idea which one I need?

If you are NA anything past the headers is within the margin of error for a tune. whatever you want because of price, sound, or looks, is the "best'. I do like my jdl ultra quiet and would recommend it. I also have a regular flange between the OP and FP in my setup.

Thanks for the input! Think I'm going to definitely avoid the catback for now.

About the flange, I think the option is for the FP since the OP is connected to the FP by a Vband when you get the combo: https://jdlautodesign.com/collection...41925729681568

Definitely go for the FP/OP, difference here.

Bless you! I tried finding direct comparison results just like it and couldnt. Are you aware of anything similar for OEM vs aftermarket mid pipes? Or even intakes?

Don't waste your money on aftermarket intakes.

If your staying NA don't get 3 inch.

Here is what I would do:

JDL UEL and FP/OP combo with dual resonators. See how the sound is as catbacks do nothing for WHP gains(all noise) Once you have a good baseline, then decide what you want to do. But stick with stock mid pipe and just do an axleback.

Donut is needed for stock mid-pipe

Going 3in because of future turbo plans. What are the reasons to get 2.5 over the 3 in this case? Keep in mind im going dual resonated.

I've heard that upgrading the midpipe does make a diff (albeit small). Any reason to keep it stock?

A350 herders have a merge pipe and there is 0 chance putting an FP in gave that much hp without someone messing with the data.

I made 330whp on stock catback, 3" isn't "necessary", just not optimal.

I have 2.5" all the way past my catbacks flange before it widens to 3" and make close to 400whp on e85. 3" exhausts are memes on our cars. I only got what i had because the price was right and i needed it now. 2.5" exhausts without restrictions can flow an insane amount of power. OP should just keep stock catback unless they like the sound imo because there is no power to be gained with a 3" even boosted.

My point is, there is some gain from an aftermarket FP/OP. Doug told me a FP gain is usually around 5 whp.

Sorry I should be more specific. The 3" vs 2.5" option is for the OP/FP combo from JDL. Not the catback but I guess if I'm starting at 3" at the front, it would imply the rest of the system will be 3"; mid pipe and catback. For now though I'm keeping the stock catback for sure.