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Gruppe-S header and overpipe with Apexi catback

I installed the Gruppe-S header, overpipe, and heat shield this weekend. I hadn't seen anyone else on here with the Apexi RS Evolution Extreme catback on here, so I figured I would post up a mini review.

First off, the Gruppe-S stuff is great for the money. The fitment was spot on and there was extra hardware and tape in the box in the event you screwed something up. The only minor grip I have is you have to use a swivel to tighten the nut on the driver's side manifold flange. I prefer not to do that when using a torque wrench. The hardest part of the install is removing the heat shields from the stock overpipe.

The exhaust tone is perfect at idle. It is quiet and lobes. The UEL and boxer engine sound fantastic there and with light throttle input. At 3000-4000 RPM with moderate throttle input, however, the rasp comes on. The rasp was there with this catback before I added the header and overpipe. Above 4000 RPM sounds great with enough anger to keep me happy. I think I'll look into adding a resonator to the catback as it doesn't have one. I've had great results with Vibrant resonators in the past.

Youtube:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOENIeGoD3s"]BRZ Gruppe-S UEL header and op with Apexi catback - YouTube[/ame]

Google album with fitment photos:
https://goo.gl/photos/dx27j2S6fvqThkYd7

Which gaskets you used?

Quote:

Originally Posted by coxxoc (Post 2679772)

The only minor grip I have is you have to use a swivel to tighten the nut on the driver's side manifold flange.

Welcome to the world of aftermarket exhaust manifolds.

-alex

Post tune update:
I recently picked up an OpenFlash tablet. The OpenFlash 91 octane stage 2 UEL tune took most of the raspy sound out of the exhaust and significantly improved the mid range with this header. Here I was tempted to click buy on a HKS dual resonated front pipe, but I'm happy with the sound now.

@Teseo - I used the gaskets that came with the kit. They worked just fine. Gruppe-S provides exhaust manifold and overpipe gaskets.

@mav1178 - This isn't my first rodeo. I've had a 91 3000GT, 96 Legacy 2.5GT, FB and FC RX-7's with the whole gamut of modifications. The BRZ is only a simple bolt-on affair so far. The Gruppe-S stuff quality level seems much higher than the price point, however.