Front Pipe Decision
 

As of this morning, my current exhaust setup included the Gruppe-S UEL header, Invidia over pipe, Berk HFC front pipe and Perrin 2.5" Resonated catback system. I feel that while the Perrin is nice with its mature tone and volume level on cold start and when I'm accelerating, but it was lacking the rumble once the car warmed up and when I was not on the gas. Since I do not push my car hard much, if at all really, I wanted something that had a deep, noticeable rumble at all times. Therefore, I installed my Invidia N1 system to replace the Perrin 2.5" Resonated system.

Overall, I am impressed with my new exhaust setup though I do plan on changing out the front pipe and I am currently torn between some of the options. I plan on reinstalling the stock front pipe next weekend to see how that sounds over the Berk HFC front pipe as a comparison. While changing the front pipe will not make much of a difference unless I went catless, which I really do not want to do, I am wanting one with a resonator. Ideally, I do not want to lose having a high-flow cat in the front pipe so I'm leaning towards the front pipes with both a high-flow cat and a resonator though I won't rule out going with a dual resonator front pipe. Can anyone think of a reason to go with a dual resonator front pipe over one with both a high-flow cat and resonator? Going full catless would raise two issues: 1) noticeable exhaust smells and 2) little louder/possible more rasp and droning.

Those with experiences on the front pipes/brands below, I am seeking your opinions. These are my current options but I am open to suggestions.

• HKS Front Pipe (Dual Resonators)(Highly Unlikely Option)
• JDL Ultra Quiet Front Pipe (Cat + Resonator)
• Magnaflow Front Pipe (Cat + Resonator)
• Nameless Front Pipe (Cat + Resonator)
• Stock Front Pipe (Cat + Resonator)

Oh, my ...... I reckon you are right on the edge of overthinking this whole exhaust thing .....;)


humfrz

Change Final Drive? You will accelerate (more gas) and maintain considerable speed without getting a ticket

No, I have not. It is not something I will do any time soon.

As for the options above, I'm torn between the HKS and JDL front pipes.

I'm Running the Ace front pipe. Great build quality and nice tone with my Invidia N1

I saw that one on FT86 SF and it has no resonators or HFCs, unfortunately. I'm looking at ones with a HFC and resonator or dual resonators.

Any reason for keeping them other then well the environmental and fuel economy aspect of it?

If these were your primary concerns, you should've gone with one of the two makers that offer a header/OP/front pipe w/ cat combo that also has a large resonator. Apex'i or HKS.

The entire Apex'i setup was about the same as stock in terms of sound, so you could've put any aftermarket exhaust of your choosing to replicate the rumble.

Alternatively, you can go w/ Fujitsubo front pipe for best sound suppression, but no cat. I tested this setup before (Tomei UEL/OP, Fujitsubo front pipe, multiple exhausts) and it was 100% okay for street use aside from the smell.

-alex

if you go with full catless from header to exhaust....there is 0 drone. you have to cut down that resonator exhaust..lol..

back to topic, i would go with nameless

I don't follow this part of your response. Could you rephrase that part?


Thanks for that info. I was looking up the Fujitsubo front pipe and it on the list with HKS and JDL as viable options. If the Fujitsubo is close to stock sounding, from what I am reading, then the stock front pipe should give me a good idea on what I would expect on sound volume. From what I read in one of your posts, the Berk HFC front pipe is ~2.5 db louder than the Fujitsubo and stock front pipe. What I am curious about now is the difference between the Fujitsubo and HKS variant.

The Fujitsubo would be quieter than the HKS front pipe.
If you already have your stock front pipe installed, installing the Fujitsubo would keep the sound levels the same.

The HKS would be quieter than your Berk HFC front pipe, but louder than the stock front pipe.

However, you will smell with a full catless setup....and....

https://s14.postimg.org/vjqrri3a9/00473_10104_0.jpg

Personally I see ZERO reasons to go 100% Catless. :party0030:

As mav1178 mentioned "you should've gone with one of the two makers that offer a header/OP/front pipe w/ cat combo that also has a large resonator. Apex'i or HKS."

When you look at it....you've already gotten the most gains by getting the catless header. Just keep the stock front pipe on. It will be quieter than the Berk and you won't smell. However if your keen on getting more power, than Fujitsubo hands down would be the best! HKS second if price is a concern. All the other front pipes will just be the same as the Berk one. They will all be loud and you'll just be wasting money.