Ark Design RacingSPEC Exhaust Review
 

Hey all!

I recently purchased the Ark Design RacingSPEC Dual Exit catback off a vendor from here. After only two days I was surprised to see a package at my door! Funny thing, it was only the exhaust tips :lol: Lou was very quick in addressing the problem and made sure the actual catback was sent out same day with express delivery. A+ in that department.

Packaging:
When the catback did arrive, I was greeted by a well packaged box. Inside was a fine piece of workmanship. I am no welder but to my forum trained eye, all the welds were of great quality and consistency. See pics below!

Installation/fitment:
Installation was a breeze. I found it easiest to hang the two axleback pieces on their hangers first before attempting to attach it to the midpipe. This worked out great and everything lined up on the first go. The right exit was off by about 1/4 of an inch too low. I simply had a friend hold it where we wanted and tightened the bolts. We were relieved to see it was spot on fitment after all was said and done. There is no points of contact anywhere on the exhaust and no spots that were even close. The cool thing about this exhaust was the tips are slide on. This allowed for some extra fine tuning to match with the diffuser.

Sound:
I was worried about going with canister style exhausts on the BRZ. But surprisingly, it wasn't too loud at all. Arks video rates this around 90DB when revved and I would say that is about right for the volume level. Driving it around the block, it is definitely noticeable that you have an exhaust. The sound is deep and there is some resonance between 2-3k rpm. My car is still in the break in period so I haven't heard it over 4k rpm but another member I spoke to says this is where it because alive.

http://i.imgur.com/mfV3Mbl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/7tZxZTW.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/n2PsmB7.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/pnG8ESJ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2JCVx3t.jpg


Heres a sound clip of a cold start to a few revs around 2-3k rpm.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnYKRZ2uFxI"]2017 BRZ Ark RacingSPEC Dual Exit Catback - YouTube[/ame]

Overall it is a great exhaust choice for the value. If you love the canister style look but not the volume that comes with the Invidia N1, give this a shot! :burnrubber::burnrubber:

P.S. The oil stain on the driveway is not mine! Curse my dads 1991 M-Benz 300e

Nice review! And I would not worry about taking it above 4k during "break-in" personally. I didn't, and all I have to show for it is oil consumption.

Good to see you got it. It is one awesome exhaust and Lou is a really good guy to work with.

Interesting that you say you have resonance, because I don't have any. Maybe its just I'm not noticing it because its so little.

Nice wheel chocks by the way...

New car, new exhaust, rocks for wheel chocks...? Harbor Freight dude. Your life is worth it.