Invidia R400 Cat Back + Borla UEL Header = Loud
 

Just installed my Invidia R400 catback exhaust this weekend and am driving it around. Already had the Borla UEL header installed. The Header wasn't loud at all, it sounded almost stock after I put it on. Sometimes driving up a hill, or around 3-4k RPM's I would get a little rumble. Otherwise, pretty quiet.

Now that I've installed the R400, the car RUMBLES. Idling is alright, but you know it's there. Highway speeds, cruising, it varies. Just cruising, around 3k RPM's it's actually very quiet. Under acceleration you can hear it, but it isn't overwhelming when you take into account the highway noise (also maybe the radio) as well. However, under deceleration (i.e. foot off gas pedal completely and just rolling) it gets LOUD. Same goes for city street driving, except for the speed difference of course. Deceleration noise sounds even louder, because there's no more highway speed sound.

I downloaded a few of those free dB measuring apps on my phone and I would say I average around 80-100 dB overall in cabin, holding the phone near my right ear (middle of car).

I don't know if anyone else has a similar setup as I do? How is it for you? I'm debating whether or not to remove my header and go back to the stock one. I love the rumble I have now, just want to reduce the sound and noise in cabin. Don't know yet if swapping my header will solve that.

I have the Invidia Q300. I'll have to see what brand header I have but mine is similar to yours in sound behavior. I think mine's more in the 60-80 db range during acceleration and hard deceleration.

The R400 is a great catback exhaust if you don't want to modify the rest of the exhaust system. It's similar to the Greddy Evo GT and Perrin 3inch Unresonated exhaust.

Most people who want a conservative setup will pair the UEL with a quiter catback like the Q300 or the Perrin Resonated Exhaust.

Thanks, that actually answers questions about mine as well.

I thought about that, but I didn't like the higher pitch sound that those had. The R400 has a nice deep growl that I'm in love with, and if I drive conservatively it's tolerable.

Also, TECHNICALLY I shouldn't have this UEL catless...living in California.

I love what the r400 sounds like when catless. It's pure bliss. Was a bit underwhelmed before switching to a UEL. Probably wouldn't like it at all with stock header and FP.

All preference.

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Today I commuted from LA to San Diego and back for work. I will say the exhaust sounds great on the highway. It really gives a nice sound, and overall I'm pretty happy so far. Going uphill it got a little more intense. The same goes for downhill, especially when downshifted or off the gas pedal. Cruise control, around 3-4k rpm ~75mph in sixth gear, it was tolerable.

Still loud around city streets, I'll have to drive around more on them to get a better sense for how I feel overall. Just wanna be careful not to gain the attention of any bored cops.

So far I like the setup, but it definitely resonates inside the cabin. Today was kind of long exposure, about 6 hours of driving, but I survived. Dunno if I could handle that much driving and noise every day though.

I think one of these weekends I'm going to put the stock header back on just to test it. Maybe around New Year's.

You should hear what an actual loud setup sounds:D Sure your setup will be much louder than the stock exhaust but me along with many other members are running a catless header, straight through front pipe, and a LOUD catback (Greddy RS 3.0in).

The R400 is a mid sound catback that is quieter than the N1 but louder than the Q300 (barely louder than stock). The N1 isn't really even that loud of a catback. Any 3.0in catback without a massive muffler (Perrin) will be louder.

Keep in mind a header will give you performance, the catback will not.

If you want performance, sell the R400 for a Q300, or consider having a local exhaust shop swap in an inline muffler/big resonator where the Invidia resonator is.

Something like this should retain the sound, but bring down the volume. It's intent is to be a muffled resonator: http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...products_id=46

A video will be helpful

>catbacks don't affect performance
>if you want performance change the catback

What? Do you mean volume reduction?

Sorry, that was super unclear, my fault!

If you want to RETAIN the performance benefits of the header, (since OP is talking about removing the header to keep the catback,) switching to a Q300 (or adding an inline muffler/resonator like the Vibrant parts,) would allow OP to retain those benefits, and quiet it down. :D

Hope that's more clear.

I am no longer triggered

Phew. I can rest easy at night!

I make garbage posts once in a while trying to be helpful, but my day job distracts me and ruins my sentence structure/editing ability. :iono: