Which catback? opinions please
 

I think it is time for a catback upgrade. I am looking for the followings with my completely stock exhaust from header to muffler. I am not changing anything else other than catback.
- not loud, no drone, but a mature growl even with JRSC
- I know it won't add any power, but let's say least restrictive, no performance loss
- lighter than stock, the lighter the better
- doesn't look like a ricer, attract much attention, looks stock

My research over so many months led me to the following options
- TRD catback
- Perrin 2.5 resonated
- HKS Hi-Power Spec L (Carbon tip)

Among all these, my favorite is HKS (light, high flow, mature sound) but my only concern is its kind of ricer look. I read in the forums that Perrin is not light, and a little restrictive. I am thinking that it might be a performance loss with my JRSC increased exhaust pressure. TRD catback is expensive, loudest of all, but looks stock. I am not sure how TRD will be affecting performance with JRSC.

Any feedback on the followings:
- Is HKS looking too much of a ricer?
- Will Perrin be a performance handicap because of my increased exhaust pressure?
- How TRD will sound with JRSC? Will it be performance loss as well?
- Any other suggestions?

What about the Perrin 3in resonated? Since you are concerned about the 2.5 being restrictive.



Other exhaust that comes to mind is the CSG spec touring catback.
https://www.counterspacegarage.com/c...tition-exhaust

I've been looking for pretty much the same qualities as you. Catback isn't going to add too much power with a supercharger, turbos benefit more from less restriction so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Personally I'd go with HKS from that list. It honestly doesn't look too ricey, especially if the rest of the car isn't. The HKS was number one on my list for awhile but I decided I didn't like the look of it. It also doesn't have a muffler so it's a lot more important to add a diffuser.

Right now I feel set on going for the Corsa catback as I love the sound, even though it's about the same as stock weight. I decided the compromise on looks and sound wasn't worth the weight savings of the HKS as I'm not planning on turning my car into a full race car. I don't know if that's something you're willing to compromise on, though.

Nameless axleback.

CSG Touring Exhaust its 2.75" piping. That would work well with your application since you're supercharged.

If the HKS looks too rice to you, you should consider the non carbon tip version - to me it looks less ricer.

If anything I believe the Perrin will have the best flow out of all the exhausts listed. TRD and HKS both have 60mm piping (2.25"), while the Perrin has 2.5".

I've had the HKS in carbon fiber tip, they do make a non-CF tip too. My only issue with HKS was it sounded a bit hollow at times, where only WOT or stepping on the gas makes noise. Definitely no drone.

TRD. Has minimal drone, does have a natural deep growl to it, but is mature sounding.

Perrin. No experience with it

I have stock exhaust with TRD catback with JRSC. I love the sound and look. Sounds just a touch louder and deeper tone than stock, but doesn't sound like a hipster douchnozzle fart can. the neighbors won't kill you when you start it at 5am. If 5 hp makes or breaks it for you, go with the bigger pipes.

I will check the sound of Corsa and Nameless. But I'm not sure if I want an axleback since I would prefer getting a stainless and lighter midpipe in the process. Cords and CSG are not particularly light


HKS has two separate mufflers for each side together with two resonators (one is helmholtz) and the lightest at the same time. The titanium-tip version is louder and even lighter since mufflers are smaller and helmholtz resonator is missing. I will give the ti-tip another look.

I have the Corsa and while at first it's just a banshee wail past 3K rpm, as time goes by (had mine for over a year now), the sound gets a lot more scruffy and growly. I like it, but to be honest I miss that scream. Hopefully it comes back after a tune or something.

Thanks! This is good to know. I'm not after 5hp extra but I don't want to increase back pressure either. I also like TRD looks.

The smaller tubing of the TRD is off set by the higher flow muffler so you end up about the same as a larger tube diameter but a lower flow muffler. You will have no back pressure issues with a SC.
Ho's car with the TRD exhaust and the JRSC doesn't sound any louder than mine with the TRD. It still holds that nice deep tone even at higher RPMs.

Good! TRD starts to look better now that my noise and flow concerns are eliminated. Thanks!

If you ever change the header to a catless one get the Q300. It’s quiet at idle but plenty loud when on it. Others would be louder with a header. If never changing the header than go listen on YouTube or locals near you and pick the one you like.