Time for exhaust...What all do I need?
 

Been driving a bone stock 2013 frs for the past 8 years. Think it's finally time for exhaust. From my research to do the full setup I'll need my header of choice, over pipe, mid pipe, and catback. Is that correct or did I miss something? Also, as far as gaskets go, am I safe to assume that they will be included with the various components or will I need to purchase separately?

I'll be taking this to a buddy's house ~150miles away to do on a Saturday and can't afford to not have everything I need to do it in one go on hand. Have to throw it up on jackstands, replace everything, drop it, and drive it back home same day.

If this is for power, everything listed and a tune.
Tune is mandatory if going catless.

If you are looking for just noise, just get an axleback.

I'd highly recommend starting with replacing one piece and going from there. Sound is very subjective and things like drone can be very unpleasant and unpredictable. if you replace the whole thing all at once, and you don't like it, you won't be able to figure out what to change.

What are you after? sound? just do a catback first.

Power? start with header+tune. or better yet, keep the stock header and get an E85 tune.

Focus on header and OFT Tune and add an axle back and be done. Don't mess with the FP or OP.

Few good header options are for more Rumble

Tomei UEL Header catless
JDL UEL Header catless
Gruppe-S UEL Catless
FT-86 SPEEDFACTORY BRONZE CERAMIC COATED CATTED UEL HEADER in stock

EL Options:
Ace 350
JDL 4-2-1

Axleback
REMARK MUFFLER DELETE Dual Wall tips with SS or TI burnt tips

Appreciate the replies! This is primarily to remove the torque dip. I purposefully left the car un-modded all these years because I was coming off of a dsm addiction and knew that the moment I started upgrading I wouldn't stop. However I recently grabbed an OFT and flashed the stage 1 tune and after feeling the difference that made...now I want more.

I could care less about the sound, but just figured if I was going through the hassle of doing a header I might as well do the whole thing, but maybe I will just do the header first and go from there. With that being said I've looked at the JDL UEL and ACE 350, however considering the price of the ACE I'll probably go with the JDL.

Is there really much more to be gained by doing the rest of the exhaust, other than just sound?

If it's for power, catless headers and overpipe. Cat back does nothing, axleback does nothing. Research further for details.

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As others have stated, headers first and possibly a catback/axleback and a tune. Figure out your budget and allocate for all of that.
Then it comes down to, are you an EL or UEL kind of guy?
Here's my recommendation:
ACE A350
FlexFuel kit
Catback *your choice*
Tune from Zach @ CSG.

That's basically my set up and I love it!

Like many have stated, would definitely start with a catless header and a tune to get the most "gains"; perhaps even get an axleback/catback to clear the "tone" a bit.

Personally, I've upgraded each exhaust component separately overtime because I was doing research on which parts fit my budget and what appealed to me.

Since you are doing it all in one go, definitely do some research on your ideal setup:
- How much are you willing to spend?
- How loud do you want your racecar to be?
- Will the drone be a problem?

I recommend keeping at least one cat/resonator to lessen drone.

Try looking through the used market to save some money. The cheddar saved could be used on buying new gaskets.


Good luck on your search! :thumbsup:

I concur

First I did an UEL header and the rest stock, nice rumble and louder. Then did the catback and it’s much louder. If I removed the stock overpipe and the cat with it, it would be unbearable

A stage 2 tune will be required no matter what, IMO

I guess I need to clarify...

OP if you are trying to make ALL the power.
Catted Header OP/FP and a tune. No catback. Maybe an axleback but that's not for power. (Custom tune for most power, OTS will get you 90&ish there)

OP lives in a state with emissions, and I feel telling people to do illegal shit to their car is a bad idea since removing the cat on a street driving car is illegal in the USA not just their state. The tune might make you fail. But flashing to stock is easy.

But if your goal is just noise, save the money and get an axleback and go from there.

IMO, the overpipe and front pipe are not cost effective for making power. They certainly add some, but not enough to really justify the cost unless you're chasing lap times. Of course, if you have the money and/or want to tweak the sound some, replace these to achieve your goals. They wouldn't be first on my list however.

If it's me, I'm certainly going with a header and tune, plus a catback/axleback of your choice to amplify the sound.

Most OP are overpriced for what they are.

I ended up getting the gruppe-s OP seperately from FT86MS for $200CAD. I believe it's a $100 add on when you buy it with the header. Definitely the best bang for buck combo on the platform. FT86MS also list some off brand OP for $100. I saw it in person and it's POS.

I have the header and OP with everything else stock. Pulls strong. Catback is noise. Pretty limited options if you are picky with not going to loud.

8 years old + Missouri + unknown mileage + 150 mile drive each way = All of it?

Missouri isn't the driest of states, mileage is unknown, and the general rule-of-thumb is 10 years/100K miles for a cat.

+1 on a tune being required sooner rather than later post installation.

If you can, I'd replace everything from stem to stern and be done with it for another eight years. Once you've picked out the exhaust system you like, here are few additional things I'd recommend you have on-hand to increase your odds for a same day turnaround on top of 300 miles of driving -
- New header gaskets
- New header bolts
- Spare exhaust gaskets
- Spare exhaust bolts
- New exhaust hangers (there are 5 of them)
- Penetrating oil

Most of the exhaust components come with hardware but there is nothing worse than having the car up on stands and accidently crease a gasket and not have another one handy. You'll probably end up with some spare bits and pieces but better that than the alternative.

If you've ever thought about motor mounts, this would be the time to do it. With the header out they are a quick and easy swap.

After lots of reading reviews and YouTube videos, the combo I liked most -
- FT86 UEL catted header because SMOG
- Private Label over pipe from Rally Sport Direct + the above new/spare gaskets.
- I was at about 6000 miles when I swapped and didn't replace the front pipe although I would have if it was 8 years old.
- Perrin 2.5" resonated catback
- Even with 6000 miles I had the above spares on hand just in case...
- OFT for tune.

Just passed Nevada SMOG with the tune loaded and without issue.

Fuck PLM and their copying of other small companies parts.