Tuning setup recommendations for track duty
 

I’m looking to tune my track only ‘22 86. Currently looking at:

- JDL EL headers (cat less)
- JDL pipes
- Borla ATAK exhaust
- Delicious tuning flex fuel kit

Thinking of going to CSG for the tune.

Would that setup work? Is there anything I’m missing or better options/combinations I should consider? And how bad is the fuel smell without cats?

Your setup is fine unless you want to go to a single-exit exhaust system to get a slighty bit more power and weight reduction. JDL header/pipe combo is "majority" everyone to-go setup depending on their budget.

Zach at CSG will definitely take care of you. He's really knowledge and will guide you throughout the process.

It's always going to smell bad regardless if it is catless. E85 is less tolerable since its not so bad as pump gas.

Didn’t know single-exit exhausts had better power gains. I’m glad I asked about the setup. Thanks!

I won't say better power gains. Mostly better exhaust pressure flow. It won't be much of a difference in power but minimum. It depends on the diameter of the pipe. A 2.5 or 3-inch exhaust can determine the exhaust pressure flow. If you're running an NA setup, stick with the 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust; otherwise, go with the 3-inch-diameter for boost application.

Overall the weight reduction will help out the majority by having a dual exhaust ranging in weight between 12lbs-17lbs vs. a single exhaust of 7-8 lbs. This is just the catback itself, and not including the whole exhaust system.

Seems fine. I wouldn't sweat it much as far as NA tune. If you have quality, proven components and a good tune, you'll have good results.

I will say that while JDL 421 EL long-tube headers perform great, all long tube headers have a very tinny/raspy sound character to them that is very hard to avoid, no matter what catback exhaust you pair them with.

I don't have any experience with Borla ATAK cataback. However having been catless for some time, I will tell you to consider your catback options carefully. The car gets surprisingly loud when you go catless. You want an exhaust that has good muffling/resonance, that will play well with the rest of the parts, and allow the complete system be bearable acoustically (unless you're happy with a very loud car and cabin noise/drone). Usually the best way is to hear the setup in-person from someone else or watch videos of same/similar set-ups. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and be a trailblazer, though that doesn't always work out.

With regard to smell, the car will definitely smell whenever you run gasoline. However, the car barely smells when running E85; the smell is distinct but not overpowering/distracting like uncatted gas exhaust.

Finally, catback exhaust choice (# of exits, diameter, etc.) practically doesn't matter for NA applications as long as it flows same or better than stock. Get whatever you like as far as sound or build quality (and weight if you care about that). Single exit exhausts tend to be lighter (obviously losing a box muffler and having one less side helps reduce weight), but they are always markedly louder than dual exit exhausts. This is especially true if you go titanium exhaust. Again, in the end, this choice should factor in your tolerance for overall volume: loud exhausts drone and make long drives miserable.

I will stay NA only and plan on going with E85 so it’s going to learn the smell isn’t a huge huge issue.

As far as sound, the car is track only. I don’t like loud cars and would prefer a quiet setup. However, I suppose if I’m going to bother with the mods, investment, tune, etc. might as well go all in.

I like the look of dual exit exhausts, but if a single exit will offer a slightly quieter option without impacting performance, I suppose it don’t mind. How do people feel about the Tomei extreme titanium single exit exhaust? Seems really like and well built.

One question would be, "Is your hearing going to be tolerable for this setup?"

Tomei products are going to be loud pairing up with a catless header, even worse with a straight pipe. They're well-built and lightweight due to titanium. I suggest looking into some videos that sound good to your liking. The majority will be paired up with UEL Headers, and not too many EL Headers due to daily drivers vs. track enthusiasts. I would keep on researching for more single-exit exhaust and sound clips. HKS, Fujitsubo, Greddy, Apex'i, etc. until you find what you want your car to be built for you.

A quiet setup would definitely be the way to go in my opinion. I also hate loud cars … but the major advantage is being able to pass sound without a hassle. A track only car isn’t much fun if you get kicked for blowing sound

I'm not sure if you read it quite right, but single exits are usually LOUDER.


And Tomei exhausts are among the loudest (if not the loudest) for this platform. They otherwise are lightweight and function fine. A bit pricey

You are right! I totally read it as “single-exit aren’t as loud.” Good catch. Thanks for the help!

I also don’t like loud cars, but figured I’d put up with the noise if it offers a performance advantage. I hadn’t thought about noise/sound limits. The org I run with most often doesn’t check, but who knows about others. Thanks for the advice, I’ll have to take it into account. Think I’ll go with a catted header, and dual-exit exhaust.

I think a lot of the noise comes after the header so the front pipe and exhaust. Going cat less in the header is probably best but you want a quite front pipe and muffler. Check out the stuff csg makes.

That’s cool your club doesn’t check for sound. Never seen that before ha