Bigger Muffler Tips?
 

Hey all, you know how we (U.S.) are getting smaller exhaust tips? Whats the cheapest option to get bigger tips? I really like the bigger size on the JDM cars... Is going the pepboys/autozone route the only way? Anyone know if cutting/welding would be required?

It was an option on the JDM spec sheet, it could be offered.

Wait a month or two after release, buy a whole exhaust system (or just an axleback). Save money instead of wasting it on tips that do, more or less, nothing.

One of the reviews said the stock muffler is a big heavy piece of crap and the exhaust ducting was nutty. Seems like a full swap (once a reasonable selection of options is available) might be a good idea for better sound, look, performance, and weight.

I know next to nothing about exhaust systems though. How much would a replacement cost? Does that void your warranty?

The BRZ is a small car making modest power. To each his own, but I think larger exhaust tips screams, "I'm trying too hard."

Orbital has it right: if you absolutely have to spend money on performance upgrades for this car, then let it be for actual performance upgrades instead of car cosmetics.

Depends on the brand and materials used to create the exhaust (ie aluminized steel, stainless steel, titanium, mixture of a few types (ss piping and muffler but mild steel flanges, etc)).

And no, unless they can prove the exhaust broke whatever you have the car in for, they can't void your warranty for it.

Problem is he can end up spending money on a exhaust that does nothing but produce tiring sound(I did the same thing and I regret it). I doubt there will be any gain from the aftermarket ones but they will cost $600 and up.

I normally agree. Unfortunately, the rear fascia has HUGE openings that make the normal tips look too small. I'd rather have fake tips that fit the panel like the Lexus IS-F, Ferrari California, Lamborghini Aventador and others. Larger bolt-on tips or an aftermarket exhaust is the only way to get a good looking fit with the FT.

I've been wondering the same thing, the tips I've seen on most JDM versions look great. Some people like leaving their cars stock (not me) and the tips looks 100x better. The ones on the US spec cars are obviously cheaper to make & cheaper looking. Yuck. This car was designed to look good, why not get tips that flow with the design and fill the holes in the bumper.

I'll probably upgrade the exhaust eventually but personally on a lot of my cars I leave the exhaust stock and just upgrade induction. I much prefer induction/engine noise over exhaust noise. The only way I'll upgrade my exhaust is if it's a rather quiet system that has weight & significant performance benefits. Given this is an N/A car spending at least 500 bucks on a system just to gain 8-10hp isn't an option for a lot of people who are buying this car as a daily or who aren't into the whole tuner scene.

Hopefully the larger more attractive tips (which were designed for this car, I assume the US spec tips were designed to cut some costs considering this car will sell for cheaper in the states than in most countries) will be an option for those who want to do so.

I do the same thing (stock exhaust but upgraded induction).

We won't know how much power an exhaust will give the car until people start developing prototypes and testing them, but 8-10 would be surprising to me unless the exhaust has horrible design flaws.. or you run one big loud pipe and loud muffler.. in which case I'll take the stock HP :P

I was being a bit generous, didn't want any people to be like WHAT, ONLY 5HP GAIN YOU'RE INSANE. I've also read that the US spec exhaust on these cars flow better than in other countries to add a few HP to make up for SAE since a JDM spec car makes only 197 SAE. 3 more hp requires some changes.

Everyone on this forum is an expert, I tend to just pay it safe. :)

I'd rather have people think on the low side.. 1-3hp (which honestly is likely realistic for a 'normal' aftermarket dual setup for this car IMO). I've never seen "large" gains out of a small NA engine from an exhaust unless it was an obnoxious exhaust setup that I would never want on the car, unless the stock system is absolutely horrible anyways. I doubt we'll have a horrible design here, especially as it's already better than the JDM exhaust as you mentioned.

If people really believe 8-10 out of a livable (my perception of livable likely varies greatly from others) exhaust I think they are going to find themselves disappointed.

An axleback wouldn't really do much, you're correct. Once you start replacing other pipes though, there can be gains. In a turbo vehicle, the stock exhaust is a restriction and causes higher exhaust gas backpressure (EGBP); relieving backpressure by opening up the exhaust creates power. On a N/A vehicle EGBP is integral to how the engine operates, from my understanding. Simply replacing the exhaust willy-nilly may not produce power, but a properly sized exhaust (and replacing the exhaust manifold) will make power. So yes, he could spend money on an exhaust system that doesn't do anything; however, there will be exhaust systems that make power. It's ignorant to say that all aftermarket exhausts won't make power.

I spent $1100 total on exhaust components for my WRX. You have to pay to play. Buying used will lessen the expense, of course.

Precisely, see my point regarding EGBP on F/I vs. N/A applications.. The system on this car snakes around a whole lot, though. I anticipate some manufacturers will try to correct this, which should provide a mild gain in itself.