It's time for me to change things up a bit...
 

So I've had my stock FR-S for a month now, and I'm at 1700 miles. I'm looking to change things up a bit and get an exhaust and intake.

I'm not going to claim to be an expert when it comes to this so I'm creating this thread for suggestions/help... all I know is that I'm looking for a better driving experience, an FR-S screams to others that it's clearly modified, and begs to be driven every single day. As it stands right now, all I hear is crickets. :bonk:

What exhaust and intake system would you guys recommend? What provides the most value for your money? I've been considering TRD but there are many options out there which makes this a tough choice.

Not many will say this, but the J2 engineering dual ebay exhaust is excellent bang for your buck. It sounds great 0 drone, looks nice, just has a bit of fitment issues (if you're installing it) - and it can all be had for the $350 range. you can look at my build thread for some pics / thoughts

Intake is useless on this car. Just stick with a drop-in. The OEM intake design is so efficient that you'll lose power or TQ with a intake.

Exhaust will help with the noise mostly, won't gain much either but still gain something.

Well, Drive fron San Jose, here are my conservative recommendations.

Intake - drop in a K&N free-er flowing filter and call the intake good. Ain't nutten wrong with the stock box and the drop in filter is easy to install and it allows the engine to breath a bit easier.

http://www.knfilters.com/filtercharger.htm

As far as exhaust, if you are looking for a good sound to listen to while going over the hills to Santa Cruz or up to Mt Hamilton, I would recommend a simple axle back system like the Nameless with 2.5" piping and 5" mufflers.

http://shop.namelessperformance.com/...eback-exhaust/

It's relatively inexpensive, well made, easy to install and sounds good as in "I'm here" but NOT "Look at ME".

The two together gives my car a bit of "ump" ..... according to my ear dyno, at least.......:thumbsup:

I was able to get a Greddy SP Elite exhaust for $500 shipped. I love the look of it and from all the videos I've seen it's not overly loud and obnoxious. After 800-1000 miles the sound does open up a little. Most people are extremely happy with it.


I've also read good things about the J2 Engineering exhaust from eBay like Trevor says.

Wheels, tires and springs are always a great combo as well. Another good combo for power is OFT and OFH or a Borla UEL headers. Much improved power over stock, engine revs smoother, torque dip is greatly reduced. As other have mentioned intakes are a waste. I went from an aFe back to stock. I run the TRD filter with a Perrin Inlet to get rid of the stock noise generator and clean up the engine bay a bit. Axle backs are great bang for your buck as well. On NA a full exhaust without headers and tune will not pick up alot of power. I like my combo of Borla UEL, Motiv OP, stock front, and Perrin 2.5 resonated cat back.

Is this what you're referring to? http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?prod=33-2300

Thanks so much. I'm definitely leaning towards getting the Nameless.

Stupid question, but does getting an aftermarket exhaust like Nameless void anything or affect my Scion Service Boost negatively?

If you want HP gains get a header not a cat back.

I'm considering a catback. What do you guys think of this? http://www.redline360.com/j2-exhaust...brz-J2-CBE-002

Should I get the dual or quad tips?

Also considering the Perrin Catback, but not sure if its worth the extra money, its double the price of J2.

So what makes an upgrade worth it to you? Are you looking for sound improvements, or are you looking for horsepower gains? Are you looking for a company that offers a lifetime warranty, or are you looking for high bang for your buck?

Since you seem like you're mostly asking for opinions, I just want to understand what you want to get out of it.

Also this forum is chock full of good information on almost every product, so if you use the search function it's easy to find comparative reviews, dyno plots, or sound clips for a lot of things like exhausts, headers, turbo kits, etc.

A lot of this stuff is up to you, because with something like exhaust, there is no "best exhaust". It's really which one you think sounds the best and which fits your personal needs. Are you the kind of guy who wants to remove catalytic converters from your exhaust or do you want a slightly more conservative setup?

Lastly make sure you check out members' car journals, they can be a great starting point for a new build. By looking through some of them, you'll start realizing what you like and don't like.

Either way, welcome to the forums. This community is an awesome source of both inspiration and information. I think you'll enjoy your stay here.

I'm looking for sound improvements. Yes, I'm looking for opinions. I'm also using the search function and reading reviews, journals etc. I just don't want to make a decision I'll regret later on, so I'm doing all the research I can.

Thanks. I'm enjoying my stay here and love this community.

If money isn't a major factor for you, you should check out the ARK GRIP exhaust. I have a friend that has it on his BRZ and it's the best exhaust I've heard so far.

how is the GT86 JDM exhaust. does that sound better than our frs?

Yep, that's the intake filter.

It's my understanding that an axle back muffler swap will not affect the warranty or the servicing of your car....:)