ARK DT-S Catback Review (Video, Dyno ,and Pics Inside!)

[deedz]

So I just recently picked up the ARK DT-S catback system and I must say I love almost everything about it. I recently came from a Agency Power Catback and didn't have any problems with it compared to what other people have been saying but when it comes to the DT-S, there is a clear difference. I guess thats where the quality comes in!

Video (White fr-s w/ test pipe, Red w/ catback only)

[ame]http://youtu.be/xbJ0IFjfFdE[/ame]



Sound: The sound is deep and very aggressive which I love about this system. Revving this under a tunnel or going WOT with the windows down never fails to give me that satisfaction when I hear sound of the DT-S This exhaust isnt nearly as loud as my old system which took some getting used to but the sound is definitely more refined and "attractive" rather than a straight pipe gurgle which I really like. Whats great for some people is that its not loud when cruising/low rpms but when you rip the throttle this thing comes alive so for those who might think this is too loud, it definitely isnt. If youre looking for something louder just throw on a test pipe! Whats also a plus for me is that the cabin drone compared to the agency power has been minimized to little or none while keeping that aggressive aspect.

Sound: 8.75/10 (just because its not loud enough to my liking...yet)

Looks: Where do I start? This is the main reason I opted for the Ark DT-S system hands down. The moment I saw the design of this exhaust I knew I would want to get my hands on this system and I do not regret it one bit The 4.5 in tips along with the burnt tip design is one of my favorite aspects of the exhaust along with the muffler design on the bottom it simply looks amazing. What I also found really interesting and unique was the gold/bronze color the inner tips would turn after being exposed to some heat and I think it really gives the exhaust a special look. Only thing that bother is a little is that the tips aren't PERFECTLY aligned but I just have OCD for these type of things haha.

Looks: 9.5/10 (Pictures below speak for themselves)

Quality: Ark by far has some of the highest quality systems out there which explains some of the higher pricing compared to other low budget exhaust but their products definitely live up to the standard of quality. The stainless steel used for the system and the welding is definitely top notch. No complaints here, you get what you pay for

9/10

Power: With catback exhaust systems I dont really expect to feel much or any power gains but in this case I do feel a difference coming from the Agency Power Exhaust. From my butt dyno impressions, the car feels a bit faster and power delivery seems to be a bit quicker which I found impressive for a catback system. Maybe its a placebo affect and all in my head but im pretty sure its not since I can really feel a difference between the two systems. There seems to be a bit less of the noticeable torque dip whichalso is a plus for me. Ark seems to be one of the few companies who published a dyno to the community and they seem to have some pretty strong mid range gains rather than a little bit on the top end. Here is a graph they posted recently with an aftermarket intake:


FRS DT-S Dyno by deedzman194, on Flickr

Overall I am really happy with this purchase and dont really have any complaints. You can't go wrong with the DT-S and I can't wait to install a test pipe on this system and hear it really open up Feel free to shoot me any questions

PICTURES:



ark dts frs shoot by deedzman194, on Flickr


frsdts2 by deedzman194, on Flickr


406120_10151344426197356_462682805_n by deedzman194, on Flickr


IMG_0089 by deedzman194, on Flickr

[RT87]

Awesome. I was thinking on the Grip exhaust myself. Love the sound of these.

[xxscaxx]

Glad to see another DT-S owner post up a review like I did. Seriously, this system is incredible.

can't wait to pair up an UEL header with it.

[efactor84]

Great dyno chart. Did they do the two separately with the AGP Exhaust and then the ARK itself in the 2nd dyno?

[tnt]

very nice ! I've got an AP catback now .... I love the sound but it's a bit loud. I don't like the fitment though ... One side side is longer than the other and it's doesn't look right.

[deedz]

Originally Posted by RT87

Awesome. I was thinking on the Grip exhaust myself. Love the sound of these.

you should pick one up! you wont be disappointed

Originally Posted by xxscaxx

Glad to see another DT-S owner post up a review like I did. Seriously, this system is incredible.

can't wait to pair up an UEL header with it.

Hopefully I can install the test pipe soon, cant imagine how loud itd be if i threw on a header with the testpipe as well

Originally Posted by efactor84

Great dyno chart. Did they do the two separately with the AGP Exhaust and then the ARK itself in the 2nd dyno?

The dyno they did was only with an aftermarket intake and then intake w/ the DT-S together. Havent seen a dyno chart for the AGP catback for a while but last i remember it put out about 4-5 hp throughout the top end.

Originally Posted by tnt

very nice ! I've got an AP catback now .... I love the sound but it's a bit loud. I don't like the fitment though ... One side side is longer than the other and it's doesn't look right.

I kind of miss the loudness haha and yea I know what you mean, that part always bothered me but Im sure there is a way to fix it.

[TRD_86]

Best looking 4.5" tips exhaust. Where did you buy and install? I like to get one and have them install around OC area would be best.

[deedz]

Originally Posted by TRD_86

Best looking 4.5" tips exhaust. Where did you buy and install? I like to get one and have them install around OC area would be best.

Ill pm you some info where I bought it

[TRD_86]

Originally Posted by deedzman

Ill pm you some info where I bought it

It look good. The only thing is ARK don't provide weight. it look quality built and it could be heavy exhaust.

[Orthow]

Exhaust looks great - those taillights look ghetto as hell. That has to be some DIY transparent paint or something - should have paid to have them done by a shop so they weren't so dull.

Also as mentioned above - wonder what the weight of the entire system is. Always nice to have a reference when comparing between all the different options.

[Acree]

Originally Posted by deedzman

Ill pm you some info where I bought it

Same here please.

-Acree

[deedz]

Originally Posted by Acree

Same here please.

-Acree

will do

[jaymeister]

Pm me the price as well!

[deedz]

:happy0180:

Originally Posted by jaymeister

Pm me the price as well!

Sent!