[2014 FR-S] Top Exhaust List Mash-Up

[RehabJeff86]

Originally Posted by fx35s

Tomeis are solid choice.. as long as one doesn't mind single exit catback

I was afraid of eccentric aesthetic of single outlet but it turned out not an issue for me! Love it actually, but agreed if one really wants dual outlets, M7 Ti or T1R Ti would be the best, IMHO exhaust dont add noticeable whp/wtq gain but 30lbs wt saving is priceless


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[ncmx5]

Just got the Q300 with catless midpipe... sounds great, nice burble if you lift off throttle, seems to pull a bit harder and is smoother throughout the whole powerband.

[nataku]

Teach a man to fish... I hope this post will help to inform you on the effects you can expect from different exhausts based on their components. I'll try to impart some of my experiences I've had with the character of the exhaust system on this car. I've been through a few exhaust pieces myself, and heard a significant number of combinations in person.

As I understand it the stock exhaust system is laid out as follows:

Manifold / Headers = large catalytic converter
Overpipe = awkward sharp angled piece to jump over suspension
Frontpipe = smaller catalytic converter + small resonator
Midpipe = large resonator
Axleback = enormous muffler

My first exhaust mod was the Mach V Muffler delete. This made my car significantly louder but still smooth sounding. The muffler does an extraordinary amount of work quieting the car and preventing cabin resonance, trust me. After I got my AVO kit I drove with the muffler delete for a bit, put the stock muffler back on, and now have an FT86SpeedFactory unresonated catback. From my experiences with various replacement parts I would say that each part does the following:

• Headers have absolutely the largest effect on the "character" of the sound your car will make. UEL headers will "rumble" more, EL headers will make you sound like a track car. Every aftermarket header without a catalytic converter (every header still?) is going to make your car much louder unless you preserve the stock muffler, keep this in mind.
  
• The overpipe is a must for FI builds but not necessary otherwise. It is usually recommended that you get stiffer motor mounts if you decide to get an aftermarket overpipe as, in order to straighten out that section of pipe, they tend to come closer to the suspension than the stock overpipe does and can rattle against it (especially with UEL headers).
  
• Aftermarket frontpipes seem to never come with the resonator. Some are catless and some have a high-flow cat. At any rate they tend to allow a little more rasp out of the exhaust. This upgrade is only a big deal for FI folks as the cat is a major impedance to exhaust flow.
  
• The midpipe resonator is the single most important tool in the battle against rasp. If you get an unresonated catback with aftermarket headers expect to create earsplitting noises. I personally get away with this because my turbo absorbs a lot of the noise until I hit redline.
  
• The axleback is, like I said, the biggest factor when it comes to overall volume level. Any system with a chamber muffler is going to be very tame at low RPMs. A virtually muffler-free axleback (look at the Quicksilver kit) will be quite loud at all times, probably resonate a lot in the cabin without significant resonator tuning, but should also allow a lot of fun little pops and crackles to pass through.

I'm sure there are exceptions to all these rules, and I'm only speaking from my personal experiences. I haven't seen every exhaust combination out there, I'm just sharing what I've noticed. I know this isn't the top 10 you wanted but I hope it helps.

[TOTO_86]

I've had the N1 for about a year now, and still love the sound. Just the right amount of loudness. It has drone sometimes, but I always love driving around to just hear my exhaust. I am thinking of switching to single exhaust though.

[gabeg86]

Originally Posted by nataku

Teach a man to fish... I hope this post will help to inform you on the effects you can expect from different exhausts based on their components. I'll try to impart some of my experiences I've had with the character of the exhaust system on this car. I've been through a few exhaust pieces myself, and heard a significant number of combinations in person.

As I understand it the stock exhaust system is laid out as follows:

Manifold / Headers = large catalytic converter
Overpipe = awkward sharp angled piece to jump over suspension
Frontpipe = smaller catalytic converter + small resonator
Midpipe = large resonator
Axleback = enormous muffler

My first exhaust mod was the Mach V Muffler delete. This made my car significantly louder but still smooth sounding. The muffler does an extraordinary amount of work quieting the car and preventing cabin resonance, trust me. After I got my AVO kit I drove with the muffler delete for a bit, put the stock muffler back on, and now have an FT86SpeedFactory unresonated catback. From my experiences with various replacement parts I would say that each part does the following:

• Headers have absolutely the largest effect on the "character" of the sound your car will make. UEL headers will "rumble" more, EL headers will make you sound like a track car. Every aftermarket header without a catalytic converter (every header still?) is going to make your car much louder unless you preserve the stock muffler, keep this in mind.
  
• The overpipe is, after the headers, the single biggest performance upgrade. The stock overpipe is a horrendous design when it comes to exhaust flow. Again please correct me if I am exaggerating, but I want to say Perrin showed a nearly 10HP difference from just the overpipe.
  
• Aftermarket frontpipes seem to never come with the resonator. Some are catless and some have a high-flow cat. At any rate they tend to allow a little more rasp out of the exhaust. This upgrade is only a big deal for FI folks as the cat is a major impedance to exhaust flow.
  
• The midpipe resonator is the single most important tool in the battle against rasp. If you get an unresonated catback with aftermarket headers expect to create earsplitting noises. I personally get away with this because my turbo absorbs a lot of the noise until I hit redline.
  
• The axleback is, like I said, the biggest factor when it comes to overall volume level. Any system with a chamber muffler is going to be very tame at low RPMs. A virtually muffler-free axleback (look at the Quicksilver kit) will be quite loud at all times, probably resonate a lot in the cabin without significant resonator tuning, but should also allow a lot of fun little pops and crackles to pass through.

I'm sure there are exceptions to all these rules, and I'm only speaking from my personal experiences. I haven't seen every exhaust combination out there, I'm just sharing what I've noticed. I know this isn't the top 10 you wanted but I hope it helps.

Over pipe has actually been proven to have VERY minimal gains. 1-2 whp. Biggest gains definitely come from a header (especially with a tune for it). The front pipe and catback don't do much for power (~5 whp each), but these three pieces affect sound the most. I wouldn't worry about the over pipe. Everything else you said is spot on

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[nataku]

Originally Posted by gabeg86

Over pipe has actually been proven to have VERY minimal gains. 1-2 whp. Biggest gains definitely come from a header (especially with a tune for it). The front pipe and catback don't do much for power (~5 whp each), but these three pieces affect sound the most. I wouldn't worry about the over pipe. Everything else you said is spot on

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Ok thanks for the extra info. I'll edit my post.

I will add a note that most aftermarket overpipes will require motor mounts. They tend to get really close to the suspension piece they traverse and can rattle against it at certain RPM ranges, especially if you have UEL headers.

[gabeg86]

Originally Posted by nataku

Ok thanks for the extra info. I'll edit my post.

I will add a note that most aftermarket overpipes will require motor mounts. They tend to get really close to the suspension piece they traverse and can rattle against it at certain RPM ranges, especially if you have UEL headers.

Good point and stiffer aftermarket mounts would help, but I've heard different stories about the fitment of over pipes from different manufacturers. Some tend to hit and rattle and some don't. The usual adage seems to be correct. You get what you pay for

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[nataku]

Originally Posted by gabeg86

Good point and stiffer aftermarket mounts would help, but I've heard different stories about the fitment of over pipes from different manufacturers. Some tend to hit and rattle and some don't. The usual adage seems to be correct. You get what you pay for

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Yes you're right about that, but I thought it went nicely with the fact that I also only recommended the overpipe in conjunction with FI. In that case motor mounts are recommended regardless I suppose!

[gabeg86]

Originally Posted by nataku

Yes you're right about that, but I thought it went nicely with the fact that I also only recommended the overpipe in conjunction with FI. In that case motor mounts are recommended regardless I suppose!

Indeed

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[Mikeez]

I have read many of your threads over and over, I still can't decide. I haven't had the experience you guys had. However,


I know have a clear image of what I want.


After discussing, I want to increase my performance. I read that headers and catback will do the thing. What about a UEL Header with a M7. Is there any similar alternative that would be cheaper.


I got a budget of 2500$ for exhaust... the reason its that low. I got to pay installation and stuff, since I don't know how.

[Eric@ptuning]

Pm sent

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by Mikeez

I have read many of your threads over and over, I still can't decide. I haven't had the experience you guys had. However,


I know have a clear image of what I want.


After discussing, I want to increase my performance. I read that headers and catback will do the thing. What about a UEL Header with a M7. Is there any similar alternative that would be cheaper.


I got a budget of 2500$ for exhaust... the reason its that low. I got to pay installation and stuff, since I don't know how.

Grab a 3/8 ratchet, jackstands, and a low profile jack. 12, 14, 16, 17 MM sockets. All you need. Saves you lots of money too. Headers are too easy on this car. We're spoiled with such easy mounting on the bottom.

[Mikeez]

Haha yes I know, I am slowly saving money. Thanks my friend, I am still open to suggestions.

[jamesm]

i have a motiv overpipe, j2 front pipe and perrin 3" catback. it looks and sounds great. it's worth noting that with my turbo setup (originally on full stock exhaust) i gained almost no noticeable power until the last piece was replaced (the catback).