Best Sounding Exhaust

[HansGT]

Narrowing options. Definitely can't afford a TBE right now, nor any of the high-end CBEs. So that leaves me with either one of the less expensive CBEs (Greddy EVO2 or SP2, Borla, Perrin, SPT, etc.) or going with just an axel-back system to start. Given that I'm really not looking for giant horsepower gains, I'm starting to lean towards the latter choice here in the interest of cost.

 

So I of course have more questions:

 

-Of the vendors mentioned here, which have enormous tips (I know Greddy look big) vs. being more discrete or close to stock? I actually prefer a tamer look vs. something really ostentatious. How is the SP2 system vs. EVO2 in that regard?

 

-It's been mentioned that the Perrin CBE is loud, one of the louder systems on the market. How about just the mufflers themselves on an otherwise stock system? How about Magnaflows?

 

Off to search for sound clips of the Greddy SP2 system.

 

Don't forget Megan CBE.....about 699 retail. (opening group buy around 600) do a search.

[Boostjunkie]

Don't forget Megan CBE.....about 699 retail. (opening group buy around 600) do a search.

 

Thanks for the plug Han'sGT. Seriously though, the Megan catback seems an ideal fit. Subtle looking, modest volume level, nice tone and very competitive pricing. As to quality, I don't think anyone needs to worry there. It is an exhaust we are talking about here... not the space shuttle. It's only piping and welds when it comes down to it. The Megan system is all 304 stainless and the TIG welds are nice. Are they Fujitsubo nice? No way. The Fujitsubo has to offer the best craftsmanship I've seen on any exhaust product. However, welds that are worthy to be displayed in a modern art museum don't make an exhaust perform any better. After all, it will spend the rest of it's life under your car, never to be seen again. In the case of the Megan, they are 100% functional, looks good and will stand the test of time. Of course there is always the issue of price here an the Fujitsubo is about double the price of the Megan.

 

I've seen numerous exhausts close up on a cars that I've worked on, and aside from the Fujitsubo, none were any better made/crafted than the Megan system. That list would include Autospeed and both Greddys. The only fly in the ointment would be if you need the exhaust right now, since the first Megan shipment won't be in for 45-60 days. Good things do come to those who wait.

[almondcookie]

If you want more sound options, then I'll gladly post all my files somewhere. It's roughly 60MB worth of video and audio (avi, wmv, mp3, etc. format). I feel bad that I can't share it.

 

My old house had Comcast and they really didn't care what was going on as long as I didn't make myself show up on the radar. It's been close though. I was having issue with the cable modem itself and I called tech support and the staff was like "hmmm well it seems like you ARE uploading a lot of data for the past few days hmmm." So I responded "oh yea, that's only temporary. My home business is being setup." YEA RIGHT! Now that I'm in PA, all I have is Adelphia (THE SUCK!) and they've banned all webservers. So both of my servers are off right now.

 

But if anyone with the fatpipe connection that has space to spare and bandwidth to burn, I'll upload it to them.

 

As for me, my exhaust is custom made from a local exhaust/hotrod shop. The good ol' boys. 68 camaro dragsters in the parking lot. V8 engines on stands. Dodge and chevy and ford all the way. "You want an exhaust done...on that?" Yep.

 

No resonator, 2.5" to the cans, new Y made, and a pair of magnaflows. 300$. Done.

 

Honestly though, to get "more" [sound] out of your exhaust; the word "quiet" really shouldn't be used. For performance or for happiness, either way, it's going to be loud/louder. The more performance you want, the louder it's going to get (edit: I'll try to save myself and say "usually"/"in most cases" =P).

 

Kids with civics and N1's should be shot. Mine is loud. If I lay into it, it's loud. If I coast it gurgles. =). It's not ear splitting like a STI with a grapefruit launcher. Sounds good; got some compliments too. Definitely not expected coming out of a wagon.

 

If someone wants to host, let me know.

 

If you want me to send it to you directly, we'll have to work something out.

[HansGT]

If you want more sound options, then I'll gladly post all my files somewhere. It's roughly 60MB worth of video and audio (avi, wmv, mp3, etc. format). I feel bad that I can't share it.

 

My old house had Comcast and they really didn't care what was going on as long as I didn't make myself show up on the radar. It's been close though. I was having issue with the cable modem itself and I called tech support and the staff was like "hmmm well it seems like you ARE uploading a lot of data for the past few days hmmm." So I responded "oh yea, that's only temporary. My home business is being setup." YEA RIGHT! Now that I'm in PA, all I have is Adelphia (THE SUCK!) and they've banned all webservers. So both of my servers are off right now.

 

But if anyone with the fatpipe connection that has space to spare and bandwidth to burn, I'll upload it to them.

 

As for me, my exhaust is custom made from a local exhaust/hotrod shop. The good ol' boys. 68 camaro dragsters in the parking lot. V8 engines on stands. Dodge and chevy and ford all the way. "You want an exhaust done...on that?" Yep.

 

No resonator, 2.5" to the cans, new Y made, and a pair of magnaflows. 300$. Done.

 

Honestly though, to get "more" [sound] out of your exhaust; the word "quiet" really shouldn't be used. For performance or for happiness, either way, it's going to be loud/louder. The more performance you want, the louder it's going to get (edit: I'll try to save myself and say "usually"/"in most cases" =P).

 

Kids with civics and N1's should be shot. Mine is loud. If I lay into it, it's loud. If I coast it gurgles. =). It's not ear splitting like a STI with a grapefruit launcher. Sounds good; got some compliments too. Definitely not expected coming out of a wagon.

 

If someone wants to host, let me know.

 

If you want me to send it to you directly, we'll have to work something out.

 

I came across these pics a while ago and don't remember who's ride it was Are you using the same magnaflows?

 

Where in PA are you?

[almondcookie]

I'm right over the border in New Freedom - 25min from Hunt Valley/Timonium/Towson.

 

I have those on my 7. The tips are beveled and are more "classy"/acura-ish look. On the wagon, my tip edges are "normal" like a Greddy or any other normal muffler.

 

Those pictures are probably the 7" long tips. Mine are 4" so they sit in and under the bumper and not flush with the bumper's edge.

 

For the original poster, I know the main concern is noise. I hope visual appearance is not a concern. A hobbyist or tuner will know that it's a custom exhaust just by following you without listening. The magnaflows are bright silver and having a 2.5" custom Y pipe is not hard to notice. =).

 

(unless you spray it black)

[harrigan]

About the coming Megan CBE...

 

Your hesitation is understandable - but honestly, Megan's products have all been *very* nice, especially when their low pricing point is factored-in. Hopefully, history will continue to prove this to be the case in this upcoming-release.

 

Cobb...

 

I'd definitely get some more research on this - potentially actually contacting Cobb to find out exactly why this sole vendor that you've pursued seem to think that they've got their hands on a set of LGT-fitment Prodrive canisters.....

 

Yeah, I've since talked to "the performance guy" at the dealer, and he was much more knowledgable about the Cobb stuff. According to him, it's just the y-pipe that's not out. He also had a price list with the Cobb CBE pricing on it, so he thinks it'll be out fairly soon. Did you mean Cobb cannisters, btw?

 

Autospeed...

What actually worries me more about the Autospeed is the current two pending cases of "too close" fitment to our bumper cut-outs.

 

Yeah, that too.

 

I'd really like to hear and see the various systems I'm starting to narrow down to (Borla, Megan (I'm not in *that* much of a rush), Prodrive (long tips, hrm), Greddy EVO2, Stromung) live, but I know that's just not going to happen... unless some fellow Colorado owners with after-market exhausts pipe up and tell me there's a meet coming up or something.

 

I'll say this: I -do- like the looks of both the twin-pipe systems, the Stromung and the Megan. I know only Boostjunkie has experience with the Megan... Boost, can you compare those two systems -- that is, have you heard a Stromung live as well?

 

Almondcookie, would love to hear your clips if you get them up somewhere. Note that I don't want *quiet* -- I'm concerned both Borla and Prodrive will be a little too quiet for me... I just don't want to rattle windows and draw annoyed stares when I start the car.

[RockyMtnGT]

I posted this in our local "Official Spotted Thread" His car sounded sick with this setup...

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/mountain-west/9292-official-spotted-thread-27.html

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyMtnGT

Spotted an atlantic blue GT wagon near the Aurora mall today. It looked lowered with aftermarket wheels and had an amazing sounding exhaust on it...It has to be someone on here!?

 

Would love to know what brand exhaust he was running...

 

 

Yamagacy

 

That was probably me. Furniture shopping on the east side. Anyway, I'm running catless up, cobb high flow cat down, and a greddy sp2 cat back.

[Boostjunkie]

I'll say this: I -do- like the looks of both the twin-pipe systems, the Stromung and the Megan. I know only Boostjunkie has experience with the Megan... Boost, can you compare those two systems -- that is, have you heard a Stromung live as well?

 

I have heard the Stromung live, but it was quite some time ago. IIRC, it was a touch louder than the Megan. The bigger difference is in the look. The Stromung has twin 3" tips and the Megan has twin 2.25" tips. I personally think that 3" pipes on a twin tip is way to big and forces the mufflers to hang too low. I also believe that the Stromung sells for $150-200 more than the Megan system will.

[almondcookie]

Almondcookie, would love to hear your clips if you get them up somewhere. Note that I don't want *quiet* -- I'm concerned both Borla and Prodrive will be a little too quiet for me... I just don't want to rattle windows and draw annoyed stares when I start the car.

Let me test it out tonight or over the weekend. I've been thinking about a couple ideas to get around the webserver-ban. Worst case is I send you a file that you want one at a time through gmail or some other place that supports large email attachments.

 

I shot 2 video clips, 1 outside, 1 while driving through a parking lot. I think the outside was 14MB and the driving one was almost 20. Maybe if I compress it with DivX it'll get smaller...hmm...

 

Regarding your concerns. The funny thing is, what you think will happen, will in fact never happen. Obviously you're looking for style and civility also so I'm going to guess that you're not going to get a grapefruit launcher. It also has to do with what you have, i.e. the engine. Flat-4 (or 6 for the other folks). It'll never sound like an angry can of bees or give your neighbors the sudden urge to mow their lawns. If you've heard a STI with a custom exhaust at a carshow or going down the street, it will sound like that. Only the volume will be different.

 

I like WRC/rally so if my car had straight pipes.. i'd still like it. I'd have to get earplugs... but i'd still like the sound of a subaru. =P.

[TSiWRX]

Yeah, I've since talked to "the performance guy" at the dealer, and he was much more knowledgable about the Cobb stuff. According to him, it's just the y-pipe that's not out. He also had a price list with the Cobb CBE pricing on it, so he thinks it'll be out fairly soon. Did you mean Cobb cannisters, btw?

 

Talk to Cobb, direct - I'm still more than a little certain that your dealer source is mistaken, that the Cobb canisters for the LGT-fitment are not out....

 

And even if a "release date" is "pending," you should remember that this is a Cobb product, with a "Cobb release date."

 

Quite a number of LGTers are still waiting for the promised Cobb intake for the LGT, and that's been promised since LAST DECEMBER as an on-market release date.

 

I'd again encourage you to talk directly to Cobb.

 

I'll say this: I -do- like the looks of both the twin-pipe systems, the Stromung and the Megan.

 

If this is the case, then I'd strongly advise you to wait until the Megan units are released before making your final decision.

 

Because of their relatively low cost and known (good-to-excellent) track-record for quality, I'd say that you'd have nothing to lose in waiting a few more weeks for the Megans to come on-market before pursuing the Stromung, particularly as the latter will themselves require a waiting period before you'd receive the item.

 

Almondcookie, would love to hear your clips if you get them up somewhere.

 

I'm not sure if it's still up, but brother Almondcookie had, at one point, compiled an "unofficial exhaust clips" thread. Search that up using our search engine if you need a quick fix. I known that some of the clips have been repeated in brother scans007's media files section, but Almondcookie's got a fair share of unique files, too.

 

Note that I don't want *quiet* -- I'm concerned both Borla and Prodrive will be a little too quiet for me...

 

Depending on how you configure the pipes UPSTREAM of the Prodrive canisters, I believe that it can be tailored to your liking in terms of volume production quite nicely. There has been more than just one member here who voiced disappointment at the ability of the Prodrive canisters to "control" noise volume when paired with various aftermarket mid-sections and/or Y-sections.

 

The borla, though, may truly not be to your calling.....

 

I just don't want to rattle windows and draw annoyed stares when I start the car.

 

This is going to be hard to balance - particularly during cold-starts, when our ECU bumps-up the revs to help in warming the cat(s) and easing emissions.

 

If you're pursuing a system specifically *for* volume/sound, you've gotta be willing make at least some trade-offs, my friend.

[HansGT]

harrigan...

 

crucial racing will be putting out a twin tip design too.

[BoxerGT2.5]

harrigan...

 

crucial racing will be putting out a twin tip design too.

 

 

Yes, but will it be coated????

[HansGT]

Yes, but will it be coated????

 

could be. that was an option, but the cost may be too high. they coat the wrx on.

 

seen here:

[captainmorgan]

Stromung FTW!

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/turbo-powertrains-2-0gt/35167-after-2-months-its.html

 

I don't have clips up, but in its latest incarnation with the magnaflow inline, its uber quiet! I was driving around yesterday and was wishing that I hadn't done the inline muffler, because now its almost too quiet! But it still retains its super low pitch (which Iassume is due to the 3" pipe allthe way back).

 

Definately worth the money in my opinion.

[almondcookie]

This is going to be hard to balance - particularly during cold-starts, when our ECU bumps-up the revs to help in warming the cat(s) and easing emissions.

 

If you're pursuing a system specifically *for* volume/sound, you've gotta be willing make at least some trade-offs, my friend.

 

Definitely a true statement. Luckily in my neighborhood, the people who live immediately around me all leave for work around 7-ish. I'm the last one to leave so I don't disturb anyone. Once the car warms up, it'll quiet down. Don't get me wrong, it's not like the guy down the street. He's got a 68 camaro with no hood and a supercharger thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis big. Yea, so for audio disturbances, he's the winner.

 

Or I decide to start my 7. =).

 

Definitely a true statement again. There are indeed tradeoffs. It has to be loud enough to make you happy while giving you the best performance bang for the buck. Dollars need to be kept on the down low as well as the annoyance factor.

 

Loudness = 3 out of 5

Performance = The FleshyBottom Speed Meter says "oooh faster"

Dollars = cheap

Annoyance = I haven't had any complaints yet. And sometimes I drive around like a maniac.

 

Win, win, win, win.

 

Brother TSi <--- modern day shao lin monk haha j/k.

[harrigan]

Almondcookie, try not to mention the WRC. SO mad at Speed for not carrying it this year.

 

Regarding what I'm looking for, I actually think it's out there. I'm not -that- fussy. If it's a little on the quiet side or loud side I'll be okay. I want nice, moderate sound and would prefer to not have grapefruit launchers. My problem is that I've heard -zero- of these exhausts, so when someone says, "It's quieter than the EVO2," or "It's got a nice rumble but is too close to stock," I have no frame of reference. Hearing even a couple of the systems (a quiet one and a loud one, ideally) would really help me out, and I'm finding that the video and audio clips, while cool, just don't give me a real indicator on volume and sound.

 

I might just take the plunge with the Prodrives, or the Borla or EVO2 exahausts and see what I think. Or wait on the Megan. Or do something custom. Augh!

[HansGT]

if you don't want giant grapefruit launchers but like EVO2 otherwise...how about the SP2? I think they have one for the sedan? These are orange launchers.

[almondcookie]

Blue is nice. That was my backup choice. So clean too.

 

I had a Greddy Evo on my prelude. Real nice. Not loud around town and was fun at the track. Is there anyone in your area that posts here? I remember someone living there that had a wagon. GT_LTD? Maybe not him. When I made the purchase, a guy I was talking to online agreed to meet up with me at a local shop. There just so happened to business park across the street. So he drove me around. I asked him to do stops, starts, full-on drag start, idle, coasting, engine braking, trying to hold at 40mph, trying to hold at 60mph, windows up, windows down. Completely satisfied with what I heard and bought it the same day. =). That's really what you need.

 

Everyone can sit here and type something to explain X > Y or A is louder than B but B is build better or C is the shiznit, so go get it. Ultimately, you're going to be living with it everyday - hot, cold, driving alone, driving with passengers, etc etc etc. You need to hear it first and in person. Looking back, the only thing I didn't test is sitting in the backseat. (why would I care? I'm driving right?) Well if you're picking your friends up at the airport and to you the car sounds great, but it may drones for the people in the back. Your friends will stab you. Among my car-friends, it sounds great. Among my non-car friends, it sound "strangely loud" and if I ask them about droning they said it's "not noticable at all"...after I try to explain what "droning" is for 20 minutes =P.

 

I'm not an engineer or a technical specialist but I'm going to bet that Han's choice of mufflers will probably be quieter than mine. I can already see it. The initial exit of the can is smaller than the tip itself and gets bigger. My cans are probably the same size as the outer tip diameter, from the back of the can. So, duh, the exit hole of the muffler is probably 2x-2.5x bigger than Han's choice. Bigger hole, more stuff escapes faster.

[RockyMtnGT]

 

Is there anyone in your area that posts here? I remember someone living there that had a wagon. GT_LTD? Maybe not him. When I made the purchase, a guy I was talking to online agreed to meet up with me at a local shop. There just so happened to business park across the street. So he drove me around. I asked him to do stops, starts, full-on drag start, idle, coasting, engine braking, trying to hold at 40mph, trying to hold at 60mph, windows up, windows down. Completely satisfied with what I heard and bought it the same day. =). That's really what you need.

 

Everyone can sit here and type something to explain X > Y or A is louder than B but B is build better or C is the shiznit, so go get it. Ultimately, you're going to be living with it everyday - hot, cold, driving alone, driving with passengers, etc etc etc. You need to hear it first and in person.

 

+1...PM Yamagacy, he is local. Maybe you guys can meet up and take a listen live and in person- that is the only way you'll every know for sure if it's what you want. His SP2 setup sounded sweet IMHO.

 

Personally I REALLY like the sound of the Autospeed turbo back setup

 

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/fastwrx/aspleg.wmv

[harrigan]

I think I've decided that the EVO2 tips and cans are just too big for my liking, especially from the side where the cans are so visible beneath the bumper / quarterpanel. (I reserve to change my mind if I hear Yamagacy's or someone else's and I wet my pants. ) Can't replace the tips on those, right?

 

Now I'm thinking that if sound is all I'm really on about, perhaps I should just look at axel-back / mufflers. The Prodrives have that weird long-tip issue I'm not crazy about... I wonder how a pair of magnaflows would sound with everything else stock? Same thing for the Perrins. I know as a CBE they're loud, especially with other mods upstream, but if they're the only non-stock component of the exhaust?

 

To confirm, as well, Greddy SP2 is wagon-only, ja?

[legacychick]

I don't know if you have heard the Cobb mufflers yet harrigan, but I found this sound clip on their website. cobb . legacy gt power . individual components

They sound pretty quiet on this clip though.

[STi Boy]

anyone have vids/clips of the STi genome canisters??

[HansGT]

actually, not my car in pics.

 

(silver sedan here)

[HansGT]

I think I've decided that the EVO2 tips and cans are just too big for my liking, especially from the side where the cans are so visible beneath the bumper / quarterpanel. (I reserve to change my mind if I hear Yamagacy's or someone else's and I wet my pants. ) Can't replace the tips on those, right?

 

Now I'm thinking that if sound is all I'm really on about, perhaps I should just look at axel-back / mufflers. The Prodrives have that weird long-tip issue I'm not crazy about... I wonder how a pair of magnaflows would sound with everything else stock? Same thing for the Perrins. I know as a CBE they're loud, especially with other mods upstream, but if they're the only non-stock component of the exhaust?

 

To confirm, as well, Greddy SP2 is wagon-only, ja?

 

Yep, seems to be only for the wagon. Probably would fit the sedan, but tips would be LONG.

 

http://www.greddy.com

[wukindada]

The SP2 now has a sedan fittment....just have to call around, should be able to get one for under 800 shipped.