Thanks in part(s) to 8BALL's latest mod, my curiosity about fitting a cat-back exhast has been bumped...

I've only noted a couple of S2Ks with aftermarket exhausts on, with rehile's being the most recently heard, so what I was hoping to get an idea of is who in the Gateway forum has/had what pipes & what did you think of them?

rehile: you seem to like the exhaust you have fitted on your S - what make is it?

8BALL: HKS Hi-Power impressions favourable; old zorst too loud; OEM too quiet...

Those with aftermarket exhausts on your cars: are you running a test pipe, or did you keep the cat? How much difference does the TP make?

Just gathering info to bounce mod ideas around

 

I have 8Ball's old exhaust, the test pipe really helped with the drone added a bit of power. In Kansas they do not test emissions, so I don't worry too much about not having a cat. I have the berk test pipe, I haven't thrown a code yet, and for $99 shipped I think it was worth it. The odor isn't bad, I only notice it when I park the car and step out.

I think the first thing you need to look at is how much you are willing to pay for an exhaust system. I would then decide how loud of an exhaust you want or type of look you would like.

 

The thing is it's relatively easy to say how much I'm looking to spend, but it's entirely subjective talking about loudness & looks - that's why I was asking for local input since you can't beat experience...

The priorities for me would be a power boost from midrange upwards & a weight saving, but not if it's too loud or looks ugly on the car. My leaning would be the T1R 63mm V2 but I have no idea how loud a single will be on the car

I've done the online research, but there's a limit, & my GF won't let me play another aftermarket exhaust sound file at full blast

 

Su2uKa,

You may choke slightly on the price, but the Amuse R1 Ti dual is one of the lightest, best sounding, best welded exhausts (IMO) -- see Bulletproof site for details. It's now just over 2 years old, with no defects that I'm aware of, other than a tiny scrape from a rock. Because they're made in Japan, you may have to wait ~3 months for shipment. Compared to many other aftermarket exhausts, I believe the Amuse is much deeper sounding and quieter (from 2-5 krpm only, with reduced drone at ~3 krpm, due to the helmholtz tube). The blueing is optional and is created by heat-treatment. Perhaps SHERRY-O might add a comment regarding the ability to converse, top-down, with the Amuse.

MY03 (wrecked - ) had a completely different appearance.

than the MY02

but sounded the same, of course.

I personally don't have data to show gains, but there's plenty of posts in s2ki attesting to a few (e.g. 3 to 8+ rwhp). No matter what exhaust, consider a CAI. The low rpm growl is fantastic, especially at WOT. Most aftermarket exhausts will drown out that sound, though... (BTW - I can still clearly hear the CAI from 2-4 krpm - above that, no way ). While following an S with an Invidia (s2kjr), the Amuse is nearly equal in "scream", but at an octave lower.

All that said, there are many exhausts out there, each earning merit to rwhp gains, symphonic sounds, and personal preferences. Best of luck shopping. I looked for over a year before deciding. Sound clips on the web are a good start, a ride/drive in the car is ten-times better.

 

p.s.

set up is Injen CAI, no test pipe.
Passed emissions w/o questions.

 

> a ride/drive in the car is ten-times better.
Yes. Please. Thanks.

 

One word: Invidia.

 

No problem - looks like you've no plans for the 3/24 detail day. I would recommend an event so you can compare as many as possible (side-by-side). The "meet of the midwest - spring 2007" would be a great time to do that.