Wow ..my head is spinning now. I have spent days researching exhausts on this forum and two others. I think I am totally confused now. I have no access to hearing any in person so I must try to listen to video clips
Then I read as much information as i can find on each exhaust. Everyone has there favorites and they try to give there opinion on them. I almost pulled the trigger on Hks....then heard they might be to loud. Then i thought ok i would go with fujitsubo but heard the sound might not be much more then stock.
Then i hear add a test pipe to it then it will sound better. WTF is a test pipe and why does it not come with the exhaust. Can you all make my head spin some more and help me pick an exhaust that ......won't get me pulled over ....sounds louder then stock since i am spending money. ...can take on a 500 mile road trip and still hear my radio. I want it to sound bad ass when i rev it and launch
but when i am driving with my wife i want her to enjoy the ride and still be able to hold a conversation. Am i asking for the impossible or stock is the only one for me. Hate to piss away 700 to 1000 and get stock sound or better yet go deaf.

 

Well I can answer one question.

A test pipe replaces your cat with a straight pipe. So a test pipe is just a straight pipe. Take out the cat, which quiets it down a lot, and replace it with a test pipe and it will be louder, but also you won't pass smog.

 

I have a test pipe and i passed smog.

 

Sounds to me like the HKS would be perfect for you. Since you didn't know what a testpipe was, don't get one. (Your wife won't like it, and I don't think you will.)

 

Test pipe replaces the cat. If you are found with this mod in CA and some other stats, it will be up to a $2000 fine. It will also leave soot on your bumper and creative the smell of rotten eggs. On the plus side, it sounds MUCH better and provides HP for only $150.

 

If you have some money to spend then I suggest going with the Amuse Titan Extra (extra=dual) with a resonator. I have heard one in person and it sounds great! Not too loud but you know it's there. At VTEC it'll scream but in lower RPM's it is not that loud. Just my 2 cents.

 

tell me more about this $2K fine for the test pipe...?

 

I'm looking up the exact law right now... but test pipes are emission system modification violations, NOT fix-it or exhaust tickets. As you can imagine here in CA with the emphasis on smog, the fine is MUCH bigger than an exhaust ticket.

 

T1R offers a test pipe that allows you to put the stock heat sheild around it so you can pass visual inspection if pulled over. IMO, HKS exhaust would be great for you.

 

I've thought about getting that... but it still doesn't fix the dirty bumper or smell. My Invidia would sound so much better though