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01-28-2013, 04:02 PM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
Hello.
I'm hoping for input on taking my 2011 WRX hatchback to stage 2, with a catted dp and exhaust. I'd like a little better performance and a nicer sound. I've read through many threads on these forums, and think I have a decent idea of what I'd like... unfortunately the most difficult part is determining how the exhaust will sound (even with all the videos floating around). The main consideration is that I'm in my 40's (and relatively old for a WRX owner ) with a wife and two kids, so there are certain things that may matter a bit more to me than other owners... If anyone has valuable input and would like to help me decide, feel free to comment. Some criteria: 1) It has to be quiet-ish. I would like the exhaust to sound deeper and "meaner", but not really louder in the car (especially at speed). Outside the car, it can be slightly louder, but again the focus would be on a deeper, rumbling sound and not high volume. NO DRONE whatsoever. Of course, it can't sound stock or be so quiet that it was a waste of money. 2) It has to be high quality, but not too expensive. I don't have a large amount of disposable income, but I also don't have the time or patience to mess around with crappy products. I like supporting "good" companies that offer a well made product and support it before/after the purchase. Easy installation and fitment are also key. 3) Continuing on with #2, I want to spend enough money to reach my goals, but no more and no less. In other words, if a mid pipe would be nice but not worth the extra $$$ for someone like me, then maybe I shouldn't consider it. Other input on if certain products are worth it or not, and price vs performance suggestions are definitely welcomed. There is very little chance I'll go beyond stage 2. 4) I want it to look nice, but not stand out. Think slightly nicer than stock, but it definitely can't stick out the back or bottom of the car or be gaudy. It also has to hold up to upstate NY winters and being used as a dd. Right now, I am sort of leaning towards Nameless catted DP, with their Magnaflow mufflered axle back (or maybe 5" exhaust). I was going to keep the stock midpipe to save money. Anyone have experience with the Nameless on the hatch? How about pics of the 10% gloss black finish installed? What effect would the Nameless midpipe have on the sound for this setup? Are there other quality, mid priced exhausts that would fit the bill? (I listened to a video of the Cobb exhaust and it sounded great, but the price is higher and its hard to tell without experiencing in it person.) I'll probably go with the Cobb Accessport for tuning, and buy a custom map from an online tuner (suggestions?). ================================================== [UPDATE] After a month or more, I'll try to summarize the feedback I received in this thread and via PMs... If someone asks me about the best upgrade path to a relatively quiet aftermarket exhaust on a 2011+ WRX hatchback, including more power and better sound while considering cost and quality, here are my suggestions:
Misc Tips: The increase in boost pressure may cause issues/leaks with some stock parts on 08+ WRXs, so you may consider one or more of the following...
================================================== [UPDATE] More updates after receiving my TBE can be found here (includes pics): http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...1&postcount=92 I've sent my data logs to TP for Eric to review, but here's the initial Virtual Dyno plot: Video of Whisper CBE and Metal v2 DP right after installation: I'm told the sound may improve more as the car is driven. It is definitely louder than stock, but I think it's just about right for people that want something that sounds like it has more power, without being obnoxious. My wife complained immediately of course... oh well. It's really not bad. Cruising along it is almost imperceptible, but driving around town you definitely can hear the muffler more than stock. That's how its supposed to be though... right? I want it to sound "meaner", just not crazy loud. Appearance-wise, the parts are definitely high quality. The DP looks very cool, especially with the divorced wastegate, but most people won't see that. I wish the tips didn't stick out as far from under the bumper, but that's the old guy in me coming out... it doesn't look bad, but I would have liked it more "stealth". Really just nitpicking here. I did have to play around with the mounting awhile to get the tips close to even in the back. The driver side still sticks out a little more than the other. Here's a few pics of the Thermal Solutions turbo blanket and modified stock heat shield: Here's a pic of the "bulletproof" tmic mod I did. More details can be found here: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...&postcount=108 I think I'm done with stage 2. My last upgrade was replacing the stock bpv with a Forge unit to avoid leaks: Thanks.
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Last edited by KMA2; 04-25-2013 at 09:48 AM. Reason: update |
01-28-2013, 04:09 PM | #2 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 246990
Join Date: May 2010
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: NOVA
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Why not try it out with just a downpipe first? Drive that for a few months and if you're wanting more noise then purchase a catback exhaust. The catback install is very easy to do with some jack stands and a basic socket set. This route will make it easier on your wallet as well.
Regarding tuning options? I had Torqued Performance and Eric's service was phenomenal. There are a TON of dyno's floating around and his tunes make great power and are awesome when it comes to driveability. Check him out! |
01-28-2013, 04:10 PM | #3 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 327538
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: La Plata MD
Vehicle:2012 WRX (307/344) SWP |
I voted invidia Q300 (or SPT) and a catted DP of your choosing
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01-28-2013, 04:11 PM | #4 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 134005
Join Date: Dec 2006
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Vehicle:2004 WRX Premium PSM |
I have the Cobb turboback (downpipe + catback) and stage 2 Cobb tune, so I can comment on that. Really, it's quieter than my old Prodrive driving around town. I drive to work everyday and it's just fine.... in fact, my winter tires are louder than it! Now, when you really get on it, something you probably won't be doing with the wife and kids in the car, it comes alive and you can really hear it. Keep in mind, I have the Cobb intake too... and that's louder than the exhaust in my opinion. It's a good sound all together though... skip the intake IMO... mine just came with it.
Cobb is overpriced though.. great quality. Get a catted downpipe.. not catless for sure. The brand doesn't matter as they all sound and performance generally the same. Stay away from eBay though... you can go cheaper than Cobb, but don't totally cheap out with parts that don't fit or leak... headaches and more $$$ in the long run. In all honesty, get the midpipe while you're at it... that way, everything is new. Midpipes aren't that much more... and everything will fit well once it's all together with new, unrusted parts... and yes, even 2011's get rusted a bit down there. Check into the SPT catback... it's quiet, but you can hear it. For most on here, it's too quiet, but for you, I think it would do the trick. Looks stock as it's from Subaru. If you can, but these parts used. You can get great deals and I've bought a ton of parts off this forum. All were great quality and the people are legit... just get pics. You'll save a ton. I'd reckon you can find an SPT exhaust from someone ditching it after getting it with their car and it not being loud enough for them. |
01-28-2013, 04:12 PM | #5 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 337353
Join Date: Nov 2012
Chapter/Region:
BAIC
Vehicle:2009 WRX Gray |
I'd like an "old man" solution as well for my 2009 WRX (single exhaust). KMA2 there are a bunch of threads out there but as you said, videos and forum posts can't really provide all the sound one would need to make a decision. I hope to run across a couple of people on this forum that are close to me (Sacramento, CA) and have modded their cars to stage 2 so I can pester them to listen to their cars in person.
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01-28-2013, 04:17 PM | #6 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
Thanks for the lightening fast feedback and comments! I updated my original post where I accidentally typed "borla" instead of "magnaflow", and clarified there can be no drone whatsoever. Looking forward to more feedback. Thanks again.
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01-28-2013, 04:18 PM | #7 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
Quote:
Thanks! Does the DP alone change the sound much? I'll look into Torqued Performance. |
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01-28-2013, 04:21 PM | #8 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
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01-28-2013, 04:23 PM | #9 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 342336
Join Date: Jan 2013
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: Olympia, WA
Vehicle:2008 WRX SSM RS01 |
dont forget to TUNE TUNE TUNE!
if you have a local muffler shop around your area i would go talk to them. i took mine to a custom exhaust shop... he put it on the lift and took off my exhaust and put pipes on it ( not welded on ) and had me hold the muffler up to it with glove to hear the different tones and pitches it would make. he reved it a few times and i got what i was looking for after 30 min of being under the car. picked it out and he called me back when it was done! Thats the best thing i can think of! Good Luck |
01-28-2013, 04:26 PM | #10 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 301089
Join Date: Nov 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Parts Unknown
Vehicle:2013 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior |
Cobb catted downpipe, spt cat back exhaust, accessport, torqued performance stage 2 tune, process west tmic or perrin tmic, forge bpv in black. This will give you all you want and leave it alone until you sell it. Use oem 75w90 extra s in drivetrain, oem blue filters, and rotella t6 5w40.
You will never have to touch the thing again. Wear items excluded. I endorse all this because its exactly what I run. |
01-28-2013, 04:27 PM | #11 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
Quote:
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01-28-2013, 04:27 PM | #12 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 342336
Join Date: Jan 2013
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: Olympia, WA
Vehicle:2008 WRX SSM RS01 |
oh and to add to what i last said get a CATTED DP id go with bellmouth
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01-28-2013, 04:29 PM | #13 | |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 51961
Join Date: Jan 2004
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Location: Broomfield, CO
Vehicle:2005 STi 2012 WRX |
Quote:
I second the downpipe-only recommendation above. It will make the exhaust a little louder and more aggressive, but not much. If you feel you want more than that, you can get an SPT catback down the road. |
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01-28-2013, 04:36 PM | #14 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 322132
Join Date: Jun 2012
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: North Richland Hills
Vehicle:2002 WRX 4Door AW |
On the subject of used parts, the cobb stage 2 paced for my 03 wrx new is $1750(I believe) I have found a few used catted turbo backs on here for $650-900. The access port you might as well buy new. They are $595 new if you buy a used one it will only save you maybe $50-100, and then unless you meet up with the person you will run the risk of it being married already.
On another subject I didn't quite understand I you were going to buy an access port or have it pro tuned to stage 2. From what I have seen and heard, unless you are going to BIG numbers(400+ whp/wtq) everyone seems to love the access port. Mainly for all o the functions it has, even though it is more expensive than the average pro tune. I personally am about to order the cobb stage 2 package coupled with a catless up pipe and K&N short ram intake. Hoping for the same outcome of a nice little growl at idle and cruise and then a real head turning for spirited driving. |
01-28-2013, 04:39 PM | #15 | |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 268310
Join Date: Dec 2010
Chapter/Region:
SCIC
Location: So Kali
Vehicle:2011 SSM STI saloon Church! |
Quote:
Edit: 48 year old talkin to ya, son. ;-) Last edited by Gallo2011; 01-28-2013 at 04:46 PM. Reason: You ain't old! |
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01-28-2013, 04:40 PM | #16 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
Regarding the get a good quality DP suggestions... is there no advantage to the divorced models (e.g. nameless), or other designs? Thanks again.
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01-28-2013, 04:42 PM | #17 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
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01-28-2013, 04:42 PM | #18 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 145210
Join Date: Apr 2007
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Grafton, MA
Vehicle:2019 Golf R Gray |
Do not get a q300 if you are looking for a quiet exhaust with no drone. I used to have and would highly suggest looking at the maddad whisper exhaust. I ran that for 4 years prior to the q300 and it was a night and day difference between the two as far as sound goes. With the whisper you would never know the car had an exhaust on it under light loads, however it quickly opened up on throttle. With the q300 on cold starts it will vibrate the springs on the garage doors that are about 5+ feet away from the back of my car. The whisper is a little expensive but they are made here in the US which was nice. If you good to the website it won't say they have but you can use the 08+ Sti and it will fit.
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01-28-2013, 04:43 PM | #19 | |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 263954
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Houston, TX
Vehicle:2014 EVO X / 05 WRX Wicked White / Blue |
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01-28-2013, 04:54 PM | #20 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 322132
Join Date: Jun 2012
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: North Richland Hills
Vehicle:2002 WRX 4Door AW |
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01-28-2013, 04:57 PM | #21 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 237145
Join Date: Feb 2010
Chapter/Region:
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Vehicle:02 WRX 12 FXT |
Why catted? go catless.
Why AP if your going to need a custom tune? go opensource with a tactrix cable, 100$ Assuming your an old guy who knows how to work a computer. |
01-28-2013, 04:57 PM | #22 | |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 268310
Join Date: Dec 2010
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SCIC
Location: So Kali
Vehicle:2011 SSM STI saloon Church! |
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01-28-2013, 05:05 PM | #23 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
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01-28-2013, 05:07 PM | #24 |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 263954
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Houston, TX
Vehicle:2014 EVO X / 05 WRX Wicked White / Blue |
Try finding info on Borla hush? Might be a good compromise what you are looking for.
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01-28-2013, 05:11 PM | #25 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 254771
Join Date: Aug 2010
Vehicle:2011 WRX hatchback silver - Stage 2 |
Quote:
I don't think I *need* a custom tune. An OTS map might be fine, but I would like to explore the option of getting something more specific to my car. The technology part of open source is definitely not the issue. AP is easier and compact, with little risk. I don't have a lot of free time to read up on the software and worry about it working... I want "plug and play". Same with the hardware. It has to just fit and work with no issue. If I was younger, or the kids were in college and I had more time, open source would definitely be the way I would go. |
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