3" Catbacks vs Reliability

KongMeister · 03-15-2013, 01:24 AM

I got my 2013 wrx hatch in january and have been looking at exhausts (magnaflow quad tip 3" catback in particular). Judging by the title you can guess my question which is: do i need to worry about the reliability of my new car? Im assuming the exhaust will make the car behave a little differently, but is the engine management system capable of keeping up with the changes? I know my car will be fine in the short term but im worried about it ten plus years from now. Do i need a tune or not? Or am i just being straight up unreasonable.
Thanks very much responders in the future

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rdowner22 · 03-15-2013, 01:27 AM

Dear god please return your car.... "Do I need a tune?" YES. Read and read and read and read and before you buy read some more....

blessthekellen · 03-15-2013, 01:30 AM

Stock car = stock tune.
Any engine modifications on vehicle = get a tune.

aerosaaber · 03-15-2013, 01:34 AM

catbacks need a tune? That must be a 2008 and newer thing. I had not heard that.

I suppose since I don't have a 2008+ I'm not in the know.

El Wray · 03-15-2013, 01:35 AM

CBs do not need a tune.

ArtClassShank · 03-15-2013, 01:38 AM

NASIOC is so full of ****.

"Hurr Durr Catback....NEED A TUNE"

It'll be ****ing fine. And if you want to feel ok about it, get the SPT exhaust.

Vrooom_Psh · 03-15-2013, 01:39 AM

Tune not needed if you're just putting a catback on!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdowner22

Dear god please return your car.... "Do I need a tune?" YES. Read and read and read and read and before you buy read some more....

I just installed new wiper blades, do I need a tune??

El Wray · 03-15-2013, 01:41 AM

^no, but you will if you install a shorty antenna!

10splaya22 · 03-15-2013, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdowner22

Dear god please return your car.... "Do I need a tune?" YES. Read and read and read and read and before you buy read some more....

Such an ironic post...

Modfydsubi · 03-15-2013, 02:15 AM

Catback = No Tune. Downpipes are the only tuned modification on the exhaust outlet side.

BTW Original Poster, There are several hundreds of threads telling you what is needed for tune and what isnt. Best way to avoid being bashed for simple questions is to dig and read.....True Story.

07STifastashell · 03-15-2013, 02:16 AM

A catback exhaust does NOT require a tune. However, to see any noticeable power gains a tune would be needed. If it was a turbo back exhaust then you would need a tune. Replacing the stock downpipe with an aftermarket one would cause the air fuel ratio to be very off and your car would run dangerously lean. Also, do not tune your car. Not even using Cobb Accessport unless you are comfortable with voiding your engine warranty. I would strongly suggest you try to avoid warranty altering mods. The cbe wouldn't void anything though. I bought my 07 sti around a year and a half ago, got a cbe and ap stage 1 tune. Because of how previous owners treated the car (apparently it would seem they abused it), during a 4th gear pull, there was boost creep and the car over boosted. Spun rod bearing. Shortblock and turbo are done. My warranty expired 6 months ago but there is still a chance to get Subaru of America to cover failures like that as long as the car has not been modified like that, especially a tune. The lesson here, be careful with your modifications. If you can easily afford 8 grand in repairs, modify your car how you please. However, I still wouldn't suggest it with a brand new car.

RoadKillDMD · 03-15-2013, 02:45 AM

WTF?? C'mon! Does nobody READ anymore?

:ehem:

NO TUNE IS NEEDED TO RUN A CATBACK EXHAUST ON YOUR SUBARU

/thread

To add: A tune would have no benefit between a stock catback or an aftermarket catback anyway, unless you were running a ridiculous amount of power and boost...

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07STifastashell

A catback exhaust does NOT require a tune. However, to see any noticeable power gains a tune would be needed.

Nate_1990 · 03-15-2013, 02:52 AM

It's not like a mustang *puts on exhaust gets 500 hp without tune

07STifastashell · 03-15-2013, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadKillDMD

WTF?? C'mon! Does nobody READ anymore?

:ehem:

NO TUNE IS NEEDED TO RUN A CATBACK EXHAUST ON YOUR SUBARU

/thread

To add: A tune would have no benefit between a stock catback or an aftermarket catback anyway, unless you were running a ridiculous amount of power and boost...

So you're trying to tell me there is no power difference between stock tune and stage 1 tune?? Having run stage 1 for the last 5000 miles I can tell you power difference is noticeable. It has better low end power, better response, and a stage 1 tune on Cobb ap has a peak boost of 16.5 psi compared to the 14.5 psi the stock tune has. So, to say that there aren't any power gains from a cbe and a tune is just completely inaccurate. Get your facts straight.

Napalm3nema · 03-15-2013, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07STifastashell

So you're trying to tell me there is no power difference between stock tune and stage 1 tune?? Having run stage 1 for the last 5000 miles I can tell you power difference is noticeable. It has better low end power, better response, and a stage 1 tune on Cobb ap has a peak boost of 16.5 psi compared to the 14.5 psi the stock tune has. So, to say that there aren't any power gains from a cbe and a tune is just completely inaccurate. Get your facts straight.

He was saying, and correctly, that you don't need to tune for a catback exhaust. You threw in a very confusing 'you need a tune to realize power' which has nothing to do with the question at hand.

He asked 'do I need a tune for a CBE'

The answer is 'No'.

Now you can certainly advise him to get a tune to increase his power and make the car feel better, but be clear about what you are suggesting and also advise the OP to research the potential ramifications to his warranty etc.. I am a big fan of tuning these beasts, but everyone needs to do their own research and decide if they feel safe doing it with their cars.

07STifastashell · 03-15-2013, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Napalm3nema

He was saying, and correctly, that you don't need to tune for a catback exhaust. You threw in a very confusing 'you need a tune to realize power' which has nothing to do with the question at hand.

He asked 'do I need a tune for a CBE'

The answer is 'No'.

Now you can certainly advise him to get a tune to increase his power and make the car feel better, but be clear about what you are suggesting and also advise the OP to research the potential ramifications to his warranty etc.. I am a big fan of tuning these beasts, but everyone needs to do their own research and decide if they feel safe doing it with their cars.

I understand. I thought I made it pretty clear that you don't need a tune for a cbe. However, for any noticeable power gains, you'd want to get a tune. That's what I was saying. I was expanding upon the op' s question to clarify when you'd want a tune. The last guy to whom I was replying was saying that there are no benefits to tuning your car after getting a cbe which is very inaccurate. That was my point. He was wrong and needed to be corrected as such.

575rider · 03-15-2013, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadKillDMD

WTF?? C'mon! Does nobody READ anymore?

:ehem:

NO TUNE IS NEEDED TO RUN A CATBACK EXHAUST ON YOUR SUBARU

/thread

To add: A tune would have no benefit between a stock catback or an aftermarket catback anyway, unless you were running a ridiculous amount of power and boost...

how do you make ridiculous amounts of power without a tune while still running either the stock exhaust or just a catback? that statement makes no sense.

Napalm3nema · 03-15-2013, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07STifastashell

I understand. I thought I made it pretty clear that you don't need a tune for a cbe. However, for any noticeable power gains, you'd want to get a tune. That's what I was saying. I was expanding upon the op' s question to clarify when you'd want a tune. The last guy to whom I was replying was saying that there are no benefits to tuning your car after getting a cbe which is very inaccurate. That was my point. He was wrong and needed to be corrected as such.

Sounds good carry on

bestfromnw · 03-15-2013, 03:44 AM

get SPT and you'll be ok with warranty and no need to tune

metoto2sti · 03-15-2013, 03:47 AM

Before I ask a question! ! I use Google! !

backseatwindowsup · 03-15-2013, 03:48 AM

Lol everyone got so hung up on the tuning issue that no one even bothered to answer OPs original question (read: title of thread).

07STifastashell · 03-15-2013, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backseatwindowsup

Lol everyone got so hung up on the tuning issue that no one even bothered to answer OPs original question (read: title of thread).

Reliability is the same unless you tune. Since your car is new, you should be fine. Also, since it's just a catback exhaust, your warranty should be completely active (check with your local dealership to make sure), so you won't have to worry if something goes wrong. There, question answered.

backseatwindowsup · 03-15-2013, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07STifastashell

Reliability is the same unless you tune. Since your car is new, you should be fine. Also, since it's just a catback exhaust, your warranty should be completely active (check with your local dealership to make sure), so you won't have to worry if something goes wrong. There, question answered.

You're welcome OP

Modfydsubi · 03-15-2013, 04:30 AM

This thread is overkill for such a simple answer that has been answered multiple times....

PS ~ SPT exhaust systems are sold nation wide at the Subaru dealership as a factory upgrade. Which is also a no tune necessary product.....

03-15-2013, 01:24 AM	#1
KongMeister Scooby Newbie Member#: 350232 Join Date: Mar 2013 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: STL Vehicle: 2013 WRX 5-door silver	3" Catbacks vs Reliability I got my 2013 wrx hatch in january and have been looking at exhausts (magnaflow quad tip 3" catback in particular). Judging by the title you can guess my question which is: do i need to worry about the reliability of my new car? Im assuming the exhaust will make the car behave a little differently, but is the engine management system capable of keeping up with the changes? I know my car will be fine in the short term but im worried about it ten plus years from now. Do i need a tune or not? Or am i just being straight up unreasonable. Thanks very much responders in the future * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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03-15-2013, 01:27 AM	#2
rdowner22 Scooby Newbie Member#: 329284 Join Date: Aug 2012 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Eugene, Oregon Vehicle: 02 WRX Sport Wagon Aspen White	Dear god please return your car.... "Do I need a tune?" YES. Read and read and read and read and before you buy read some more....

03-15-2013, 01:30 AM	#3
blessthekellen Scooby Specialist Member#: 273859 Join Date: Feb 2011 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Location: Alberta. Vehicle: MY98 WRX	Stock car = stock tune. Any engine modifications on vehicle = get a tune.

03-15-2013, 01:34 AM	#4
aerosaaber Scooby Specialist Member#: 33850 Join Date: Mar 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Pittsfield, MA Vehicle: 2006 WRX Wagon WRC Blue	catbacks need a tune? That must be a 2008 and newer thing. I had not heard that. I suppose since I don't have a 2008+ I'm not in the know.

03-15-2013, 01:35 AM	#5
El Wray Scooby Newbie Member#: 303030 Join Date: Dec 2011 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: CA Vehicle: 2009 STI DGM	CBs do not need a tune.

03-15-2013, 01:38 AM	#6
ArtClassShank Scooby Newbie Member#: 338180 Join Date: Nov 2012	NASIOC is so full of **. "Hurr Durr Catback....NEED A TUNE" It'll be **ing fine. And if you want to feel ok about it, get the SPT exhaust.

03-15-2013, 01:41 AM	#8
El Wray Scooby Newbie Member#: 303030 Join Date: Dec 2011 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: CA Vehicle: 2009 STI DGM	^no, but you will if you install a shorty antenna!

03-15-2013, 02:15 AM	#10
Modfydsubi Scooby Newbie Member#: 310974 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Corona, CA Vehicle: 2011 WRX BLK	Catback = No Tune. Downpipes are the only tuned modification on the exhaust outlet side. BTW Original Poster, There are several hundreds of threads telling you what is needed for tune and what isnt. Best way to avoid being bashed for simple questions is to dig and read.....True Story.

03-15-2013, 02:16 AM	#11
07STifastashell Scooby Newbie Member#: 291793 Join Date: Aug 2011 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bellevue, WA Vehicle: 2007 STi Dom built Crystal Gray Metallic	A catback exhaust does NOT require a tune. However, to see any noticeable power gains a tune would be needed. If it was a turbo back exhaust then you would need a tune. Replacing the stock downpipe with an aftermarket one would cause the air fuel ratio to be very off and your car would run dangerously lean. Also, do not tune your car. Not even using Cobb Accessport unless you are comfortable with voiding your engine warranty. I would strongly suggest you try to avoid warranty altering mods. The cbe wouldn't void anything though. I bought my 07 sti around a year and a half ago, got a cbe and ap stage 1 tune. Because of how previous owners treated the car (apparently it would seem they abused it), during a 4th gear pull, there was boost creep and the car over boosted. Spun rod bearing. Shortblock and turbo are done. My warranty expired 6 months ago but there is still a chance to get Subaru of America to cover failures like that as long as the car has not been modified like that, especially a tune. The lesson here, be careful with your modifications. If you can easily afford 8 grand in repairs, modify your car how you please. However, I still wouldn't suggest it with a brand new car.

03-15-2013, 02:52 AM	#13
Nate_1990 Scooby Newbie Member#: 234485 Join Date: Jan 2010 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Massachusetts Vehicle: 2004 STI Rally Blue	It's not like a mustang *puts on exhaust gets 500 hp without tune

03-15-2013, 03:44 AM	#19
bestfromnw Scooby Newbie Member#: 281835 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: NWIC Vehicle: 2008 STI 1990 mk2 GLi vdub	get SPT and you'll be ok with warranty and no need to tune

03-15-2013, 03:47 AM	#20
metoto2sti Scooby Newbie Member#: 340990 Join Date: Dec 2012 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NJ Vehicle: 2012 subaru Sti Dark Gray Metallic	Before I ask a question! ! I use Google! !

03-15-2013, 03:48 AM	#21
backseatwindowsup Scooby Newbie Member#: 321212 Join Date: May 2012 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Naperville, IL Vehicle: 2012 WRX OBP	Lol everyone got so hung up on the tuning issue that no one even bothered to answer OPs original question (read: title of thread).

03-15-2013, 04:30 AM	#24
Modfydsubi Scooby Newbie Member#: 310974 Join Date: Feb 2012 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Corona, CA Vehicle: 2011 WRX BLK	This thread is overkill for such a simple answer that has been answered multiple times.... PS ~ SPT exhaust systems are sold nation wide at the Subaru dealership as a factory upgrade. Which is also a no tune necessary product.....