Looking at Cobb AccessECU Stage II - what turbo-back exhaust?

[Drivinwest]

After doing a bunch of research, it certainly seems to me that the most bang for the buck in the WRX tuning world is the Cobb reflash for a mere $395. The Stage I buys you 265hp at the flywheel - add a turbo-back exhaust and you're up to 285hp.

I also like the idea of a reflash over a piggyback or stand alone - the more stock it looks, the better in my mind. After all, I'm not going for sick power levels with bigger injectors or turbos so I don't need much.

I'm looking at getting a Stage II rather than Stage I and was wondering what kind of turbo-back exhaust you guys recommend. I really like dual-tip mufflers like the stock WRX and the Vishnu. I also dig the STi exhaust tip. I'm NOT a fan of cantaloupe cannons.

What about an STi exhaust? Will they breathe as easily as most aftermarket turbo-backs? I see stock Stis for sale on occasion.

Can you guys recommend an affordable turbo-back?

Thanks!

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[JayC]

I have a full system from Applied Technology and Research and really like it. It's pretty affordable, complete turbo back would run you under a grand. I have the 4 inch tip version but that also make a dual 3 inch version that looks stockish. I have a review over here. I know there are a lot of better known exhausts out there for the Scoobys but ATR has been doing exhausts forever for a lot of other performance cars, they are just now getting into the WRX.

Jay

Jay Carter
Jay@MeanKidsRacing.Com
www.meankidsracing.com

[Drivinwest]

Jay - thanks for the reply! Great review of the exhaust! I like the sound, look, apparant quality, etc. however...

Their website appears to be down. Any chance they went under?

[JayC]

No.. they've been around for 15+ years.. I dont think theyve gone anywhere. Probably just server problems. You can reach them direct at 864 972 3800.

[Daddy's SCP]

I suppose this is a solicitation but we are advertising an MBRP Catback with a Bosal Twin Dump downpipe in the Vendor area for $599. Similiar to ATR, MBRP has been around producing exhausts for almost 10 years. Their exhaust looks very stock, sounds second to none, has a 5 year warrantee, and its fit is better than most. I don't think the Bosal downpipe needs any cheering, everyone knows about Bosal's downpipe. Here's a link to some photos of the exhaust and a Audio/Video clip.

Audio/Video Clip

Images

[Weemus]

Mrt sells some nice dual tip exhaust.
As far as what is the best why don't you call cobb(by the way thier exhaust is nice)and ask them for stage 2 what turbo back they have mapped(it will make more power if they have a specific map for it) and if they can provide some dyno #s.Maybe you could swing a deal for getting the ecu and their exhaust,call them you never know.

[WRXncrew]

I believe that Cobb uses the Stromung XA SS single-tip. By looking at the exhaust and the hanger brackets, it's identical to the Stromung XA. I wonder if Cobb can get the twin-tip Stromung SS exhaust?

[davearm]

I have to recommend the MRT turboback as well. I have the dual-tip version on my car (and AECU II also), and it's very nice. Stealth looks, relatively quiet, fantastic fit and quality.

I just noticed a used, single-tip MRT system for sale in the classifieds for $650... that's a screaming deal if it's in good shape.

AECU + MRT for a bit over a grand... WOW.

[AndyWRXWG]

the only problem with the bosal setup is that it still has the 3rd cat, and I'm pretty sure cobb wants you to have no cats for the stage II to really shine. I have been looking into this as well because I do like the idea of having the 3rd cat and I like the twin dump design of the bosal not to mention its low price. If you can hold out Cobb is supposed to be releasing their own TBE sometime in the near future.

[CeeLowe]

Well back to what somebody said about the Cobb exhaust.. I have a friend that has the cobb turbo back on his car and it is a Very Nice "to say the least" turbo back. Plus their downpipe comes with a High flow cat and should still be 50 state legal. It has a very nice throaty sound, and looks very nice from the back. It is a single tip unit and doesnt match the dual tip stock, But the average person wouldnt know it if it bit them in the ass.
Chris

[AlanWRX]

Cobb Turbo back??? I didn't know they made a turboback. I have the Cobb catback, it is sweet, but I am using an Invidia downpipe because Cobb doesn't make a full turboback (at least to my knowledge).

[dbrier]

I spoke to COBB last week and they are working on a turbo back system with 2 high flow cats that will work with the stage II. And before you ask, they did not have a cost or estimated time of completion. My stage I will be here tommorrow and I may upgrade to Stage II with the COBB exhaust next year.

[downeyer]

Dale,

I had know idea you went for the Stage 1. Can I take a ride this weekend

-Eric

[dbrier]

Sure,
The computer will be here today. COBB sends tracking info with your order.
It will have to be Saturday morning or maybe tonight.
Don and Chris both want rides too.

I'll even let you drive it.

Dale

[CeeLowe]

As far as it being a "cobb" turbo back... I dont know but we ordered a complete kit for my buddys WRX about 2 years ago. They sent us a Turbo Back w/high flow cat, IHI VF29, Unichip, Cold air Intake, APS topmount, Silicone Y pipe, and blow off valve. But the car had a problem with running lean cause it still had stock fuel. He blew two motors and then parted out the car. He didnt want to mess with the fuel system and just got fed up. I dont know call them up and ask them what Downpipe it was they sent me cause it was very nice. All I know is we ordered the whole thing from them as a "kit".
Chris

[nixwrx]

Cobb did make a downpipe but no longer offer that one. They are working on a downpipe with cats and a cast elbow. I couldn't wait for it so here's what I have.

Stock Gutted Uppipe, works great and retains EGT and visual for California inspections.
Cobb 3" Stainless Cat back
Random Technology 3" Stainless Downpipe and Midpipe, both pipes with high flow Random Technology cats. If anyone doesn't know about this downpipe, here's the link from Xcelleration Motorsports,

http://www.xcceleration.com/itemdetails.cfm83.htm

I purchased mine from Nino's Auto Accessories because he gave me a waaay better deal. It did take a while to order though.
As far as performance, there is a big gain with the whole exhaust and uppipe.
The Cobb Stage 2 91oct should bring out more, I'm doing that shortly.
By the way, with all the mods done one by one, I have yet to receive a CEL light.
I live in CA so picking parts is like walking on glass to stay as close to smog legal as possible.


Nick