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Old 06-10-2002, 01:46 PM   #1
VanillaEps
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Join Date: Jul 2001
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Hoboken, NJ
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2019 STi Limited
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Default Exhaust: Muffler vs. Uppipe & cat-back

Big question: I'm looking to upgrade/replace the existing exhaust on my RS. Through various searches and vendors I came across complete cat-back exhausts kits that come with the pipe and muffler (Brullen, Borla, MRT) and I have also come across just performance mufflers (STi, Stromung).

What is the difference in performance?

If I am looking for some performance and some nice noise what is the ideal product: just a muffler or the complete package?
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Old 06-10-2002, 02:13 PM   #2
LordBass
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2009 Jamis Aurora Elite

Default

You'll get a ton of different answers on this. Most are opinions because each setup is a matter of preference and what your wallet will allow.

I like the at-least-a-cat-back approach - that's what I've done (Brullen). The stock piping is small, restrictive, and low-quality. Replacing it with something better is nice if you can do the $$.

Search up 'exhaust' & brand names like Brullen and MRT on this forum and you'll get more to read than you ever wanted.

lb
www.trancelab.com
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Old 06-10-2002, 02:33 PM   #3
Reciprocity
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I highly suggest checking out the FAQ at the top of this forum too...there is a ton of useful information there.

NC
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Old 06-10-2002, 02:53 PM   #4
Reciprocity
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Default I couldn't stand it...

OK…here we go

There are 4 parts to the exhaust system
-Header
-Cats
-Midpipe
-Exhaust can

I’ll work from back to front…
-Exhaust can: There are literally hundreds of options here. Several manufactures make cans specific for our cars, which would make installation a piece of cake. However you can get any can put on you want. The power gains from a can only are going to be about the same across the board. Primarily what you look for in a can is look, quality, and sound.

-Midpipe: Again there are several Subaru specific ones out there, but not as many as exhaust cans. Brullen and Stromong come to mind right away (MRT has one but I don’t know if it will mate up to the stock cats). However it is pretty easy for a shop to make one for you. There are more gains to be made from a can and midpipe combo…especially if your midpipe does not have a resonator installed. Of course no resonator means louder. Can and midpipe is the basic exhaust setup.

-Cats: Now here it gets a bit more tricky. Only the Brullen and MRT full systems replace the cats…otherwise you can buy an aftermarket high flow cat to replace your stockers. This again is easy for a shop to do, but some shops don’t want to mess around with a Federal smog device.

-Header: Options are much more limited here. The Borla header is the only one I know of that bolts onto the stock cats (Cusco or Syms headers might, but those cost a LOT of money). If you get an MRT header it comes with the cat installed. I believe the Brullen is the same way (I’m not sure however). The Borla header gives great sound, and from the reviews the Brullen does as well. However so far the MRT will give you the greatest power gain. See my review in the FAQ of the different exhaust headers (well, just Borla vs MRT)

Now there are also other issues involved here… How often you get CE lights, prices for different systems, build quality, warranties, how easy it is to get them, installation differences, etc etc…but this basically covers your exhaust system.

Perhaps someday I’ll put together a more comprehensive list with the above information…but this is it in a nutshell.

NC
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Old 06-10-2002, 04:32 PM   #5
iON Performance Inc
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Let us help clarify some info on the headers.

1) Cusco & SYMS N/A headers do not bolt on to the stock cats at all, they don't come anywhere close. They also don't use cats at all.

2)The cat used in the iON/Brullen system is of German design, 100 cell and is one of the highest flowing hi-flow cats out there (2.5") These are of much higher quality than the MRT ones which have had a tendency to be destroyed (could be a bad batch). These are the same type of cats used in the iON/Brullen WRX turbo-backs, and those are subjected to much much more heat than a N/A engine. The cat can also be unbolted in favor of a race pipe for track purposes only, and hence can be made enviro friendly after the day @ the track in about 5 mins.

3)As for the power issue, this has yet to have a definitive answer, as dyno runs need to be made on the same car, on the same dyno on the same day (or at least same conditions). Hopefully this will happen soon. However, it can be very well guaranteed that the iON/Brullen header-back set-up will produce more torque under the torque curve than any other header/header-back system out there.

4)The iON/Brullen systems are made of 16 gauge T304SS, and carry a limited lifetime warranty. This is unmatched by any other manufacturer. Also all CEL issues have been worked out, and the CEL fix has been included with all the header systems.
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Old 06-10-2002, 08:28 PM   #6
Section 8
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Back from our comertial break.....

Quote:
However, it can be very well guaranteed that the iON/Brullen header-back set-up will produce more torque under the torque curve than any other header/header-back system out there.
Who is going to guarantee this?
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Old 06-10-2002, 09:08 PM   #7
Reciprocity
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We'll see once there are some dyno test results.

iON...can't wait to see what you show. Until then...

NC
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Old 06-10-2002, 11:30 PM   #8
iON Performance Inc
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Default info/update

We're in the midst of arranging a dyno shoot out between our header-back system, vs. the MRT vs. the Borla/Random set-up.

This will be on the same car, on the same day, on the same dyno.
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