Exhaust Opinions
 

Well it looks like my Apex-i N1 system is on it's last leg. Pipes are getting weak, had a hanger come loose, etc. So I'm looking to get or build a replacement system soon.
So post your vote and opinion on which system you would recommend based on tone, flow and construction. I really like the N1 system because it has a nice and low tone, not obnoxious. Since the system has been on my car for many years I'm sure there are better systems/designs out there now, or maybe not.

All I ask is that if you vote, post why you voted the way you did (i.e. flow, tone, sound level, contruction, etc).

Who knows, this might even become a good exhaust reference sticky.

Thanks,
-Mike

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

Build one. It will be much cheaper and you can recreate the sounds of other exhausts by using a similar design or components. If you don't like it you won't feel so bad cutting it apart to make any changes you want.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I voted thermal. My old system on my 2g wasn't a full thermal, it was an AHP with a thermal muffler. But I loved how it sounded! Quiet under normal driving, but sounded greeeat under boost.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I voted custom exhaust because you can still control the tone by choosing which muffler you want. You can also eliminate the cat and the down pipe if you go with a custom made system.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I would go DIY. Then again, I love welding any chance I get.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I had a 3" Thermal research on my old 1G FWD and loved the sound. Nice & low without any annoying resonance(sp?).

It was full mandrel and had a nice ceramic coating.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I voted Thermal (I have the catback on my 2g), it's fairly quiet compared to others I've heard, and the quality is excellent. Also it's pretty deep sounding, but unfortunately resonates at 2700 rpm (I think a resonator or cat may fix that though). Too bad they are spendy.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I voted Thermal as well. I have one on my 1g awd, and had one on my 1g fwd. No overbearing tones, nice low note at idle and cruising. Seems to be made of pretty high quality materials. So, I would say if you want to buy a complete exhaust, go thermal, but building one of your own is also a very good option.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

Build your own then it is what you want.
Joe

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

Thermal.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

You need 3.5" anyways.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I chose thermal. I have one on my 1g and it sounds and looks great. You don't have to worry about having a huge canister in the back. The tip on the thermal may look a little long but once you get used to it, it looks real nice.

Plus if you have elders who judge a lot, the thermal will pass for a regular muffler.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I agree that you should be going 3.5" on your car. I would build your own and do some research on mufflers. You can always just buy the thermal muffler (dunno about a 3.5") or Borla's are awesome too.

I have had the Thermal on my car for 13 years, that attests to the quality. It still looks and sounds great, a bit louder than it was new though I think.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I had the Apexi GT on my car and loved it. I now have thermal but have not driven the car. I have heard really good things about the megan exhaust. Its relativly cheap and its as straight as possible(from what I have read).

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

I actually have a Meagan Racing N1T muffler if you want to use that. It's 3" though.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

Build, or have someone build you a 3.5" system. This guy posted some videos on Toonerz of an awesome custom built 2G system:
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/member.php?u=6934

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

Id make your own. If you can weld and know waht to buy you can keep it under 200

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

Hmmm. 3.5 inch? I would like to know if there is a "real" difference between 3.0 & 3.5 inch exhaust systems? I already know the difference is .5 inch for the jokers around here. ;-) But here's why I'm asking. If I remember correctly my turbine outlet measures less that 3 inches with the p-trim, closer to 2.5-2.75 inches. I have a 3 inch down pipe which is bigger than the turbine outlet. So will I see a "real difference" going from a 3 inch system to a 3.5 inch system and why?

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

Im not an expert but this is what I think...
When it comes out of your turbo its all compacted in the 2.75" space, then it hits your 3" and that same amount of air that was in the 2.75" space gets more room in the 3" space and can move faster. Now if you can increase that to 3.5" then thats even more space for more air to come out. I dont know if that makes sense to you but it did in my head.

Re: Exhaust Opinions
 

Yeah, but then it deadens velocity.