IceWindius

Hey guys, I picked up my 2003 WRX this weekend and I freaking love it! However, Im really bummed at the stock exhaust and I was wondering, what would be a cost efficent way to make it a bit "throater" LOL, I already had another guy an his WRX rev his engine at me when we were passing in different lanes and when I tried to respond my exhaust made me look "weak"

I really don't wanna dump like a grand into a new exhaust but would repleacing the stock muffler with something a bit better give me some extra breathing room to the engine as well as some nice exhaust note? ARe the Borla Hushe's worth it or should I stick with catbacks *WTF does that mean anyway?* Any other brands that would be cheaper I could purchase of ebay?

Im also planning to pick up an OEM STi spoiler. Anyone know if the mounting holes match the stock WRX spoiler or will I have to drill new ones?

freakray

A cat-back exhaust refers to an exhaust system that has been completely replaced from the outlet of the catalytic converter by components able to flow more exhaust gas, which reduces backpressure. Oftentimes, the cat-back setup will include exhaust piping which is a size larger than stock (2.5" diameter as opposed to 2.25" for the factory exhaust). They also include high-flow performance mufflers (and resonators), with smooth Mandrel bends that minimize exhaust restriction.

No, the STI and stock spoiler mounting holes don’t match, people that want an STI spoiler typically replace the trunk lid with an STI lid too, or replace it with a spoilerless lid they can drill holes in to mount the STI spoiler.

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Skyline_R32_Canada

key word being "minimizing exhaust restrictions"
you have a WRX man, don't cheap out and get a muffler because that won't do nearly as much as a cat-back or even better - a turbo-back exhaust.
It will sound mean as hell and free up a ton of power!

Also a good unequal length set of headers will make it extra boxer like and give you better mid-range and high end torque.

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keita

I second that....TURBO-BACK is in order. However, he has a lot of studying to do if he doesn't know what cat-back, turbo-back etc. are. Just don't get a ricer big ass exhaust that you can fit your fist through---not cool.

freakray

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...5&postcount=151

Be nice to the n00b.

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keita

Ah-ha!! I forgot that it was him that made that comment. It was a nice cat-back explanation, I thought.

By the way, unrelated, but I found a nice crash video that you can appreciate.

http://www.vtcar.com/index.htm

Right_LiRrr

A muffler will make it sound throatier. That's your cheapest option.

Or just rev it in a confined space...that makes the cool noise as well ;-)

If you decide to go the better route, be careful if you get a turbo back exhaust without ECU tuning, you'll get weird boost spikes for a while till the stock ECU learns to cope with it.

In short, don't go cheap on the exhaust, that's like one of the biggest power getters for your WRX. Think of the stock version as a sprinter with a blocked nose.

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Rob

IceWindius

Ok, im starting to learn terminology here. So if I really wanna do this right and get more horsepower out my car, I should go with a turbo back exhaust system?

I don't want it farking so loud I can' thear myself think in thecar, so i've read that the Borla make a nice one thats a balance. How much more we talking for a turbo back system or am I getting over my head?

EDIT:

A gentlemen in the classifieds is selling this exhaust. Whats your opinon of this exhaust system and is this guy known around here?

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=890867

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMESE%3AIT

freakray

I know the guy, seen the car he had the exhaust on too, sounded awesome!

Do some research on TurboXS.

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Skyline_R32_Canada

TurboXS anything is an excellent product...their TBE is flawless, adds great power and sounds amazing

if you can pick up the full XS TBE for ~650 thats definately a steal in my opinion

Best bet is to find used as most new TBE's are over 1000 and thats a hefty coin!

THis is what i would do:
pick up a used HKS downpipe for ~100 (works fine dont let people confuse u on this)
and a used cat-back for ~400

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TakeItToTheTrack

1) if you want a "throaty" sound, get a V8...if you want a deeper sound, get a new exhaust

2) the STi wing is held down with 17 screws...the WRX wing is held down with a lot less, so you'll have to drill more holes, or just swap trunks (a lot easier)

AzSandSlinger

1) TurboXS Stealthback, race-pipe, straight-pipe axle-back.. It's quieter than you think and no restrictions. (You still have to take care of the uppipe though) and yes, it is plenty "throaty"

2) +1 for the trunk swap over the wing replacement... be sure you swap springs as well.. the STi wing is ~10lbs heaver than stock and the springs are heavier duty

-Shane