afterlifespecialist

Well I had one hell of a craigslist find, and got an Injen CAI, a Strup header, a TRD exhaust and a Strup exhaust from a guy for peanuts. I've already installed the CAI, going to be parting with the header, and am wondering which exhaust would be the one to keep and install? I'm not looking to make the car sound annoying and rice-ish by any means, just a bit better of a sound. Def. not looking to have an annoying drone in the cabin either. All input is welcome.

MaxBoost925

If you don't modify any other exhaust part other than the muffler itself, it will sound pretty stock. I had the Strup rear section on my car by itself for a bit, it was really quiet, but the ricecan looked retarded. In my opinion, you should do the Borla if you want quiet, but audible exhaust tone (which is what my car sounds like since it has no muffler)

jnaval

I have Strup, it's not bad and you can't go wrong with either.

aggj24

id go with strup..it comes with a mid pipe

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

The Strup cat-back will add more power (~5 vs ~3hp) than the TRD axle-back. The TRD sound is barely above stock with the oem header, s-pipe and scuba tank. The Strup will be slightly louder but hardly annoying or obnoxious. You might add 5hp with the Strup cat-back but you're giving up about 10hp by selling the header. I'd recommend installing the Strup header and cat-back for the most hp gain without annoying drone or Honda riceyness.

Sparks_Scion_TRD_Parts

iTrader: (1)

TRD will run about 85 decibels with 95 being street legal. Good full round sound and none of that "bees in a coffee can" sound chasing you down the street.

Ken

Puredrive

I'd go with the Strup exhaust as it is more than just the TRD muffler and may give you some more gains with a more sporty sound.

DJ_FroZone

iTrader: (2)

i will take that header lol

jaytrey

just installed my strup cat-back. i like it a lot. it looks huge, but when it's on the car it really doesn't look that ricey at all.

afterlifespecialist

Ok, well it seems that from everybody's response that the Strup exhaust is the way to go. Thanks for the input.

As far as the header goes, i really have no issue installing and using it, but I don't want it to be a bigger headache than it needs to be. I know that i'll need a cel eliminator to use the header, thats not a problem, but which cel eliminator would be the best to use? I've heard some are better than others. I know the pros of using the header, but what are the cons or problems that I may run into or have to deal with?

Thanks again for all the input.

aggj24

There is only 2 CEL eliminators that i know of...Strups and Weapon-Rs...both are right angled and the strup is cheaper..you install it onto your S-pipe, NOT THE HEADER..

and as for any downfalls with the header..you may get a CEL and the you remove one of the cats for emissions..

TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

The only con I'm aware of is if your emissions inspection requires both cats be present to pass, then pulling the OE exhaust manifold (which includes a pre-cat) will be a problem. At worst though, you'd have to temporarily swap back until you pass emissions. I'm sort of interested in the W-R Header, but am concerned Delaware emissions inspection would object (given the car came with two cats).

afterlifespecialist

Exactly the types of headaches I'm looking to avoid. I have no problem tinkering around with things, but I plan on having this car for at least 7/8 years. I've learned over the years that working on any car that has seen a few winters in Central NY is a royal PITA.

I also stopped into a local exhaust shop today to get a quote to install the Strup, and asked about the header and yearly emissions inspections. I asked if they actually looked for the components or if everything was good as long as there was no CEL on. From what this guy said, as long as there's no CEL light on, it should be fine, but he was wary saying that he's seen a fair share of problems pop up with emissions.

So, on that note, I think I'll just get the exhaust work done, and part with the rest.

aggj24

why not install it yourself..should only take about an hour and a half...

afterlifespecialist

Well I'm looking to have it done before this weekend, since I'll be taking a trip to Pittsburgh. Normally it wouldn't be a problem to do it myself, but with my job, I'm on call tonight and tomorrow night. With my luck I'd get half way into installing it, and get called into work. It's just easier and more time efficient for me to have someone else take care of it for me.

streetxdreamer

I have the TRD axle back that came with the RS7, the thing is really quiet. I would say barely above a stock muffler. I also have the Strup Ceramic Coated header and Strup CEL eliminator that i will be putting on soon. Depending on how it sounds after the header i may do some more work to the exhaust.

As far as CEL eliminators go, the only two i know of are Strup and Weapon-R (maybe there are some other ones on ebay??) I know that the strup one is stainless steel that might be something you consider cause you said you live in NY. Besides build quality and material, i think they all are pretty much the same and do one thing, which is move the 02 sensor out of the exhaust flow

TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

From reading, it's pretty common to get CELs with Ebay eliminators. The price is right, but it appears reliability is something else !

DJ_FroZone

iTrader: (2)

off topic. anybody know where to get a midpipe or downpipe what ever its called for cheap? if imma do header and catback. might as well get this piece too

aggj24

if you find any info let me know..im looking for a mid pipe