I would like some input. I have a 2005 tc and only have an Injen CAI installed. I'd like to install a cat-back system next. I was thinking of the Skunk2 but after reading the forums I realized how loud it is.

I am looking for something that isn't too loud, probably around $500, and sounds more ricey.

Any recommendations?

 

So you want one that DOES sound ricey?

 

Yeah.

 

hrm... not loud, but ricey? i thought ricey exhausts made that loud farty sound..

anyway, i just picked up a TRD axleback recently and it's pretty quiet, deep, and throaty.. honestly, if you're going for sound over performance, axleback might work better; especially if you're on a budget like me. you could always remove your resonator and get new headers to make it louder and boost performance a bit.

***EDIT***
I forgot to add that an axleback is also generally more quiet since you're not opening up as much air restriction.

 

Definitely don't want an axle back - don't see the point in spending the money if you don't get even a little HP gain. I thought ricey meant whiney, the same sound a crotch rocket makes when someone opens up the throttle.

New headers would be nice, next, but I'd still be pushing it down the same throat.

 

ahhh i see.. i only mentioned axleback because you can find them super cheap with a nice sound to it without being too loud.

check out this megan axleback on a stock tc

and this one is a TRD axleback with Megan midpipe. sounds beast without rasp and no coffee can sound:

and one with TRD axleback and tsudo midpipe(which removes a cat):

I ended up picking up a used TRD for 150 and i've seen quite a few for under 300 with much less mileage. Then you could always pick up a midpipe for 150-250ish brand new to make it louder.

The only thing about just the axleback is that you don't hear much with your windows closed, especially at higher RPMs. But at low RPM, it sounds great, especially when you pass under a bridge. Personally, I might end up moving to CA once I finish school so I didn't wanna change out all these parts, then have to go back stock for CARB.

***EDIT***
Oh I forgot.. I also read somewhere that the most restrictive pipe is the S-Pipe/headers. Not sure how much difference a catback would make versus getting an axleback/midpipe.

They discussed exhausts on here and basically said catback or axleback+midpipe will have minimal gains anyway(like 3-5).
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=154363

 

Well I guess not many true cat back's are made for this car so I have a TSUDO N1 on the way. Hopefully I don't get blown out of the water.

 

Megan makes a nice catback for the tC. Their drift spec has a nice sound and angled canister. If you want ricey sound, then get headers. You won't get too much out of just a catback. Maybe a few hp and a little more tq.

 

Tsudo can be a bit on the loud side once the inner packing carbons up. I removed a Magnaflow cat back when I went turbo a couple years back. Magnaflow was good for low sound levels but throaty enough.