I’ve had my Fast Intentions CBE installed for a month now, so time for a review… I have the 18” resonators with stainless steel mufflers. Everything else is stock on the intake/exhaust. Also keep in mind this is on a Roadster, which has different acoustic properties since it has top storage and a separate trunk vs. the open hatch area.
PROS:
• Great engine start up sound; compared to stock it is louder, lower frequency, and still refined IMO; cold start is a bit loud, but once the RPMs drop to normal range it mellows out
• Overall sound quality is exactly what I wanted, it has burble, it cracks/pops beautifully during a downshift throttle blip; cracks/pops even occur occasionally during up shift depending on throttle position and gear; this is probably my favorite attribute from sound standpoint
• Overall volume drops almost to stock level at idle (once engine is warmed up), and when cruising with little/no load or throttle input (ex. 75 mph highway cruising in 6th gear)
• Power increase is easily recognized by the butt dyno; most noticeable at greater than 3,000 RPM and with cold ambient temperatures it seems even more prevalent; I believe 20 whp all day long, but keep in mind it’s an upper RPM range power increase; it pulls harder, more response to throttle input in this range
• Great looking exhaust; I was concerned I’d hate seeing the mufflers from a rear view but I am really happy with how they look; tips fit good to the bumper with some washers on the rear hangers (they were too close to bumper without spacers)
CONS:
• Left side exhaust tip sits about 1/8 inch further car forward than right side, but only noticeable from certain angles, not a big deal; I couldn’t adjust this
• Some may consider cold start noise level too much (low frequency, pressure on ears), but again it settles down as the RPM drop to normal idle
• Reduction in throttle response/power at < 3,000 RPM; this was surprising to me as I thought the power increase would be across the RPM range or at least not reduced at low RPM; this seems to be worse at high ambient temperatures (> 80 deg F); at low ambient temperatures it feels basically same as stock; it’s not a deal breaker, but I think it’s something people need to consider before buying; it is noticeable change from stock condition
• Drone with small throttle tip in at 2000-3000 RPM range, mainly 5th/6th gear; example… driving around town at 40-45 mph in 5th gear and you tip into throttle for small acceleration, you get a low frequency drone/pressure in ears; again this isn’t a deal breaker, if you shift to 4th gear in this situation to get RPM > 3,000 it goes away. A lot of reviews I’ve read say no drone on the FI exhaust, but that is not true IMO. There is some drone in this range, but I do not think it outweighs how great it sounds everywhere else in the RPM range
Overall, I love the system! This was my first performance mod I’ve ever done (I mainly leased vehicles prior to the Z). The overall sound, the power increase at higher RPM, and the high quality appearance make it money well spent. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks to FI for developing this excellent system!
One question I have, would an intake modification improve the < 3,000 RPM throttle response / power? It seems that the lower back pressure from the FI exhaust is the cause, so I’m wondering if opening up the intake a bit will balance it out?? Maybe a dumb question.
