Nissan 370Z Forum - Questions about OEM Nismo Exhaust

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Questions about OEM Nismo Exhaust

After some initial research by using the "search", I have a couple of remaining questions about the OEM Nismo Exhaust:

- Is there a big difference (quality, sound) between the latest "HKS" version and a version from a more earlier Nismo Z?

- If I were to install the exhaust, what additional parts would I need (rubber hangers, gaskets, etc.)?

- Would it be recommended to have the car tuned after installing the exhaust (not planning on any other additional drive train upgrades)

Thanks for your help!

Not a big difference. I am not sure if you will need additional hangers since I have a Nismo. No real difference between early and late nismo exhaust. They both have the H pipe. You will not need a tune. They exhaust has reusable metal gaskets. You may need them if they are not on the used exhaust you buy.

There will not be a big difference at all as far as sound go’s and it will be a waste of money if anything. As far as I know you will not need any additional exhaust hangers. As far as the metal exhaust gaskets they could be reused but I would never risk a possible exhaust leak and have to do it twice. I would always install new metal exhaust gaskets every time I take my exhaust apart. For just installing bolt on’s you do not “need” a tune as your engine PCM will quickly compensate and adjust for just installing exhaust. In my opinion I would look into installing a different brand exhaust if you are looking for a deeper more aggressive exhaust note from your 370Z. I would try to hear different set ups on other people’s 370Z in person and/or try to find 370Z exhaust clips you can hear to help you decide what exhaust set up you like.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tims370z (Post 3757793)

Tims,

Not sure what sound your going for but I'm a Nismo owner and Im already switching the axle back for AAM Resonated Short Tails...Your not going to get much in terms of sound if thats what your goal is...

Quote:

Originally Posted by tims370z (Post 3757793)

I cannot confirm if there are deltas on your 15 but judging how the Z has been about the same the entire model run, I am going to presume the exhaust mounts are identical.

I posted info in 2010/11 time frame in a thread you may have seen. The OEM NISMO exhaust has a subtle tone change, nice but not usually loud enough for what people want. I ran with it for a year or so on our 2010 roadster.

I have kept the H pipe and since upgraded to an AAM S and muffler setup which is a good volume for my tastes.

The driver side mount on the NISMO is different the a regular Z from my experience. In order to reach the OEM hanger setup, I had to fabricate a bit of an extension using some bolts and another hanger. The plate to use for a mount was a $200+ part from Nissan, so I went with my $10 solution.

- b

Quote:

- Is there a big difference (quality, sound) between the latest "HKS" version and a version from a more earlier Nismo Z?

Maybe, but bottom line it's hardly anything to write home about. I have the HKS. Very, meh.

Quote:

- If I were to install the exhaust, what additional parts would I need (rubber hangers, gaskets, etc.)?

Per below, you're obviously coming with the pipes (H, mid, muffler). I went the overkill route just to be one-and-done at the dealership. Replaced every small part since my car had 30k mi on it anyway, and at that point you don't know if a bolt will strip in the process. I believe it's the 20606 rubber mount that either gets skipped or is substituted with a longer piece because the Nismo has a weld that makes things line up differently. I'm almost certain this was skipped on my car.

If you go this route, just be clear on the fact the gaskets are a bit different. Dealer originally thought the MA and MB gaskets would be identical, but that's not true. A lot of people just swapped straight up and reused their old gaskets. You can do that, although I think the non-Nismo gaskets have a smaller bore — but not like that's the end of the world.

https://parts.nissanusa.com/nissanIm...0000000094.jpg

Quote:

- Would it be recommended to have the car tuned after installing the exhaust (not planning on any other additional drive train upgrades)

Yes and no. It depends. The Nismo 370z mostly sees the marketed gains because of a tune. If you had no tune prior, you likely won't notice it for better or worse.

I had a tune for my stock exhaust setup, then switched exhausts, and noticed a lagging feeling. It got quiet, too. Got a dedicated tune, and I don't think that low end punch was ever the same. Maybe I was getting too used to that kind of performance at that point. Who knows.

Basically, if you want some gains, you get the tune, but if you're outright looking for gains (and sound), look elsewhere.

The Nismo exhaust only has the merit of keeping that OEM feel, which was what I was after. The underwhelming silence probably saved me a few times now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ventruck (Post 3763854)

Maybe, but bottom line it's hardly anything to write home about. I have the HKS. Very, meh.

Per below, you're obviously coming with the pipes (H, mid, muffler). I went the overkill route just to be one-and-done at the dealership. Replaced every small part since my car had 30k mi on it anyway, and at that point you don't know if a bolt will strip in the process. I believe it's the 20606 rubber mount that either gets skipped or is substituted with a longer piece because the Nismo has a weld that makes things line up differently. I'm almost certain this was skipped on my car.

If you go this route, just be clear on the fact the gaskets are a bit different. Dealer originally thought the MA and MB gaskets would be identical, but that's not true. A lot of people just swapped straight up and reused their old gaskets. You can do that, although I think the non-Nismo gaskets have a smaller bore — but not like that's the end of the world.

https://parts.nissanusa.com/nissanIm...0000000094.jpg

Yes and no. It depends. The Nismo 370z mostly sees the marketed gains because of a tune. If you had no tune prior, you likely won't notice it for better or worse.

I had a tune for my stock exhaust setup, then switched exhausts, and noticed a lagging feeling. It got quiet, too. Got a dedicated tune, and I don't think that low end punch was ever the same. Maybe I was getting too used to that kind of performance at that point. Who knows.

Basically, if you want some gains, you get the tune, but if you're outright looking for gains (and sound), look elsewhere.

The Nismo exhaust only has the merit of keeping that OEM feel, which was what I was after. The underwhelming silence probably saved me a few times now.

Thanks everyone for the replies! I am going for the OEM feel and making subtle improvements. Not looking to make big horsepower or for the car to overheard from my fellow motorists and neighbors. In my opinion the Z has everything I ever wanted in a sports car — at least all the attributes and features I was trying to obtain from a economy vehicle in my younger days.