ARK Exhaust vs. Fast Intentions

gaveup · 09-02-2010, 08:48 AM

I don't understand why everyone is so up in arms about dyno numbers on an exhaust. How much more can one exhaust make over another? Seriously? Not to mention how easy it is to exaggerate gains on a dyno and have people just eat it up. I've seen it, done it and have watched people on other forums go crazy over gains that were basically lies. The common answer from the manufacturer, "Dynos vary so much depending on location and type of dyno. It's completely possible you may see smaller gains based on these facts". It's a larger diameter bent pipe with a muffler/resonator. That's it. Neither have crazy 90 degree bends and both seem to have a decently unobstructed flow path.

But myself, I think paying $1000+ for a simple cat back is just stupid to begin with. I've been around plenty of exhaust manufacturers and can honestly say, they are making quite a killing by charging that much. Once the jig is made, it's simple for them to reproduce in house (hopefully they invested in a mandrel bended or have a supplier) or send it out to China, India, Taiwan or where ever to have it reproduced for dirt cheap. Not knocking any or the listed manufacturers products, because I can tell a lot of work went into to both mentioned exhausts and the quality they produce might be worth it to some consumers.

A few friends of mine did a test once on their cars and noticed something weird. One had an Evo IX with the HKS hi power exhaust and the other had one with a cheap as hell Megan Exhaust. They were bored one day at their shop and did a few pulls with the HKS and then swapped the Megan exhaust on the SAME car. You want to know how much more power the HKS made? NONE. They both were within 1-2hp each run. Sure, the HKS is probably constructed better and may outlast the megan, but really how many people are going to keep their cars long enough to really find out?

It should boil down to sound. Which one you think SOUNDS better and more livable for you. Personally, from what I have heard, the ARK exhaust takes the cake for me.

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09-02-2010, 08:48 AM	#25 (permalink)
gaveup Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tamarac FL Posts: 324 Drives: 10 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 181	I don't understand why everyone is so up in arms about dyno numbers on an exhaust. How much more can one exhaust make over another? Seriously? Not to mention how easy it is to exaggerate gains on a dyno and have people just eat it up. I've seen it, done it and have watched people on other forums go crazy over gains that were basically lies. The common answer from the manufacturer, "Dynos vary so much depending on location and type of dyno. It's completely possible you may see smaller gains based on these facts". It's a larger diameter bent pipe with a muffler/resonator. That's it. Neither have crazy 90 degree bends and both seem to have a decently unobstructed flow path. But myself, I think paying $1000+ for a simple cat back is just stupid to begin with. I've been around plenty of exhaust manufacturers and can honestly say, they are making quite a killing by charging that much. Once the jig is made, it's simple for them to reproduce in house (hopefully they invested in a mandrel bended or have a supplier) or send it out to China, India, Taiwan or where ever to have it reproduced for dirt cheap. Not knocking any or the listed manufacturers products, because I can tell a lot of work went into to both mentioned exhausts and the quality they produce might be worth it to some consumers. A few friends of mine did a test once on their cars and noticed something weird. One had an Evo IX with the HKS hi power exhaust and the other had one with a cheap as hell Megan Exhaust. They were bored one day at their shop and did a few pulls with the HKS and then swapped the Megan exhaust on the SAME car. You want to know how much more power the HKS made? NONE. They both were within 1-2hp each run. Sure, the HKS is probably constructed better and may outlast the megan, but really how many people are going to keep their cars long enough to really find out? It should boil down to sound. Which one you think SOUNDS better and more livable for you. Personally, from what I have heard, the ARK exhaust takes the cake for me.