Am I delusional?

Mt Tam I am · 10-17-2010, 02:21 PM

Am I delusional?
My goal:
I am very interested in picking up 18 HP or approximately a 5% increase via an exhaust modification.

My expectations
1) Keeping the db level no greater inside the cabin on longer freeway trips. My better half is less than thrilled with overall cabin noise on the freeway. On the twistys she is fine, so I don't care.

2) It bolts on. No problems. My stock exhaust produces no dash lights, O2 sensors etc. If the mod makes for a tinkerer's delight, then I won't be satisfied.

3) I live in California with a bi-annual registration smog law, so I must meet regulations, without on-off catalysts. This will cost HP but how much?

Things cost what they cost, so let's not make this the issue.

Many of my needs were addressed here in this well-written review. So Stillen would be first choice, but the above-stated requirements trump a brand name.
My Stillen CBE arrived today , pictures!

Thank you.

Azroadster · 10-17-2010, 03:29 PM

I have the Stillen CBE and I love the way it sounds. Not too loud, but a nice gutteral sound at start up and when you get on it. There is no drone when cruising on the highway either. Stillen claims 18 hp and I am sure that there was a noticable increase in power but since I haven't had it dyno'd I can't say that the 18 is correct. I think others here have seen the claimed 18 hp. Some say that the tips stick out too far but I think it is just right. The other good thing is that they have them in stock and can get them too you in just a few days. I hate waiting for a part after I decide to purchase it and I was very pleased with the shipping time. I had Stillen ship it to the shop that installed it as well. It's a great exhaust and it doesn't stick down any more than the stock unit, which was important to me. Go for it!

AZ

tjlazer · 10-17-2010, 04:03 PM

Sounds like the Stillen is your ticket. Or a Berk too. A FI with 18" Resonators and stock cats could also be a good option.

6spd · 10-17-2010, 07:00 PM

I just sold my 18" FI exhaust because it was a little to deep in the low rpms, you know, like just puttzing around town. I was in your shoes 10 month ago and while I enjoyed the FI exhaust, in the end it proved wrong for me. It seems like their is no exhaust that can bridge the volume gap between stock and stillen/18" FI. One day maybe.

Push370zzz · 10-17-2010, 07:20 PM

The Stillen CBE is great. No drone at all, good power increase of 15+ whp, bolts right on, and is nearly as quiet as stock under about 3500rpm. Some people have complained about the tips protruding...but they are adjustable and if you don't push the rear section all the way in of course they will protrude. I have been VERY happy with it, I wanted a better sound and power but I didn't want it to be annoying when just driving around town. It looks cool too.

6spd · 10-17-2010, 07:24 PM

I really wish I could hear the stillen locally

Jamaica · 10-17-2010, 08:07 PM

stillen vs fast intentions is like night and day. All about personal opinion. I like fast intentions because it sounds good, good hp and looks amazing. Stillen almost sounds like stock and tips stick out way to much

ProfessorDave · 10-17-2010, 08:29 PM

You'll like the Stillen. I have trouble believing the published gains given the Y pipe and bend angles in the system, but it produces a very nice exhuast note that is relatively quiet until you get on it. Keep in mind you'll add weight vs. reducing it from stock.

I have to say that the FI (I have 12") resonators is very civilized at cruising speeds. When you get on it, it wails. My wife says she gets a "tingle". I think that is a good thing.

Push370zzz · 10-17-2010, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaica951

stillen vs fast intentions is like night and day. All about personal opinion. I like fast intentions because it sounds good, good hp and looks amazing. Stillen almost sounds like stock and tips stick out way to much

The Stillen is still pretty loud, but you can drive it and not even hear it if you want to. That's important to me for highway trips. It makes the same power as the FI, and has looks great too.

The tips will stick out too much if you install it wrong, but the tips absolutely do not stick out otherwise. I installed it properly the first time and without ANY experience doing any kind of car maintenance/modding.

Jamaica · 10-17-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashwebs

The Stillen is still pretty loud, but you can drive it and not even hear it if you want to. That's important to me for highway trips. It makes the same power as the FI, and has looks great too.

The tips will stick out too much if you install it wrong, but the tips absolutely do not stick out otherwise. I installed it properly the first time and without ANY experience doing any kind of car maintenance/modding.

i bet if you look at sales...there your answer will be which is better.

RCZ · 10-17-2010, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6spd

I really wish I could hear the stillen locally

I have one if you wanna hear it.

6spd · 10-17-2010, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

I have one if you wanna hear it.

with stock cats?

PapoZalsa · 10-17-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjlazer

Sounds like the Stillen is your ticket. Or a Berk too. A FI with 18" Resonators and stock cats could also be a good option.

The Dyno sheet for F.I. CBE with 12" Resonator claims around 20WHP....

Push370zzz · 10-17-2010, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaica951

i bet if you look at sales...there your answer will be which is better.

I don't like the FI at all, it's too loud and looks obnoxious IMHO. It's a great exhaust for power and does sound good, but too loud. For me anyways. The bottom line is the Stillen is a great exhaust, and sounds to be what the OP is looking for.

Jamaica · 10-18-2010, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashwebs

I don't like the FI at all, it's too loud and looks obnoxious IMHO. It's a great exhaust for power and does sound good, but too loud. For me anyways. The bottom line is the Stillen is a great exhaust, and sounds to be what the OP is looking for.

enjoy it!

10-17-2010, 02:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3843	Am I delusional? Am I delusional? My goal: I am very interested in picking up 18 HP or approximately a 5% increase via an exhaust modification. My expectations 1) Keeping the db level no greater inside the cabin on longer freeway trips. My better half is less than thrilled with overall cabin noise on the freeway. On the twistys she is fine, so I don't care. 2) It bolts on. No problems. My stock exhaust produces no dash lights, O2 sensors etc. If the mod makes for a tinkerer's delight, then I won't be satisfied. 3) I live in California with a bi-annual registration smog law, so I must meet regulations, without on-off catalysts. This will cost HP but how much? Things cost what they cost, so let's not make this the issue. Many of my needs were addressed here in this well-written review. So Stillen would be first choice, but the above-stated requirements trump a brand name. My Stillen CBE arrived today , pictures! Thank you. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber Last edited by Mt Tam I am; 10-17-2010 at 02:23 PM. Reason: thank you

10-17-2010, 03:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Azroadster Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 195 Drives: 2009 370Z Yellow 7sp Rep Power: 16	I have the Stillen CBE and I love the way it sounds. Not too loud, but a nice gutteral sound at start up and when you get on it. There is no drone when cruising on the highway either. Stillen claims 18 hp and I am sure that there was a noticable increase in power but since I haven't had it dyno'd I can't say that the 18 is correct. I think others here have seen the claimed 18 hp. Some say that the tips stick out too far but I think it is just right. The other good thing is that they have them in stock and can get them too you in just a few days. I hate waiting for a part after I decide to purchase it and I was very pleased with the shipping time. I had Stillen ship it to the shop that installed it as well. It's a great exhaust and it doesn't stick down any more than the stock unit, which was important to me. Go for it! AZ __________________ AZ Roadster '09 Base\|Chicane Yellow\|TSW Nurburgrings\|Stillen CBE\|Eclipse AVN726E In Dash DVD/NAV\|Clear Bra\|H&R Spacers 15/20\|Hankook Ventus V-12's 275/35 & 305/30

10-17-2010, 04:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
tjlazer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tacoma Age: 53 Posts: 2,496 Drives: Z34, R35 Rep Power: 20	Sounds like the Stillen is your ticket. Or a Berk too. A FI with 18" Resonators and stock cats could also be a good option. __________________ 2009 370Z Monterey Blue,Nismo Conversion,RE-11's, K&N Typhoon intakes,Blue Kickplates,Homelink,FI 18" CBE,ERZ HFCs,Hotchkis sways, Swift Spec-R, EVO-R Highwing, UPREV

10-17-2010, 07:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 25	I just sold my 18" FI exhaust because it was a little to deep in the low rpms, you know, like just puttzing around town. I was in your shoes 10 month ago and while I enjoyed the FI exhaust, in the end it proved wrong for me. It seems like their is no exhaust that can bridge the volume gap between stock and stillen/18" FI. One day maybe. __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

10-17-2010, 07:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Push370zzz Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NE Age: 39 Posts: 649 Drives: cars Rep Power: 17	The Stillen CBE is great. No drone at all, good power increase of 15+ whp, bolts right on, and is nearly as quiet as stock under about 3500rpm. Some people have complained about the tips protruding...but they are adjustable and if you don't push the rear section all the way in of course they will protrude. I have been VERY happy with it, I wanted a better sound and power but I didn't want it to be annoying when just driving around town. It looks cool too. __________________ Range Rover Sport Supercharged Nissan 370z Touring + Sport

10-17-2010, 07:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 25	I really wish I could hear the stillen locally __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

10-17-2010, 08:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jamaica A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 15,362 Drives: Under boost Rep Power: 73	stillen vs fast intentions is like night and day. All about personal opinion. I like fast intentions because it sounds good, good hp and looks amazing. Stillen almost sounds like stock and tips stick out way to much

10-17-2010, 08:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 19	You'll like the Stillen. I have trouble believing the published gains given the Y pipe and bend angles in the system, but it produces a very nice exhuast note that is relatively quiet until you get on it. Keep in mind you'll add weight vs. reducing it from stock. I have to say that the FI (I have 12") resonators is very civilized at cruising speeds. When you get on it, it wails. My wife says she gets a "tingle". I think that is a good thing. __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT