Sub $1000 Exhausts

Jolliday · 11-23-2011, 08:13 PM

I recently purchased an 09 370Z and know I am a noob on here, but like every other person who has gotten a Z I am looking for an exhaust for the car.

I have been doing some research on the boards and prefer to get a CBE for preferably less than $1000. I have looked at many threads and reviews on here about different exhausts. I have narrowed down my choices to a few exhausts, and was just wanting to know if I was missing any good choices out there in the $1000 range.

From searching I see that a lot of people simply just ask what exhaust they should get without saying what they actually want from their exhaust. Personally I want something that will make the car a "true" dual exhaust (Rules out AAM Short Tails and Top Speed). I also don't really care for overall gains, if that was my main concern I would dish out the little bit of extra cash for the Fast Intentions TDX (which is an awesome exhaust!). I want something to make my Z louder, simple as that, and also get somewhat of performance gain (at the very least on my butt dyno

).

My three main choices from what I have researched so far are:

Invidia Gemini

Agency Power Exhaust

ARK Grip

I am also interested in the Altered Atmosphere, but not sure on what the price is of that one yet. Maybe someone could elaborate on that.

As of right now I worry that the Invidia Gemini will not be loud enough for my tastes. I do not care if the exhaust has some drone because I know that is the price you pay for wanting a louder exhaust. I am leaning more towards the Agency Power Exhaust at the moment and just wanted to ask yall if there is another CBE out there that I should take a look at from the information I have given so far.

Also from reading reviews on these exhausts, I also worry about the hit or miss quality of the ARK Grip. It seems that their packaging is not the best, and some members exhausts have come with holes in the packaging, dents in the pipes, and even parts missing!

The Invidia seems to be a rock solid choice as far as quality, "What the 370Z stock exhaust SHOULD sound like."; however I want something louder (Have heard a 370Z at a local autocross with one).

I honestly don't know too much about the Agency Power Exhaust, but it seems the members on here that have it love it. However, some have switched to an Invidia later on because of the sound/drone. I really don't think the sound/drone will bother me though... I come from driving alot of Hondas

Sorry for the long first post though, please let me know if you have any other suggestions about the exhausts I listed or any others that you think I might be interested in.

hdskull · 11-23-2011, 08:29 PM

EDIT: read through your post. If you just want your car to be loud, just get test pipes and make a custom exhaust with straight pipes going all the way down. If I were you though, I would just get test pipes and non-res fast intentions exhaust.

cptspeed · 11-23-2011, 08:41 PM

Buy a used FI. Thats what I did.

370guy · 11-23-2011, 08:42 PM

TopSpeed. problem solved

Jolliday · 11-23-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdskull

EDIT: read through your post. If you just want your car to be loud, just get test pipes and make a custom exhaust with straight pipes going all the way down. If I were you though, I would just get test pipes and non-res fast intentions exhaust.

Well I want the car I be loud to a certain extent. Not like all out GT Haus, F.I. With test pipes and no resinator, or straight pipe/track exhaust loud. I drive the car every day and just want something that costs less than a grand and has the loudness similar to a F.I TDX with 12" resinator. I would really like to keep my stock cats and have something that is just a direct bolt up CBE. Don't want to start messing with too many factory components.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptspeed

Buy a used FI. Thats what I did.

That actually isn't a bad idea, and I am an idiot for not thinking of that. Who in the world would want to get rid of their Fast Intentions exhaust though? That is pure madness!

If you see this thread and are thinking of selling yours, feel free to send me a PM

XwChriswX · 11-23-2011, 09:26 PM

Option 1, But a Used FI exhaust as previously mentioned.

Option 2, ARK, it's the best of the 3. AP is too raspy, invidia is shotty manufacturing.

djpathfinder · 11-23-2011, 10:09 PM

I have 3 different Invidia exhausts on 3 different vehicles. Absolutely no problems with welds, quality or fitment. Invidia quality is quite good and with several forum sponsors carrying them, reasonably priced. I've read of issues with Ark on this forum.

Another option: You can get an OBX exhaust from eBay for under $500, I think. It's a HKS knockoff that sounds virtually the same as the genuine HKS. Personally seen it and heard it on a G37S.

XwChriswX · 11-23-2011, 10:13 PM

The only problems with invidias have been the welds on the flex pipe... read through or search through some threads about it. Invidia replaced them, but still a hassle. Hopefully the problem is no more.

And agreed with above, the only difference is the $2k HKS nameplate that isn't tacked on, if you can live without it, you'll save yourself the $2k.

Jolliday · 11-24-2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djpathfinder

I have 3 different Invidia exhausts on 3 different vehicles. Absolutely no problems with welds, quality or fitment. Invidia quality is quite good and with several forum sponsors carrying them, reasonably priced. I've read of issues with Ark on this forum.

I actually had an Invidia exhaust on my first car, a 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S, I had no problems with it at all. It was a very well made exhaust and that is why the Invidia was one of my first choices for the Z.

From what I have read there is definitely reason for concern of quality for the ARK.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XwChriswX

The only problems with invidias have been the welds on the flex pipe... read through or search through some threads about it. Invidia replaced them, but still a hassle. Hopefully the problem is no more.

And agreed with above, the only difference is the $2k HKS nameplate that isn't tacked on, if you can live without it, you'll save yourself the $2k.

I will definitely have to check out this OBX exhaust though. I definitely don't mind not having the HKS brand name on my exhaust, as long as it sounds pretty similar.

djpathfinder · 11-24-2011, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jolliday

I actually had an Invidia exhaust on my first car, a 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S, I had no problems with it at all. It was a very well made exhaust and that is why the Invidia was one of my first choices for the Z.

From what I have read there is definitely reason for concern of quality for the ARK.

I will definitely have to check out this OBX exhaust though. I definitely don't mind not having the HKS brand name on my exhaust, as long as it sounds pretty similar.

You can rep me for the good word for Invidia or the OBX idea then.

XwChriswX · 11-24-2011, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djpathfinder

You can rep me for the good word for Invidia or the OBX idea then.

Pfft... rep... ha. Yeah, riiight.

LakeShow · 11-24-2011, 01:59 AM

How about the Berk. It's about a 1K

Jolliday · 11-24-2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow

How about the Berk. It's about a 1K

Now I may be wrong on this, but I was under the impression that the Berk was essentially the same thing as the Invidia Gemini?

b1adesofcha0s · 11-24-2011, 05:41 PM

Yeah you should definitely look into used exhausts as well. I have seen plenty of FI exhausts for sale, but they are usually slightly north of $1k. I got my Berk exhaust used for only $700!

Also agree with the HKS replica exhaust. If I hadn't gotten mine, I may have gone for that one. Good luck

KUSH · 11-24-2011, 06:31 PM

i personally have the invidia gemini and i think it sounds great. i get a lot of compliments too. However, if your solely concerned with the loudness and aggressiveness,, then i suggest you just cough up a little more cash and just go with the berk or FI. i think the berk sounds REALLY sexy and they've been having a lot of sales on the berks recently. Car parts are a investment,, a couple hundred to keep you happy for 5, 8 or even 10+ years isn't such a bad idea =D

11-23-2011, 08:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jolliday Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 58 Drives: 09 Touring Sport 6MT Rep Power: 14	Sub $1000 Exhausts I recently purchased an 09 370Z and know I am a noob on here, but like every other person who has gotten a Z I am looking for an exhaust for the car. I have been doing some research on the boards and prefer to get a CBE for preferably less than $1000. I have looked at many threads and reviews on here about different exhausts. I have narrowed down my choices to a few exhausts, and was just wanting to know if I was missing any good choices out there in the $1000 range. From searching I see that a lot of people simply just ask what exhaust they should get without saying what they actually want from their exhaust. Personally I want something that will make the car a "true" dual exhaust (Rules out AAM Short Tails and Top Speed). I also don't really care for overall gains, if that was my main concern I would dish out the little bit of extra cash for the Fast Intentions TDX (which is an awesome exhaust!). I want something to make my Z louder, simple as that, and also get somewhat of performance gain (at the very least on my butt dyno ). My three main choices from what I have researched so far are: Invidia Gemini Agency Power Exhaust ARK Grip I am also interested in the Altered Atmosphere, but not sure on what the price is of that one yet. Maybe someone could elaborate on that. As of right now I worry that the Invidia Gemini will not be loud enough for my tastes. I do not care if the exhaust has some drone because I know that is the price you pay for wanting a louder exhaust. I am leaning more towards the Agency Power Exhaust at the moment and just wanted to ask yall if there is another CBE out there that I should take a look at from the information I have given so far. Also from reading reviews on these exhausts, I also worry about the hit or miss quality of the ARK Grip. It seems that their packaging is not the best, and some members exhausts have come with holes in the packaging, dents in the pipes, and even parts missing! The Invidia seems to be a rock solid choice as far as quality, "What the 370Z stock exhaust SHOULD sound like."; however I want something louder (Have heard a 370Z at a local autocross with one). I honestly don't know too much about the Agency Power Exhaust, but it seems the members on here that have it love it. However, some have switched to an Invidia later on because of the sound/drone. I really don't think the sound/drone will bother me though... I come from driving alot of Hondas Sorry for the long first post though, please let me know if you have any other suggestions about the exhausts I listed or any others that you think I might be interested in.

11-23-2011, 08:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
hdskull Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 680 Drives: '10 Black 370Z 6MT Rep Power: 17	EDIT: read through your post. If you just want your car to be loud, just get test pipes and make a custom exhaust with straight pipes going all the way down. If I were you though, I would just get test pipes and non-res fast intentions exhaust. __________________ ^ Kenwood DDX616 \| Polk DB6501 \| Llumar 23% tint \| STi-R Clear Lens SSR Type-F \| F.I. 18" CF \| Stillen Gen 3 \| KW V3 Last edited by hdskull; 11-23-2011 at 08:35 PM.

11-23-2011, 08:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
cptspeed Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: tampa Posts: 799 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 17	Buy a used FI. Thats what I did. __________________ FI CBE, 20" forged specialties rims, swift springs, boston subs, kicker amp, focal components

11-23-2011, 08:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
370guy Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: knoxvile, TN Posts: 298 Drives: 370+Viper+Vette=Fast Rep Power: 14	TopSpeed. problem solved __________________ - TopSpeed - Z1 - AMS - K&N - Password:JDM - Nismo - Evo-R - Megan Racing -

11-23-2011, 09:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
XwChriswX WFLYIDNNE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In The Fastlane Posts: 50,648 Drives: 02 GDB WRX Rep Power: 452	Option 1, But a Used FI exhaust as previously mentioned. Option 2, ARK, it's the best of the 3. AP is too raspy, invidia is shotty manufacturing. __________________ Bonnie - Stage 2, Audio build coming this fall! R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14

11-23-2011, 10:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
djpathfinder A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 12,910 Drives: 2012 GT-R BE Rep Power: 733	I have 3 different Invidia exhausts on 3 different vehicles. Absolutely no problems with welds, quality or fitment. Invidia quality is quite good and with several forum sponsors carrying them, reasonably priced. I've read of issues with Ark on this forum. Another option: You can get an OBX exhaust from eBay for under $500, I think. It's a HKS knockoff that sounds virtually the same as the genuine HKS. Personally seen it and heard it on a G37S. __________________ 2012 GT-R Black Edition Jet Black 2010 370Z 40th Anniversary // SOLD

11-23-2011, 10:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
XwChriswX WFLYIDNNE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In The Fastlane Posts: 50,648 Drives: 02 GDB WRX Rep Power: 452	The only problems with invidias have been the welds on the flex pipe... read through or search through some threads about it. Invidia replaced them, but still a hassle. Hopefully the problem is no more. And agreed with above, the only difference is the $2k HKS nameplate that isn't tacked on, if you can live without it, you'll save yourself the $2k. __________________ Bonnie - Stage 2, Audio build coming this fall! R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14

11-24-2011, 01:59 AM	#12 (permalink)
LakeShow A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: L.I., NY Posts: 5,307 Drives: Everything Rep Power: 25	How about the Berk. It's about a 1K __________________ \|2013 Audi S4\|Ibis White/Black\|S-Tronic P+\| \|2013 370z\|PearlWhite/Persimmon\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|F.I. CBE 18" CF\| \|Sold\|2011 370z\|Gun Metallic\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|

11-24-2011, 05:41 PM	#14 (permalink)
b1adesofcha0s A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: MD Posts: 40,963 Drives: HypeTrain Choo Choo! Rep Power: 141	Yeah you should definitely look into used exhausts as well. I have seen plenty of FI exhausts for sale, but they are usually slightly north of $1k. I got my Berk exhaust used for only $700! Also agree with the HKS replica exhaust. If I hadn't gotten mine, I may have gone for that one. Good luck __________________ Project: b1adeZmobile (2009 370Z) \| Uprev Tune by AAM Competition \| Berk Exhaust Project: b1adeZmobile 2.0 (2014 C7 Z51) \| Corsa Xtreme Exhaust

11-24-2011, 06:31 PM	#15 (permalink)
KUSH Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Norcal Posts: 58 Drives: 2011 370z PW 7at Rep Power: 14	i personally have the invidia gemini and i think it sounds great. i get a lot of compliments too. However, if your solely concerned with the loudness and aggressiveness,, then i suggest you just cough up a little more cash and just go with the berk or FI. i think the berk sounds REALLY sexy and they've been having a lot of sales on the berks recently. Car parts are a investment,, a couple hundred to keep you happy for 5, 8 or even 10+ years isn't such a bad idea =D

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