Exhaust comparison question

Offdutyz

I'm a newb here and been doing my research. I want to get a CBE with possibly a HFC. It seems like the most popular CBEs are the Invidia Gemini and FI TDX. I've done numerous YouTube video searches but can't get a good feel for how loud and deep each of these CBEs are. I'm looking for something deep opposed to loud and I don't want the annoying hiss or at least keep it to a minimal. My Z is used more for pleasure but is a "commuter" when I work (drive to work the first day but its left at work until the last day of then it's driven home). I know exhaust will cause drone but I want it to be minimal. I would choose to go with the 18" resonators if I go with the FI TDX.
So here are my questions...
Between the Gemini and TDX which would be louder in the sense of just being loud?
Is there a scraping issue with either one? I plan on lowering the Z with either a coil over system or the Nismo setup.
For the FI TDX is there a sound quality difference when choosing either SS or CF for the mufflers?
I noticed from pictures the Gemini tips stick out a bit. Is there a way to make them flush like stock?
How flush are the FI tips to the bumper?
Between the two which produces a more unique exhaust note?
Is the Invidia HFC resonated? Is the FI HFC resonated?
Are the power gains comparable or will one of these produce more?
For the ones with GF/Wives what system do you have and does your significant other complain about the exhaust set up you have?

Thanks.

edub370

FI will be louder i think. the first gen FI's had an issue with sitting too low but i think that's been resolved now. not sure about the tips sitting out too far on the gemeni. seen one in person and they didn't seem to stick out to me. i would say the invidia really brings out the oldschool VQ sound the 350z's had, whereas the FI is a little more high pitch up top. i THINK the FI makes more HP but don't quote me on that.

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SS_Firehawk

If you want the most bad a$$ sound, do Fast Intentions, and if you have the budget, get their LTH's and put the cats in the exhaust system. With 18" resonators, it won't make your ears ring, the cats and headers help remove the hiss, and it's your going to make great power.

SS and CF mufflers do indeed have slightly different sounds
F.I. will create more power, "unique" is subjective. I think anything other than stock is unique.
Both should sit flush, Invidia's might be adjustable, IDR.
Scraping used to be an issue with F.I, mostly with lowered vehicles, not so much an issue now. Invidia's, no issues.

I don't own F.I.'s exhaust, if they had the cat option before I purchased, it would have been the route I chose, but with 12" resonators instead. Cat's quiet things down.
Do it right the first time, and you will spend less money in the future.

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Offdutyz

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm getting a better picture after the replies and seeing some other post. Getting closer to a decision.

w0rM

I made a video if my FI exhaust because I had basically the same questions and never really found an answer until I got mine installed. Hopefully this will help you.



370z Fast Intentions Exhaust w/ 12" Resonators vs. Stock Exhaust - YouTube

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NitrousZ34

Wow that was a great video comparison. The FI sounds nice and deep. I think it was around 1:44 your car sounded like it had a BOV lol.

F.I. Inc.

First and foremost, thank you for taking an interest in our products.

1). We have many options from the 18" being the quietest to the non resonated being the loudest. I have not heard the Invidia so I cannot comment on the volume.

2). The lowest point of our system is the front of the mufflers. Ironically it is very close to the lowest point of the stock cat back which are the tubes that go into the front of the muffler. About two years ago we raised the front of the mufflers in the build process. I am pleased to say we are not any lower than the stock exhaust. In fact in some places we give more ground clearance than the stock exhaust.

3). The stainless steel will be slightly deeper and smoother than the carbon fiber. The carbon fiber will emit off a more Euro exotic sound, (in my opinion)! In the end they will sound about 90% the same.

4). The tips will sit flush with the stock bumper. When the system gets hot, the tips will grow about 1/4". Very minimal!

5). I cannot say our system sounds (more) exotic or unique because that is being biased. I can tell you our system will refine your stock exhaust note by making it deeper, smoother, fuller and louder!

6). We offer standard high flow cats and resonated high flow cats. The performance gains will be identical. The only difference is the resonated version will be smoother and slightly quieter, mainly inside the cabin.

I will let the other members answer the last question.

I think this covers it all for now. If you have any further questions or would like to place an order, please do not hesitate to call me directly.

Thank you, Tony

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Chemy

Excellent video, thanks!!

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2012 Nismo, PW #512. FI CBE SS w/12" Res, Stillen g3's, UpRev, Kenwood 9990HD, Focal speakers and tweeters, Wicked Cas corner box with JL 10" w6, 35% ceramic tint, full clear bra.

Chemy

Excellent video, thanks!!

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2012 Nismo, PW #512. FI CBE SS w/12" Res, Stillen g3's, UpRev, Kenwood 9990HD, Focal speakers and tweeters, Wicked Cas corner box with JL 10" w6, 35% ceramic tint, full clear bra.

Offdutyz

Thanks for the video posting and thank you Tony for taking time to view my post and replying to it. I am pretty sure that I know which system I will be getting, just have to see how it will fit into my budget.