Stillen CBE Owners Chime In

40 to 332 · 05-06-2013, 10:49 AM

Hi All, ...
I'm narrowing my search for after-market CBEs, and am looking seriously at the Stillen CBE, largely because it appears to be "quieter" than most other makes. I don't intend to mod the exhaust system any further. I'm simply looking for a little extra "growl" compared to the rather barren sound of the stock system. For those of you who either own or have owned the Stillen CBE, I would appreciate your comments on the following:
Overall build quality
Durability
Customer service
Overall sound quality (including presence/absence of rasp, hiss, drone, etc.)
Bottom line: If given the choice, would you purchase another Stillen CBE for your Z?
Thanks much for your help!

1st · 05-06-2013, 11:22 AM

The Overall build quality is a 9 to me a lot of slip joints. Per my research slip joints are prone for exhaust leaks over time but can be avoided with the clamps provided and resin to seal the slip joints that can be added by yourself or a muffler shop when doing the install. Per Stillen the slip joints are for keeping the shipping cost down and for fine adjustments when installing the exhaust. The Durability is a 10 to me. It’s a massive system that sits secure, steady and stiff. Per Stillen it weights more than stock but the added weight is added on top of the rear wheels to keep the *** planted on turns. The clearance on this cbe is amazing as well! You can slam your Z and have zero scraping issues with this exhaust. Unlike the oem pipes that hang low at stock height and scrape(at least for me they did). Customer service is an 10 fast shipping (got mine in 3 days) respectful, knowledgeable over the phone. The noise level is not as loud as other cars that I have driven with cbe’s but it’s there. Definitely not stock. I consider it none ricer tone more of a grown man type of exhaust note. Bottom line: If given the choice, would you purchase another Stillen CBE for your Z? I wouldn’t see why not. There isn’t anything that I don’t like about them or their product.

1st · 05-06-2013, 11:35 AM

Here are some other Stillen CBE reviews:
Please note that the 2nd link exhaust review I believe is an older gen Stillen CBE because the tips look different then mine. Mine do not have the bent in tips with the drain hole. The one I got is just thick and free flowing and I didn’t have any problems with the cross member either like others have stated they did.

Got my Stillen CBE installed today

Review: Stillen Catback Exhaust

40 to 332 · 05-06-2013, 09:29 PM

Thanks for this. The other threads that you referenced were also useful. Seems like the Stillen CBE is a solid product. I notice that a lot of owners gravitate to the FI CBE. Suspect it may be louder than the Stillen (?), and therefore, potentially out of the running. That said, I'm not sure how the noise level of the FI CBE with 18" resonators compares to the Stillen. It's not clear from the various threads and video/you-tube clips that are posted. Anyway, glad to hear that you're satisfied with the Stillen. Again, thanks for your comments.

DEpointfive0 · 05-06-2013, 09:32 PM

I LOVE my Stillen, I wish it didn't weigh more than stock, but the weight is in an OK location.
Fast Intentions build quality is 10/10, and customer service is 10/10 as well... Where Stillen's isn't that high.
Sound wise, the Stillen can be quieter, but in my opinion it's the deeper of the two, and it's the 2nd deepest sounding exhaust after Ark.

05-06-2013, 10:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
40 to 332 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kimberley, BC, CANADA Posts: 447 Drives: 13 370Z BS M6 Sport Rep Power: 439	Stillen CBE Owners Chime In Hi All, ... I'm narrowing my search for after-market CBEs, and am looking seriously at the Stillen CBE, largely because it appears to be "quieter" than most other makes. I don't intend to mod the exhaust system any further. I'm simply looking for a little extra "growl" compared to the rather barren sound of the stock system. For those of you who either own or have owned the Stillen CBE, I would appreciate your comments on the following: Overall build quality Durability Customer service Overall sound quality (including presence/absence of rasp, hiss, drone, etc.) Bottom line: If given the choice, would you purchase another Stillen CBE for your Z? Thanks much for your help!

05-06-2013, 09:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
DEpointfive0 Premium Member Bitches Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,824 Drives: a lot Rep Power: 17151	I LOVE my Stillen, I wish it didn't weigh more than stock, but the weight is in an OK location. Fast Intentions build quality is 10/10, and customer service is 10/10 as well... Where Stillen's isn't that high. Sound wise, the Stillen can be quieter, but in my opinion it's the deeper of the two, and it's the 2nd deepest sounding exhaust after Ark. __________________ Do YOU want to know what/where I got my username from? ( Click to show/hide ) NSFW due to language:

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05-06-2013, 11:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
1st A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: I 80 Biz U.S. 50 Posts: 1,708 Drives: Platinum Z Rep Power: 1616	The Overall build quality is a 9 to me a lot of slip joints. Per my research slip joints are prone for exhaust leaks over time but can be avoided with the clamps provided and resin to seal the slip joints that can be added by yourself or a muffler shop when doing the install. Per Stillen the slip joints are for keeping the shipping cost down and for fine adjustments when installing the exhaust. The Durability is a 10 to me. It’s a massive system that sits secure, steady and stiff. Per Stillen it weights more than stock but the added weight is added on top of the rear wheels to keep the *** planted on turns. The clearance on this cbe is amazing as well! You can slam your Z and have zero scraping issues with this exhaust. Unlike the oem pipes that hang low at stock height and scrape(at least for me they did). Customer service is an 10 fast shipping (got mine in 3 days) respectful, knowledgeable over the phone. The noise level is not as loud as other cars that I have driven with cbe’s but it’s there. Definitely not stock. I consider it none ricer tone more of a grown man type of exhaust note. Bottom line: If given the choice, would you purchase another Stillen CBE for your Z? I wouldn’t see why not. There isn’t anything that I don’t like about them or their product.

05-06-2013, 11:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
1st A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: I 80 Biz U.S. 50 Posts: 1,708 Drives: Platinum Z Rep Power: 1616	Here are some other Stillen CBE reviews: Please note that the 2nd link exhaust review I believe is an older gen Stillen CBE because the tips look different then mine. Mine do not have the bent in tips with the drain hole. The one I got is just thick and free flowing and I didn’t have any problems with the cross member either like others have stated they did. Got my Stillen CBE installed today Review: Stillen Catback Exhaust

05-06-2013, 09:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
40 to 332 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kimberley, BC, CANADA Posts: 447 Drives: 13 370Z BS M6 Sport Rep Power: 439	Thanks for this. The other threads that you referenced were also useful. Seems like the Stillen CBE is a solid product. I notice that a lot of owners gravitate to the FI CBE. Suspect it may be louder than the Stillen (?), and therefore, potentially out of the running. That said, I'm not sure how the noise level of the FI CBE with 18" resonators compares to the Stillen. It's not clear from the various threads and video/you-tube clips that are posted. Anyway, glad to hear that you're satisfied with the Stillen. Again, thanks for your comments.