Borla vs Invidia vs Stillen
 

I own a 2010 40th Anniversary that is my little garage queen. It has around 3,300 miles on it. Prior to owning it, I had a 2007 G35 Coupe that was my daily driver. Ever since trading to the Z, I have always felt the exhaust was well below sub-par for the vehicle. I even at times think, how is it the G35 had a sportier and more aggressive sound to it than my Z? Well, I have been debating on upgrading the exhaust, but will say I feel very overwhelmed on the variety of options. Before even researching I thought getting the NISMO exhaust would be the way to go just to keep the fit and finish OEM. But it sounds like to many this is a very pricey upgrade for barely any enhancement. After looking through and hearing many videos, I have narrowed it down to three (but am open to change). I was curious, from those who have heard these, can you rate them 1 (being best, loudest or deepest), 2 and 3 in for the following items? I unfortunately live in an area that doesn't have many Z owners to personally listen to the options.

Sound (Loudness)
Borla
INVIDIA: Gemini
Stillen Exhaust with Berk HFC's

Sound (Deepness)
Borla
INVIDIA: Gemini
Stillen Exhaust with Berk HFC's

Fit and Finish out of the Box
Borla
INVIDIA: Gemini
Stillen Exhaust with Berk HFC's

Cost vs. Performance
Borla
INVIDIA: Gemini
Stillen Exhaust with Berk HFC's


Being new to this, any other thoughts and opinions are more than welcome. Thanks.

Borla is a pretty pricey cat back considering it uses 2.25" piping.

Fast intentions makes really products check them out.

+1 for FI exhaust but question is how much are you willing to spend?

Keep your eyes open classified always have good deal on used one if you don't mind

Thanks NoirG and Elmo370z. I actually did more research this weekend and have added and moved FI to the top of my list.

I have the invidia and kinetix hfc and them together is a good combo. in terms of mean/loud my favorite has always been ark grip cat back and berk high flow cats

edit; oh, so regarding the gemini... it is a little louder and deeper than stock and sounds good. The HFC definitely amplify it a little more so thats nice, but it isnt enough to wake the neighbors. It gives the car a nice little meanness to it but doesnt attract all the attention in the world.

here is a clip on the dyno - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThIGjn2hCKo
I had a rattle and was trying to bring it out so I could troubleshoot, but here are 2k - 5k revs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_0pd7M9_Ww
another accurate sound clip from a good microphone (skip to :40) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcNOwau_xh4

Ark exhaust is also another good exhaust, DT-S or Grip.

Don't you think Horsepower should be added to your research categories

If you're going to get Berk HFC's, why not take a look at their CBE as well. I have this combo. It's off the charts. The sound is nice and deep, throaty. No drone at highway speeds. On WOT, it comes to life.

Nothing wrong with the other CBE's you mention. Most of the Chicago Z guys have F.I. CBE. It sounds great, however I only one of them have TP's. I personally did not like the sound of the combination. This of course is personal preference. I have heard the Stillen as well with stock Cats. Sounds nice, but not as deep or throaty as the Berk.

Check out YouTube for the Berk HFC/CBE combo. You will get an idea of the sound which is pretty close to what it sounds like in person.

Good luck.

You know, one would think so... But I don't plan on doing any more mods and really am just looking for sound / looks (and pricing). I am not a big "speed racer."

wont most cat backs give about the same gains anyway, within ~5whp? I would think you only really need to get picky when you get some FI going and want 3" set up

I have a Borla cat back, was on the car when I bought it. I love the sound. I'm looking at adding high flow cats. I've heard Berk is good. Any recommendations?