Looking at exhausts for a deeper oem sound and power gains. Hfc and test pipes seem to be a no go. What should i be looking at?

 

I have a 2004 5at nonrev

 

I don't know of a single exhaust alone that will fail you on Cali smog, so you're good there. You're right though about HFC and Test Pipes. I've heard of people in Cali passing with HFC every so often, but not sure which brand, or where they're getting tested. Test pipes are for sure fail unless you know people.

With that out of the way, I'll move on to the sound. The exhaust doesn't give our car's its sound - it's the valve configuration. In fact, one specific Mercedez has nearly the same exact exhaust sound. Exhausts only humble the sound down to a liveable and legal limit (via restrictions, resonators, etc, but not the same type of chemical restriction as cats). Ultimately, every exhaust available will keep the oem sound, just a different pitch or tone.

Since you noted you want power, the best power gains come from true duals, namely Motordyne and Stillen. At this point, the amount of time and research Tony from Motordyne has put into his exhaust systems, and all products for that matter, it's hard not to stray away from such a perfect product. However, it comes with a hefty price. You can look around for cheap(er) replicas like the GodSpeed/XO2 which are HKS reps, but are made of cheaper materials and craftsmanship and don't make nearly as much power.

 

Solid post bro. I will look into these 2 exhausts. When i said oem sound i meant same pitch and tone just overall louder

 

Hmm the motordyne is 1500 and stillen 1200 any one make more power? They both sound great from the exhaust thread

 

Nismo is more or less the most popular for a deeper oem sound. Nothing makes more than Motordyne's TDX - as of now. I say now because no one has dyno'd both exhausts on the same dyno, same day, etc. But if you look at any Motordyno dyno graph, it's nothing short of amazing - especially on our cars.

 

Kk time to save some cha ching

 

Md art

 

im gonna be selling my Stillen Catback soon if your interested !

 

How much? Im interested.

 

+1 for Motordyne.

If I were to do it all over again, I would have just waited and got that off the bat. It'll be worth it.

 

Used motordyne would be perfect hmm ebay

 

I have a motordyne on my 05 coupe and love it, i would highly recommend it