Stillen TD Vs FI Intimidator
First off, please don't take any disrespect to my comments. I think that some more research/testing would benefit not only me but everyone in the G community. Yes, if I could personally facilitate dyno runs of different exhausts on the same car for comparison, it would be great...but unfortunately I can't. Honestly it is not such a high priority to me. No disrespect taken, just thought it was only fair of me to reply since someone was bashing a competitor. I do not have a Stillen exhaust, the Stillen in my sig refers to their hi flo intake. If I do get an exhaust, it will be the HKS. (For me, the sound and aesthetics close the deal, along w/ one of the highest hp/tq gains) The only independent test I have seen of your system was in conjunction w/ testpipes/hi flo cats, which is a different situation. If there are others with only the exhaust, please link me to them. Also I don't see many exhausts period being dyno'd before/after, so to say that Stillen regularly puts out 7whp is not that feasible to me. By "top 3", what is that referring to? Power? Looks? Sound? Price? Sales? I do agree that being a small shop, you would provide better customer service than some of the bigger tuners out there. Since all other variables are subjective, (and since price is similar) if I saw several dynos of the FI system (as the only mod tested), that might change my opinion in this matter. Most of the factors in purchasing an exhaustive are subjective. But when someone (not you) bashes someone elses product while trying to pass off opinion as fact, it does need to be cleared up. Cheers!
Originally Posted by ISMSOLUTIONS
Some real research and testing might do you some good....I don't mean to be disrespectful, and I know you have a Stillen system, based on your sig, but remember as well, sound is subjective and Stillen's system REGULARLY TESTS at only 7HP gain, not their claimed.
Several people have independently tested their FI systems, and have more than corroborated FI's findings and results.
The top 3 out there are HKS, Stillen and FI - not in any particular order mind you. Stillen and HKS are big names, with NO customer service satisfaction that is measurable.
Fast Intentions is small enough to know and service you, and big enough to build one of the highest quality systems available.
EDIT: The stillen components are magnaflow standards = nothing custom designed. The Sebring mufflers were custom designed by Fast Intentions and manufactured by Sebring, just for this application.
Rick
Several people have independently tested their FI systems, and have more than corroborated FI's findings and results.
The top 3 out there are HKS, Stillen and FI - not in any particular order mind you. Stillen and HKS are big names, with NO customer service satisfaction that is measurable.
Fast Intentions is small enough to know and service you, and big enough to build one of the highest quality systems available.
EDIT: The stillen components are magnaflow standards = nothing custom designed. The Sebring mufflers were custom designed by Fast Intentions and manufactured by Sebring, just for this application.
Rick
No disrespect meant, but its not bias when you don't look at everything available for your vehicle, its a lack of researching all possibilities. Can Tony estimate a ballpark number on how many Stillen systems hes replaced? 2,5,20? Sorry but I find that hard to believe. Then again, exhaust preference is really subjective you said. I'm glad youre happy w/ your FI system, thats what it comes down to...being satisfied w/ and enjoying your mods.
Originally Posted by extreme4377
Maybe Im biased but I never even considered the Stillen system when I was in the market(both times) for an exhaust system. And after hearing Tony tell me about all the Stillen systems he's taken off cars and replaced with his own, I was ever more set on the FI system. Thats in addition to the other qualities the FI system has. But hey, when it comes to sound, its all subjective...the FI system is one of the best sounding systems available...thats just my opinion
Originally Posted by optimystic06
First off, please don't take any disrespect to my comments. I think that some more research/testing would benefit not only me but everyone in the G community. Yes, if I could personally facilitate dyno runs of different exhausts on the same car for comparison, it would be great...but unfortunately I can't. Honestly it is not such a high priority to me. No disrespect taken, just thought it was only fair of me to reply since someone was bashing a competitor. I do not have a Stillen exhaust, the Stillen in my sig refers to their hi flo intake. If I do get an exhaust, it will be the HKS. (For me, the sound and aesthetics close the deal, along w/ one of the highest hp/tq gains) The only independent test I have seen of your system was in conjunction w/ testpipes/hi flo cats, which is a different situation. If there are others with only the exhaust, please link me to them. Also I don't see many exhausts period being dyno'd before/after, so to say that Stillen regularly puts out 7whp is not that feasible to me. By "top 3", what is that referring to? Power? Looks? Sound? Price? Sales? I do agree that being a small shop, you would provide better customer service than some of the bigger tuners out there. Since all other variables are subjective, (and since price is similar) if I saw several dynos of the FI system (as the only mod tested), that might change my opinion in this matter. Most of the factors in purchasing an exhaustive are subjective. But when someone (not you) bashes someone elses product while trying to pass off opinion as fact, it does need to be cleared up. Cheers!
There ar a few posts at My350Z as well with FI dyno's of before and afters - one was just put up a few days ago in fact. Stock Z dynoi's at 271HP - our stock Z test car went to 259HP...so he got 12 more HP than our test car...and that's 30+HP.
Personally - I've tested most of the systems out there, on my own car - about 1 1/2 years ago, over a 4 day period. So in pretty controlled situations, I have seen these numbers. That was the beginning of my research. I also studied the boards carefully to make sure I knew what people wanted and did not want or like from certain systems - then we started making several custom systems to test theories and product. In the end, FI designed their own mufflers and had them manufactured for them by Sebring, to get our specific sound and power desire.
It really is hard to trust most companies when they show dyno results...believe me, I'm one of those big dis-believers too. I've tested a lot of mods for our cars though, and have seen many combinations of mods and how they work and don't work together.
FI has tried, and succeeded, in offering a superior class product, supported excellently, and given personal attention to each and every system and CAT or Testpipe they build - the owners of teh company build this stuff for you all...and they stand behind it. No other company out there does that...and that says alot in my book.
Whether I'm biased or not....fact is fact...
Cheers...
Rick
P.S. excuse any spelling errors - writing this on my blackberry...
Originally Posted by pdjafari
I want to see some dynos from FI...but all i see are ppl who talk up products w/ no real facts
If not - www.fastintentions.com
Rick
Well apparently good feedback from a number of our customers isn't good enough for some people. Like Rick said there are dyno numbers on our website and a few independent dynos here and there. I can't make our consumers dyno and post results if they don't (A) have the time or (B) just don't feel the need to. But time and time again our customers have raved about the product they have purchased from me.
I am also tired of people going to bat for the larger companies that have poor customer service. It is a bad excuse to use the fact that they are large as a reason for bad customer service. You need to take care of the consumer #1 priority in this business.
I have been a fabricator for a long time and I have dealt with many of these large companies myself. I have been treated the same as many of you all and I would never stand for it. If someones customer service is bad then they will not get my business, no exceptions.
I understand many of you may either be skeptical or reluctant of my company and/or products. But we have sold over 100 systems in less then a year and have not had 1 bad review. Yes some have said it was a little loud and others have said it was a little quiet, but no one has said they regret the decision of purchasing the system.
Where else can you call and speak directly to the manufacturer? Nowhere!
My door is always open and and I am always accesible to all of you. If you have any doubts why not ask me directly. Here is my number:
(818) 882-2788
fi@fastintentions.com
Thanks, Tony
I am also tired of people going to bat for the larger companies that have poor customer service. It is a bad excuse to use the fact that they are large as a reason for bad customer service. You need to take care of the consumer #1 priority in this business.
I have been a fabricator for a long time and I have dealt with many of these large companies myself. I have been treated the same as many of you all and I would never stand for it. If someones customer service is bad then they will not get my business, no exceptions.
I understand many of you may either be skeptical or reluctant of my company and/or products. But we have sold over 100 systems in less then a year and have not had 1 bad review. Yes some have said it was a little loud and others have said it was a little quiet, but no one has said they regret the decision of purchasing the system.
Where else can you call and speak directly to the manufacturer? Nowhere!
My door is always open and and I am always accesible to all of you. If you have any doubts why not ask me directly. Here is my number:
(818) 882-2788
fi@fastintentions.com
Thanks, Tony
Originally Posted by pdjafari
I want to see some dynos from FI...but all i see are ppl who talk up products w/ no real facts
I don't know about you, but that is evidence enough for me...Tony
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 13,068
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From: Southern Cali --> 818
Originally Posted by optimystic06
I'd have to disagree. Stillen's parts used on their exhaust = higher quality than sebring used on FI, and it is also a true dual 2.5 all the way. I've talked to one owner of an FI system, who reported loud droning from the day he got it. Stillen TD put down the most power in an independent test of several systems. The Stillen will give you the best gains w/ an aggressive yet unobtrusive sound, choice of tip style to suit your preference, and a lifetime warranty. What do you get from FI..nothing compared to Stillen.
Most of the information you stated is subjective.
And the last comment is definately an understatement.
Both Exhausts are awesome, and theirs no need to put down one or the other.
It's just a matter of preference.
.
Not bashing any vendor since I chose FI so only have that as a point of reference. I have not posted my full review (and there ARE some things I wish were different - all subjective sound issues though, such as being quieter at low rpms - a little too aggressive for me).
I could not find a SINGLE dyno for HKS - if you do, please post it. It was also only 2.25" diameter - not good enough for my forced induction plans. Those two points eliminated it for me as an option.
Stillen has been documented as the heaviest exhaust system, but I've heard is otherwise decent. I liked the deep Crawford cats+Stillen true dual sound. Customer service was reported by more than one person as terrible.
So that brought me to FastIntentions - whose claims are listed on their website AND posted on g35driver and my350z by independent reviewers. And customer service is phenomenal. I don't think I had to wait for the phone to ring a 2nd time before I was being helped with my questions.
The quality of the construction, welds, and components is just amazing. It is a beautiful system which provides an amazing, exhilirating sound for our cars.
I would highly recommend it (as long as you realize you WILL hear your exhaust note clearly from inside the car when revving up).
I could not find a SINGLE dyno for HKS - if you do, please post it. It was also only 2.25" diameter - not good enough for my forced induction plans. Those two points eliminated it for me as an option.
Stillen has been documented as the heaviest exhaust system, but I've heard is otherwise decent. I liked the deep Crawford cats+Stillen true dual sound. Customer service was reported by more than one person as terrible.
So that brought me to FastIntentions - whose claims are listed on their website AND posted on g35driver and my350z by independent reviewers. And customer service is phenomenal. I don't think I had to wait for the phone to ring a 2nd time before I was being helped with my questions.
The quality of the construction, welds, and components is just amazing. It is a beautiful system which provides an amazing, exhilirating sound for our cars.
I would highly recommend it (as long as you realize you WILL hear your exhaust note clearly from inside the car when revving up).
The last comment was just quoting what someone else said except he said the Stillen was nothing compared to the FI. So I just turned it around. I think both systems are good, but obviously I have a preference. I'm not bashing FI at all. I think it is one of the best systems out for the G. Most exhaust purchase factors are subjective, I'm just giving my opinion as everyone else does.
Originally Posted by skaterbasist
And I agree to disagree
Most of the information you stated is subjective.
And the last comment is definately an understatement.
Both Exhausts are awesome, and theirs no need to put down one or the other.
It's just a matter of preference.
.
Most of the information you stated is subjective.
And the last comment is definately an understatement.
Both Exhausts are awesome, and theirs no need to put down one or the other.
It's just a matter of preference.
.
The arguments are going back and forth between FI and Stillen owners. Itd be great to hear from someone that's had both the stillen and FI system on their car, but thats a far-fetched request.
Like I said, I had the newer Injen Track Edition TD system on my car for a few months prior to switching over to the FastIntentions system. I loved it, yes. But it was louder than fvck especially with HFC. The gains were fairly good(roughly 8-9hp and probably close to that for torque), but not good enough. The noise was amazing, but again, too loud for my tastes and for cops too. I mainly switched to the FI system for the simplistic, classy looks and lesser drone but as soon as I drove the car after having the FI system installed, I was more amazed than I thought I would be.
The two systems are very, very different, almost opposites. But I love em both. When it comes to exhaust, its really a subjective matter than can only be discussed based on opinionated arguments. Although, few factors such as gains, quality, and customer service, those are factual, not opinionated.
Like I said, I had the newer Injen Track Edition TD system on my car for a few months prior to switching over to the FastIntentions system. I loved it, yes. But it was louder than fvck especially with HFC. The gains were fairly good(roughly 8-9hp and probably close to that for torque), but not good enough. The noise was amazing, but again, too loud for my tastes and for cops too. I mainly switched to the FI system for the simplistic, classy looks and lesser drone but as soon as I drove the car after having the FI system installed, I was more amazed than I thought I would be.
The two systems are very, very different, almost opposites. But I love em both. When it comes to exhaust, its really a subjective matter than can only be discussed based on opinionated arguments. Although, few factors such as gains, quality, and customer service, those are factual, not opinionated.
Originally Posted by extreme4377
The gains were fairly good(roughly 8-9hp and probably close to that for torque), but not good enough.
btw, your old injen exhaust was dyno'd at +11whp (forgot how much tq) with no other modifications (i.e. tunes) by a member on the forum. but, all of our cars react differently to mods...so dynos really serve no purpose - yet we all (myself included) obsess ourselves with dynos.
Maybe I'm just not as good of a search ***** as you hero, but I cannot find any dynos of just the FI exhaust....either here or on my350. A manufacturer's own dyno (no offense to any manufacturer) will not be conclusive to me at all. Rick, if you could post up some of these links (you stated earlier that there were several runs here and on my350z which collaborate with your own dyno), that would definitely set me straight and show others that the gains are proven. I'm sure many members would like to see this as well. Looking forward to seeing the dynos!
Originally Posted by aHero4Eternity
the intimidator exhaust is claimed (proven) to offer 11whp and 9lbs/tq.