Hello all, still a noob here, but i'm learning.

I've got some wheels lined up, and springs and a camber kit on the way.
Now i'm pondering the exaust question. To start, let me explain that I have a 06 5AT, it will be strictly my DD. My reasoning for the exaust is primarly looks and sound. Performance, for me is just icing.

I've done a little research, but I was hopeing for some help from those of you with a little more experience. I like the look of the tips on the HKS, otherwise, its not for me. Not a huge fan of the sound and their profit margin on that is ridiculos. After listening to a lot of exhausts on Youtube, I like the sound of the X02 unit. But between the few fitment issues i've read about on here and the unbelieveable amount of flaming from those of you with healthier budget than myself, i'm shying away from it.

So how should I proceed?
Is there a compromise? I like the dual muffler style sytems, I like the single wall tips such as the HKS has, and I honestly don't want to pay over a G for exaust.

Has anyone had luck with custom made systems? If so, what kind of mufflers did you use? Maybe I can find some burnt Ti exaust tips and fab them on a custom made system.

I hope ya'll can help me out.

Thanks,

 

Get the X02. If I didn't get an amazing deal on my HKS Hi-Power I would've definitely gone with something cheaper or just bought HFC's for my stock exhaust.

It's not worth $1200 IMO, much less the ridiculous $1800 they MSRP it for. Anybody that pays that much for a bunch of welded metal pipes has too much money on their hands.

 

get the xo2. you can move the tips out an inch and be done.

 

If you like the HKS for its tips, then you'll be disappointed with the tips on the xo2 exhaust. They're nothing like the tips on the HKS system. You can find the HKS exhaust for well under $1k these days. They often sell for $8-900 locally.

Have you given any thought into the Fast Intentions Intimidator exhaust w/ Ti burnt tips? It's a great exhaust system. There are very few people on this forum that dislike it for its sound or performance. However, it does exceed your $1k limit for the stainless steel version. But it's money well spent, IMO.

Although it's not a true dual system, I have to suggest the Fujitsubo exhaust as well. It is very quiet upon start up and cruising, but when you step on the gas it has a beautiful but not overwhelming roar. It's got a polished muffler and single walled tips. I have to say that if I didn't already have HKS, then I would most likely purchase a Fujitsubo.

HKS
Fast Intentions w/ Ti burnt tips
Fujitsubo

Definitely consider those three (in no particular order).

 

^^^

Thanks everyone for the responses.
I agree that the tips aren't as nice on the X02, i'd pay some extra $$$ to just buy a new set and throw it on.
Is it weak sauce to throw some tips on my factory exaust and put in a resonated pipe? I've read that it gives a nice sound that way.

Keep the comments coming!

 

Love the extension on the tips w0ady, looks just like mine.

I was searching for a way to plug the holes though but I don't know how to do it without it looking retarded. Maybe a solid band around it.

 

If you don't want anything thats like crazy loud i would go with the Borla exhaust I haven't heard many people that didn't like it. The tips are almost just like stock, so if you want the Ti tips then i would look at the Injen Ti Track Edition. It has a pretty good sound, and that will put you right at the $1000 mark. Also remember when you are listening to exhaust, the sound will be deeper when it is under pressure than just sitting still. I know a lot of them just sit there and rev them up. Good luck with your exhaust!!!

http://www.intensepower.com/intitiptredt1.html

 

but at the end of the day you will still have the hks knockoff

 

i'd say get a used HKS if you're looking to stay under $1k

 

I have had both xo2 and HKS and the sound is similar but the tips are noticably different. If you have the cash go with the HKS

 

Injen's DRONE FTL

 

I'd also say find a used HKS, it seems to be the best compromise for getting the most of what you want out of an exhaust sytem, being that you like the tips, used will be under a grand, and you like the X02 sound, but HKS sound is very similar.

And if you didn't catch my video on youtube....here is me driving around in Los Angeles, windows down on an HKS exhaust (also with 5/16 spacer and K&N drop in filter). Watch the whole vid....when I get on the freeway and am next to a wall (1:50 second mark) you really get to hear what it sounds like. This will give you the sound underload from inside the cabin.

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Get the X02.. Don't like the tips? Fine buy a set of F1 titanium tips from ebay and your set. $620 excellent exhaust and sexy tips that are nicer than the HKS.

 

+1 , check this out https://g35driver.com/forums/intake-exhaust/211043-xo2-exhaust-tip-solution-xo2-owner-only.html

 

I don't know if I'd call those nicer....they actually look exactly the same. But since you mentioned this....this is probably the best way for OP to go with his exhaust setup if he can't find a like new condition HKS for around the same price.