Just installed a Stillen Cat-back on my 03 Sedan 5AT. What a PITA it was to install, especially on the floor, with minimal lift. Initial impressions are sounds good so far, and seems to rev quicker through the gears. It has been raining today, so it's tough to get an accurate test. I'll play around with it tomorrow, hopefully it'll be dry. I'll do a 12 hour reset tomorrow after I check it out on a dry day. Hopefully I can get a good increase on the reset.

Things to note on the installation.

- Have a deep-dish 14mm socket
- Have WD-40 or other lub on stand by. (Lube all rubber mounts and nuts before you start)
- Plan on taking your rubber mounting brackets off rather than trying to move the posts through the bushings

Other than me dealing with those items, it would have been very easy to install. Only had to man handle the front side of the X to get it to line up.

Also, with the aero kit the tips sit perfectly, the stock exhaust tips were tucked way under.

03 Sedan~5AT~19" rims~Garnet~aero~premium~sport

 

G,

Great info -- thanks! I'm hoping to install the same set up soon. Is it terribly loud or obnoxious? I've seen on some posts that the Stillen has a "drone." How about the hp advantage? What's your impression?

Thanks for the post!

Q

 

It's definetly not a luxury sedan anymore, initial (20minute drive) impressions are that you are very aware of what the engine is doing, complete with burbles and A/c on/off.

03 Sedan~5AT~19" rims~Garnet~aero~premium~sport~Stillen Cat-back

 

A local muffler shop will install it for about $70. I wouldnt bother getting all pissed off and risk getting injured for $70. Let the pros do it and drive away happy in an hour. I had my Stillen done at the local shop and no problems at all after 4 months.

 

I agree. It was worth $70 just being able to stand and watch someone else go through all the gyrations. The lift made a huge difference, of course.

I've had mine on for a couple months, now. I wouldn't say it drones. You can hear the exhaust note all right, but it's not a drone.

'03 G35 5AT Sedan, Garnet Fire/Willow
Staggered 18" SSR GT1/Bridgestone PP S03s
Eibach Springs/Anti-Sway Kit, Stillen 2-pc BBK
Stillen SS Cat-Back Dual Exhaust System

 

Bullseye,

Thanks. It sounds like you're satisfied with it overall then?

Q

 

As you know, the stock system is *very* quiet, so it took a while for me to get used to the new system's inherently louder tone. Resetting the ecu seemed to help. I have a 1300w aftermarket sound system, and that helps, too!

But seriously, I like the new sound, which really has an edge to it, especially under acceleration. The sound it makes at wide open throttle is intoxicating, not to mention the obvious additional power it unleashes. If I know I'm about to drive a stretch of road aggressively, off goes the stereo. I have to hear the exhaust!

I have received several highly positive remarks about the sound it makes. And it looks stock. There is definitely a Jeckyl and Hyde quality about it that I like a lot.

I had some minor misgivings about the sound level when I first got it. Now, I definitely recommend it. Enjoy.

'03 G35 5AT Sedan, Garnet Fire/Willow
Staggered 18" SSR GT1/Bridgestone PP S03s
Eibach Springs/Anti-Sway Kit, Stillen 2-pc BBK
Stillen SS Cat-Back Dual Exhaust System

 

Bullseye,

Thanks! Look forward to getting mine soon. Where did you get yours?

Q

 

I bought it directly from the source, Stillen. It arrived right on schedule and in great shape. I have bought a ton of stuff from Stillen over the past 5-6 years, first for my '95 Maxima and now my '03 G35S. I have never been disappointed. Good luck.

'03 G35 5AT Sedan, Garnet Fire/Willow
Staggered 18" SSR GT1/Bridgestone PP S03s
Eibach Springs/Anti-Sway Kit, Stillen 2-pc BBK
Stillen SS Cat-Back Dual Exhaust System