Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions

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Nov 20, 2004 | 07:20 PM
  #1  
I bought a used one from the for sale here and got a killer deal. I wasn't going to spend $1,000+ for any exhaust and from what I've seen the Stillen is considerably nicer then the Borla.

Anyways, I tried installing it myself and just lacked power tools and patience. I couldn't get some of the bolts off and said it's not worth my time. I went to a shop and paid $65 to have it done, and it took them 2.5 hours. There were like 10 fitment problems. They said it's probably because it's used and the hot/cold expansion could have caused it.

Anyways, it definitely looks nice once it's installed.

Here's the impressions:

Power: Mid range torque is a significant improvement. I didnt reset my ecu or anything, not that I personally believe resetting the ECU does anything. Anyways, I didn't take it over 5k RPM because it's wet outside and I'm not stupid. The 2000-5000 range has seriously more get up now.

Sound - One of the best sounding cars in the world. It's exotic class sounding and it's extremely smooth and fluent. No rasp, no buzz, just really smooth. Unfortunately, it is a bit loud for cruising. In 6th gear cruising at 65 MPH it's just like stock, but accelerating at any speed is somewhat noisy. 4-6th gear accelerating humms and drones kinda of bad.

It's similar to a late model Mustang GT in the way it sounds in cabin.

My exhaust is used, so I don't expect it to get quieter over time which is unfortunate. I could live with it being a few notches quieter. There doesn't appear to be any room on the exhaust system to add additional resonators which is another unfortunate.

The verdict is still out. If I was in high school (or college) still I'd be in LOVE with the sound or if it was my weekend cruiser/sports car (like my 300zx TT was a couple years back) then I'd be really happy. As a everyday car I just don't know yet. I LOVE the sound but it is a tad loud. I don't have enough faith in the dynamat solution either.

Hope this helps any potential, future buyers.

04 6MT Sedan - Z Tube, K&N Drop-In, 04 Z Suspension, 18x8 / 18x9 HP EVO Rims
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Nov 20, 2004 | 08:13 PM
  #2  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
whatd u pay

Back in Black
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Nov 20, 2004 | 10:36 PM
  #3  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
I PM'd you the info.

04 6MT Sedan - Z Tube, K&N Drop-In, 04 Z Suspension, 18x8 / 18x9 HP EVO Rims
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Nov 21, 2004 | 12:04 AM
  #4  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
I interestingly just noticed Stillen changed their G35 exhaust info on their webpage, it used to say big power + responsible sounds, now it says this:

The Infiniti G35 Sedan gets a big boost in performance with the addition of STILLEN's new Cat-back Exhaust System. This exhaust presented us with a decisision. The first prototype yielded tremendous power but at a higher sound level than we normally look for. Efforts to tame the sound reduced the power output dramatically. After speaking with a number of G35 Sedan owners, we elected to keep the power. Note: this is a louder system than our G35 Coupe or 350Z systems and makes substantially more power than either of those. This Stainless Steel cat-back exhaust system will increase your Sedan's performance by 21-23 hp and 21-23-lbs ft. of torque - at the rear wheels! Twin resonators are employed. This is a 100% Stainless Steel system with dual path piping and a, single muffler system that uses Stillen's distinctive X pipe to promote exhaust scavenging as well as balancing pressure. With only 4 pieces to install this system weighs in at 13 lbs. less than the stock exhaust and offers a precise fit. Polished pieces include the twin resonators & muffler while twin polished Stainless tips finish off the system for a great look. Please note, ships in two boxes SHIPPING AS SHOWN IS TOO LOW! Call for a more accurate shipping quote!

04 6MT Sedan - Z Tube, K&N Drop-In, 04 Z Suspension, 18x8 / 18x9 HP EVO Rims
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Nov 21, 2004 | 11:19 AM
  #5  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
I'd really like to see how they got that 21-23 whp increase.
I believe I read that there was a dyno showoff with a bunch of owners, and the borla actually came out on top. Stillen was second with like a 7-8 hp increase.
I wonder if stillen would devulge the information on how they got this much power and what other mods were done to the car when they dynoed it.

Anyone else have more info?

2004 G35 sedan. Silver/graphite, Premium, sport, aero package. Z-tube, K&N
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Nov 21, 2004 | 11:32 AM
  #6  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
The car that stillen baseline dynoed only put down around 204 HP. My stock AT sedan put down 217 HP. They probably did 5-6 runs and took the worst baseline # and the best post-mod # for the difference. Not particularly honest, but they are in the business of selling exhausts. Anyway, I have had the Stillen for almost a year and its a great setup. The torque is definitely what makes this mod worthwhile. The lowend grunt is felt bigtime. I did not do another dyno yet since I was playing around with intakes, pulleys etc. But I'm done now, and will probably do another dyno soon. I'll post it when complete.

2003.5 AT Sedan
K/N drop-in
Z-Tube
Full UR pulley set
Stillen cat-back

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Nov 21, 2004 | 11:58 AM
  #7  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
Everything I've seen has the Stillen making the most power hands down. It definitely feels that way, I've never seen a car that I've owned respond so well to an exhaust mod.

I still don't understand how you other owners out there are dealing with the noise? I'm only 23 and I imagine most others are older.

04 6MT Sedan - Z Tube, K&N Drop-In, 04 Z Suspension, 18x8 / 18x9 HP EVO Rims
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Nov 21, 2004 | 07:42 PM
  #8  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
I installed my Stillen exhaust system on my sedan Friday night. I did it in the garage by myself and it took about two hours to install the Stillen system. I also reinstalled the cats at the same time and that took an additional 1.5 hours.

Here is my impression in comparing the Stillen exhaust to the stock exhaust with test pipes installed. I definately have more low and mid-range power now, as compared to the stock exhaust and test pipes. The overall driveability is vastly improved and the car is much more fun to drive. Its hard to tell if the car is faster but I will know this for sure when I go back out to the drag strip December 3rd. With the test pipes installed I lost low and mid-range power though it pulled very strong on the top end.

As for the noise increase, it is louder--but to me its music to my ears--I love the sound. In case anyone asks I am 44 years old.



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Nov 21, 2004 | 10:52 PM
  #9  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
What does your wife (or g/f) think about it? Also, what do you think your boss would think of it?

04 6MT Sedan - Z Tube, K&N Drop-In, 04 Z Suspension, 18x8 / 18x9 HP EVO Rims
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Nov 22, 2004 | 12:01 PM
  #10  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
Brian, I am not married. Fortunately my girl friend is indifferent to this sort of thing so it's a non-issue. If she had a negative opinion about my new exhaust, my response would be, tough, deal with it. As for my bosses opinion of the exhaust, I am sure he will like it, but if not, who cares!!! I can only assume you have clients in your car on a regular basis.

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Nov 22, 2004 | 12:27 PM
  #11  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
No, but I do shuttle our international co-workers around frequently. They're Japanese and love the Skyline but I don't think they want to have such an obtuse noise during their ride.

04 6MT Sedan - Z Tube, K&N Drop-In, 04 Z Suspension, 18x8 / 18x9 HP EVO Rims
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Nov 23, 2004 | 04:16 PM
  #12  
Re: Sedan Stillen Installed - My Impressions
so far, everyone ive met has told me that it sounds sexy. hahahaa. well except for my grandmother who said that my car is broken. hahahaa silly grandma. =)

G35s6mt/TSecu/350Z Springs&Struts/K&Nfilter+Z-tube/StillenDualExhaust /6WireGroundKit/KinetixHighFlow
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