Im new to this forum and Im hoping this post works when I figure out how to post.

I've got a 2006 G35 Coupe with Motordyne TDXV2 exhaust.

Im deciding between HFC or ART pipes. Which should I be getting in terms of performance and sound?

Im also deciding on headers. Anyone got any set up as follow:

1) Motordyne TDXV2 + ART Pipes + DC Sport Headers
2) Motordyne TDXV2 + ART Pipes + Stillen Headers
3) Motordyne TDXV2 + HFC + DC Sport Headers
4) Motordyne TDXV2 + HFC + Stillen Headers
5) Motordyne TDXV2 + ART Pipes + (insert recommended headers or whatever you guys have)

Thanks heaps in advance.

 

If your car is a 6MT and you plan to get a tune that can take advantage of the cam timing (would recommend) I would say skip the art pipes and hfcs and put on some long tube headers (PPE) with the tdx.

If auto then art pipes > hfc and pick which ever headers you get a better deal on. Not a stillen fan, personally, so I'd go DC but you'll be fine with either of those two.

There's also a sub-forum here for exhaust/intake related stuff a little farther down and there are some useful comparison posts over on my350z that you might want to check out.

 

Oh yeah. Forgot to mention. Ive got an Auto. Im not man enough to handle the man pedal.

Alright. So ART pipes it is. And the thing about headers, does it drone or is that only the exhaust? I dont want drone or anything after I install headers cuz I love my MD exhaust as it is atm.

 

You shouldn't get drone with the art pipes / headers. You might get a small amount of rasp with headers but I believe the art pipes will knock it down. I don't have that combo so only repeating what I've seen.

 

But then again. What exactly is rasp? Some say its rattling sound?

 

It's hard to describe rasp. On the subject of headers, they really don't provide big gains on the G like they do on other cars unless you go turbo or supercharged. The general consensus here is they aren't worth the cost as install is a pain. Stick with the ART pipes and the MD exhaust and top it off with an Osiris tune and you'll be really pleased.

 

I've got to disagree with the headers overall. High price point for install with very, very little benefit unless you're doing cams- especially in the non- rev.

Doesn't sound like you're there yet- so think looooooong about headers.

Hfc will likely rasp unless you get some ceramic coated berks (best I've heard of and virtually eliminate it). Rasp is kind of a tinny "fart" noise that sounds like angry bees in a tin can. Your exhaust won't ALWAYS sound like that but at certain throttle settings (usually the ones you spend a lot of time driving knowing our luck) it will be more apparent than others.

ART pipes are a good quality product but I'd save my money on all that and stick to your current exhaust, a decent set of hfc and go hunt down a throttle body upgrade (transgo).

You want tighter, spriter performance? That would be my first stop. The auto G is a bit of a slush cup when it comes to shifting and while tightening those shifts may not put numbers on the Dyno it sure as hell makes it feel the way a person expects a luxury sports car to feel!

 

rasp is what 99% of honda civics with an exhaust system sound like.

 

If you get a good tune headers are beneficial. Much more so on a rev-up, but still an improvement. Whether or not it's worth the cost of the install (in time or actual money) is your call.

Anything to remove / replace the OEM cats is going to be an improvement, they're the big choke point in the stock exhaust.

 

Don't waste $$$ on DC headers..They are crap...PPE is the way to go(Big $$$ Thou) I agree with others...Our cats are very restricted...Start there...Good Luck

 

PPE only really shine with the cam timing available with the rev-up engine and a very good tune. If you can't specifically tune the exhaust cam timing they're not going to do much over shorty headers.

 

Alright. So this is my list of decisions so far?
1) ART pipes
2) 5/12 plenum spacer
3) Transgo kit
4) (forget about the headers)

 

You'll be in pretty good shape with that combination. Nothing to really complain about there.

 

Sounds good. Alright. Anyone know if its difficult to install the plenum spacer? Any special tools needed before I get started?

 

Only thing you'll need is a good torque wrench. The bolts for the plenum are measured in inch-pounds, rather than foot-pounds, and if I remember they're all 10mm bolts so you'll probably want a 3/8" drive torque wrench.

It's no difficult, but take your time with it. Should be a good afternoon project for you some weekend. The motordyne install manual is pretty good and I'm sure there's a DIY thread for it around here somewhere.