I have decided I want to install a complete exhaust setup from the headers to the tips. After reading your posts for weeks, I have decided on Crawford Headers and High flo cats, and the Stillen Exhaust. Now many of you talk about y-pipes or z-tubes. I am not that experienced to understand what one will do in place of the other. I do not plan to add FI any time soon, so that might help with my question. If you were given the option to add headers, cats, catback system, y-pipe, z-tube etc... What do you recommend? I don't want to coufuse you with manufacturer type. I have come to realize that is a personal opinion. The setup is more of what I wish to undersand better. Can anyone take a few minutes and explain the best setup for horsepower gains? Thanks...

 

I'll help clarify a bit. Z-tube is part of the intake system and is is called a Z-tube because people have taken a stock 350z intake and replaced the G's plastic which has a bunch of extra baffeling to lower road noise from the engine. So the Z-tube is not a part of this question.

A Cat back system is the replacment of every pipe behind the cats. A y-pipe basicly merges the exhaust flow coming from both of the cats i.e. 2 flows into one pipe to then exit through 2 exhaust pipes. The alternate option is to get what is called 'true duel' meaning the flow from each bank of cylinders in you V is never merged and exits its own pipe.

So, what does all this mean to you. First, what do you want to accomplish. Is this for power, sound, looks? If is for power you must ask where is the power made. Peak hp, mid range, torque under the curve etc. Are you going to track your car or drag it, or is this for fun around town?

This is getting a little long. Figure out what you want to do with it then ask that question.

 

Thanks for the feedback. My primary goal is to have power in the Low end range. I want the torque in first and second gear. Sound is important, but I am sure that can be altered through my selection of exhaust type. So, my best educated solution was to put on, like I said, crawford headers and High flow cats, Y-pipe, and Stillen Cat back system. I also plan to put on a CAI and possibly a plenium down the road, or as soon as the funds become available. Only makes sense to me that for better flow, I should mod both ends. So.. To best answer your question, I want a the best low end torque for around the town use. Don't mind loss of gas milage. That is going to happen anyway from stompin on it once the catback system is on. So will this setup accomplish that or is there a better alternative?

 

When you said you are looking for sound are you looking for loud and deep or stock tone but loud @ Wide Open Throttle ?

 

With headers, hiflow cats, and the stillen, 2 things WILL happen. You will be LOUD and LEAN.

If you want to retain low end torque, get the z-tube and K/N combo, then leave it alone. A plenum maybe, but it didnt do squat for me. I actually lost power with it.

The main thing is to do do a baseline dyno first. Then do all the mods you plan to do as closely as possible together. Then get your car back on the SAME dyno ASAP to measure air/fuel ratios. Then either take your car to Technosquare, or send them the A/F curve, so they can custom map your fuel and timing to optimize your mods. Then, and only then, will you have a properly "tuned" setup.

 

If you get the Stillen exhaust you don't need a Y-pipe because its a true dual from the cats back. The aftermarket Y-pipe is for people with stock exhausts or a Y-pipe back system like the Fujitsubo or Nismo.

 

It's all in what you want and like. I've got the Stillen exhaust with Kinetix high flow cats and Top Speed headers. The sound is great, but I do get a little raspy note between 3k and 3800 rpm's. I've also done the intake part, so I think that helps with the raspiness too. On the intake side, I've got the Injen CAI and Kinetix plenum. All makes for easy breathing for the car and great horse power gains. I have not been able to do a dyno since the plenum, headers and cats, so I can't tell you how good the gains are yet. But it does feel good when I mash that pedal down. The package you are putting in doesn't sound like a bad combination at all. Good luck.

Later,

Ray

 

Where is the best place to order the Stillen cat-back from? No shipping costs would be great!

 

Jim@ - The sound I am looking for is a little more aggresive than stock. I would like it mild at idle but come alive when I step on it. I don't care for the "Ricey" sounds. YOu know the type, kids are putting these buzzing cans on there Huyundai's and Chevy Cavalier's and think they now have a fast car cuz there exhaust note is changed and all it truely does is vibrate the hell out of the car. That is what I am NOT looking for. The sound clips from the Everything350z website helped. I loved the sound of the Fuji, but I have read from many, that stillen brings better hp gains. Rumor or fact? Nonetheless, I am sure they are pretty close.

I was considering the K&N Typhoon Intake. Lots of folks have liked theres and from being a previous F150 owner, K&N was the only filter setup to buy. So, I thought it would be safe to stick to what I trusted.

A guy on my street has a Neon "Chicklet" car that is running an aftermarket exhaust. Its funny cuz when you hear him coming, you expect a Chevy Big Block... Then you see a little ricer pass you by. Its a bit obnoxious for me though. I don't want to drown out the class of my G35.

 

If you want a close to stock sound then Stillen is not the system for you. It is loud at idle and WOT. If you are patient you might try going to a local meet and checking people's setups in person. Over the internet is very hard to get an idea of the sound you want. I.e. go to a local dyno day or set one up.