Going to replace stock in my 05 with either...

NISMO S-tune 350Z Cat-Back Exhaust System

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...de=20100-RSZ35

OR

STILLEN CAT-BACK EXHAUST 03-05 350Z - DUAL WALL TIPS - STAINLESS

http://www.stillen.com/Sportscars_de...d=35098&page=1

Would appreciate comments from those that have either one installed (and how it is, vs stock exhaust. Sound, Your actual HP gains?), and also others discussion of which should be the better selection for a roadster (those that have not yet changed their exhaust, but plan to do one of these). Possible HP gains and New Sound are of course my concerns...

Yeah I realize there are past exhaust threads, however I am looking for info on these two from owners, and more current thoughts...

BTW: My only changes so far are a JWT Popcharger (and my wheels/tires).
(PS: Believe Nismo does not void our Nissan Warranty - True? - Have 6 years)

Thanks, Netman

 

I have the NISMO, and in my opinion, its a great exhaust for a Roadster. With the top down, it definatley is noticeable under throttle, under normal driving and with the top up, its like the stock exhaust, but louder by a few notches.

 

It's much cheaper here

NISMO Link

 

1. Neither cat-back exhaust will void your warranty on any other part of the car. Nismo is covered under Nissan warranty since it is an S-tune part.

2. hp gains with a cat-back alone on a NA motor will be minimal. Don't believe manufacturer's claims. They are always inflated and not consistently reproducible. You will not see or feel any gains from the 5-6hp you will gain from a cat-back alone. When I added headers to my cat-back, I felt a definite difference in how the engine pulled over 3000rpm to redline.

3. Nismo has a beautiful, exotic sound. whether you would consider it loud is a subjective issue. It is quiet as stock at idle. At a 70-80mph cruise, there is a steady hum that is definitely more "present" than stock, but not loud or obnoxious by any means. There is a slight drone at around 3000rpm when you step on the gas under load (if you add headers, this drone will be completely gone, interestingly enough) At WOT, it is definitely a head-turning sound, but is, as I said, exotic, not cheap or ricey. I too have a roadster, and I enjoy the sound of the Nismo with the top down.

4. I have heard a Stillen, but haven't lived with it the way I have with my Nismo. By my best guess, dB for dB, it has an equal volume, but it a lower pitched sound.

5. Nismo is 9lbs lighter than stock, Stillen is 14lbs heavier than stock.

6. Fit, finish, and quality of construction are superb on both.

Now....the negative.......I will be 40 years old next month, and now, to my slightly aging ears, the volume does become a little bothersome at times. This is purely an age phenomenon, however. If I was still 25, I don't think I would find it loud at all. Really, it's when I've taken the car on a longer trip, and have been driving it several days in a row. Sometimes, the loudness under hard throttle does bother me, but not enough to make me want to put the stock exhaust back on. Hope this helps.

 

Luv my Nismo Exhaust, would not trade it for anything.

 

Thanks Everyone for the extra info!

I Will be going with my first choice - NISMO

Blew my Back out and R-Knee recently, so I better get this exhaust change done next month, before the two doc's want to repair/change out my stock parts! (knee surgery #8 coming up soon no doubt - will make 4 each - PIA - just crossed 51 years young).

 

You won't regret that choice. Its worth the price, the fit and finish is the best.

 

Stillen's parts seem so generic... its like they dont put any technology into their products... I mean an aftermarket exhaust that is heavier than the stock system? Come on I kno the Stillen has more piping but the stock exhaust system is one heavy MFer

 

i think 10-14lbs. distributed through the rear to the front isn't so bad. plus the stillen is known to make very good power and the most amount of tq. (see exhaust comparos @ Z mag)

 

hey, i got a new nismo exhaust for sale if ur interested! Im asking $840 shipped! UPS 2nd day air delivery! Pm me!

 

I looooooooove the sound out of my nismo. I'm sure Stillen makes quality products, I just haven't had any experience listening to it.

-LamaZ

 

i had nismo.. better review and looks better to