I want more HP and slightly louder sound through exhaust modification but can't live with the drone...period. How much, if any, power/tq gains can be had by headers and HF cats with stock exhaust? How is the sound and is there any drone? Any weight savings to speak of? Impressions from those that have this set-up please.

Thanks

 

No one running this setup?

 

I had this setup for a while...the sounds were, meh. You lose the characteristic 350z exhaust note and get in its place a throaty, burbly, slightly raspy exhaust sound replaced mostly by engine noise as you increase in rpm. There was a slight drone as you pass 2900 rpm...but not a deal breaker.

Throttle response was improved dramatically and I felt my powerband moved up slightly. I dynoed before and after, before on a cold dry day and after on a very hot humid day and got nearly identical results...so power gains were minimal but there and would probably require tuning to fully realize.

I later got the Borla TD catback exhauast and love it. The extra resonators do a good job of cleaning up the exhaust note and the car sounds downright mean in the upper rpms. I couldn't tell you if I gained any add'l HP.

 

This link will help on the HFC cat portion of your post.
https://my350z.com/forum/intake-exhaust/200485-ultimate-racing-hfc-install-and-oem-comparison.html
Ultimate Racing Cat's save about 7lbs each vs. OEM

I doubt that headers and HFCs will provide any noticeable performance gains when coupled to OEM uxhaust. You will still have restriction in the 2" diameter y pipe which is smaller than the HFC outlet. If you change this too I think you will have a better overall package.

Keep future mod's in mind when you consider your current mod's. You can make the changes you are considering and add a Y pipe if you're not satisfied. From what I've read, the headers provide little bang for the buck if you pay for installation because it's a time consuming and tough job. If you're a DIYer, it's another story.

My suggestion is the Y Pipe and HFC's to start. Then decide if you want an exhaust which you probably will (if you're like most of us). If money is no concern, then do it all!

 

I had headers, HF cats, JIC Y-pipe with stock B-pipe and muffler. It sounded great- like stock, only louder (no drone). Liked the power increase too. Don't know if you'll get the same effect with the stock Y-pipe. Also, when I finally got a 3" B-pipe and muffler, I realized I was really missing power with the stock pieces.