Heya,

I'm not posting a thread "what's the best exhaust" lol.. I know it's highly subjective.

I also realize Exhaust isn't going to really give me some horsepower or torque gain.. (I know it can give a few horsepower.. but really generally with no other mods (aside from 2 K&N filters on this HR motor.. it's stock) the exhaust is primarily Sound then looks.. and MAY open up things as I do more to the car. That about right?

Anyhow.. I've been looking at exhausts, listening to them online,.. reading on various forums, looking on ebay and so on..

Here's the deal:

My budget isn't too high - Unfortunately.. I'm trying to get away with a USED exhaust for $500 or so.. give or take.

Out of all the dozen exhausts I've gone through the Nismo S-tune cat-back has the sound I'm after.

Which is generally a little louder than stock.. but nothing "pull you over loud".. -- I'm not concerned with super loud exhaust at all. Looks, frankly, the factory exhaust tips look great to me, so not picky there. If possible it'd be *nice* to have a true dual,.. but it's not a requirement at all.

I just want to retain the stock sound, but amplifiy it a bit,.. and maybe deepen it a little.. and it seems the nismo keeps idle quiet,.. and low (3k or lower shifts) just a little louder than stock.. but if you open it up in higher RPMS it comes alive. Make sense?

Problem is I can't find a used Nismo anywhere so far.. New they run over double my budget.. so can't go new.

Now, I'm not STUCK on Nismo,.. Anything that is somewhat similar to the Nismo, or otherwise similar to the what I just described as the attributes I'm after is great.

Other such exhausts I've looked at:

Bassani True Dual exhaust (Even new prices on this brand seem lower.. so finding it used should be close to my range I"d suspect). Thoughts on this brand?

Invidia Gemini Exhaust -- Again, a lower priced exhaust new (so used would probably be in my range) -- from clips it seems to sound where I want it. But clips can be decieving.. thoughts?

The HKS sounds good.. but man it's $1500.. I don't think even used would be in my price range.

The Stillen CatBack -- Again, pricey. But used maybe?


One of the exhausts I did not like.. Maybe it was Magnaflow? (could be wrong) -- but it was really raspy.. not deep.. and that's not what I"m after.

I'm trying to find something that retains the stock tone characterists and just enhances them.

Feel free to give me suggestions on what to look around for based on an exhaust that isn't so loud you get pulled over .. Isn't TOO raspy,.. doesn't take away the signature Z tone.. and basically just enhances the stock sound a bit.

Some of these exhaust systems are nicely built.. and are true dual going up to cats with a Y-pipe.. that'd be super ideal for more opening of the breathing on the backend. (I do intend on doing more bolt-ons as time goes on..).

Again, I realize exhaust isn't going to give me any noticeable horsepower gains,.. so mainly after sound.. then secondarily looks (which I'm very happy with just the factory tips.. not hard to please here.)

I'm trying not to make a post that's asked over and over... I sincerely apologize if my request/post is asked over and over. I'm trying to be specific here.

If anyone happens to have exhaust for sale, let me know.

Also, if I do enough waiting and shopping should I be able to eventually run across something that's $500 (give or take $100) highly used?

I'll probably just bring it to a shop for installation as I really don't even have proper jack and enough stands to get the car up all the way.. From what I've read.. a Catback install should run me around $100 from a shop,.. am I off on this assumption?

Thanks for any ideas, advice,

 

I'd suggest Fujitsubo. I had one and the tone was nice, wasn't loud or have any drone. It just added a little more grumble than stock.

 

i had the gemini, no complaints with it for the money and the fact that it is a true dual is a bonus. looks stock, nice tone, not to loud. i sold mine for $550 so if you found a used one you should be in your range

 

Another thing to think about is realistically what you're going to be able to find.

A lot of the exhausts are pretty rare to find new and some even rare to find used.

I honestly think for what you want your best bet is the NISMO since it will be a quality exhaust that won't be absurdly loud with stock cats.

The HKS is also pretty quiet with stock cats but will be impossible to find new so used is your best route, Stillens don't come up very often but from what I recall the exhaust is very similar to the NISMO so you might as well stick with the NISMO.

 

First I want to thank you all for not tearing me a new one.. wasn't sure how this question would go over.

I was just looking at those. Definitely in price range.. They were reported to be identical or quieter than stock. What do you think? Plus the video I watched confirmed this.. but real life and audio are two different things.

Gemini does sound nice! I will be buying buy March 1st.. so hopefully someone on here will be selling one in the next 4-5 weeks.

Just how loud would you call the Gemeni..

If say Stock Exhaust At idle = 3 and at Wide open throttle = 6

What would the Gemini rate roughly? IE: Idle 4, WOT = 8.. that's a decent way to scale things especially when listing say half a dozen or more exhausts.

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I agree. Which is why my options and "requirements" are quite lenient.

So I've found! -- The Nismo seems to be "rare' to find as well. Unless I buy it new for $1300-1500.. Haven't seen a Nismo for sale used on craigslist or here.. not sure where else to look.

If any of you know anyone selling , or want to make a buck off me.. and one is listed locally to you.. let me know.

The Nismo seems EXACTLY what I'm after.. Just wish I could find a used one for like $500-$600

I've heard there are "knock-offs" if you will of the Nismo exhaust that are well made and sound the same. This true?

The NIsmo, HKS and Stillen I haven't been able to find (I've only been searching 3-4 days .. used. But,.. I'll keep looking

On that note: What's a "good" USED price for a Nismo, and a HKS, and a Stillen? IE: $400, $500, $600.. etc. Just so I have some sort of reference range.

Again thanks guys -- I think you "understand" what I'm after.. as you didn't berate and beat me down,.. and maybe can help!

Thanks so much.

 

If you like the sound of the s-tune, I would wait and find a used s-tune instead of settling for something else. There's a group called 'G35/350Z Parts For Sale/Trade' on Facebook. Someone was selling an s-tune that was a year old about a week ago - not sure if it's been sold yet. You could always post up a WTB on these forums or the Facebook group - someone might want to sell theirs but just hasn't posted yet.

An exhaust installation should take an hour, hour and a half max. Average shop rate is 95-105, so about $100 is a good estimate.

 

Try and find a used amuse. Might cost a bit more but worth it if exhaust is a mod you're considering.

 

Your budget is the problem.Add the availability of systems to that.
As I've mentioned several times,the 350 is way out of production.
Many parts are no longer being made.I agree,the Nismo S-tune is
great.However,all for sale are left overs.Although you may spread your search to
include a system by the company that makes the Nismo,Fujitsubo.
Their exhaust is the same as the Nismo.But,the price is about the same too.
You are correct,the Nismo is a bit louder than stock.It does give you the
great VQ sound.I'd suggest adding HFC's if you find a Nismo/Fujitsubo.
It will be louder.Especially at WOT.The install of a Nismo is a breeze.Exact bolt on.
Don't scrimp on quality.How often do you change exhaust systems?My S-Tune
is over 3 yrs old.Looks brand new.

 

If your set on the nismo then just wait until you find one. They come up in the classifieds fairly often so just have patience. Just in case if you need something to have you better commit to the s-tune, check my signature.

 

+1.... that's what I did and glad I did not settle!
I had the same criteria as you OP, must retain stock vq sound at idle but aggressive at wot, no rasp or drone, not loud and obnoxious... not my style. So this boils down to 3 selection: Greddy Evo2, Nismo and Fujitsubo. Greddy was my top pick bc it has look and sound. FYI - the Nismo and Fuji does not come with Y pipe - this was another reason why Greddy.

Waited and waited then finally it popped up... local too! Picked it up for $500 bux. I had plenty of opportunities to pick up other new/used set up for around the same price but didn't.

GL

 

https://my350z.com/forum/exhaust/587163-nismo-s-tune-z1-test-pipes-02-sensor-spacers.html

time to test out your negotiation skills

 

^ doesn't look like he's negotiable.

 

Why not the DC Sports dual system? Coupled with the vibrant resonator mod it sounds REALLY good. Not too mention you can get it for like $500 shipped through summit.

 

If you are looking for NEW,suggest checking thefind.com.This site has a
great comparitive listing of just about anything.They have Nismo/Fujitsubo legalis etc.

 

I have a Bassani and HFC's. It meets your needs 100%. Quiet under 3k rpm and over 3500 rpm it is a great sound, no rasp or drone. I saw one online (Facebook 350z/G for sale page I think) for $600. I am sure you could get him down to $500. They are about $1,000-$1,200 new

 

I know my budget is tight,.. it is what it is.. For $500-$600 I can eventually find something I'm happy with used.

Yes, the 350 is out of production, but the aftermarket scene isn't dead.. And it may see some increase as the years go on as more people are able to get these cars for quite cheap with higher mileage, etc.. I've seen huge resurgence in the Aftermarket for sportscars at this juncture as the availability of them at literally almost any price (some people will by beaters for a few grand, others nice low mileage Z's for 17-20k).

I'm not saying companies are going to start redesigning parts for it,.. I just think where there is a dollar to be made, the supply will meet the demand. We shall see.

Oh, the S-Tune Nismo is my "ideal" exhaust. Just as I spent a little over a year waiting on the right Z with the right miles, right condition, for the right price.. I may have to do so on the Exhaust and other such pieces.

Exhaust to me is not a big deal to buy used,.. if it's made well and wasn't on some crazy lowered car and banged up -- it's going to sound just like it did new (maybe a little better , as I've heard you can break them in.. shrug.)

Thanks! I'm not impatient when it comes to something like this,.. If it takes me 6 months to find an exhaust, so be it. I just got the car, and frankly the stock exhaust isn't exactly a chump to me.

Nope, seems like he's dead set on that price. Which is close.
I'm not so sure that's the entire system? Looks like the muffler and tips? Isn't a standard full Nismo S tune pipes at least to the Cats?

I probably am missing something with the pictures, I know he's sold some parts, and not some others.
Thanks for the name.. I literally have like 7 exhausts up on tabs right now that I'm contemplating.. I will definitely take a listen and look at "DC Sports Dual System". If new $500 shipped for a true dual,.. and sounds good, you can't beat that on this car.
Thanks! Will do.

Bassani is a brand I've looked at and it sounds good to me, so I'll check that one out.

Appreciate all the help guys.

 

If you just want to amplify the stock exhaust sound just put an hfc or testpipe on

 

The DC Sports sounds good, cept it has some drone and is a bit louder than I want. The resonators you mentioned are a common addition.

Summit has it for $566 + 2 Vibrants = $666 (or so).. + installed = $816'ish.

Throwing resonators on the exhaust I won't attempt bolting it on as it's going to need to have the resonators welded on anyway.

People have been saying install $100 .. but I bet most shops around here if I go with a cat back + needing resonators welded in are going to be closer to $200,.. just the way it runs around here.

So the DC Sports is really a $650-700 exhaust before installation due to needing the resonators. Don't get me wrong, with the resonators it's not AS good as Nismo and some others, but it's definitely a hell of a lot cheaper "New". Wonder what a used DC system would run

 

That's an idea.. The horsepower and freeing up the backend isn't something I dislike But to save money that's one way to go about upping the dB's slightly, just not sure what the best route is.

Again, that DC exhaust is pretty reasonable at $566 new.

 

Why not just install it yourself and spend like 50 bucks having a muffler shop weld them in after install (which is probably the easiest way). Its seriously like a 2 or 3 out of 10 on a scale of difficulty. Very easy and straightforward.