So, I’ve spent too much time on youtube and forums so much I am going slightly mad. I am looking for a catback system for my 2007 HR 350Z. The matter of fact is the sound I prefer is simply Nismo S-Tune exhaust. The problem is there’s not many around that would be in good to mind condition and price for that exhaust also isn’t realistic. Bellow I’ll are the ones I checked and considered:

invidia gemini - this is the second best of the bunch. The only thing I am missing is a bit of anger that S-Tune has. It sounds baffled, not so opened compared to S-Tune. You can compare the two on YT and you’ll immediately know what I am talking about.

Fujitsuba - I know this guys made the original S-Tune. At least they designed it. But Legalis R sounds completely different than Nismo S-Tune.

motordyne TDX2 - great sound but a bit expensive and probably too loud for a daily driver.

Ark GriP - seems expensive for what it offers.

Tanabe Medallion Touring - good alternative but couldn’t find enough of clips to evaluate the sound.

I checked many others - Greddy, HKS, AAM, DC Sports, Bassino, Scorpio, Cobra, Borla, Magnaflow, Miltek, Remus, ...

i am looking for good quality, good fitment. For now I’ll be keeping stock cats and “headers”. Just want a nice, subtle looking exhaust with sound that would accent the sound of VQ engine.
I also considered doing whole catback from scratch out of stainless steel but I am really not amused about doing all the trial and error. It’s really easy to get it wrong and get that raspy sound out of this VQ which I don’t want to happen.

Looking for your opinions or suggestions.

 

Invidia Gemini paired with art pipes

 

 

Weldina made the nismo not fuji. Headers alone will change the way it sounds too.

 

Everyone is saying S-Tune was designed by Fujitsubo but seemed strange since the plate on muffler says Weldina. But you’re probably right - Weldina. I know the headers will make difference, but we’re talking about complete exhaust system on a stock HR engine now. No go

For comparison, check this link. Invidia Gemini with KKS pipes sound quite sweet. Combination of ART (straight pipes?) and Invidia Gemini sounds to raspy, canny to me.

 

One thing to remember when you are listening to these sound clips. Sound will differ in person, most mics are very crappy and don't pick up full exhaust notes well. Then depending on the quality of your audio can also change it.

 

Why not pick up a decent Y-pipe and the new S-Tune? (New S-Tune has no Y-pipe hence my comment about getting a new pipe

 

New S-Tune doesn't sound the same - it's tamed down quite a bit. I was considering custom Y pipe, but than again 600-700 USD for beat up old S-Tune and shipping of 200 (at least) and 26% of import taxes on top of that just doesn't justify buying it.

 

Anyone has any experience with Bassani? Couldn't find a dealer here in Europe. How's the build quality compared to Invidia for instance. Considering Nismo fitment is like OEM - 10/10 and Invidia 9/10.

 

you also have to remember it sounds different under load, aka when driving. same gemini art combo

 

**** Yeah!

 

art and tdx2

 

I am keeping the cats for sure. Straight piping, even ART, gives way to much of rasp for my taste. Good videos though.

 

Motordyne TDX2 sounds amazing. But it’s premium priced. How much louder is Motordyne compared to Gemini? Real life comparison. Daily driving. Doing also long drives. Mind I’ll be keeping stock cats.

 

it quite a bit louder, and can start to get on your nerves on long drives, but everyone is different

 

I've had both on my Z. The Gemini is considerably quieter than the TDX2. The Gemini is a quality piece and a little louder than stock. I liked the sound and put in on my G which is my daily. The TDX2 is a beast compared to it - especially at WOT. There's minimal drone on the highway and at constant speed, but it is definitely on the louder end of aftermarket dual exhausts. Even when I drive it to work in stop and go traffic, it is loud.

You may want to consider the Gemini paired with a set of quality HFCs like Berk. That might give it the extra noise you want. I know you said you want to keep stock cats, but something to think about.

 

My Borla was great. Deep, mellow tone without that high pitched Civic fart-can noise at high rpms. Very high quality, but quality is expensive.

 

I certainly understand the insane import fees (mine are even higher but your shipping might be worse) so I would go with the smallest/lightest option that will change the exhaust to how you like it, IF you are ordering in. If it’s not a performance deal, then I would seriously consider what you could do there in your country, such as a muffler or some custom work as you mentioned. Maybe some high performance cats?

 

Here’s my experience:
I have an 06 with the Gemini and ART Pipes. It is an incredible setup for a DD. No rasp, no drone, and it is NOT loud. At all. So, if you are looking for loud, even spunky, this is not the combo for you. Perhaps true test pipes would liven it up, but meh.

I have the shockwave on my 370z with Berk HFC’s. That thing is LOUD. Lots of drone, but not a whole lot of rasp. It is not my DD thankfully, but it is loud enough to make me consider selling it because I’m about to move to a state that doesn’t like loud exhausts. I would imagine it would be near perfect with stock cats though, or a single turbo..

can’t beat the idle of a Motordyne exhaust. Have fun.

 

And after all the subjective responses, OP is likely no closer - and may be even farther away from - a decision. 😆

Maybe a local, or closer to home mfgr would be best to avoid shipping/impirt fees.