I was considering getting NISMO Cat-Back, but I have a 5AT. Exhaust systems just seem/sound cooler with a 6 speed, but I just hate to have to shift all the time, and I don't track or race so I just did not see the NEED for a 6 speed. I just drive my Z to/from work and do a little crusing, so I got the 5AT. A few extra ponies and a cooler sound has me interested in a cat-back system now.

I was just wondering if anyone here has cat-back on their 5AT Z? What do you think of it?

 

I have the Magnaflow (mid-pipe and muffler, no y-pipe like the Nismo) and like it. Makes the Z sound better both during cursing and WOT. My next addition will be Hi-Flow cats and DC Headers and maybe a y-pipe, any of which should make it a little loader.

 

i've got a nismo exhaust on my 5AT. sounds perfect. it's not too loud, barely noticeable until you get into the 3K-3.5K range, but that's what i was looking for. my friend has a 5AT with an Injen, and that's a little louder, but still not ricey. those are the only two i can speak of from personal experience. do a search on here and you'll find plenty of sound clips of different exhausts. should help you find the one you want.

 

Yeah, I went through the sound clips on a 350 Z site. I was considering the NISMO, being that it's covered in the warrany if installed by the dealer and it did not seem too ricey. At least that's what I read. I'll prolly have the dealer do the install if that's true. Any idea on how long the install would take? I work a lot and don't have a whole lot of free time, and having my car sit at the dealer over night is probably not possible.

 

Dude, install on a cat back is simple. i'm no ASE mechanic, and i did mine and helped a friend with his. it'll take like an hour with simple tools if you put the car on ramps, half that if you've got access to a lift (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED). I know a lot of people are leery about doing their own work, and if you are one of them there's nothing wrong with that. i never really worked on cars before my Z. so far i've done my own intake (made a lot easier by a DIY post from this site), exhaust, grounding kit, and some other small stuff. i still don't hesitate to admit my limitations, and i don't blame anyone else for being nervous. but if you've got the inclination and/or want to save some money, work like this is easy. both the stock exhaust and the nismo are three piece systems. and being in TX, depending on where you are, there are lots of Z owners who post on this site who have the know-how and who i'm sure would be more than happy to give you a hand. if you DO decide to get it done at the dealer, if they quote you more than an hour of work, (labor around $100) go somewhere else. they may go a little higher than that to quote conservatively, but much more and you're getting lined up to get screwed. good luck either way, and let us know how it goes.

 

I just installed my stillen exhaust last week and I love the sound of the exhaust. I can feel the power and the exhaust feels less restricted.
The sound will get a little louder with time but just cruising around it's
noticeable . I went to a few shops and they wanted to charge $140 to $200. So I did the install myself it took my about 2 hr and I have no mechanic experience .

 

fowlman has one... I'll PM him the link to this thread so that he can provide his thoughts

 

Yes, I have a Borla. It is more difficult to put in than some, but I had a local muffler shop do it for $75.00. I love the sound and the larger exhaust tips. It is not loud, but is certainly impressive at WOT and 2000 rpm.

It received the best rating in several mags, but to be honest it will not give you much more hp until you add more mods. The stock intake and exhaust on these Z's is very good. I did it more for sound and looks.

Borla is lighter than most, developed more HP, but Stillen developed more torque, but weighs a bunch more.

I do drag race my 5AT with minimal performence mods and have a best run last week of 14.001. It is easily a 13.8 or so car once I catch on to launching it properly.

That's my 2 cents. Thanks for the heads up yobri

 

Stillen on mine. Shop install went off without a hitch except for the supplied u-bolts. They didn't like'em and used something else, can't remember exactly what but will find out if interested.

Quieter than stock IMO, and heavy, as it is stainless steel. Choose from two types of tips, rolled or not. True dual. Quality is excellent.

 

Found a pic...

 

I've got the Borla & a few extra goodies on mine.

Love the fact that I can work on this car myself. I suggest the Borla due to it's deeper tone & million mile guaranty.

I agree that it woudl be much easier to install with the use of a lift, but it wasn't too bad with a friend & a good set of jack stands & ramps.