Mmmm "Almost Italian" Oh how I wish Ansa would make a system for the Z.

Manifold > Cats > Y Pipe > B Pipe > Back box

The pipe with the resonator (triangular shaped muffler in the middle of the car is also called the "B" pipe.

Without question the safest way to remain emission legal in any state is to leave the stock manifold and cats. Anything behind that is fair game as long as it meets noise regulations, if any apply. Also realize that as things get stricter throughout the country, parts that are legal now may not be so in five years so do yourself a favor and save them in case things change on you.

You need to be careful on the cat changes depending on local laws. Here in Cali. you are technically not allowed to replace it unless it has failed and all auto manufactures have a 10 year warranty.

Some have removed the resonator but this has had mixed results that end up being a love it or hate it sort of thing. It will make it louder, possible raspy (or rice) at mid range RPM and probably does nothing for performance.

Horsepower and noise do not necessarily go hand in hand, as has been proven when Northern California vintage racers who go head to head with So Cal and the rest of the nation and remain competitive. These systems though, take years of development to extract every last bit of power without going over db levels at the track. It's not as exciting, thats for sure, and not really related to this thread as you wanted more sound.

Chris

 

That's great info guys. Just the sort of stuff I was looking for.

Now as for the muffler replacement, is it possible to acquire the deep "exotic" sound by just swapping the stock one with an aftermarket one? This seems like the route for me because of the low cost and ease of installation. What do you think? Will I notice a difference or should I just hold off for the entire setup?

 

It'll change the sound alright, not so sure itll be "Exotic". Kinda Halfass'd if you ask me, Id hold off for a system that will actually benefit you in more ways than one (sound).


BTW: Yes, replacing the cats are illegal in most states, However, The car will pass emissions with HF cats installed. So, what COPS dont know, wont hurt them, or you.

 

With topspeed, RSR, Invidia u will be replacing the setup in the pic. Here is the link to the exhaust video: https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....light=topspeed

 

Is that the resonator removed in the pic on the right? Or is that a cat? Sorry for the newb question, but what does the resonator do?

 

Hey Ace, do you have any soundclips of your Borla? Also, you said that the muffler swap would change the sound but in your opinion would not be the greatest. What kind of sound do you think I would get? I know it depends on which muffler....probably the Flowmaster, but theoretically, should it deepen the tone or just increase volume/raspiness?

 

If I may borrow the picture from earlier. This might help some.

Chris

 

i know the question wasnt directed towards me, but if the flowmaster muffler for the z is anything like it is for the mustang, then the sound will be louder and deeper. however, my mustang had an irritating constant drone between 2500-3000 rpms... which was the same rpms my car would be at when cruising at freeway speeds. otherwise, i loved it.

understand that by changing out only the muffler, you will probably not gain any additional power, and that the only benefit would be the sound.


edit: borla sound clip

 

Other than Quieting the exhaust tone, it does absolutely nothing.

 

I dont have soundclips, but Im sure you can easily find some if you do a search, theyre all over this board. I think Ragtopz answered the next question accurately. This is a Z bro, I would wait and get a system that not only sounds good, but yields performance gains as well. A Muffler wont do anything but make it louder, not necessarily deeper, but it wont get Raspy. RASP comes with Test pipes, and Some brands of HF cats.

 

Any way a diagram can be overlaid on that?

EDIT: Never mind, Chris got to it. Thanks, Chris!

PS - Hey barclayloftus, you should check out the NorCal forum -- we've got a 50+ Z-car meet in 2 weeks!

 

Here is a thread with video and audio of the Borla:

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....ght=bonz+borla

 

damn, i dont remember that thread from before. that exhaust sounds mean!! had i heard that thread before, i probably would have gotten that instead of the fujitsubo. oh well.

did you have test pipes or was that just the exhaust by itself at that time?

 

Just the regular stuff.

 

Great info from everyone.

 

Great explanations guys! Is there an advantage for each side of the exhaust sytem to be the same distance from the headers to the "black Box". I see some systems are and others not?