I want more power, but I don't want more noise
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
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So I've been thinking about the PPE equal length headers and exhaust, but the dual mode exhaust is pretty pricey.
I'm not really interested in more exhaust noise, I like the stock levels.
Given the stock headers are the biggest bottleneck, I was thinking headers, a quality mid pipe with 2 Gesi cats and leave the rest as it is.
Any input appreciated.
I did go for a ride in an RCF with Borla catback and it was too loud for my taste. I was told the Borla is quieter on the ISF but I'm not convinced I really want that.
I'm not really interested in more exhaust noise, I like the stock levels.
Given the stock headers are the biggest bottleneck, I was thinking headers, a quality mid pipe with 2 Gesi cats and leave the rest as it is.
Any input appreciated.
I did go for a ride in an RCF with Borla catback and it was too loud for my taste. I was told the Borla is quieter on the ISF but I'm not convinced I really want that.
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
#5
Racer
Thread Starter
#6
Lexus Test Driver
#7
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I'm considering going with headers and then maybe having dual e-cutouts just past the headers maybe pre cat or just after. Flip a switch and you have an open exhaust, with the noise, flip a switch and it's back to stockish.
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#8
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Your best bet is headers and stock exhaust, or a custom exhaust with really quiet mufflers. Unfortunately, the major power gains on this car are headers / exhaust. I’d recommend headers and an RR racing tune.
#12
Instructor
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The Borla for the ISF is silent compared to the Borla for the RCF. I ran mine for a year and it was never loud enough for me but did give a nice burble though with minor drone around town. I do believe the Borla cat back is also quieter than the JoeZ. In your position I would do a tune first, then headers if that’s not enough power. (I noticed a bigger difference with the tune than with the catback). At that point it’s probably the most amount of power with the quietest set up. From there you can look at replacing the axle back portion with better mufflers and bigger piping or deleting the secondary cats, all things a catback would accomplish.
i am on stock headers.
i am on stock headers.
#13
Racer
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The Borla for the ISF is silent compared to the Borla for the RCF. I ran mine for a year and it was never loud enough for me but did give a nice burble though with minor drone around town. I do believe the Borla cat back is also quieter than the JoeZ. In your position I would do a tune first, then headers if that’s not enough power. (I noticed a bigger difference with the tune than with the catback). At that point it’s probably the most amount of power with the quietest set up. From there you can look at replacing the axle back portion with better mufflers and bigger piping or deleting the secondary cats, all things a catback would accomplish.
i am on stock headers.
i am on stock headers.
I also don't like off the shelf maps, only custom dyno tuning. (all from previous experience)
#14
Pole Position
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I was in the same position as you, I didn’t want more noise but there was no way around it to fully optimize the opportunities there are for bolt ons.
I started with just the PPE headers and stock exhaust, while the gains were there, the bottle neck is the stock exhaust. I then got a Borla cat-back with Magnaflow cats welded in. Performance is awesome but it’s too loud to me.
Looking back, I should have gotten the PPE dual mode, since I want it quiet 75% of the time I drive. Good luck with your decision!
I started with just the PPE headers and stock exhaust, while the gains were there, the bottle neck is the stock exhaust. I then got a Borla cat-back with Magnaflow cats welded in. Performance is awesome but it’s too loud to me.
Looking back, I should have gotten the PPE dual mode, since I want it quiet 75% of the time I drive. Good luck with your decision!
#15
Instructor
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For what what it’s worth, my catback and tune ISF has ran against 2 Headers/catback/tune ISF several times and I’ve only ever been 1 car behind from 30-100 or so. My lighter wheels could have helped as well. The headers sound glorious but just isn’t worth the $3k cost and emissions failure to me.
Last edited by LexusfanVA; 04-10-19 at 10:05 AM.