Hi, I'm from the IS500 forum so apologies for not being a true F owner (I bow to thee!!) but I'm researching catback exhausts and had a couple questions for you. First, why does it seem like every aftermarket exhaust for the RC F deletes the secondary catalytic converter on the midpipe, however, on photos I see of aftermarket catbacks for the IS300/350 (or almost any other non-F product) companies seem to include the secondary cat in their design? (Are those actually not the secondary cats on the IS350s, i.e., do only the F cars have 4 cats?)

Second related question: The first RC Fs (2015) won't require smog in California until 2023. What do you guys with catback exhausts plan to do to pass that? Thanks a bunch!

 

I cannot speak to the smog test since we have none here, luckily. All of RCF full aftermarket exhausts delete the secondary cats and retain the primary cats as they are hooked up to the O2 sensor. Not too sure about IS300/350 as to why the secondary cats are left there. If you want secondary cats on an RCF full exhaust then you might have to get them welded in. Although, it would defeat the purpose as deleting the secondary cats yields more noise and unleashes more power. I believe, you have to modify a full catbaxk designed for the RCF to fit your IS500 anyway since they have different wheelbase length, length etc. so you can get cats welded in as well.

 

California Smog sucks. I kept my stock mid pipe with the cats and just did an axle back exhaust. I went with the Tanabe Touring and it made my car sound perfect without having to worry about smog. I don't want the exhaust to be to loud, just sound good under throttle. I am sure if you look around you can find a shop willing to pass it without the stock mid pipe for a few extra dollars. Just a guess.

 

My Icode full exhaust system has secondary cats. So, not all aftermarket RC F exhausts delete the secondary cats.

 

+1 not all aftermarket deletes secondary. i run a ppe midpipe with high flow cats and the gthaus ti catback. im also in ca but my rcf is a 21 so i have years before needing to worry about emissions. may still fail the visual if the shop is a stickler for carb compliant stamped secondary's. kept the oem midpipe in case i have to swap back.

 

Nice exhaust configuration. I don't recall if you have given your opinions on your setup or posted sound clips. I am waiting on gthaus axle back which is taking them forever to ship even though it was an in stock item that was suppose to ship in 2-3 business days. 2 weeks now and still hasn't left their warehouse yet.

 

thanks, very happy with the setup. would have went full ti gthaus if they had a ti midpipe with high flow cats. ppe has a dyno backed claim of 29whp with their full catback with high flow cats so some gains there through the midpipe. also wanted something ti with electronic valves and gthaus seemed to be the only one offering it. was important for me to be able to quiet the car down and switch to luxury mode for long drives. there's a blemish in this pic under that one tip but it's actually perfect




cold start valves close at :20

revs valves open

 

Wow! Stunner! Thanks for the share.That titanium looks amazing. Now makes me wish I went with titanium but I just didn't have the patience to wait as they are made to order and lead times nowadays can be so unpredictable.

On the flip side, GT haus has got to have the strangest shipping. For the past two weeks I have been monitoring my order on their site and it has been stuck under "still processing". I call them first week and they say it will be leaving warehouse soon, nothing happens. I call again Wednesday and they say its still in their warehouse and hope to ship in a day. Then literally the next day first thing in the morning UPS is calling me to tell me they are at my door with my shipment and whether I am there to receive it.

How is GThaus not knowing merchandise leaving their warehouse? Go figure.



Buried somewhere in there


Nice touch.



Interesting, the tips were pre-installed. Every unbox video I have seen on GTHaus the tips were always separate.

 

Curious what was the complimentary gift?

 

My guess is a t-shirt.

 

Haha nice try! Fragrance to freshen up a room, car or garment from W.Dressroom.


Install of exhaust will be next week and dyno to follow.

 

GT HAUS customer support is AMAZING.