Newbie Question(s) Regarding Exhaust System

[Wacky Dee]

I've just bought a completely stock, black R34 GTT (just imported by dealer) and I'd like to replace the stock exhaust system with a nice shiny chrome catback system, because the stock exhaust is a bit rusty and just looks too damn weak

I really don't know much about cars really, but I do know is that what i want is a cat back system that looks like http://justjap.com/store/product.php?produ...=273&page=1

However I would like to add some deep throaty sound to my exhaust BUUUUUUUT I don't want it to be loud outside so as to attract a lot of unwanted attention nor do I want it to sound like a riced up honda civic ... I would just like to hear that nice deep rumbly sound inside the cabin when I step on the pedal... how do you get that sound from your exhaust? Is that an additional addon to a catback system? Is that what they call a cannon ? or do you get this sort of sound from a catback system such as the one above by default ??

can anyone recommend a reliable and not too expensive place in sydney (preferrably not too far out west as I live in the inner west) that sells and installs R34 exhausts ? By the way, how much should I expect to pay for the installation of a catback system ?

Cheers

Edited April 23, 2008 by Delta Force

[Baconer]

I have that exhaust on my 33 and its perfect for what you're after. Sounds good on the inside (a bit droney on the highways), fairly quiet in city driving (p-plater in skyline and i've never been pulled over since the exhaust was on) and has a good note when you give it a bit.

I had mine imported from a private importer ($899 inc. postage) then installed it myself (as well as split dump and larger cat (another $400 or so) which i would also recommend having done at the same time, rather then just the cat back. Most places will charge around $100 p/h so in total you will be up for about $1500 at the absolute lowest, budget atleast $2000

[dmr]

i've had 3 different cat back exhaust systems on my R32. from what i've tried, i've found my ideal setup.

3" stainless steel, small oval mid muffler, hotdog rear muffler.

the idle purr's, it's deep at low-mid revs but doesn't sound too loud where it's going to annoy the neighbours, and it opens up and gets loud high in the rev range.

i wouldn't advise anything with two oval/big mufflers, as it will be deadened quite alot and lack the deep sound.

then again, having two hotdog mufflers would be too loud.

so i stayed inbetween the 2

Edited April 23, 2008 by dmr

[Wacky Dee]

I have that exhaust on my 33 and its perfect for what you're after. Sounds good on the inside (a bit droney on the highways), fairly quiet in city driving (p-plater in skyline and i've never been pulled over since the exhaust was on) and has a good note when you give it a bit.

I had mine imported from a private importer ($899 inc. postage) then installed it myself (as well as split dump and larger cat (another $400 or so) which i would also recommend having done at the same time, rather then just the cat back. Most places will charge around $100 p/h so in total you will be up for about $1500 at the absolute lowest, budget atleast $2000

please define "droney" heh.. How hard is it to install ? You said most places charges $100/ph .. how long on average would they take to install one .. can't be THAT long (6-7 hours??)

Also I haven't read up much on dump pipes and cats and what sort of impact and/or side effects they might have .. but I do remember reading that dump pipes can give you a much more noticable turbo lag. That's one thing I DON'T need or want.

Also another quick question ... what sort of difference/impact/sideeffects are there between a 3" and 3.5" tip ?

Edited April 23, 2008 by Delta Force

[Baconer]

droning is a sound pretty much all larger exhaust will make, its when you are cruising on the highway at the same speed so the exhaust is making the same sound. Not that bad, just turn your music up

Easy to install, main difficulty is undoing 10 year old bolts and removing sensors, everything else is easy as these HKS exhaust systems are made specifically for each model skyline so no modifying necessary. I'd say a work shop would charge about $3-500 in labour alone.

The stock dump pipe, and really the entire stock exhaust, is very small and restrictive which means less air is traveling through. As for turbo lag, i dont think it would affect the stock turbo at all (atleast not noticeably)

If you are just after the sound/wank-factor, go to autobarn and pick up a canon for $50, if you want a better flowing exhaust and a bit more power, spend the $1500-$2000 and get a turbo back exhaust

[dmr]

drone is that annoying humming sound from an exhaust that's too loud.

if you're half mechanically minded, install the exhaust yourself. other installing a full exhaust shouldn't take more than 2-3 hours at a workshop.

aftermarket dump and front pipes REDUCE turbo lag.

catalytic converters should be either high flow or punched for best efficiency.

a bigger tip will do nothing to performance, but might make it slightly louder if that.

Edited April 23, 2008 by dmr

[Wacky Dee]

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll go with a turbo back system I think, probably that HKS Silent type from JJ.

[bombtrack]

Nice choice. I have that on my R34 GTT. I love it.

HKS Silent Hi Power - great system.

[nuclear_skyline]

or buy the Trust Power Extreme 2... Nice 3" system that is all stainless and its not too loud either.. No drone with it...

Same price as the HKS from memory...

[Wacky Dee]

JJ don't have stock of that one for r34 gtt so I'm pretty much set on the HKS as it's apparently not too loud (plus I don't do highway driving more than 2-3 times a year, so drone noise should not be an issue)

i've also pretty much decided on the 3" catco cat (707cfm) at $440 ... bit pricey hey.

One final question for all I guess .. what is the difference between all the dump systems? like split dump and dual fronts etc ??? Would a dual front pipe such as this http://justjap.com/store/product.php?produ...=276&page=1 be good in combination with the HKS catback and catco cat ?? are there any advantages/disadvantages between dual front pipes, split dumps etc ?

Edit: just found this link ... is this really what the HKS Silent system sounds like? Cause that's sick! (fully yes) http://www.hks-power.co.jp/sound/

Edited April 24, 2008 by Delta Force

[Baconer]

have a search for BATMBL on these forums, he sells split dumps and cats for good prices and are highly recommended on this forum (i got mine there aswell, no problems at all). Get a highflow cat but do not gut it, even though you probably won't ever get caught, if you do its a nice fine and defect so not worth it.

A lot of people go on about the pros and cons of a split dump and a regular combo but its pretty minor unless you have large amounts of power or plan on going for large amounts in the future. Have a search on the forums if you want to read about 20 pages of back and forth . Turbo back exhaust system starts at turbo -> dump pipe -> front pipe -> catalytic converter -> catback, the split front/dump is both pieces in one rather then that dual front which will need a larger dump pipe aswell.

Theres a youtube video of someone with the HKS silent on an R34 GTT to give you a good idea.

[Wacky Dee]

Thanks for the explanation mate now it all makes sense (I fink) I'll get in touch with BATMBL Cheers

Finally, can anyone recommend a good mechanic who can install this system and won't charge like a wounded bull?

Edit: lol all 3 of those youtube vids of the HKS Silent system on the r34 gtt sound completely different .. but I think I like it. Not too over the top but I imagine you can hear it nicely inside when driving which is my main goal.

Edited April 24, 2008 by Delta Force

[Wacky Dee]

EDIT: Never mind, just realized you already answered the following question.

Sorry got another question now ...

What's the difference between a "one piece front and dump pipe" and a "split front/dump pipe" ??

Reason I ask is I see JJ sell a one-piece system such as http://justjap.com/store/product.php?produ...=276&page=1 and I'd rather get everything from one place since they have the HKS Silent and the Catco 3" metal cat that BATMBL also sells (albeit JJ are $50 dearer)

Is a split system that much better than a one-piece such as the one linked above

Edited April 24, 2008 by Delta Force

[Wacky Dee]

Alright I've decided on the following turbo-back system ...

Dump/Front pipe (combo): http://justjap.com/store/product.php?produ...=276&page=1

Cat: http://justjap.com/store/product.php?produ...=252&page=1

Catback: http://justjap.com/store/product.php?produ...=273&page=1

Any comments ? Suggestions ? This is all going on a completely stock car and it's pretty much going to be the only 'performance' upgrade I'll do (other than some cool stickers that'll make her run even faster)

[Baconer]

there is no difference between a combined dump/front and 2 separate pieces except the separated pieces are... separated.

a split dump/front looks like this

http://bosimporting.com.au/index.php?page=...t&Itemid=27

Things look fine, I'd suggest finding a friend who is mechanically minded and getting him to help you if possible. Will save money and you get to learn a few things.