Is It Worth It?

**2012-WRX-PBP** · 10-24-2012 04:15 PM

I'm looking into upgrading my exhaust to the Invidia Q300 Catback TI-Tip. I just got off the phone with my parts guy (trying to find out whether or not it will effect my warranty) and he said in theory, no. So long as I only change the exhaust itself and not the downpipe or midpipe. So my question for you all is do you think it is worth it to change out just the exhaust? Any power gains or will this basically be like putting a playing card into your child hood bicycle spokes?

**UEDan** · 10-24-2012 04:23 PM

Playing card. But you'll be kid with the coolest sounding bike....err, car on the block!

**Drews** · 10-24-2012 04:23 PM

No...you're just making your car louder. And there is always the possibility of them denying your warranty claim when it comes to aftermarket parts.

**nsibanez** · 10-24-2012 04:24 PM

No power gains without tune.
Depending on the dealer they can still use any aftermarket against you to not accept a wrrenty claim

**Drews** · 10-24-2012 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by nsibanez

No power gains without tune.
Depending on the dealer they can still use any aftermarket against you to not accept a wrrenty claim

You won't really see a whole lot out of a catback anyway.

**2012-WRX-PBP** · 10-24-2012 05:48 PM

True dat. But it would be a good first mod and it would pave the way for a downpipe and a tune later on, yeah? I like the Q300 and the Nameless Axel back.

**rage-wrx** · 10-24-2012 05:51 PM

I noticed that you have a hatch back. I would advise you to hear the exhaust first( specifically installed on a hatchback,not a sedan) before you make your purchase. The Q300 tends to drone a lot on hatchbacks just so you know.

**nsibanez** · 10-24-2012 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by Drews

You won't really see a whole lot out of a catback anyway.

But still sounds good! You'll probably see some for little while before your ECU catches on.

Originally Posted by 2012-WRX-PBP

True dat. But it would be a good first mod and it would pave the way for a downpipe and a tune later on, yeah? I like the Q300 and the Nameless Axel back.

Yes, exactly what I'm doing. Hopefully picking up my TurboXS catback from someone in New Hampshire as long as it doesnt get sold from under me again. Then downpipe, butif I get an AP before then you can go to stage one. I'm sure stage one is either just a flash with stock, just an intake and tune, or catback and tune.. but stage 2 is intake and turboback plus tune.

**2012-WRX-PBP** · 10-24-2012 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by nsibanez

But still sounds good! You'll probably see some for little while before your ECU catches on.

Yes, exactly what I'm doing. Hopefully picking up my TurboXS catback from someone in New Hampshire as long as it doesnt get sold from under me again. Then downpipe, butif I get an AP before then you can go to stage one. I'm sure stage one is either just a flash with stock, just an intake and tune, or catback and tune.. but stage 2 is intake and turboback plus tune.

haha, in all honesty, I'm not planning on going ape sh** with my modding. I can see myself doing short throw shifter, front/rear sway bars and end links, the exhaust I am talking about, and maybe after the warranty expires, a downpipe. The first thing I'm doing is going to be the exhaust. I'm checking out youtube videos and everything trying to distinguish the differences between the Nameless Performance and the Q300. @rage-wrx mentioned that there is more droning in a hatch.

**Calvinball** · 10-24-2012 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by nsibanez

I'm sure stage one is either just a flash with stock, just an intake and tune, or catback and tune.. but stage 2 is intake and turboback plus tune.

Correct, though you can go with a stage 2 tune with just a downpipe, not a full turboback.

**nsibanez** · 10-24-2012 06:05 PM

I need to do my diff and tranny fluid asap. It's seriously impossible to get my car into reverse now without having to roll foward first. Shifting is way too notchy for my liking. Going to be doing the short throw shifter and front and rear bushings. Something they'll be raffling off on this site.
Exhaust, intake...stage two will be tops for me. Otherwise just tint, coilovers, and refinishing my rims

**nsibanez** · 10-24-2012 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Calvinball

Correct, though you can go with a stage tune with just a downpipe, not a full turboback.

Oh, nice so it can save you a little bit of time and money

**rage-wrx** · 10-24-2012 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by 2012-WRX-PBP

I'm checking out youtube videos and everything trying to distinguish the differences between the Nameless Performance and the Q300. @rage-wrx mentioned that there is more droning in a hatch.

Believe me. Youtube videos will tell you nothing. I have owned both the Nameless & the Q300 at some point. I had one of the first Nameless axlebacks made for the hatchback.

The structure of the hatchback is such that it is bound to drone. The sedan has the trunk area as a buffer. The question is what drones less. The Nameless drones lesser than the Q300. To me the Q300 was simply awful.

Don't believe me? You can either hear it in person (since it may be a matter of personal preference) at a local meet or check out some of the threads

PSA: STi Invidia Q300 (new style) is NOT a quiet exhaust! - Subaru Impreza WRX STI Forums: IWSTI.com