if you go with the right one...yea, def. IT sounds perfect...thats the only word to describe it. I've got a custom 3" exhaust on my car, and our cars sound just absolutly perfect with them...even if you wanna just go catback. just do some research, get a good one. If your around the philly area, i can recommend the guy that did mine, he specialises in wrx's. Well thats just my oppinion.

 

I have a few questions on choice of exhaust:

1. Anyone dyno a cat back system for the '04 STi?
2. Any sound files of the exhaust from interior & exterior on STi?
3. Drone level over rpm range?

With a Cat Back system it seems most retailers are listing it as the same unit (part no) as the '02-04 WRX -- is the fit truely the same?

Turbo Back systems (with single cat), how much louder than Cat Back and again what is the drone level.

Also, none of the systems I've seen advertised have any heat shielding -- whereas the STi has considerable heat shielding. I'm not to hip on melting exhaust mounts, tranny mounts, wires, and would like to avoid boiling my fuel in the fuel line. Any reason why some very expensive systems don't seem to include any type of heat shielding?

Rob.

 

I am interesting to know too.

 

Ok, i took 2 steps in modifying my exhaust. I first installed the TXS stealthback(from turbo to stock axelback portion) system with 1 high flow cat hoping that the STi muffler section would emit a somewhat louder and better sound. Wrong. Fitting a stealthback with just the STi muffler BARELY does anything to the sound. The gains are great, but the beautiful boxer rumble was not there when given a little go.

Which leaded me to purchase the Prodrive axelback exhaust. I've heard only good things about this and that it's pretty quiet if added just by itself. Well, i figured since i already have the SB which most defintely freed up more air with the removal of the cat in the downpipe and the fact the thing is 4" wide to start, adding a prodrive to this combo would net perfect results. Which to me is this:
1)NO DRONING
2)Excellent sound
3)Excellnet quality and fitment

Well all 3 most definitely describe what the prodrive axelback did for my car. It fits on the car way better than the stock STi muffler because you barely see the canister where with the STi one you see the giant ugly muffler so easily(you all know what i'm talking about). The exhaust tip is perfect oval shape with Prodrive engraved on the top. It looks straight out of the factory. And the sound....OH the sweet sound, i am hooked on it. It doesn't drone AT ALL, and when given WOT it purrs and wails PERFECTLY. Trust me i hate loud exhausts and am very picky. What the prodrive did for the rest of my exhaust system was exactly what i was looking for.

For the people that are looking for an exhaust system to give their STi that unique suby growl without being obtrusive and obnoxious all while netting you anywhere from 25-30HP and looking unique and good(using TXS dyno plots as a basis), the TXS stealthback with the highflow cat mated to a prodrive axelback is PERFECT. I will try my best to get video of my car tomorrow. Hopefully someone is willing to host it.

 

plasteredcat,

I went with the Greddy cat back. Adds a little more sound, but is not offensive. No drone (unlike my Mustangs/Corvette). Very easy to hook up.

Where in Baltimore are you at? I work there.

 

I dropped the Prodrive axle back on my STi as well. It improved the sound tremendously. I also looked (in vain) for any type of comparo on exhaust systems for the STi and drew a blank (plent on WRX, though). Here is what my calipers told be as far as pipe size:

Stock STi muffler pipe: 2.25 inches (or whatever metric equivalent).

Prodrive pipe: 2.5 inches.

I am jusy wondering if a 3 inch exhaust would benefit the STi, and exactly how much.

 

I actually took the STi catback and threw it on my WRX. I like it b/c its not too loud (had a really loud one on my last car, it was terrible and attracted unwanted attention). Its got a nice deep rumble when you engage the car and looks stylish as well (I love the STi stamp on it). I'm very happy w/ it.

 

Good question regarding the heat shielding.... I have no idea?? Would anyone care to comment??

 

I dont know the answer, but I guess if you're worried about it you could just get some of the heat shield wrap and wrap it along the pipes. Might help out a bit.

-I too want to know more about the heat sheilding...

 

my exhaust

 

Was this a custom job or is it a retail exhaust? If custom who did the work? If retail, could I the brand name?

Also, got any sound clips of it from interior and exterior. Freeway drone?

 

sorry man, i dont have any sound clips, i wish i did...its so mean.
its custom though...auto addictions in turnersville nj installed. Guys name is frank...he's awesome with wrx's. hes got an evo doing 11.33 The turbo back though is dyno'd at 28 hp gain
ryan

 

That looks exactly like the Buschur racing TBE. I have the same on my wrx.