ttboy

So I've been going back and forth on whether its worth getting an exhaust for my '09 G37S Sedan. I just think the OEM exhaust is a tad on the quiet side so I would like something a little more lively. I don't care too much about any performance gains as I don't have or plan on doing any further mods. I like the looks of the Tanabe axle back but keep on hearing that there is not that much difference in sound from OEM and if thats the case then I don't see the point in pissing money away on an exhaust for no reason. I've listened to a few dozen sound clips, but to tell the truth they all sound the friggin same to me on my laptop speakers. What I want is a nice mellow growl...not too loud like some crazy 18 yr old in a 95 Civic hatch, but something that'll give me that **** eatting grin when it gets going (maybe slightly louder than the coupe exhaust). I looked at the Top Speed as its way cheaper, but the look of it doesn't appeal to me like the Tanabe. So here are my questions:

1) For those who have the Tanabe Axle back...are you happy with your purchase and has it achieved your desired sound output vs stock?
2) Are there any other exhaust options I should be looking at? I don't care about HFCs and what not...so lets just focus on exhausts.
3) Money is obviously a driving factor, so what's the best price anyone has seen for the Tanabe axle back?

Thanks

dagon68

iTrader: (6)

I just installed my Tanabe last Friday and I must say it's very quite. Louder than stock but still not enough for my taste. I had the same axle back on my coupe but it was much louder without being obnoxious. I think it will get louder as I break it in but not sure its gonna do the trick. I was like you, looking for something better than stock but not too loud. I will give it 500 miles before I make a move on something else but at this point, I would say Tanabe is not for you.

sniper27

iTrader: (2)

I've had my Tanabe for about a year now and I like it. It's on the quiet side for those who want to be heard from a block away. But I was looking for something with just a little deeper and louder growl, and this did the trick. It does get a little louder after break in. On idle, it is very quiet. Pretty much stock sounding. But past 3k, it growls nicely without sounding like a 18 yr old in a Civic hatch.

WannabeSport

iTrader: (3)

I didn't notice a difference with my Tanabe at all... sold it.

2011g37x

I like mine. Deff louder than stock but not obnoxious. Have a few thousand miles on it and it broke in nicely. Get one used though. Save yourself some money. Worst case senerio you can always sell it on here

Bota36

iTrader: (1)

Great sound from mine. I have about 500 miles and it's louder after the break in period. If you're looking for something conservative with a louder sound than stock then it's for you. If its not loud enough then you can always add to it like hfcs in order to make it louder. What ever you decide on, if you don't like it, sell it and try something else. It's a hassle but worth the time to get the sound you want.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

You might want to contact TopSpeed directly and see if they'll be ordering the Pro1 exhaust w/ the rolled tips. It's a very nice look w/ a great exhaust note. The latest run of these exhausts have the poorly finished straight tips that detract from an otherwise good exhaust. Here's pics of my TopSpeed w/ the rolled tips that used to be available w/ this exhaust and the company said they'd have these available again soon, it's worth a call IMO.

jdmposer

iTrader: (1)

I have had the Tanabe axle back for my sedan for about 4 months now, and I have no complaints with it. However, my needs are much different than what you are looking for. I wanted a quiet exhaust that wouldn't have an obnoxious drone that a lot of aftermarket exhaust systems have when doing freeway driving. The Tanabe exhaust is very quiet and the sound difference is pretty minimal over oem. The exhaust looks great (although, I think I'd prefer smaller exhaust tips). If you're looking for more aggressive sound, the Tanabe axle-back alone will not suit your needs. Supposedly, more aggressive sound can be had by adding HFCs with the axle-back, but I'm aware you don't want that as an option.

Have you looked into the Invidia systems? They seem affordable for a full cat back system and they definitely have a more aggressive sound than the Tanabe axle back does.

Here are some pics for you of the Tanabe on my car.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vmrwheels/7659207522/" title="VMR Wheels | 19&quot; Gunmetal V710 on Black Obsidian Infiniti G37 Sedan by VMR Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7659207522_679c61af35_c.jpg" width="800" height="500" alt="VMR Wheels | 19&quot; Gunmetal V710 on Black Obsidian Infiniti G37 Sedan"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vmrwheels/7659205624/" title="VMR Wheels | 19&quot; Gunmetal V710 on Black Obsidian Infiniti G37 Sedan by VMR Wheels, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7659205624_d27651b45f_c.jpg" width="800" height="500" alt="VMR Wheels | 19&quot; Gunmetal V710 on Black Obsidian Infiniti G37 Sedan"></a>

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

Tasty pics, you're rockin' those nice VMR wheels just right

jdmposer

iTrader: (1)

Thank you!

I've changed a few things since that photoshoot and will be going with different wheels. The VMR wheels are great looking wheels, but I've decided to go with 20's.

Djfarhan

tanabe is my preference since i dont want anything loud, something a bit above OEm but still the wuiet

InfiniteSmoke

I have Top-Speed as well (Group Buy Edition LOL) and they aren't too loud honestly. They get the job done and have minimal drone if any at high speeds. But keep the speed steady, then no drone at all. I've read alot of people sell the Tanabe and Top-Speed because both are quiet. ARK and F.I are other options but those are full CBE.

I'll try to get you a HD clip of my exhaust if you like.

ttboy

Thank you everyone for the responses. I'm not even entertaining ARK, Greddy, FI, Stillen simply because of cost. Max i wanna spend is $600...which leaves me in Tanabe and Top Speed territory. Now, keep in mind that I'm basing this only on my limited knowledge, but the edge on quality seems to be on the side of Tanabe as well as my own shallow opinion on looks. Looking at jdmposer's pics confirms this for me. Not saying the Top Speed looks bad...design seems similar but the Tanabe looks a little more polished/refined. I don't know what the price these days is on the Top Speed but I assume its in the $500 ballpark so if thats true then value goes to Top Speed. Which leaves the most important aspect (for me at least)....sound. I'm still uncertain on which sounds better/louder. Unfortunately, I don't have the option to try to hear both of these exhausts in person as don't know a single person in my area with a G that has an exhaust. Thanks again.

Rochester

iTrader: (9)

If it's truly sound you're looking for... instead of a full, bolt-on cat-back, is there a decent custom shop nearby that could match up a pair of Borla mufflers? It will probably require some welding for hangers, and a bit of creativity.

ttboy

Just called Top Speed and their price is $550.00 and they don't offer the system with the rolled tips anymore...only straight cut. And they don't have any immediate plans to supply the version with the rolled tips anytime in the near future. So this basically makes my decision for me. Now, for those of you with the Tanabes...what price did you pay and from where? Thank you again.