About the diffuser:
Maybe a little of both, but I still like the CF look.

About the catback:
of course its this year! Lol. Im trying to sell some old parts so I can use the money for the ARK.

Didnt really understand this. What chrome piece?

 

The chrome deck lid piece on your trunk

 

Ohh. I dont like chrome but that piece looks pretty good at least for now. I will focus on the cosmetic part after my performance mods are done.

 

That piece of trim sure gets a lot of attention on this forum. Personally, I think it looks good on a Moonlight White Sedan exactly as it is in OEM chrome. On darker cars, there's a good argument for going gun-metal, gloss black, or (preferably) matched to the body-color. But on Moonlight White... I like it.

Of course, I like the OEM duckbill spoiler better, and if it weren't already installed on my car then I would have bought it. Not sure how I would have prioritized that purchase... somewhere near the top of the list, I suspect.

Alfredo, for perspective, I also have a Moonlight White G37S Sedan. Although my G37S badge has been relocated.

 

missed this post.
I also like my moonlight white sedan back side as OEM, duckbill spoiler looks good but its not something I really care to buy, so Im indifferent to this mod.

so I managed to sell some old turbo parts on ebay and Im really close to having enough for the exhaust.

Im kind of stuck between FI and ARK. I know most people would choose the FI for more power and quality, but its more expensive so I would have to wait longer to get the money and then for the build to be complete.

As for the ARK, I like those techno tips, its quiet and a bit less expensive plus no build time.

Also forgot Valentine's day is coming up, so that exhaust would be on hold until afterwards

 

You have an exhaust in shipment, don't you, Alfredo? Details... plans... dyno?

Should probably ask Newt to move this to the Build Threads forum. It certainly qualifies more than most.

 

Details:

Scheduled delivery: Wednesday 02/19/2014 (yes, today )

Plans: Install tomorrow assuming it arrives today.

Dyno: 2 weeks after install? Is there really an exhaust break in period?

 

There is an exhaust break in period, but it'll take way more than 2 weeks. I think the "break" in period is more for the sound output to settle rather than any performance problems. I think you're good to dyno as soon as you install it.

 

That's my understanding as well. The inner surface of the pipes and mufflers will get a carbon film on them that can alter the tone in a way that's less tinny than otherwise.

Installation the day after, eh? Boy, you are eager. Given the unique design of that ARK catback, I don't blame you one bit.

 

Thats good to hear. I will dyno it ASAP then. Lets see how the install goes.


Yep. Very eager. Also, this is the first catback I have purchased for a car of mine, so maybe that explains my eagerness.

Cant wait to hear how good it sounds!

 

Alfredo, this is an awesome and insightful thread for a new 7AT owner like myself. I do have one question though; I see that you made pretty good gains via the RHFC, I'm planning on doing Test Pipes. My question is, will I see roughly the same gain in WHP/WTQ with the test pipes or will it be less in comparison to your RHFCs?

 

It'll likely be around the same or more. It's worth mentioning that your exhaust will be (for many people) uncomfortably loud, and your exhaust will reek.

 

Theoretically, it would be more since a test pipe is less restricted than a resonated cat but your gains would be more or less the same.

 

Just opened up the box. Looks great.
Install tomorrow

 

Do try to get a before and after sound clip of the OEM exhaust vs the ARK exhaust. I'm more interested in the OEM exhaust with the RHFC.