Looking to get a little more sound and the local dealer is having a part special and I can get the OEM sport accessory muffler for about $600 shipped after tax. Can get the Tanabe/Revel for about $650-700, shipped. Been looking extensively at clips and they both have the low end growl and volume I'm looking for without being too loud or raspy. A lot of Tanabe clips sound different though, with some having a slightly lower/muffled tone, while the Infiniti seemed to breathe more. Tanabes are the dual compact mufflers (negligible weight/performance impact?), while the Infiniti seems to have a little back burble, which is nice. In reading some posts/comments, the Tanabes can have a little drone (subjective) and are a little louder. Does anyone have any input? Any benefit in dual muffler design?

Current setup 2012 IPL Coupe:
FI RHFC > IPL CBE

Yes, I know I can go on eBay and get a $300 axle back. I'm willing to spend a bit more for quality.

Also, does anyone know how the OEM accessory design could have changed the tone that much while having the same footprint?
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I would definitely go with the Tanabe axle back, once it’s properly broken in, it’s a very nice exhaust. Compared to a cat back, of course it’s not as loud, but you’ll definitely be heard. Not very much drone and doesn’t give that distinct trumpet sound that the VQ’s are known for. Tanabe ftw.

 

sport muffler all day. OEM quality and amplified the OEM VQ exhaust note.

 

Another option is the Nismo 370z muffler.

 

I ended up going for the sport muffler since the feedback seemed to be universally positive, it's OEM, and was cheaper. I'd prefer to hear it when driving spiritedly rather than cruising on the highway.

I'm pretty sure the IPL muffler is the same as the Nismo.

 

So I was looking into it and I think the Nismo muffler has 5 inch tips and the IPL only 4 for some reason. But I'm pretty sure basically every other part that was upgraded for the IPL is the same as the 370z Nismo got.