After replacing my Y-Pipe about 2 years ago, my mid-pipe & mufflers are also on their way out. After having some failed gaskets replaced within the past few weeks, my mechanic noticed some holes beginning to form within the mid-pipe & said the mufflers are starting to rust underneath as well. At this point, I'm thinking of replacing the entire exhaust system instead of fixing it piece by piece. I've narrowed it down to Invidia or Fast Intentions. However, it seems like FI no longer makes the 2-1/4" system & is only offering the 2-1/2" for the sedan. Is the 2-1/2" system substantially louder than the 2-1/4"? Overall volume/ drone are my biggest concern & ideally I want the highest quality yet "quietest" system that I can get. Can anyone offer some insight on whether the extra 1/4" makes a noticeable difference? Thank you!

 

Never having heard both side-by-side, my rationale for getting the 2.5" FI catback years ago was that the larger diameter pipes would provide a deeper sound than the 2.25". Insofar as total volume goes, that depends on whether or not you have the stock cats or aftermarket. With OEM cats, it should purr quite nice. With aftermarket cats, it will growl.

I suspect your choice in resonators will impact things overall, too. I went with a pair of 18" resonators.

 

Stock cats & stock intakes too. I'd most definitely be going with the 18" resonators as well. How has your FI exhaust held up through the NY winters?

 

Well, I'm perhaps not the best person to ask that question. Although it's been 7 years, its only been on the car for 27k miles. And although I do put snows on the car in the winter, it's more for emergency use than as a daily driver. So it really gets very little exposure during the winter. And it's garage kept, too, so there's that.

All that said, it's held up really well. The mufflers and tips are from Sebring Tuning, and they are still gorgeous. Not "perfect" anymore, but that's an unrealistic expectation. I clean them throughout the year.

Here's a seven year old pic, when they arrived and unboxed:

 

Awesome, thank you man! I've seen nothing but positive reviews regarding Fast Intentions. I'm just a bit hesitant to go aftermarket again after an experience with a Top Speed exhaust on my old G37. It sounded good but droned badly & had terrible fitment. Hence my concerns with the size of the piping.

 

You can't call a Top Speed exhaust "aftermarket". This is knock-off ebay garbage that no one should be buying.

If you go with FI, go with the longest resonators available if quiet is your goal. I've heard a few Invidia clips and they sound great without being too loud.

 

Yes, I'll definitely be specifying the 18" resonators. I wish they still made the 2-1/4" system but hey the car/ model is old & Infiniti doesn't even make them anymore so I should be happy that there's still some great options to choose from!

 

I want to say that my cats are 2.5 but the catback is 2.25 - I'll have to check my receipts. ALL FI, all resonated as much as was available. No drone, but sometimes more sound than I'd like.

 

Exactly the same here. 2.25" outlet from the FI RHFC, mated to 2.5" catback pipes. All FI, no drone, but sometimes I wish I could tone it down.

Then again, sometimes I wish I could dial it up, too.

 

Exactly.

I can capture audio - would you rather hear from the driver's position (IE, my phone mount) or behind the car? Cold start behind the car is nicely vicious. Thank goodness there are other loud cars in my neighborhood - no one cares as long as I drive placidly while on the neighborhood streets.

 

A sound clip from the driver's position would be great, much appreciated man!

 

I've had a very good experience with Top Speed exhaust. Fitment was spot on with mine and I originally had it as a y back system. it was very quiet. Then I added a y pipe and eventually test pipes

Here was my with stock cats vs test pipes. both had the motordyne y pipe


This one is a full throttle with test pipes. I didn't have any drone with my setup.


Overall, I would go for the 2.5" FI. I've heard this and it sounds good. 18" resonators also.

 

It will be this weekend - I'm not currently driving mine daily.

 

It's all good, no rush! I'm still weighing some other options. I've been looking at Stillen too but the reviews seem to be the most inconsistent out of all of the exhaust systems based on what I've read. Some people love it, others say it drones badly. But I guess that can be true of any system depending on how we hear/ interpret sound.

 

Cold start. iPhone 13 on mount to the right of the center column. Windows up, sunroof closed, sunroof shade pulled forward (yes this makes a difference in sound).

Long tube CAI, VQ35 upper intake, FI resonated cats, FI resonated catback, Z1 dyno tune.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wMZKQV5fHN6JugYA6

Warm start, same conditions.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7uBnwzNgoxwvNQWBA

Going to try to get some windows-down recording this week. It really does sound glorious when you get on it. Well, not Aston Martin good, but you get the idea.