kroy

Is the Ark catback just poorly designed? It's also a 2.5 system but their site only claims 10hp gain.

E370 claims like 15 and FI claims about 20.

What gives?

All of these manufacturer claims are on stock cars.

4doorfury

iTrader: (1)

Because they don't inflate their numbers like others. 10-15whp from an exhaust is typical. I gained about 15 with a full custom 2.25" x pipe exhaust. You'd probably see close to 15 with the ark if you have no other mods done

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

I'm pretty sure I read at some point that the Ark system is either heavier or close to the weight of the stock system vs the others. I can't find where I read it but when I was doing my research I stumbled across that blurb somewhere.

Wouldn't deter me from getting it if I was interested though. At the end of the day, no matter what combo of NA mods you do (Intake, HFC/TestPipes, Catback,) we are all within 10-15 HP of each other...You will never notice it.

ryanwhite74115

You have to remember we aren't talking about 10-15 horsepower on a 150-200hp lightweight hatchback. We are talking about 10-15 horsepower on a 330hp 3800lb car. I can bet my ***, all things being equal, same exhaust note, but one car without the power boost, you wouldn't feel the difference.

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

exactly...were you agreeing with me? lol

MaQG37

iTrader: (4)

You are not going to notice a discernible difference between any of the aftermarket exhaust systems for our cars. I've had 3 different cat-back systems for our car and they've all felt the same.

Instead, pick a system that fits your budget, looks good, and most importantly, sounds good to your ears.

kroy

Just strange to me that competitors are claiming 150 to 200% gains in comparison on what looks to be very similar design and specs. 5 or 10 horsepower is beside the point.

I gotta do a little research about the weight of each system but I feel like they should be similar enough. I feel like they should all use the same materials.

RMB5190

iTrader: (2)

You'll drive yourself crazy getting that technical and over thinking it. The Ark system sounds very good IMO. It has a edgier appearance compared to the FI and produces a very similar tone. I've yet to hear someone say a bad thing about it...

Pick the one you like the most and that sounds the best to you. If you have a TP or HFC planned then check out videos of different pairings. It's been stated a few times now: Do not worry about HP differences. Differences could range from companies bloating numbers to atmospheric conditions that day. Unless you're throwing a snail under the hood you wont even feel a 20 HP difference.

I was considering Ark at one point but the canister look just weren't for me. I like the unique look of the MD mufflers or the mufflers of the FI system. Based on sound, I think Ark is right there with FI TBH and you get it for cheaper and quicker...

kroy

^ I already have ark installed. It sounds great.

I'm curious on if there really is a difference or not. And if there is, what's the major contributing factor.

Just makes very little sense why ark claims 10whp gain across the board on all most their catbacks. Do they just have a history of under-claiming?

MaQG37

iTrader: (4)

There are many different variables that come into play when doing dynos. Engine health, type of dyno, temperature, other modifications on the car, etc. I wouldn't take any manufacturer's claim for WHP gain on a N/A catback exhaust to heart. I think you're overthinking it man, just enjoy the ARK system.

kroy

^ I'm enjoying it. Just got me curious. Next time I dyno, I'm going to try and do a stock tune run as well to see what the gains were on my car.

MerakiAutoworks

iTrader: (1)

Lot of companies BS their dyno claims.


-Josh

slartibartfast

iTrader: (7)

Shipping weight for my sedan ARK Grip was 85 pounds. That includes the box which weighed something like ten pounds. It's no lighter than the OE cat back but also only slightly heavier.

stealthee

This. A company will claim anything they want to try to get sales, then they'll have a little asterisk saying something like results may vary to cover themselves.

kroy

Just did a small google on weight. FI weighs 52, e370 weighs 57, and Ark supposedly weighs 77.

Wow. close to 50% heavier.

I have no idea what that means performance wise. Is it just simple weight savings? Like if you were to cut weight in any other part of the car?