Subaru - Buying guide - Exhaust system
Catback, downpipe, up-pipe, mid-pipe. Yes, what really is the difference & what do you need?
1. Header / Manifold
The next part in the sequence is then the manifold, or as some brands call it, the header. There are quite a few different options here. Something that is talked about a lot is Unequal Length (UEL) or Equal Length (EL). There are two different types of manifold where one (UEL) has different lengths of the pipes between the cylinders in front of the turbo flange. This causes the exhaust pulses to collide and you get the real boxer sound. An Equal Length header has the flange in the middle between the cylinders, which causes the exhaust pulses to go out at the same time, which gives a smoother tone.
Advantages of Equal Length: Lower exhaust temperature, which prevents ringland failure. Maximum flow as it flows freely and more balanced than UEL. These manifolds are better in the midrange than the UEL, but lose a bit at higher revs. This as the 4-2-1 design is more efficient than the 4-1 that you usually see on UEL.
Advantages of Unequal Equal Length: These manifolds are lighter so if you are aiming to save kilos there is little to gain here. As the pipes to the turbo are shorter, the first exhaust gases get there faster, which gives a better spool. However, there is a big advantage here, the sound. The UEL manifolds give off their magical roar that only a Subaru boxer can have. You can't achieve this at all with EL.
Ultimately, it's the taste that determines which type of manifold you should have. What matters to you? Sound? Weight? Spool? The most common we sell is Equal Length as they are more suitable for street driving when it comes to the exhaust temp. The sound of a UEL header may attract many, but regardless of your choice, an aftermarket header will give your car a real performance boost.
These models use the same header: Forester 2008-2013, WRX 2008-2014, STI 2008-2018, Outback XT 2005- 2009, Legacy GT 2005-2009. Check the product's information regarding which models may need to change to a STI oil pan.
1.2. Crosspipe
This pipe connects an original manifold. The standard manifold is divided into three parts. The cross pipe is the link between the halves of the manifold which are bolted at the tops. If you change to an aftermarket header, no crosspipe is needed. It is then built into the design of the header.
These models use the same crosspipe: WRX 2002-2014, STI 2004-2014, Legacy GT 2005-2009
2. Up-pipe
This small part sits between the turbo and the manifold and is a known bottleneck on the EJ engines. What you should check before buying an up-pipe is whether you have a 2- or 3-bolt flange down towards the manifold. Many aftermarket manifolds have switched to 3-bolts for strength. So double check before you buy! Up-pipes for the EJ engine fit most Subarus.
These models use the same up-pipe: Forester 2008-2013, WRX 2008-2014, STI 2008-2018, Outback XT 2005-2009 It important is, as I said, that you check which flange your manifold has. 2- or 3-bolted.
3. Downpipe / Frontpipe
The downpipe is the pipe that runs from the turbo down under the car and meets the catback. Many car models have a so-called mid-pipe with a catalytic converter in it, but the Subaru has the catalytic converter in the downpipe. Here comes an important point to consider regarding the downpipe and catalytic converter. If you buy a downpipe with or without a catalytic converter, a tune is required. This is to turn off the Check-engine light as well as calibrate for the lower back pressure (Better flow).
These models use the same downpipe: 2008-2014 WRX, 2008-2018 STI, 2005-2009 Legacy GT (NOT VF46 Turbo, Manual Only), 2009-2013 Forester XT
4. Catback system
Now we come to the absolute most popular upgrade. Catback system! These are available in a multitude of different models and variants. Basically, it comes down to appearance, but also something like the design and size of the silencers shows what kind of sound it has. A system with double silencers (Exhaust on two both sides at the back) sounds less than a single system, i.e. a catback that only has a silencer and exhaust on one side at the back. No matter which you choose, it will sound significantly more fun than standard!
The fit of the catbacks is the same on the WRX as the STI, but what you have to be careful about is if you have a 4-door Sedan, or a 5-door Hatchback and model year. Most catbacks include inserts for the mufflers so you can easily tone down the sound if you want.
Material is another thing that can matter. If you are looking for less weight, a Full Titanium system is the way to go. The stainless systems are cheaper but heavier than Titanium systems.
5. Axle-back
Do you want to do a super simple modification with your exhaust and just raise the sound level. Then Axle-back is a flexible way. It changes the rear mufflers after the y-pipe/mid-pipe to either muffler deletes (remove the mufflers completely) or to sportier mufflers.
The next part in the sequence is then the manifold, or as some brands call it, the header. There are quite a few different options here. Something that is talked about a lot is Unequal Length (UEL) or Equal Length (EL). There are two different types of manifold where one (UEL) has different lengths of the pipes between the cylinders in front of the turbo flange. This causes the exhaust pulses to collide and you get the real boxer sound. An Equal Length header has the flange in the middle between the cylinders, which causes the exhaust pulses to go out at the same time, which gives a smoother tone.
Advantages of Equal Length: Lower exhaust temperature, which prevents ringland failure. Maximum flow as it flows freely and more balanced than UEL. These manifolds are better in the midrange than the UEL, but lose a bit at higher revs. This as the 4-2-1 design is more efficient than the 4-1 that you usually see on UEL.
Advantages of Unequal Equal Length: These manifolds are lighter so if you are aiming to save kilos there is little to gain here. As the pipes to the turbo are shorter, the first exhaust gases get there faster, which gives a better spool. However, there is a big advantage here, the sound. The UEL manifolds give off their magical roar that only a Subaru boxer can have. You can't achieve this at all with EL.
Ultimately, it's the taste that determines which type of manifold you should have. What matters to you? Sound? Weight? Spool? The most common we sell is Equal Length as they are more suitable for street driving when it comes to the exhaust temp. The sound of a UEL header may attract many, but regardless of your choice, an aftermarket header will give your car a real performance boost.
These models use the same header: Forester 2008-2013, WRX 2008-2014, STI 2008-2018, Outback XT 2005- 2009, Legacy GT 2005-2009. Check the product's information regarding which models may need to change to a STI oil pan.
1.2. Crosspipe
This pipe connects an original manifold. The standard manifold is divided into three parts. The cross pipe is the link between the halves of the manifold which are bolted at the tops. If you change to an aftermarket header, no crosspipe is needed. It is then built into the design of the header.
These models use the same crosspipe: WRX 2002-2014, STI 2004-2014, Legacy GT 2005-2009
2. Up-pipe
This small part sits between the turbo and the manifold and is a known bottleneck on the EJ engines. What you should check before buying an up-pipe is whether you have a 2- or 3-bolt flange down towards the manifold. Many aftermarket manifolds have switched to 3-bolts for strength. So double check before you buy! Up-pipes for the EJ engine fit most Subarus.
These models use the same up-pipe: Forester 2008-2013, WRX 2008-2014, STI 2008-2018, Outback XT 2005-2009 It important is, as I said, that you check which flange your manifold has. 2- or 3-bolted.
3. Downpipe / Frontpipe
The downpipe is the pipe that runs from the turbo down under the car and meets the catback. Many car models have a so-called mid-pipe with a catalytic converter in it, but the Subaru has the catalytic converter in the downpipe. Here comes an important point to consider regarding the downpipe and catalytic converter. If you buy a downpipe with or without a catalytic converter, a tune is required. This is to turn off the Check-engine light as well as calibrate for the lower back pressure (Better flow).
These models use the same downpipe: 2008-2014 WRX, 2008-2018 STI, 2005-2009 Legacy GT (NOT VF46 Turbo, Manual Only), 2009-2013 Forester XT
4. Catback system
Now we come to the absolute most popular upgrade. Catback system! These are available in a multitude of different models and variants. Basically, it comes down to appearance, but also something like the design and size of the silencers shows what kind of sound it has. A system with double silencers (Exhaust on two both sides at the back) sounds less than a single system, i.e. a catback that only has a silencer and exhaust on one side at the back. No matter which you choose, it will sound significantly more fun than standard!
The fit of the catbacks is the same on the WRX as the STI, but what you have to be careful about is if you have a 4-door Sedan, or a 5-door Hatchback and model year. Most catbacks include inserts for the mufflers so you can easily tone down the sound if you want.
Material is another thing that can matter. If you are looking for less weight, a Full Titanium system is the way to go. The stainless systems are cheaper but heavier than Titanium systems.
5. Axle-back
Do you want to do a super simple modification with your exhaust and just raise the sound level. Then Axle-back is a flexible way. It changes the rear mufflers after the y-pipe/mid-pipe to either muffler deletes (remove the mufflers completely) or to sportier mufflers.
Skribent:DDESIGNs redaktion
Senast uppdaterad:
Publicerad:
Senast uppdaterad:
Publicerad:
.jpg)
.jpeg)
