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Why do VQ30 exhausts sound like ****?

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Old 03-28-2008 | 03:07 PM
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Why do VQ30 exhausts sound like ****?

I have a confession to make--I have been totally underwhelmed with the exhaust sound of every VQ30 that doesn't have Cattman headers.

Recently I've been looking to make my car a bit louder, found the OBX headers, searched to find that pretty much nobody had dyno'd with them. Seems like the runner design is there but the y pipe is atrocious. For $330 shipped it is most likely not a bad deal, even though it is unequal length and the y pipe design is horrible. I'm a college student and I'm not going to spend over $300 that I could be putting towards making the car much quicker (3.5 swap) on a single piece of the exhaust. (I might consider getting the OBX runners and fitting a cheap/used y pipe to them...)

However, almost every clip I have heard of a car with these headers sounds like something coming out of a bee's *******. I don't like rasp. Why do our cars have to sound like a Honda with straight pipes unless we spend $1500 on the exhaust system? Even if for some reason I did have that kind of money laying around that for some reason I decided to spend on exhaust for a $4k car, Cattmans don't fit with the LTBII.

And of course the 3.5 can sound really good, it's got quite a bit more oomph to it.

Does anyone have a good sounding exhaust that doesn't use Cattman headers?
Old 03-28-2008 | 03:33 PM
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Find an old school Stillen 1st Gen Y-pipe. :
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:11 PM
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I am thinking even if I find one, it probably won't fit over the LTBII either.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:14 PM
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i love the sound of my exhaust no backprewssure noise or bees in the can at all

mind you i have more then just one aftermarket component. i got my y pipe for 60 bucks im a haggler

my list
budget y pipe( canadian company aka lss)
magnaflow hi flow cat and res
custom b pipe
vibrant muffler

Last edited by garyrr; 03-28-2008 at 04:17 PM.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
I am thinking even if I find one, it probably won't fit over the LTBII either.
It fit better than my WSP piece.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:19 PM
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V6s in general sound like crap. Firing order and the resultant order of the exhaust pulses, etc.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:23 PM
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I like the sound of my exhaust.

newer generation WSP Y
Budget Test pipe
Greddy SP2


Its real deep and growly all the way to full cut....oh and the backfiring sounds nice too...
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Nealoc187
V6s in general sound like crap. Firing order and the resultant order of the exhaust pulses, etc.
VR6 sound amazing. Then again it is only a 15 degree V, basically a slightly offset inline 6.. not even two separate heads.

VQ35s sound pretty good.

It is just the damn VQ30s that sound horrible.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by garyrr
i love the sound of my exhaust no backprewssure noise or bees in the can at all

mind you i have more then just one aftermarket component. i got my y pipe for 60 bucks im a haggler

my list
budget y pipe( canadian company aka lss)
magnaflow hi flow cat and res
custom b pipe
vibrant muffler
Originally Posted by NmexMAX
It fit better than my WSP piece.
Originally Posted by bigpulve
I like the sound of my exhaust.

newer generation WSP Y
Budget Test pipe
Greddy SP2


Its real deep and growly all the way to full cut....oh and the backfiring sounds nice too...
Need sound clips, stat.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
Need sound clips, stat.
I will not ***** my self to your almighty wishes bosterd....




























will do after work tonight.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
VR6 sound amazing. Then again it is only a 15 degree V, basically a slightly offset inline 6.. not even two separate heads.
More important than their layout is the fact that they have an I-6 firing order.

VQ35s sound pretty good.

It is just the damn VQ30s that sound horrible.
Most VQ35's you hear with aftermarket exhaust have either stock manifolds or Cattman/Hotshot headers. Unequal length y-pipes are the problem.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:27 PM
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I wouldn't pain my camera/vid recorder to that horrid sound of my wsp.

Get Cattman headers and be done

on the VR6 note. I was surprised the first time I saw a VR6 in detail but cool, very cool.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:37 PM
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HS headers and cattman c/b on my 3.5 i think its the test pipes that give that "raspy" sound
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
VR6 sound amazing. Then again it is only a 15 degree V, basically a slightly offset inline 6.. not even two separate heads.

VQ35s sound pretty good.

It is just the damn VQ30s that sound horrible.
VR6s have Inline 6 firing orders. They are more inline 6 than V6.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by HotshotVQ35
HS headers and cattman c/b on my 3.5 i think its the test pipes that give that "raspy" sound
My test pipe made my exhaust deeper.
Old 03-28-2008 | 04:57 PM
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My TP made mine raspier
Old 03-28-2008 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by NmexMAX
My TP made mine raspier
well my stock cat had quite a few holes in it so.....



But im planning to have a nice spooling sound at the back here soon so...
Old 03-28-2008 | 05:20 PM
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im pretty disappointed in my OBX header, 2.5" TP, custom 2.5" catback with Dynomax Superturbo muffler and 18" resonator. the rasps are ridiculous and with the TP makes it sound like a Tacoma PreRunner with exhaust. im gonna change out the 2 flex sections for one large one and hopefully that does it for the rasps cuz i dont hear anyother raspiness other than in that general area. But hey, its better than stock
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by nismology
More important than their layout is the fact that they have an I-6 firing order.
Oh, so they're basically an inline-6? Thanks for clearing that up

Most VQ35's you hear with aftermarket exhaust have either stock manifolds or Cattman/Hotshot headers. Unequal length y-pipes are the problem.
Damn big problem at that. When we get some equal length headers for under $500 I will probably be onboard. I doubt that will ever happen given the amount of R&D etc. I thought the stock Y was equal length or close, just instead of a "loop" the 2-1 collector was at the centerline of the engine. Someone should try that out sans precats, even if it will restrict flow a bit over the looped design.

Too lazy to look under the car Hotshot is long gone by now, anyone have some of their headers on a 3.0?

Originally Posted by HotshotVQ35
HS headers and cattman c/b on my 3.5 i think its the test pipes that give that "raspy" sound
GTFO We don't need your 3.5 havin' kind in hurr

Originally Posted by NmexMAX
I wouldn't pain my camera/vid recorder to that horrid sound of my wsp.
I thought you had the OG Stillen piece?

Get Cattman headers and be done
I almost want to, but I'd sooner get a Fastbrakes 12.2" BBK for $800 than a set of headers, and I haven't done that either.

Originally Posted by Mr****s95SE
im pretty disappointed in my OBX header, 2.5" TP, custom 2.5" catback with Dynomax Superturbo muffler and 18" resonator. the rasps are ridiculous and with the TP makes it sound like a Tacoma PreRunner with exhaust. im gonna change out the 2 flex sections for one large one and hopefully that does it for the rasps cuz i dont hear anyother raspiness other than in that general area. But hey, its better than stock
Bah. Keep us (me) updated.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:09 PM
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Once upon a time I had the Stillen piece.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:10 PM
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I wonder how much a muffler shop would charge to make an equal length Y pipe?
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by bigpulve
I wonder how much a muffler shop would charge to make an equal length Y pipe?
im guessing at least $200ish considering the amount of time and work to be done. since you brought that up, i just thought about having a shop fab up an equal length pipe on my OBX headers... but then again, ive spent over $700 on my exhaust setup already and im flat out broke LOL. for the amount, Cattman Headers wouldve been a smart choice.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by bigpulve
I wonder how much a muffler shop would charge to make an equal length Y pipe?
I have been wondering this myself for obvious reasons... possibly the OBX header 3-1 collectors used with a custom equal-length 2.5" Y? That might come close to cattmans $ wise though, and it needs to fit with the LTBII, that is a MUST.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr****s95SE
im guessing at least $200ish considering the amount of time and work to be done. since you brought that up, i just thought about having a shop fab up an equal length pipe on my OBX headers... but then again, ive spent over $700 on my exhaust setup already and im flat out broke LOL. for the amount, Cattman Headers wouldve been a smart choice.
Well hell that would be a much better alternative than buying a WPS or Budget...Not much more money...

Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
I have been wondering this myself for obvious reasons... possibly the OBX header 3-1 collectors used with a custom equal-length 2.5" Y? That might come close to cattmans $ wise though, and it needs to fit with the LTBII, that is a MUST.
I dont have a LTB so no need to worry for me...



Gawd damn both of you now I want to see if this is possible with my RMT....
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr****s95SE
im guessing at least $200ish considering the amount of time and work to be done. since you brought that up, i just thought about having a shop fab up an equal length pipe on my OBX headers...
Augh... have you seen the design of the Y on the OBX? It's like 2" ID all the way through, the diameter doesn't increase after the collector.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by bigpulve
Well hell that would be a much better alternative than buying a WPS or Budget...Not much more money...
Seriously, right? I am considering going to an exhaust shop and asking them, but a lot of them won't want to touch something like the y pipe since it eliminates catalysts.

Other thing about exhaust is I don't want it to stick out. People should look at the y pipe and think it's stock IMO, screw this blingy crap. I'd paint my y pipe rust colored if it meant I didn't get harassed for it.

I dont have a LTB so no need to worry for me...
You should. They are teh secks

Gawd damn both of you now I want to see if this is possible with my RMT....
Why wouldn't it be? Where are you putting the rooster booster?

Last edited by MorpheusZero; 03-28-2008 at 06:31 PM.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:27 PM
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LOL. id really want to hear/see this on a RMT. I may do this custom equal length piping later this year when i get some more cash to spend.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
Why wouldn't it be? Where are you putting the rooster booster?
dood he can SO do it if its a RMT setup, no problem.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
Why wouldn't it be? Where are you putting the rooster booster?
Well i ment I wanted to get one made along with the RMT....

Originally Posted by Mr****s95SE
LOL. id really want to hear/see this on a RMT. I may do this custom equal length piping later this year when i get some more cash to spend.
Yea I think it would be one of the best sounding exhaust set ups....
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:33 PM
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Bah. Time to start looking around for exhaust shops.
Old 03-28-2008 | 06:39 PM
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if youre doing the RMT with headers and equal length, try going with the OBX 3-1 runner collector and have them fab up an equal length pipe. shouldnt cost more than $600 (including purchased runners) to be made. installation for a shop for headers is gonna run you around $200. then add fabrication on the piping for the RMT. probably end up around a little more than a nice clean G.
Old 03-28-2008 | 07:05 PM
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My car sounds alright, a lot better than 95% of VQ30's with aftermarket exhausts I've heard (mine is custom). Won't ever sound "great", but oh well. Doesn't sound "like crap" though, IMO. If you really want to hear crappy exhaust sounds listen to a GM 3800 sometime. GOD they sound awful, even their owners will admit that.
Old 03-28-2008 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Tatanko
My car sounds alright, a lot better than 95% of VQ30's with aftermarket exhausts I've heard (mine is custom). Won't ever sound "great", but oh well. Doesn't sound "like crap" though, IMO. If you really want to hear crappy exhaust sounds listen to a GM 3800 sometime. GOD they sound awful, even their owners will admit that.
Yah, but the GNX/Typhoon/Syclone is fast, so it's not a big deal. A slow car with a mediocre-sounding V6 is a car that I cannot drive around.

Do you have a mad tyte equal length y pipe?
Old 03-28-2008 | 07:44 PM
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I paid $250 for a USED 1st Gen Stillen Y, in 2000.
Old 03-28-2008 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by NmexMAX
I paid $250 for a USED 1st Gen Stillen Y, in 2000.
And then sold it again?
Old 03-28-2008 | 08:02 PM
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I totally agree with this thread. People buy cheapo brands like OBX just to save a few bucks. Or they go and buy BIG $$ name brands like Greddy just so they can say "I have a greddy exhaust". How about listening to ALL the exhausts that are around for your engine and making your decision by which one sounds best or best for your desired goal.
If money is your sole decision maker then get out of modifying your car cause this hobby costs MONEY. Even this website COSTS MONEY haha
<--Cattman owner front to back.
Old 03-28-2008 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
And then sold it again?
nailed an 18 wheeler retread and murdered it.
Old 03-28-2008 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by RacerX1320
I totally agree with this thread. People buy cheapo brands like OBX just to save a few bucks. Or they go and buy BIG $$ name brands like Greddy just so they can say "I have a greddy exhaust". How about listening to ALL the exhausts that are around for your engine and making your decision by which one sounds best or best for your desired goal.
If money is your sole decision maker then get out of modifying your car cause this hobby costs MONEY. Even this website COSTS MONEY haha
<--Cattman owner front to back.
I have a SP2....but thats because I liked the sound of it....
Old 03-28-2008 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
Bah. Time to start looking around for exhaust shops.
Thats what Im saying dawg....

Originally Posted by Mr****s95SE
if youre doing the RMT with headers and equal length, try going with the OBX 3-1 runner collector and have them fab up an equal length pipe. shouldnt cost more than $600 (including purchased runners) to be made. installation for a shop for headers is gonna run you around $200. then add fabrication on the piping for the RMT. probably end up around a little more than a nice clean G.
Well I dont think im gonna get into making an new headers considering the stocks one will do fine with the RMT but I will be putting a equal Y into my small budget I have for the RMT...

Also I think I am going to do most of the fabing of the piping myself. My neighbor has a welder and lets me use it...
Old 03-28-2008 | 08:10 PM
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