So I have limited knowledge about engines and exhaust but I am looking to learn. I just got a Stillen CAI for my 09 max and i am now looking into possible exhaust mods. I would love some extra horsepower but to be honest I am really just looking to get a little more growl from the exhaust. Again limited knowledge hear so bare with me. What about flow masters? Will they give me that "mustangish" loud sound but no additional power? If I replaced the stock exhaust with lets say a stillen do i need additional equipment. I hear about Y pipes and Cat back?? and stuff like that. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Frank

 

The "Y" pipe is the part of the exhaust right after the headers (which in turn are the very first part of the exhaust exiting the engine). The "Y" Pipe merges the flow from each header (there are two because of the "V" shape of the engine) into one pipe. This is the case, because the car obviously does not have a true dual exhaust. Some aftermarket companies concentrate on augmenting the exhaust flow at the point of merging, allowing exhaust gasses to move faster towards the exits (tail pipes).
With regard to a cat - back, this would probably be the choice for you since you want to increase sound most of all. This is the back most section of the exhaust (after the mentioned headers, "Y" pipe, mid section with the cat, etc.). It is basically different - than - stock mufflers (higher flowing ususally), with reconfigured bends in the piping itself. People say that they do give some extra power, though I have not noticed any difference on my 300ZX's, 350Z, any naturally aspirated car, as a matter of fact. The difference would be obvious in a FI (forced indusction car) since this typw of engine does need back pressure to work properly.
Whatever you do - do not bottle - neck the exhaust - going from a wider diameter piping into a smaller diameter piping (the oposite would be OK). Also, do not go with big diameters - it will only hurt in an NA car (like yours) since you do need back pressure for optimal engine performance.
Some of the brands I have experienced with my cars are Greddy (on the 350Z - awesome exhaust system - as quiet as stock under normal driving / cruising, loud as heck under hard throttle), Borla - great sounding systems (had a cat-back on my 300ZX) - deep and authoritative...the best bang for the buck I would say. There are numerous choices, it's really up to you how much you want to spend, how you want it to look, etc. I would go with stainless steel if you plan on keeping the car, because they are extremely reliable...Good luck in picking your next mod.

 

I think your best "bang for the buck" would be to get some Borla boomers or Flowmaster mufflers - not too expensive and both give you a nice sound.

 

stillen cat-back is prone to rust, and borlas catback is almost as quiet as stock, muffler swap, and maybe a y-pipe would prob be your best bet for sound and performance and sae u a couple $, im having my y-pipe installed tmrw, and the borla boomers mufflers will arrive on the 16th, ill post a vid of how it sounds when they get here and let u know about any performance gains i notice, y-pipe has a supposed increase of 13 hp and 14 lbs of torque, the muffler swap also supposedly increases hp 7-10%, will keep you posted

 

you're right that Borla isn't much louder than stock, but it definitely has a different "tone" to it. I heard a video of a Max with flowmaster mufflers and it was WAY too loud. with the Borla it sort of rumbles, and as my boy put it "the car sounds like its been tuned, it is crisp sounding". You primarily hear it in the low RPMs cause in the high RPMs the noise from the intake takes over.

Overall though I'm happy with the Y-pipe and Borla cat back, wouldn't have gotten them if it weren't for a great deal cause they're a little pricey, but overall I like them!

From what others have said though the Stillen sounds better than Borla, just it can rust out so you'll want to treat that thing with some rustoleom or something.

 

What did you pay for the boomers and which ones did you get. I know they have a few different ones with different size tails.

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BOR-40060/

 

Here's a pictures of my Y-pipe.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u...a/320bbd1e.jpg

Top: stock
Bottom: RACINGLINE

 

I know the topic of sound has been talked about over and over about stillen vs borla. I'm wondering however what people's experiences are who first had the y-pipe and upgraded to the stillen or borla, any noticeable performance gains ? If any had both which had more noticeable gains? Thanks. Still leaning towards borla but wanted some more insight

 

got my y-pipe installed yesterday, definite notice in sound, and i notice performance on the higher rpm's, once your over 40 it takes off and doesnt let up, i was driving at around 90 yesterday on the highway with the pedal barely pushed down, any little tap and my car was taking off, really responsive, so far so good, having borla boomer mufflers put in next week, ill let u guys know how it changes performance/sound

 

This is so weird... some folks say they noticed a difference with the Y-pipe right off the bat, others didn't notice a difference in sound or power at all.

Maybe the butt-dyno and aural functions are different in all people after all?

 

I just put some flowmaster delta 40 and took out the resonator and got bigger tips then what the 09 sv came with, it does have a growl and made the car more responsive

 

I had the Stillen system installed last week. My wife was in the car with me last night and said "why is the engine so loud? It's annoying." That's when I knew that I had chosen the right system.

 

i have magnaflow exhaust...and other things

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=worR-...eature=related

 

Does Trust (Greddy) make anything for the new Max yet?

 

Nice setup Wally!!!

 

wish there was a thanks button i could click...but cant...

"Thanks" lol

 

Haha no prob man, Im sure it sounds 10x better in person too, vids never do justice for exhaust, not even stock.

 

real nice wally do u have a write up, part numbers ?

i see your in the tri sate let me know when u have a maxima meet so i can meet up

 

Sounds mean as hell "Wally"..u should start branding your setup...now u make me wanna sell my Stillen..

 

LMAO

 

lol thats right

 

your exhaust sounds insane Wally...dont make it any louder though lol

 

i actually wanna get the borla boomers the mangnaflow isnt loud enough for me....i actually have a electronic cutout but im taking it off in a few days cause the motor broke

 

heres a video of the intake screaming from outside...my friend was driving and no he doesnt know what hes doing lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W25lYp9ftFU

 

damn thats sick do you have a write up ?