edgalang

Thermal R&D Axle-Back Exhaust $499.03 + $25.00 = $524.03

HKS Drager Axle-Back Exhaust $499.73 + $25.00 = $524.73

Comptech Sports Axle-back $599.36 + $25.00 = $624.36

Tanabe G-Power Medalion Catback $595.94 + $45.00 = $640.94

Tanabe HYPER MEDALION Catback $652.00 + $45.00 = $697.00


I'm pretty sure most of you guys already know what has happened to me, so I'm basically going straight to the point and ask which one of these would/did you go for and WHY? Keep in mind that the bottom 2 will only be considered provided that my stock Y-pipe needs replacement, until then; keep the suggestions/criticisms focused on the top 3. My main concerns in order of importance are listed below.

#1 Price. I can't have anything come out of my own pocket.
#2 Convenience/Looks. I don't want it scraping all over the place.
#3 Performance Gains. (For once I'll go with function following form)
#4 Loudness. The quieter the better (@2k rpms).

So far I'm extremely leaning towards the Thermals just because it seems that everyone talks about, but none is able to really comment on it, in addition to being the most affordable. Call me crazy, but again I'm not really fond of the Comptech's (remember me when I was choosing sways?). If only they made it either $100 cheaper or a full blown Catback, then it would of still been in the competition.

Please, no silly posts. I would also appreciate it if only the people who's had direct experience with any of these exhausts would reply. Alas, only the rich and the few can taste the Mugen Silencer Exhausts.

typeSmaximum

I wonder if the Tanabe catbacks have any real gains?

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Well, I went with the Comptech Exhausts myself. It was between the HKS and the Comptech, and personally, I thought the HKS was too big for our cars and it just didn't look right. I know they're not much bigger then the Comptech, but on the car did it look bigger, so I bought the Comptech. I have absolutely no complaints about the noise. Matter of fact, after the first week or so I got so used to it that I barely hear it now over the radio (which I don't listen to loud...in the morning anyway). I drive 35 miles each way, so I am a commuter, and the noise still doesn't bother me. It also looks sweet and the fact that it's Comptech helps too b/c so far, I trust their parts for our cars. Installation was a breeze and almost 7 months later and I still love them!!

Don's TL

If you want quiet then Tanabe Hyper Medallion is not for you. It's LOUD! There is some gain in the high end but I also feel some loss of low end torque.Also the G-power is only a single catback, not dual.

Have you considered Greddy Evo or MX? Those would be some good catbacks also!

edgalang

Thanks for the help, but it looks like I will be going for the Thermals afterall. I just came back form the body shop and inspected the parts list and saw that I only have $379.01 to play with. (10% were docked off for wear and tear so I was given $188.15=Left $190.86=Right canisters.) The agreed process is that I would go ahead and order the mufflers and upon delivery, they would issue me a check for what the stock ones would of costed. Not only are the Thermals the most economical choice, but it would seem that the HKS looks a tad bit too big, and it would kinda be nice to be the only TL member on this board with the first Thermals on their ride. Oh, I've read reviews about the Thermals and it would seem that build quality is top notch...100% stainless steel unlike some of the other choices (which I will ommit). I will try to post picks when I can.