Custom Tanabe exhaust... yes, custom... :-)
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: California
Custom Tanabe exhaust... yes, custom... :-)
Some of you might remember my post regarding changing the exhaust tips on the Tanabe medallion exhaust... A little background: I think the OEM Lexus exhaust is weak (sounding) as do many of us... therefore, many of us replace the exhaust. I also think the OEM Lexus tips are ANEMIC for the OEM bumper cutouts and should be 1.5" wider and more oval, in shape.
So, I purchased a Tanabe Medallion exhaust...Sound, dramatically improved (not sure if I really see any HP gains) and is very subtle, but the tips are SO round and huge in the OEM bumper....IMHO: FUGLY. So, I posted for help, went on a search, etc., and found it... the perfect replacement tips.
Note: I have black pearl emblems on the car, so my goal was to match it (as there is very little chrome left) and the color is Smokey Granite Mica (if you are living in a cave and couldn't tell).
I found, 4.5" oval, black pearl tips, painted the Medallion cans black, and voila...see attached:
So, I purchased a Tanabe Medallion exhaust...Sound, dramatically improved (not sure if I really see any HP gains) and is very subtle, but the tips are SO round and huge in the OEM bumper....IMHO: FUGLY. So, I posted for help, went on a search, etc., and found it... the perfect replacement tips.
Note: I have black pearl emblems on the car, so my goal was to match it (as there is very little chrome left) and the color is Smokey Granite Mica (if you are living in a cave and couldn't tell).
I found, 4.5" oval, black pearl tips, painted the Medallion cans black, and voila...see attached:
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: California
Thanks!!! I really like it because the rake in the back (the angle of cut) on the tips is steeper than both the OEM and Tanabe... therefore, I can come out 1" further than either the stock or Tanabe tips and still maintain 100% uniformity with the GS's body line, yet get an aggressive feel and look!
L
L
Last edited by Leeladisky; Apr 22, 2009 at 03:25 PM.
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i prefer oval tips too.. there are couple exhaust systems, but way out of my budget. yours turned out very nice.
few questions if you don't mind asking...
-what's the brand of the tip?
-does it have inlet pipe or directly welded?
-how is the gap around the tip and the bumper?
-why did you paint it black? your preference or something to deal w/ after the welding process..?
few questions if you don't mind asking...
-what's the brand of the tip?
-does it have inlet pipe or directly welded?
-how is the gap around the tip and the bumper?
-why did you paint it black? your preference or something to deal w/ after the welding process..?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: California
i prefer oval tips too.. there are couple exhaust systems, but way out of my budget. yours turned out very nice.
few questions if you don't mind asking...
-what's the brand of the tip?
-does it have inlet pipe or directly welded?
-how is the gap around the tip and the bumper?
-why did you paint it black? your preference or something to deal w/ after the welding process..?
few questions if you don't mind asking...
-what's the brand of the tip?
-does it have inlet pipe or directly welded?
-how is the gap around the tip and the bumper?
-why did you paint it black? your preference or something to deal w/ after the welding process..?
Direct Weld
Gap is about .75" all the way around versus ~1.25" (OEM)
And black was my preference as I'm not a fan of big chrome cans on a car without much chrome in the back.. If I had left stock emblems, I probably would have left the cans polished....
Lee
Last edited by Leeladisky; Apr 22, 2009 at 11:46 AM.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: California
Brand = Ractive
Direct Weld
Gap is about .75" all the way around versus ~1.25" (OEM)
And black was my preference as I'm not a fan of big chrome cans on a car without much chrome in the back.. If I had left stock emblems, I probably would have left the cans polished....
Lee
Direct Weld
Gap is about .75" all the way around versus ~1.25" (OEM)
And black was my preference as I'm not a fan of big chrome cans on a car without much chrome in the back.. If I had left stock emblems, I probably would have left the cans polished....
Lee