I did a search (even looked up some YouTube vids) but there are so many threads, I can't get a good feel for which direction I should go. The IS350 is a beast of a car but the stock exhaust note is underwhelming. I'd like to deepen the tone and have it kick me in the pants a bit when I lean on the gas.

Also, do I understand the anatomy of an exhaust system correctly? Manifold/header-->cat converter-->midpipe/tailpipe-->muffler/tip

Correct me if if I'm wrong. Are most systems talked about on this forum "cat-back" systems and is that the way to go to create the most noticeable difference in exhaust tone?

 

I have had both the HKS Hi-Power and now the F-Sport. I liked the HKS in the beginning but really grew to hate it, as did everyone who rode in my car. The drone can be seriously unbearable. I got the F Sport and now it sounds more M5-ish...without being a 5 liter V-10 though obviously, and less "rice"...no offense to anyone. In my opinion, simply the F-Sport is a man's exhaust and the HKS is cool for a while but really starts to bug you. Hope this helps.

 

HKS looks too big for my taste.

 

I've got the HKS, and I like it. But are you looking for an axle-back or full cat-back? If axle-back, go with the HKS (assuming you like a constant "low note"). If cat-back, I recommend the JoeZ.

 

+1 I also think it is a bit big.

 

i recommend the F-sport. It is made by HKS also i think. Also if you can spare the extra cash, maybe look into the JoeZ full exhaust system. The system is supposed to give u the most performance boost.

 

Depends if you want to shed out extra $600 for ~4 WHP. If not you can get the Tanabe used for around ~$400 new for ~$600 and F-sport for ~$900 new.

 

Joe Z or Borla for deep tone. You definetly want Cat-back. Check in the classifieds, No point in buying it new cause you will probably sell it later down the road.

 

 

^hahahaahah!

 

yo i think youll love the tanabe, it gives you a nice sound without buggin you inside the car

 

i go for HKS

 

Joe Z if you have the money, but if not F-Sport

 

iirc, the f-sport axleback system is not made by HKS. the lexus HKS system (not to be confused w/ the HKS hi-power system) is made by HKS.

the joe z/pts system is a true cat-back system. most of everything else on the market is axle-back, meaning they retain the oem mid-pipes.

an axleback system will probably give you roughtly 4-6 hp increase, and a catback system will give you roughly 10 hp increase.

 

HKS HiPower TI Mufflers + Invidia Mid Pipe + No Resonator = LOUD!! haha