Custom or Not? Exhaust question
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,999
Likes: 3
From: washington
Custom or Not? Exhaust question
Well guys the exhaust I ordered is backordered through the distributor up the ying yang. Sooooo now I have a dilemma. Should I buy a normal axle back/cat back exhaust like Blitz, L-tuned, Tanabe, HKS, Greddy etc...Or should I have my shop do a custom exhaust?
If I go custom what would you suggest?
If I go custom what would you suggest?
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,999
Likes: 3
From: washington
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
For what off-the-shelf exhuasts cost, I would go with a custom exhaust...that's what I'm going to do. I have HKS Hipers now and love them, but I really want something more aggressive sounding.
Seems like most people are going with Magnaflow mufflers, X-pipes, and some are removing the stock resonators.
Do a search and you'll find plenty of info to help you make your decision.
Best of luck.
Seems like most people are going with Magnaflow mufflers, X-pipes, and some are removing the stock resonators.
Do a search and you'll find plenty of info to help you make your decision.
Best of luck.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Haven't gone out for quotes for labor yet, but here's what I figure, based on using Magnaflow mufflers, x-pipe, and tips...
mufflers: $90 x 2 = $180
x-pipe: $80 x 1 = $80
tips: $45 x 2 = $90
I figure another $100 or so for new piping and another $200 - $300 or so for the shop to uninstall, fabricate, and reinstall the new exhaust. I am not 100 % positive on the labor though, but I can't imagine it being too much more than that.
mufflers: $90 x 2 = $180
x-pipe: $80 x 1 = $80
tips: $45 x 2 = $90
I figure another $100 or so for new piping and another $200 - $300 or so for the shop to uninstall, fabricate, and reinstall the new exhaust. I am not 100 % positive on the labor though, but I can't imagine it being too much more than that.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
From: MA
Custom all the way. pre-made kits are great but if you have a good exhaust shop that knows what they're doing they can adjust the sound for what you want and fufil any performance goals for the future. good luck and post pics!
also, what are your goals with the car? n/a or turbo? just sound?
also, what are your goals with the car? n/a or turbo? just sound?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 0
From: MA
Well, I'd suggest a 3" setup with (obviously) the least amount of bends possible. 3" will give you more than enough for a turbo setup. other than that, its up to you if you want a cat converter, or any resonators and what mufflers you want. I'd also suggest stainless steel but that's up to you. Those things will give you the resonance and flow that you desire. Good luck and post up some pics!
Losing back pressure is always a good thing. Losing exhaust velocity is what gives you less power. Thats why bigger pipes aren't always better because the engine cannot discharge the exhaust gas quick enough..
You'll lose low end power and you might gain top end. I only say might because 3" is rather big on an NA engine.
If you're looking to go turbo down the line, just wait until you get it then do your 3" piping, otherwise you'll be stuck with less low end torque for awhile.
You'll lose low end power and you might gain top end. I only say might because 3" is rather big on an NA engine.
If you're looking to go turbo down the line, just wait until you get it then do your 3" piping, otherwise you'll be stuck with less low end torque for awhile.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,999
Likes: 3
From: washington
Losing back pressure is always a good thing. Losing exhaust velocity is what gives you less power. Thats why bigger pipes aren't always better because the engine cannot discharge the exhaust gas quick enough..
You'll lose low end power and you might gain top end. I only say might because 3" is rather big on an NA engine.
If you're looking to go turbo down the line, just wait until you get it then do your 3" piping, otherwise you'll be stuck with less low end torque for awhile.
You'll lose low end power and you might gain top end. I only say might because 3" is rather big on an NA engine.
If you're looking to go turbo down the line, just wait until you get it then do your 3" piping, otherwise you'll be stuck with less low end torque for awhile.
It doesn't really matter what you do now. If you go turbo later on, you're gonna have to have all new piping remade to flow correctly with everything. If you're gonna boost soon, then I say save your money. If not, then do whatever you want. I was running a straight dual pipe setup for a while before I boosted. Resonators and mufflers removed...gawd it was ear splitting loud but I loved it 
Yes, I do mean that when I say that it's ear splitting...it hurt people's ears when I gunned it by them 
Yes, I do mean that when I say that it's ear splitting...it hurt people's ears when I gunned it by them