i currently have HKS exhaust on my GS4 but, it is starting to just seem too loud, especially on the inside. also, i'm wanting my actual exhaust tips to not be so large in circumference. is borla typically more quiet than tanabe? i've listened to clips of how other exhausts have sound but, even when i listen to the HKS (online sound) it doesn't really sound as loud (imho) as it does in person.

 

That last statement is true for probably most if not all exhausts. They're usually going to sound louder in person. If you want something quieter I would suggest Borla, L-tuned, RMM. Check my clip on YouTube, search for RMM Lexus, it sounds pretty quiet but it's louder in person. I have to upload an updated version now that my resonators are removed.

 

For what it's worth, I've listened to or had on my car all of the axle back exhaust DarKnight refers to with this comments. IMO from loudest to quietest:

Borla (rumbles but not in your face)

RMM (my favorite but will draw attention, very slight drone)

L-Tuned (completely undetectable until WOT, refined WOT. I consider this to be best of the best for a daily driver. Beautiful tone, very refined.)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s37yuIZYPM

 

I've had the HKS, Tanabe SMH, and now Apex WS2. Apex is definitely the quietest of the 3.

 

I think everything is quieter than HKS.. I like Apexi and L Tuned.

 

I have L-tuned and it IS quite. Borla is quiter I think....

 

Another option if you're looking to save some cash is Magnaflows. I just got 14235 mufflers and 35121 tips put on about a week ago and they're pretty low-key but a deeper refined tone. Absolutely no drone and you'll never know they're there until you get on it and then it's not obnoxious. I love the double walled tips too, that was my main motivation for the Magnaflows since the Tanabe MT was too rich for my blood.

 

Tanabe Touring Medallion, it is designed to be a quiet and refined tone for luxury cars. I wouldn't put anything else on my Gs.

 

Tanabe Medallion Touring had obnoxious drone to me. I have had some loud mustangs and a corvette in the past but they didn't drone.

Something about the lexus exhaust system possibly the y pipe setup seems to cause drone even my borla(hardly louder than stock) has a hint of drone to it. Another factor may be the gs430 is my first automatic with aftermarket exhaust and as the torque converter stalls it causes the car to roar under load.

I personally would go with borla or one of the other quiet exhausts mentioned, you can always remove the resonators if you find it too quiet.

 

I have the Apexi with no cats and a 3" down pipe and it is still quiet if that helps you. I would definitely recommend it.

Ben