My Apexi N1 is basically falling off and scraping on everything (the result of a minor accident) so it's time for a new exhaust. I'm torn between a few options; 1) Get a new Apexi N1 canister and have a shop custom mandrel bend piping, 2) RS*R ExMag catback, 3) HKS Sport catback, 4) Apexi WS2 catback. My car's lowered on Koni shocks and Neuspeed Sport springs set to the middle perch, so it's not too bad but I know that Apexi's tend to hang lower and recall scraping every so often with my N1, thus my idea of custom piping.
I KNOW that exhaust doesn't do much for performance especially with the stock header and cat (which I have both), but I'd like to look into replacing both down the road and don't want something that won't be optimal. I don't care about noise, hence the N1 is still an option, but I kinda like the subtle look that the other 3 have. Any opinions on performance aspects and aesthetics across all 4? And where I can get the BEST prices! I'm a broke-arse college student.
Much appreciated all....
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1993 Prelude Si 4WS
2000 - 2001 Boston Crusaders contrabass
RSR, the sound that exhaust makes when you hit vtec is unbeatable. Looks pretty good too, and i am dropped about the same as you and only scrape outta STEEP driveways.
I would say either the Apexi N1 again or the RS*R. I love the way the N1 looks and always will... And the RS*R sounds so awesome and is very subtle looking. Its a hard decision you gotta make...
people are saying Tanabe and I think HKS are pretty good too .. bang for buck if you want something quiet (which you do right? .. you better!) those are choices.. this is brought up lots, do a search...
No one ever mentions the THERMAL. I get tons of complements on the sound at idle and VTEC. I even have the cat removed and don't have the extra loud raspiness that my friends have. Real low rumble at idle and sound like a crotchrocket at VTEC.
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*SONIK*
-95 VTEC
*Short Ram Intake*Greddy SS Header*"Hi-Flo Cat"*Thermal R&D Classic catback*AEM Tru Power Pullies*Front & Rear strut bars*H&R Sport Springs*KYB AGX Shocks*Exedy Racing Clutch*Fidanza Flywheel*ES MM Inserts*..working on it.
phamine i've heard it, but I would have to say the Exmag is by far the quietest.
blacklude: lol, dammit, I don't have VTEC so I dunno what it sounds like with my exmag!
and Sonik is right too, there was at least one prelude at NPM with a thermal installed, and it sounded good. Definitely louder than the Exmag, but I would argue not as loud as the n1.
Well....I haven't heard very many other exhaust so I'm not sure how it would compare soundwise but I've gotten tons of compliments on the sound and look of the Tanabe SRM. It sounds very deep and looks great......but is also very loud....but it doesn't sound bad at all. It's a great exhaust.......I've mine for about 2 years now and it's still perfect.
I polish it up every now and then to keep it looking brand new....which it does.
The GReddy SP exhaust is the best sounding one I've ever heard on a Prelude. Plus it looks really good. Had that on my last Prelude (before I got rearended and totaled).
Now you'll need the GReddy SP-2 though, which has 100% stainless steel piping. Buy from me too if interested www.importrp.com
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-Mike Import Replacement Parts Toll Free Phone: 1-888-378-7278 Local/International Phone: 1-425-357-6818
Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00 pm PST -Replacement and Performance Parts for all Import Automobiles- E-mail: sales@importrp.com
If you're looking for performance you're probably better off getting the N1, especially if you have other performance mods in mind. Looks wise, I really like my RS*R because the muffler is painted black but the tip is polished stainless steal. I never liked the look of the full polished stainless steel exhausts, mainly in fear of creating more attention from the cops.
Nevertheless, just do it right once - keep saving up if you have to in order to buy the exhaust YOU want.
Originally posted by KB798 If you're looking for performance you're probably better off getting the N1, especially if you have other performance mods in mind. Looks wise, I really like my RS*R because the muffler is painted black but the tip is polished stainless steal. I never liked the look of the full polished stainless steel exhausts, mainly in fear of creating more attention from the cops.
Nevertheless, just do it right once - keep saving up if you have to in order to buy the exhaust YOU want.
I totally agree. Just make sure YOU want the exhaust, and look around for good deals/groupbuys going. I waited almost two months for a deal on the RS*R. I got it for $465 from Invisionmotorsports.
yea... just choose what you want. i looked around for months before i decided to buy the thermal exhaust. i love it sooo much, when the exhaust is cold it can be kind of raspy, but when it heats up it sounds sooooooooo good. i love it, perhaps one of my favorite mods because its deep and when you go into like a tunnel or something it is sick. i have dc header and a random tech cat so it will probably be quieter on your car. but when rated for performance, even tho we dont get much from it, i found that for vtec the n1 was first and thermal came in second. oh well.. good luck in the decision making
-nate
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AIM sn- coolndawg
FOR SALE: 1993 black VTEC prelude (mods below... shot me a pm or im or email or somethin...)
FOR SALE: JDM black housing headlights
life begins at 4500rpms
ACT street clutch, fidanza flywheel, aem cai, dc cc header, random tech cat, thermal r&d exhaust, ngk wires/plugs, adr flite 17s wrapped in
continentals, infiniti/jbl/jl sound system
Originally posted by Phamine If you want the quietest and non lawn mower sounding exhaust, consider a Tanabe G-power Medaillion. It's pretty underrated on this board.
I agree w/ you on the Tanabe choice. My roommate's old VTEC had this exhaust...only bad thing I have to say about it is that it stuck way out past the bumper...maybe it was just a fluke, but I didn't like the fitment on it. Sounded & looked great, though.
J
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Jason (AIM-->JDMSLICK96, or MSN IM-->JDMSLICK96)... For SALE: Recaro SRD Limited Edition seats, VTEC sub enclosure w/ Kicker 6x9 Free Air subwoofer (& free amp). PM w/ offers. Rest In Eternal Peace, Capt Derek Argel, Capt Jeremy Fresques, Pfc Chris Hill, & Sgt John House (all lost to Iraqi conflict).
Anybody want to buy my Lude? (Will sell in either stock or fairly modded trim).
yea lude'z i can help. just hit me up sometime. i been on aim tryin to see if you on. just send me a message and we see when we can do dat stuff.
-nate
__________________
AIM sn- coolndawg
FOR SALE: 1993 black VTEC prelude (mods below... shot me a pm or im or email or somethin...)
FOR SALE: JDM black housing headlights
life begins at 4500rpms
ACT street clutch, fidanza flywheel, aem cai, dc cc header, random tech cat, thermal r&d exhaust, ngk wires/plugs, adr flite 17s wrapped in
continentals, infiniti/jbl/jl sound system
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