Hey everyone. I'm looking to get an STi muffler and install it on my 2002 WRX. Before I go ahead and purchase I had two questions:
1. Does the STi muffler produce a noticeably better tone than the stock WRX muffler?
2. Is the STi muffler and less restrictive than the WRX muffler?

Thanks in advance,
Todd

 

1. yes
2. it should be less restrictive

 

Thanks. I just wanted some first hand input before I bought one
Todd

 

yeah, your going to get a different tone, but i think the STi muffler is just an axel back. if that is the case i donk think you going to get alot of gains out of it. you would have to get a cat back or better yet a turbo back to get the most gains out of your car.

 

I just bought the TurboXS stealth TBE and really don't have the cash for an aftermarket muffler. I was looking around and I think I can get a good deal on an STi muffler to replace the stock until I get some cash. That's why I was comparing it to the stock muffler. I'm not expecting too much as far as HP gains especially since if I don't get the STi muffler I am just going to be stuck with the stock WRX muffler. I guess I am mainly looking for a better tone. Something a little beefier. The WRX muffler sounds nice at low RPMS and i'm wondering if the STi muffler is a little more agressive throughout.

Todd

 

Are you just talking about the STi muffler or the STi axle-back?From what I have heard, the STI axle-back is a pretty pricey item. From Subaru's website, that axle-back is about 700 bucks. For that kind of money you could go with something like a Prodrive or even the Blitz axle-back for 300-400 bucks depending on who you purchase it from. If you are looking for something quiet, the Blitz has an optional silencer. Check out Fastwrx.com they have the silencer for about 40 bucks. The Blitz with the silencer in is a quiet sound but still a bit louder than stock. Hope this helps ya out.

 

When i hear "axleback", i think muffler. Anyway, i had the 04 oem STi catback on my car for a while, and i didn't really notice any change in tone or loudness. With that in mind, i wouldn't expect the STi axleback to make your car sound any different than what it sounds like with the stock axleback. The piping diameter is slightly larger though, so it would be less restrictive.

 

I actually have this setup and to answer your question:

1. The tone is noticebly better, nice low rumble...compared to the stock axelback that comes with it. I'm happy with it for now

2. STI axel back seems to be less restrictive, though that may only be in my head as I have never run any actual numbers on it.

Looking back, i should've just bought a used prodrive axelback instead of the STI as its got the straight though design, looks nice, and is also in the quiet range as far as axelbacks go. I'm saving up for that now after i do the Cobb stage 2....PLUS, the STI axelback costs mucho $$$ for what you actually get and for that type of money it might be better spent on better flowing axelback.

just my $0.02

Ryan