Photography by Courtesy of Manufacturers
The very first few engine modifications are usually intake, header and exhaust. Getting more air in and out of the engine will increase performance. However, doing so requires perfect engineering. Piping too small will cause a restriction in airflow while piping too large will be too free-flowing and not provide enough back pressure. To get the optimum result in horsepower, you'll want to buy an intake, header and exhaust from a reputable manufacturer that has done the research and engineering for your car. Other features to look for include construction, sound and look. Expensive stainless steel constructed exhaust are not only better-looking, and a bit more rust resilient, they are also usually much lighter than typical pieces. The following are some of the best products that are on the market today.
5Zigen Super Lap Exhaust
Application: Acura RSX, Honda S2000, '99-05 Mazda Miata, '95-98 Nissan 240SX, '84-87 Toyota Corolla
MSRP: Starting at $430
Contact: www.5zigenusa.com, 310.608.5575
DC Sports Exhaust
Application: '08+ Mitsubishi Evolution X
MSRP: $575
Contact: www.dcsports.com, 626.968.5147
5Zigen S-Plus Exhaust
Application: '10+ Honda Insight, '09+ Toyota Prius
MSRP: Starting at $600
Contact: www.5zigenusa.com, 310.608.5575
P5Zigen ProRacer S Exhaust
Application: Nissan 350Z and 370Z
MSRP: $1900 (optional Y-Pipe $550)
Contact: www.5zigenusa.com, 310.608.5575
DC Sports Intake
Application: Various
MSRP: Starting at $105
Contact: www.dcsports.com, 626.968.5147
DC Sports Header
Application: Various
MSRP: Starting at $310
Contact: www.dcsports.com, 626.968.5147
5Zigen ProRacer ZZ Exhaust
Application '08+ Subaru STI
MSRP: $1800
Contact: www.5zigenusa.com, 310.608.5575
5Zigen ProRacer Header
Application: '00-03 Honda S2000, '04-09 Honda S2000
MSRP: $750 to $1150
Contact: www.5zigenusa.com, 310.608.5575
DC Sports Downpipe
Application: '89-98 Nissan 240SX (SR20DET)
MSRP: Inquire
Contact: www.dcsports.com, 626.968.5147
DC Sports Exhaust
Application: '08+ Subaru
WRX Wagon
MSRP: $575
Contact: www.dcsports.com, 626.968.5147
5Zigen ProRacer Headers
Application: Nissan 350Z
MSRP: $1080
Contact: www.5zigenusa.com, 310.608.5575
5Zigen Border III Exhaust
Application: '89-94 Nissan 240SX, '95-98 Nissan 240SX
MSRP: $750 to $1150
Contact: www.5zigenusa.com, 310.608.5575
Fujitsubo Super Ti Exhaust
Application: Various
MSRP: Inquire
Contact: www.tein.com, 562.861.9161
Fujitsubo Super EX Header
Application: Various
MSRP: Inquire
Contact: www.tein.com, 562.861.9161
Stillen Generation 3 Intake
Application: Infiniti G35, Infiniti G37, Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z
MSRP: $550
Contact: www.stillen.com, 866.250.5542
HKS Limited-Edition Colored Filter Replacements
Application: Various
MSRP: $25
Contact: www.hksusa.com, 310.491.3300
Fujitsubo Legalis-R Exhaust
Application: Various
MSRP: Inquire
Contact: www.tein.com, 562.861.9161
Prosport Up-Pipe
Application: '01-07 Subaru WRX
MSRP: $599
Contact: www.prosportgauges.com, 727.572.9011
Stillen Headers
Application: Infiniti G35, Infiniti G37, Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z
MSRP: $690
Contact: www.stillen.com, 866.250.5542
HKS Hi-Power Racing Exhaust
Application: Honda S2000
MSRP: $695
Contact: www.hksusa.com, 310.491.3300
Fujitsubo RM-01A Exhaust
Application: Various
MSRP: Inquire
Contact: www.tein.com, 562.861.9161
Prosport Downpipe
Application: '01-07 Subaru WRX
MSRP: $259
Contact: www.prosportgauges.com, 727.572.9011
HKS Racing Suction Reloaded Intake
Application: Various
MSRP: From $325 to $1035
Contact: www.hksusa.com, 310.491.3300
Stillen High-Flow Catalytic Converters
Application: Infiniti G35, Infiniti G37, Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z
MSRP: $575
Contact: www.stillen.com, 866.250.5542
Toda Racing Exhaust
Application: Toyota Corolla '84-87
MSRP: $900
Contact: www.todaracingusa.com, 949.336.6299
Weapon R Race Header
Application: '08+ Scion xB
MSRP: $525
Contact: www.weapon-r.com, 650.877.8280
Toda Racing Exhaust
Application: Honda S2000
MSRP: $1200 (straight tip), $1300 (dolphin tip)
Contact: www.todaracingusa.com, 949.336.6299
Stillen Dual Exhaust
Application: Infiniti G35, Infiniti G37, Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z
MSRP: $1400
Contact: www.stillen.com, 866.250.5542
Verocious Motorsports self-fabrication parts
Application: Universal
MSRP: Various
Contact: www.verociousmotorsports.com, 877.867.1320
Toda Racing Exhaust
Application: Acura RSX
MSRP: $1200 (straight tip), $1300 (dolphin tip)
Contact: www.todaracingusa.com, 949.336.6299
Weapon R Universal Inter-lock
Black Muffler
Application: Universal
MSRP: $165
Contact: www.weapon-r.com, 650.877.8280
Toda Racing Exhaust
Application: '02-05 Honda Civic
MSRP: $1200 (straight tip), $1300 (dolphin tip)
Contact: www.todaracingusa.com, 949.336.6299
Weapon R Neo Titanium Intake
Application: Scion tC
MSRP: $340
Contact: www.weapon-r.com, 650.877.8280
Toda Racing Header
Application: Honda S2000
MSRP: $1350
Contact: www.todaracingusa.com, 949.336.6299