I'm starting to consider my options for an exhaust, knowing that I will [more than likely] get an aftermarket catless DP first. I'm probably going to go with the Milltek decat DP or, if Cobb ever gets to it, theirs. ATP Turbo's 3'' catless DP is also a consideration. In any case, what will I mate it to? I've got two options that I'm considering:
1. Is the Milltek non-resonated catback. It's a 2.75'' system, it sounds decent. It's a bit pricey at almost $700 for the catback when you factor in shipping from a US distributor.
2. A custom option. I'm thinking either 2.75'' or full 3'' (I'm not sure 3'' is merited with the tiny BorgWarner K03 turbo. Look at all the A4 Ts and stuff with it, few run a 3-inch exhaust. What I have in mind is a mostly straight pipe with a Blitz Performance Nur Spec universal 80mm muffler at the end of it, and possibly a different aftermarket resonator in the stock location should that prove too loud.
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I know to some here, a JDM-style exhaust might sound like blasphemy (on what is essentially a UK+German car), but this is no eBay special, as those familiar with Blitz will inform. I can source the muffler for about $350, and factoring in labor and pipe costs I'll probably come in at about the same price as the Milltek after shipping. The primary advantage I see in this system is I have a fair idea of why the blitz muffler sounds like with FI 4-cylinder engines, it's a high quality piece, and it would stand apart from other STs. There's a local performance shop I trust to do the work that's experienced with class-winning racecar fabrication so I'm not over-concerned that a custom job wouldn't net me as much power as one of the branded exhausts.
My last car had an FSWERKS race catback on it, which I loved, but I'm not so in love with the FSWERKS piece for the FiST, having heard it in person. The Focus sounded massive with that exhaust, but being a 1.6L turbo means that the sound is going to be quieter, and thinner.
At least I've got plenty of time to think.
1. Is the Milltek non-resonated catback. It's a 2.75'' system, it sounds decent. It's a bit pricey at almost $700 for the catback when you factor in shipping from a US distributor.
2. A custom option. I'm thinking either 2.75'' or full 3'' (I'm not sure 3'' is merited with the tiny BorgWarner K03 turbo. Look at all the A4 Ts and stuff with it, few run a 3-inch exhaust. What I have in mind is a mostly straight pipe with a Blitz Performance Nur Spec universal 80mm muffler at the end of it, and possibly a different aftermarket resonator in the stock location should that prove too loud.
I know to some here, a JDM-style exhaust might sound like blasphemy (on what is essentially a UK+German car), but this is no eBay special, as those familiar with Blitz will inform. I can source the muffler for about $350, and factoring in labor and pipe costs I'll probably come in at about the same price as the Milltek after shipping. The primary advantage I see in this system is I have a fair idea of why the blitz muffler sounds like with FI 4-cylinder engines, it's a high quality piece, and it would stand apart from other STs. There's a local performance shop I trust to do the work that's experienced with class-winning racecar fabrication so I'm not over-concerned that a custom job wouldn't net me as much power as one of the branded exhausts.
My last car had an FSWERKS race catback on it, which I loved, but I'm not so in love with the FSWERKS piece for the FiST, having heard it in person. The Focus sounded massive with that exhaust, but being a 1.6L turbo means that the sound is going to be quieter, and thinner.
At least I've got plenty of time to think.
