A Complete Guide to 2022+ WRX Exhaust Systems

The VB Subaru WRX is the latest version of the rally-inspired all-wheel drive 4-door sedan in a time where manufactures are becoming bold in terms of keeping the turbocharged sport compact scene alive. The latest Subaru WRX was a risk that Subaru took as the design from an aesthetic viewpoint was considered by some Subaru enthusiasts to be controversial. From the Honda Accordish taillights to the blacked-out lower bumper, fender flare, side skits, and rear diffuser trim, these exterior elements gained many different opinions. Perhaps it was Subaru’s mild answer to combine hints of an overlander and a rally look all within a modern design, and with the WRX DNA. More importantly, the heritage is still there which is a flat-four turbocharged engine in the latest FA24 version in an all-wheel-drive platform.

OFF TO THE RACES

Because the 2022+ Subaru WRX will have the latest flat-four turbocharged boxer engine with the FA24 code, several major aftermarket suppliers more than likely placed their allocations at their local dealerships to get their orders in ASAP for product development. In the last 20 years of the Subaru WRX being enjoyed by enthusiasts, we have learned that like most turbocharged vehicles, the WRX responds well to a proper intake, tune, but particularly an enhance exhaust system. But it’s a little more complex as the Subaru is known to have that flagship boxer engine layout. This means that the exhaust setup will be unconventional to other models with a straight cylinder, or V-shaped cylinder order. Traditionally, the WRX consists of the exhaust manifold, a cross pipe built into the exhaust manifold, the up-pipe that connects the turbocharger to the exhaust manifold, then the downpipe that connects to the turbocharger which exits through the cat-back exhaust system.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THE FA24?

With the EJ found in pre-2015 WRX models, you had the exhaust manifold that had runners (or piping primaries) that merged into one pipe. The up pipe would bolt onto the merged pipe coming off the manifold, and the turbocharger sat on top of the up pipe. The inherent problem with this design, was that the up pipe would experience so much heat that after years and mileage eventually the heat would cause the material inside the up pipe to break apart, causing a flow blockage to the turbocharger. The FA24 design eliminates the need for an up pipe. This mounts the turbocharger lower on the engine like the previous FA20 DIT model, and because the turbocharger is mounted directly to the exhaust manifold, you get a faster turbo response. Since the FA24 is still a fairly new platform, the aftermarket is still in the research and development stage, with companies such as ETS (Extreme Turbo Systems) already having an aftermarket manifold option.

SHOULD I UPGRADE MY EXHAUST MANIFOLD THEN?

The factory exhaust manifold in previous WRX and STI has proven to be pretty reliable in terms of quality and strength. Exhaust manifolds equipped in your everyday vehicle feature cast steel or aluminum construction that would end up cracking eventually, and this is due to age and heat. The Subaru exhaust manifold has proven to be very strong given how heavy it is, the weight it has to carry as far as the turbo, and it is good enough to flow near 400 WHP. An aftermarket exhaust manifold will feature larger runners with smoother bends to flow those exhaust gases faster. This will optimize the abilities and response of your turbocharger whether stock or aftermarket. But mainly they have been designed to greatly surpass the flow limits of the factory exhaust manifold for those of you who want to make a substantial amount of horsepower.
 

WHAT ABOUT A DOWNPIPE?

One of the most popular upgrades in any turbocharged vehicle is a performance downpipe. Like a cold air intake, the factory downpipe is highly restrictive in most cases. An aftermarket downpipe with a larger piping diameter and smooth bends allows the turbocharger to exhale those exhaust gases freely out of the turbocharger, which will provide a substantial increase in horsepower, torque, while greatly improving the turbo response. However, you just can’t bolt-on any downpipe on a WRX and be on your way. A downpipe will require a tune since you will see a spike in boost that goes beyond what your ECU will recognize. A handheld plug-and-play device such as the COBB Accessport should take care of that issue.

And like the previous WRX model that had the FA20 DIT, the new FA24 will have a “J”-pipe. Because the turbocharger is mounted near the bottom of the engine, it will be shaped like a J. It will mount right to the exhaust housing on the turbocharger for a faster reaction for more power, boost, all while producing an aggressive exhaust note.

ETS HIGH-FLOW GESI CATTED J-PIPE
 

WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO START WITH A CAT-BACK SYSTEM FIRST?

Good. This is what you need to do and here’s why. It doesn’t make much sense to upgrade your exhaust manifold, and especially your downpipe first. It would be like trying to force a large volume of air through a funnel. There is a large opening from an upgraded downpipe, but then you have the problem of trying to force the increased volume of exhaust gases through the restrictive OEM cat-back system. ALWAYS upgrade your exhaust from the back, then move forward. A proper cat-back system will be designed with larger piping – usually 3-inch main piping that splits into 2.5-inch piping with minimal bends. This allows your factory J-pipe to push out those exhaust gases faster, and depending on the design you can typically see 10-15+ HP gains from a quality cat-back exhaust system. But then you get the benefit of that race-inspired exhaust note. A cat-back exhaust system for your 2022+ WRX will enhance the overall driving experience for the commute or on your weekend driving events, providing a unique exhaust note during full throttle. Additionally, you get the weight savings as the OEM exhaust system can be fairly heavy. Below are some cat-back systems that will suit your 2022+ WRX well. You can choose from the traditional dual-exit layout, and there are also some single-exit options as well.

INVIDIA GEMINI R400 STAINLESS STEEL QUAD TIP CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM – 2022+ SUBARU WRX

COBB TUNING 3IN VB STAINLESS STEEL CAT-BACK EXHAUST – 2022+ SUBARU WRX

INVIDIA Q300 TITANIUM BURNT QUAD TIP CAT-BACK EXHAUST 2022= SUBARU WRX

ETS CAT-BACK EXHAUST NO MUFFLER RESONATED – 2022+ SUBARU WRX
 

ANY AFFORDABLE ALTERMATIVES FOR NOW?

If you wanted sound, you’re in luck. An Axle-Back Exhaust System replaces your heavy factory mufflers, and there are different options that have muffler deletes that can really increase the sound while reducing the weight. You can choose from many designs that also include mufflers as well, but you really have a great variety of muffler tips to choose from. The best part is the simplicity of the installation, as you can install these in your driveway with basic tools. Here are some examples of axle-back exhaust systems for your 2022+ Subaru WRX:

 

NAMELESS PERFORMANCE AXLE-BACK EXHAUST 5-INCH MUFFLERS – 2022+ SUBARU WRX

REMARK 3.5” AXLE BACK SINGLE WALL QUAD TIPS – 2022+ SUBARU WRX

ETS AXLE BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM NO MUFFLERS BLUE TIPS 2022+ SUBARU WRX

REMARK BOSO EDITION AXLE BACK EXHAUST BURNT BLUE TIPS – 2022+ SUBARU WRX

AWE Tuning Touring to Track Conversion Axle Back Exhaust - Subaru WRX 2022+ 

Check out these 2022+ Subaru WRX Exhaust sound clips below;