Nameless Performance Makes Modifying Your Subaru Easy!
25 APR 2024 - Jeff Willis
NAMELESS MAKES MODIFYING EASY
For many Subaru enthusiasts, as well as new owners of used or brand-new models, seeing modified Subarus are fascinating. When you see a decked out WRX at a car show, or maybe a friend gave you a ride in their really fast STI, you want that level of experience too. But sometimes when reality sets in, the cost to get your Subaru on par with your dreams can quickly cost more that what you have paid for that Subaru. Your list may include new Volk wheels. But then those aggressive looking and sticky Toyo R888 tires are very expensive. And then you need a set of coilovers to get the chassis low with that pronounced stance. At this point engine mods haven’t really made it into the chat yet. So, before you face the path of modification that leads into a mountain of your hard-earned dollars, perhaps keep it simple, and take things one mod at a time.
Afterall, take comfort in knowing that you own a very capable rally-inspired all-wheel-drive machine with racing heritage brought to you by legends such as Colin McRae, Ken Block, and Travis Pastrana. Subarus are unique with their boxer engine design, but especially for their sound.
One of the most favorable modifications to any car or truck worth making power, is an upgraded exhaust system. It is the whole package of the sound, shiny stainless-steel pipes, and the increase in both horsepower and torque. Additionally, exhaust upgrades in terms of cat-back systems, and especially Axle-back exhaust upgrades can be done in your garage or driveway with your vehicle properly supported by jackstands, and with basic tools.
Nameless Performance has established a well-known presence in the Subaru performance industry as one of the top fabricators of quality exhaust upgrades among other performance mods. Although their catalog has grown to provide performance enhancements for other makes and models, their Subaru exhaust options are very extensive. You can choose from different muffler sizes that are integrated into their axle-back systems, you have different tip options that include single wall tips, double wall tips, and you can choose from a variety of finish options. You can choose to have muffler deletes for those of you who prefer a more aggressive race-inspired exhaust note, or you can choose an axle-back system that is perfect for those of you who desire performance and sound on a budget.
CAT-BACK VS AXLE-BACK
Nameless Performance Cat-Back Exhaust w/Muffler Deletes 2008-2010 WRX Sedan
If you are new to exhaust systems, modifications, and are thinking about doing the usual exhaust and cold-air intake mods, you probably have noticed price differences. Cat-back exhaust systems will always be more expensive when compared to axle-back systems, but cat-back exhaust systems are direct replacements of your heavy OEM units. Cat-back systems will have increased piping diameter from the mufflers all the way to your catalytic converter, and with Nameless cat-back examples, there will be minimal bends when compared to OEM units. With an increase in the diameter of the piping with smoother bends, this provides the escaping exhaust gases with an unobstructed exit path which quickens the throttle response, increases the horsepower, while reducing spool time in your turbocharger.
BENEFITS OF A NAMELESS CAT-BACK:
- Stainless steel construction.
- The main piping is increases with smoother bends to limit exhaust turbulence during acceleration.
- The result is a faster throttle response for naturally aspirated engines such as the BRZ, and reduced turbo lag for WRX, STI, and other turbocharged Subaru models.
- Smooth mandrel bends also help with the increase in horsepower and torque.
- Creates an aggressive exhaust note.
- You have muffler options, as well as muffler delete options for those of you who like it loud.
- Multiple tip options in terms of tip finish and design.
- Great weight savings.
Now let’s say that you just got a new WRX, and you don’t really want to modify it too much. However, you’d like if it sounded a little better just because that FA24F engine noise is fairly suppressed. If this is the case, then the axle-back option makes for a great choice. When compared to a cat-back system, an axle-back exhaust will be the easiest to install, as you only must replace the muffler section whether it be a WRX, BRZ, Crosstrek, etc. From a performance perspective, you are replacing the heavy factory muffler or mufflers depending on what Subaru model you have. This is a great way to save weight because lighter = faster, and you get the benefits of the sound. Nameless Performance offers many options that include 4-inch mufflers, 5-inch mufflers, dual exhaust tips, muffler deletes, and the installation can be done usually under an hour. But note that because these only replace the mufflers and not the main piping, a cat-back system will be more beneficial performance-wise. Axle-backs are going to be cost-effective for those of you who want to keep things mild but want a little more sound out of your Subaru.
Nameless Performance Axle-Back Exhaust w/Muffler Deletes 2011-20214 WRX/STI
BENEFITS OF AN AXLE-BACK:
- Will be the simplest to install when compared to a cat-back, as you are only replacing the muffler section on your Subaru.
- Several options with muffler sizes, tip types, muffler deletes, and tip finishes.
- Saves weight by replacing your heavy OEM muffler(s).
- A great option for those of you who want a more aggressive sound, with better aesthetics.
- Cost-effective that delivers great sound.
THE VERDICT
A cat-back exhaust system will always be the better choice just because if you plan on performing other mods that increase the boost and power such as a downpipe, tune, larger intercooler, fuel pump and injectors, then you need to have the most exhaust flow as possible so that you are not bottlenecking your performance. A cat-back exhaust is required especially if you are trying to push more than 350 HP. What happens if you modify everything else in the engine and you leave your OEM cat-back on? The backpressure will cause a heating issue as those exhaust gases will rush out of the downpipe and will try to tunnel into a smaller opening. This is also why when upgrading your exhaust system, you should never do a downpipe as the very first exhaust mod. The downstream of your exhaust gases needs to exit out of an unobstructed opening through an upgraded cat-back before you start upgrading your downpipe.
Now if you don’t really care about power, and you’re happy with the power levels your Subaru already has, and want to keep things sensible, the axle back is a great purchase. An axle back system with muffler deletes will make your Subaru sound like it’s got a serious cat-back system on it, without the cost. Although a cat-back system offers much greater performance benefits, you are saving weight by replacing your muffler. If you have basic garage tools, you can simply install an axle-back to make for a fun weekend project. And with the number of tip options Nameless offers, all are appealing upgrades over your OEM tips. For performance, get the cat-back. For sound and savings, get the axle back. Below, are some great Nameless examples for your consideration:
2022+ WRX:
Nameless Performance Axle-Back Exhaust w/5-Inch Mufflers 3.5-Inch Neochrome Tips 2022-2024 WRX
2015-2021 STI
Nameless Performance Axle-Back Quad Exit Exhaust w/5-Inch Mufflers 2019-2021 Subaru WRX/STI
Nameless Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System w/Muffler Delete 2015-2021 WRX / 2015-2018 STI
