This Or That: What Exhaust Should You Choose For Your 2022+ Subaru WRX

    18 MAR 2024 - Jeff Willis

     

    The VB Subaru WRX (2022+) is still a fresh face in the land of Subarus and turbocharged sport compact sedans. This means for just about all owners, these cars are still a fresh canvas to modify to your own liking. The VB Subaru WRX got a little pushback, perhaps a little mixed review when it debuted, however, it is one of those models where upgrades to the wheels with a nice drop on coilovers completely changes the entire aesthetic of the vehicle. Turns out, this is actually a really nice-looking Subi.

    For those of you fortunate enough to make a new acquisition, this is where the fun begins. In your head, you’ve got blow-off valves, front lips, upgraded brakes, a COBB Accessport, a cold air intake, all juggling in your brain like some quantum physics equation. When the dust has settled and you become realistic about your mod path, you realize that you should start with the single most popular upgrade, and that is a cat-back exhaust system.

    The reason why cat-back exhaust systems dominate the aftermarket is because they will work on your daily driver, or purpose-built race car. For a relatively stock WRX, an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system will have minimal bends in the piping, that is combined with an overall larger diameter in the piping itself. This eliminates the chances of exhaust turbulence or restriction during acceleration. Allowing your exhaust gases to escape more feely will increase the horsepower, torque, while allowing your turbocharger to react faster. But the greatest benefit is the sound. This would be the most enjoyable aspect about getting a cat-back exhaust system. The new FA24F in the VB Subaru WRX produces a distinct Subaru rumble, and a more free-flowing exhaust system will certainly amplify the sound.

     

    THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS? HELP ME CHOOSE

    That is correct. The FA24F in the VB Subaru WRX features the 2.4-liter flat 4 that produces 271 HP and 258 LB-FT of torque which is very impressive in stock form. But be realistic about your goals in terms of power. Now, any cat-back option we offer at RallySport will support virtually any substantial power level. And the good thing about any of the available choices for the VB will work well for a daily driver, or a purpose-built race car. And really, power isn’t really something to be concerned about unless you plan on building a forged close-decked engine making 600-1000HP. If you’re trying to go to the moon, then you will want to choose a cat-back system that has the largest piping diameter. And realistically, if you’re trying to make these ridiculous numbers, then more than likely you will have a custom exhaust system anyways.

    If you have a daily driver that you want to enjoy without having racecar headaches, then you will be fine with any choice. And the majority of us will not be turning a brand new WRX into a race car so the final verdict is that any choice will be more than enough performance for your goals and modifications.

     

    I SAW A TITANIUM CAT-BACK ON THE SITE, AND MOST ARE STAINLESS, ARE THERE BENEFITS?

    Depends on your budget. Stainless steel will be more than a fine choice. 304 stainless steel is a very strong material that is still relatively light, but it is designed to withstand the elements of all driving seasons. Stainless steel is also easier to manufacture, and it can be formed easily through mandrel bending with easier fabrication methods. It takes a skilled craft to properly weld and fabricate titanium.

    (pic of titanium exhaust)

    Titanium will be the lightest option, and again, it takes patient methods of fabrication to properly make a titanium cat-back exhaust system. It does not bend conventionally like steel; therefore, you will see systems such as the Tomei Expreme Ti made with JDM pie-cuts. Pie cuts are tedious as it is a cutting, bending, and welding process. The result is titanium art, and the reasons titanium is more expensive when compared to stainless steel, is not only the material you are paying for, but you are also paying for the labor as the majority, if not all titanium cat-back systems are hand-crafted. When compared to the weight of an OEM exhaust system, titanium is half the weight, if not more in some cases depending on the design. And the lighter your Subaru is, the faster it will be.

    Now there are some drawbacks with titanium. Yes, it is lighter, prettier to look at, but titanium can be a tad louder and creates a distinct ‘tinnier’ sound. And from a structural standpoint because titanium is generally thinner, it is more susceptible to damage if you hit a large speedbump or don’t enter a dip at the right angle. Titanium will dent much easier when compared to a stainless steel unit, so you just have to be much more mindful when driving.

     

    THERE ARE MANY STAINLESS-STEEL OPTIONS, ARE THERE MANY DIFFERENCES?

    (AWE Tuning Track Edition Exhaust 2022+ WRX)

    The general idea with an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system is to increase the performance and the sound. The formula is simple and that is larger piping diameter combined with minimal bends.  However, there are several different options available, and the prices are all over the map. Established brands that have been around for decades can justify their prices because their exhaust systems deliver the performance, they stand by their quality, and they have countless hours invested into the experience, research, and development to fabricate new units for the VB WRX.

    Note that buying the cheapest option is not always the right choice even if you’re on a budget. There are several companies that make replicas of the real deal. However, they must source the cheapest materials, they have haphazard welds, and they rust quickly. There is a reason why these exhaust systems are cheap at online auction sites. This is because they’re mass-produced with the cheapest quality control, and they have fitment issues, exhaust hangers will break off the piping, and they typically will need repair at some point.

    Buying a quality unit from the likes of Invidia, PERRIN, Greddy, HKS, COBB Tuning, or any other brand at RallySport’s website is a smart investment because if we didn’t trust, or test on our own vehicles, we would not trust them to be on your Subaru as well.

     

    SINGLE EXIT VS DUAL EXIT?

    (Tomei Expreme Ti Single Exit 2022+ WRX)

    This is your personal preference. We do carry examples for the 2022+ Subaru WRX that are mostly dual-exit examples because the VB comes with a dual exit from the factory, but there are some single-exit examples available. Aside from a personal preference, the benefit of going with a single-exit layout would be the weight savings. Because you won’t have the extra piping and muffler to the other side, there will be some weight savings to be had. The other benefit is that there is a slight increase in exhaust flow because you don’t have the extra piping that those exhaust gases must travel through.

    Now is that enough to make performance gains? Slightly. In terms of exhaust flow although a single exit will flow a little better, it is not enough for you to notice a difference unless you’re making a ridiculous amount of horsepower through a forged motor, with a large turbo, fully upgraded fuel, with a standalone engine management system. If you’re just enjoying your new 2022+ Subaru WRX on the way home from work, you will get the same performance whether you choose a single exit vs a dual design.

     

    WHAT ARE SOME GREAT EXAMPLES?

    All the options available at RallySport Direct will work great on your 2022+ Subaru WRX. However, here are a few examples that we would like to highlight to help narrow down your choices:

     

    AWE TUNING TOURING EDITION CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM

    This is a great example for enthusiasts who want an aftermarket cat-back system that will deliver performance, the quality is very solid, and the exhaust note is aggressive, but with AWE’s 180 technology, there is no drone during those highway commutes. For the everyday driver, the Touring Edition is hard to beat. Now if you want something louder and all business, the track edition is the way to go. Here are some highlights:

    • 304 stainless steel construction throughout
    • Produces a deep yet aggressive exhaust note that is not too loud
    • Handcrafted
    • Direct bolt-in fitment
    • No check engine lights
    • Includes new hardware and gaskets

     

     

    REMARK SPORTS TOURING EXHAUST SYSTEM

     

    Remark is a byproduct of the highly esteemed Greddy, and they have released their Sports Touring Cat-Back Exhaust System to provide enthusiasts with another quality option for the VB Subaru WRX. Now Remark has many axle-back options, and has BOZO style tips that are certainly attention-grabbing, but their Sports Touring delivers great performance, and it creates an aggressive exhaust note throughout the entire RPM range.

    DETAILS:

    • 304 stainless steel construction
    • 3” piping diameter into a 2.5” Y-pipe section
    • Handcrafted with precision TIG welds
    • Non-resonated piping delivers a more aggressive exhaust note
    • Direct fitment

     

     

    ETS CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM NO MUFFLER NON-RESONATED

     

    The ETS Cat-Back Exhaust System is for those of you who want all performance, and all sound. Now ETS aka Extreme Turbo Systems, are known for world record setting builds such as their 6-second R35 GTR, their Evo X that has dipped into 8-second quarter-mile territory if not faster by now, and Miles Kerr piloting his infamous green Acura Integra well over 200 MPH in standing mile events. To achieve this, you must get straight to the point of performance. This means no mufflers, but pipes. The reason for this mention is because it’s not for everyone. However, if you don’t mind the sound, and many of us gearheads like it louder, then this is a good choice.

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    • 304 stainless construction
    • No muffler and no built-in resonators to be one of the loudest options
    • 3” piping all the way out
    • 3.5” double wall stainless tips
    • Provides an unobstructed exhaust path for more power and torque

     

     

    HONORABLE MENTION: TOIMEI EXPREME TI  

    One of our favorite titanium examples will be the Tomei Expreme Ti Cat-back Exhaust System. This cat-back features full titanium constriction, JDM pie-cuts, and it’s very competitively priced. The titanium materials used are very lightweight, and Tomei performs an excellent job assembling this unit with precision welds to make a masterful piece that makes it hard to install simply because it is too beautiful.

    FEATURES:

    • Full titanium construction
    • Very lightweight
    • 3.2-inch piping diameter
    • Dual-exit layout
    • Beautiful burnt blue finish in the hot sections with JDM pie cuts

     

    As you can see, there are many options available for the 2022+ VB Subaru WRX. There are differences in design, as well as the materials. You have the sound, materials, and the looks to choose from. However, they all share one common goal, and that is to increase the overall performance. Now, for those of you who have a daily driver and need to leave work early in the morning, we suggest AWE Tuning’s Touring Edition Cat Back simply because it delivers the performance, with a very nice exhaust note that isn’t offensive. And for sheer performance, aggressive sound, and weight savings, we are fans of the Tomei Expreme Ti. Of course, all is subjective, and shopping for your Subaru is always a great time. Choose the right exhaust system that fits your needs, and your budget.