Last updated on October 10th, 2023 at 06:55 am
A Car is as good as its owner treats it. By upgrading to an aftermarket performance exhaust system, you can make the difference and take your Subaru Wrx to the next level.
After in-depth research, our team has developed a shortlist of the best wrx exhaust system to make your job easier. So, Let dive in.
Top 5 Best WRX Exhaust Reviews with Buying Guide
Quick Review!
- Best Overall: MagnaFlow Axle-Back Exhaust System
- Runner Up: MA Performance Dual Wall Polished Stainless Steel
- Premium Pick: Invidia Cat-Back Exhaust System With Titanium Tip
- Budget Friendly: MAP Resonated Axle-back Exhaust System
- Best Sound: Invidia Single Layer Cat-Back Exhaust System
1. MagnaFlow Axle-Back Exhaust System | Best Overall
Check Price & Photos on Amazon
Quick Specs
- Exhaust Tip – 4” Silver tips
- Bolt-on inlet connection
- Stainless steel Manufacturer
- Compatibility – 2011-2018
- Main Piping – 2”
- Made in the USA
One thing you may notice about the design of this competition series exhaust system. This is the lack of stuffed resonators plus mufflers you see in this best exhaust for 2018 WRX.
Features with Benefits
- The manufacturer makes this competitor series system of stainless steel with a 4-inch diameter. To maintain the perfect piping size with the mandrel bend all the way through.
- As one of the best 2018 wrx exhausts, gaskets are added to the stainless steel piping to make it easy to install.
- In addition, this brand of exhaust arrives with ease of installation that decreases the mass and cost of installing under the Subaru WRX.
Pros
- Excellent sound tone
- Nice looking
- Easy installation
Cons
- Pretty make louder noise during using
Extra benefits
The stainless steel construction makes it corrosion-resistant. MagnaFlow’s cutting-edge CNC precision robotic technique makes sure consistency precious fitment, dependable performance, and super durability.
Another benefit of this model, it offers a lifetime construction warranty where the great performance will last for a long time. It also uses advanced 3D scanning technology during the development to ensure that the new parts will fit the unique material.
What manufacturer says?
Magnaflow said this system is designed for moderate sound levels inside the car. So the owner can drive daily use the car with comfortably daily, and they don’t need to worry about the noise ordinance. This model preserves your vehicle’s emissions control system to pass the smoke test as an axle-back design.
User review
Most mechanical experts’ feedback five stars and stated, This is the best Axle-back exhaust system for the WRX. It fits properly on 2011-2018.
We prefer it because it is for its low price and reliable quality. Besides, this exhaust system arrives without a drone. You will see a distinction with this kit’s best throttle response.”
Expert’s recommendation
Don Sutton, a professional electric engineer from Australia, explains that Magnaflow constructed this straight-through system without compromising its performance. The effective exhaust flow results in what the brand calls an aggressive exterior noise which amplifies the WRX.
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2. MA Performance Dual Wall Polished Stainless Steel | Runner Up
Check Price & Photos on Amazon
Quick Specs
- Weight: 67 pounds
- Dual wall polished Stainless steel
- Compatibility: Subaru WRX 2015+
- 3″ Mandrel Bent
- Twin Polished 304SS Mufflers
If you drive up to 2015 WRX or STI, we make sure you are eager to conserve your car’s quad-tip tailpipe design. Even if your aim is to select an aftermarket exhaust system will include great performance.
If you have no any issue with budget, the MA Performance dual wall polished stainless steel exhaust system can satisfy what the visual want quite nicely.
Features with Benefits
- This cat-back exhaust system plays 3 to 2.5 inches piping front to back. While Ma Performance says it is constructed to minimize bends.
- This kit used mandrel bending to uphold its large diameter piping of it. This bend is perfect to fit the WRX stock exhaust steering.
- Moreover, this exhaust system design is a very simple way to enhance the amount of sound and performance in the WRX or WRX STI.
Pros
- Large diameter piper with maximum performance
- Choice of tip design
- Includes all clamps and hardware installation
Cons
- Low clearance
Extra benefits
Young L, from the United States, an Automotive engineer, has shared his experience; this exhaust system gives you a deep and well-toned without being excessively louder.
This system can be on the exclusive side, but MA performance says it is a straight bolt-on system and arrives with all essential hardware. So, anyone can choose from this rolled tip for their WRX or WRX STI.
What manufacturer says?
The Manufacturer says, “It is achieved street-legal sound levels taking trial and error process that resulted with its dual silencer design. It let to place one resonator in the central pipe and another one in the usual spot located in the front part of the car’s bumper.
The second silencer offers enough noise dampening to prevent the car from disturbing louder sound when delivering the highest performance.”
User review
According to the feedback of the user’s some facts are clear. This dual wall polish was designed to preserve the WRX’s aggressive rear-end appearance, with titanium tips adding a dashing style. This is especially best for those drivers who would like to highlight their car’s unique character with an aggressive sound.
Expert’s recommendation
John, the mechanical expert from New Castle, shared his experience about this model in a forum that this exhaust system is made from the highest quality stainless steel that has been expertly for super durability even in tough conditions.
Most exhaust and automotive engineer experts feel it is the best 2015+ Subaru WRX cat-back exhaust system in the market, so give you a chance to prove it as the best option.
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3. Invidia Cat-Back Exhaust System With Titanium Tip | Premium Pick
Check Price & Photos on Amazon
Quick Specs
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Compatibility: Subaru 2002-2007 WRX/STI
- 125mm Tips
- 76 piping diameter
We have another titanium cat-back exhaust, and this time it’s on the Invidia Y-Type exhaust system. Invidia lives up to the motto, sound like heaven with this exhaust tailpipe.
Features with Benefits
- This exhaust system upgrade is a wonderful way to enhance horsepower and release stored up torque. It improves on original restricted systems.
- All extracts perform with full customer satisfaction from the flat-four turbocharged engine. They will develop throttle response and boost horsepower plus torque.
- The well-designed performance with larger pipes and low restriction mufflers may create a huge difference in the car.
Pros
- Nice appearance
- Simple to handle
Cons
- Not good for
Extra benefits
It also features computerized mandrel bends for great performance with toughness made of high-quality stainless steel. The gasket and hardware are the total package parts that make it easy to install. However, using this cat-back exhaust system has a lot of benefits, including the greatest horsepower and fuel effectively.
What manufacturer says?
Invidia has a great reputation for manufacturing higher-quality exhaust with an excellent reputation for easy fitting. It increases the performance at an extremely competitive price.
The quality of their products rivals more pricy rivals. Invidia cat-back exhaust system receives glowing reviews from veracious automotive internet forums. This pricey invidia product can be different based on insight than other products.
User review
Most car lovers agree that the Subaru WRX is the most eye-catching car in the car’s world. Apart from its most well-known body and surprising performance, it captures the attention of its enthusiasts due to the Subie rumble. If you are an owner, you may know how to feel good driving the car with full satisfaction.
Expert’s recommendation
Daniel Ring, a professional mechanic, said, “Invidia is one of the most reputed companies that will sounds and appearance best to you like me. From my experience, I believe it can be the best judge for the Subaru WRX car. There has no more option than to operate the exhaust better way.
It is the perfect sound for you. It includes a pleasant rumbling noise but is not excessively loud, making it ideal for drag racers. It easily drives the automobile much enjoyable.”
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4. MAP Resonated Axle-back Exhaust System | Budget Friendly
Check Price & Photos on Amazon
Quick Specs
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Compatibility – 2015-2018
- Material – T304 Stainless Steel
- Exhaust Tips – 3.5”
- Exhaust hangers – 3/8″
- Designed – OEM Y-Pipe
If you are seeking to get unique in terms of which exhaust tip looks, you can think of our last option.
Well, the Map resonated axle back with muffle exhaust system is another ideal model for Subaru WRX and STI models from 2015 to 2018.
Features with Benefits
- The pipe design is produced so that it can help the engine achieve a lot of horsepower and torque.
- The pipes are non-wrinkled, making the best pathway for the spent gas to flow out simply.
- The exhaust is also non-restrictive to airflow, permitting the chamber to burn fuel effectively.
- In addition, longevity is another feature that this unit brings to the Subaru WRX or WRX STI.
- MA Performance made this exhaust system high quality with higher material 409 stainless steel that can do better than regular aluminum steel alloy.
Pros
- High flow
- Silent and quite
- Comes with gasket
Cons
- Pretty noise
Extra benefits
Engineers at MA performance is combined this principle better than other exhaust manufacturers. The original technology is combined with computer modeling and controlling sound analysis technology to make it a unique product.
Moreover, this brand spends countless hours fine-tuning the exhaust system to make sure that they exactly reflect the personality with the great performance of Subaru WRX.
What manufacturer says?
MaPerfromance offers its products with a lifetime warranty which proves that all products come with more durability and reliability. Our fabrication team at modern automotive performance is proud to offer the newly designed MAP axle-back exhaust for Subaru WRX.
The stylish tips are the icing on the cake that is available in stainless steel or burnt blue. This exhaust is designed as the direct fit at the Y-Pipe and available with resonators.
User review
Most car lovers like to pick it repeatedly for its high-quality sound with higher performance. This oriented exhaust system is super lightweight and louder with a unique design. Every single part of it attracts the passerby easily and increases Subaru WRX’s looking.
Expert’s recommendation
IT Guy, technologist, motoring enthusiast Alex Cherry from Dallas, Texas, said, “With high-quality production for real competition use without any compromise. The best stainless steel materials are used and designed special racing layout made as straight as possible to the higher flow silencer.
The performance of it is super lightweight and louder. The unique dual-pipe design helps you to stand apart from every dual exists.”
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5. Invidia Single Layer Cat-Back Exhaust System | Best Sound
Check Price & Photos on Amazon
Quick Specs
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Material: 304 Stainless steel
- Compatibility: Subaru WRX/STI 2008 up
- 76mm Pipping Diameter
- 101mm Tip size
If you are a big fan of cat-back exhaust for your car, including the quad-tip, you need to see the fantastic Invidia STI-400. It improves the performance features of your car’s power, turbo lag, and sound.
Features with Benefits
- This Subaru WRX exhaust system is remarkable for giving the ride a unique and top-quality sound. It also can develop sound quality.
- You can outfit the car with a classic quad-tip look matched and reduce muffler drone sound for an affordable amount of money.
- The downside you should look out for is that how trendy it is. If you would like to look organic and unique, you don’t need to think twice before picking this one.
Pros
- Nice appearance
- Easy to handle
- Good balance of price and performance
Cons
- Low clearance on the vertical driveway
Extra benefits
The welds are eye-catching, and the finish is also unblemished. It is completed with a Robot TIG, thus making an amazing performance. The hangers are associated accurately with less bend.
On ramps, it needs to take an hour and a half to take away the old and restore it, thus creating it easy to exchange.
What manufacturer says?
Invidia knows what the customers search for in the market always to pick the best Subaru Wrx exhaust. As the demand of the users, they provide the high-quality, cheap system, and lifetime warranted verified exhaust system. This model is no different from them.
This Manufacturer company was designed this model so that it can be installed easily without any issue. They focus on key features like compatibility, ease to operate, improved sound and performance, and the budget.
User review
Yes, when the manufacturer provides this exhaust system with full quality features, most customers are also satisfied 100% with their service.
Customer reviews that it is great to look at have excellent sound and include all essential parts you don’t need to pick separately. So, they feel free to recommend it to anyone who wants to get the perfect sound, not louder.
Expert’s recommendation
Expertise Tim Hofstetter, 40 years experience, said, “I had used hundred and thousand exhaust system for different car and vehicles. I have installed and feel comfortable to use for a long time and this model is one of them. It is one of the best wrx exhaust 2019. ”
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How to install WRX exhaust system
Here we will show you how to remove and install the Invidia exhaust system. Following the below steps:
Tools you need to complete this task:
- Invidia exhaust system
- Grimmspeed OEM cat-back exhaust
- 14 mm socket wrenches and ratcheting wrenches
- An assistant/helper
Let’s get started by removing the old one!
- First, remove the two bolts holding the OEM muffler to the Y-Pipe.
- Use wrench and socket wrench to undo the bolts loosen. But leave one bolt in on each side to support losing the connection to the J-pipe.
- Take out the spring bolts holding the Y-Pipe to the J-Pipe and separate them easily.
- Loosen the exhaust hanger and remove it easily.
- Now remove the bolts from both sides of the mufflers.
- Take out Y-Pipe, OEM mufflers, and four OEM rubbers from the exhaust hangers and bushings.
- Out with the old, in with the new!
Open the new box of the best sounding WRX exhaust system and install carefully:
- Install the four new poly exhaust hangers on the car using the singles top mounting hole. Then mount new mufflers by pushing the hangers in one of the two mounting holes.
- To set up the mufflers, it takes some more time to adjust. To make it easier, you can use soapy water as a lubricant.
- With the hanger in place, you can bolt up each muffler to the Y-Pipe using the included hardware and 3-inches gasket.
- Leave the nuts a little bit loose so that you can adjust everything later.
- With help from your helper or friend, raise the mid-pipe into the place and line it up between the J-Pipe and Y-Pipe.
- Line up the two flanges and use the included hardware to bolt them together. Don’t forget the gasket! Insert the bolt and washer, then thread the nuts.
- Starting at the mufflers, ensure everything is aligned correctly and tighten all joints.
- At this point, you have done installing and enjoy your new cat-back exhaust.
What to look for before buying the best WRX exhaust?
Here are some significant facts to think about when you are shopping to pick the best Subaru WRX exhaust easily.
Material
Whatever kinds of exhaust you select, confirm that the exhaust system is constructed from high-quality stainless steel or aluminized materials.
Also, make sure the materials are compatible with the car to avoid corrosion, unlike metals.
Furthermore, mild steel is less strong and resistant than aluminum plus stainless steel. Aluminum steel is not pricey and lighter than stainless steel. They are not also strong and rust-resistant.
However, the modest weight it can just increase the performance by lowering the car’s overall weight.
The best sounding WRX exhaust constructed from stainless steel is really extremely long-lasting and will outlast your car. The stainless steel exhaust systems are ideal for any application, and their function is very well in any type of weather.
Diameter
One most important thing that should examine the exhaust pipe diameter of the aftermarket products is to be assembled. The pipe diameter corresponds, of course, to the horsepower and displacement of the engine.
Though the larger diameter pipes look more attractive, they can reduce the exhaust velocity resulting in a loss of power. The dimension listed on the exhaust system offers the outside diameter of the pipe in the realm of the exhaust pipe.
Preferably, go for the pipes that have been utilizing mandrel bending rather than crush bending. Mandrel bending is a good technique for manufacturing the exhaust pipe, which makes a smooth pipe free from kinks or wrinkles.
Compatibility
It is very significant always to take the time to read through the complete product description.
After all, it is where you will get all of the most significant information regarding the product you have already chosen. Especially the Surabu WRX model and year with that the exhaust system is compatible.
Moreover, it is recommended which you may look out for intricate compatibility things like the sound preference with elevation from the ground when fitted.
Installation
There are some steps to installing the best WRX exhaust for pops. Moreover, you need to remove the older exhaust from its compartment and replace it with the new one.
Ensure that the latest exhaust is efficiently mounted and that the bolts and nuts are screwed into place.
In addition, when some exhausts are easy to install, and others can be more difficult. Choose a design that arrives with an installation guide to walk you through the process.
If you would like an exhaust, though, you can have to engage a professional because you won’t be capable of installing or attaching it yourself.
Price
Have a budget in mind and select the best WRX exhaust that arrives with the range. And what you are willing to get a high-quality exhaust system.
But it is really a difficult task to select the best product on the market today under your budget. In most cases, the expensive design has well valued the hoopla.
You can get the advantages on the investment. However, this doesn’t imply that you should take out the loan to gain high-performance exhaust.
Some exhaust designs are high quality, and you can get them at affordable prices. We have reviewed included some of them in our list.
FAQs
1. What do you need to the exhaust sound level?
When you buy a new WRX exhaust, you should know the sound level. The sound won’t be louder, which will disturb your neighbor and go against road law.
2. Which exhaust offers the most advantages?
Yes, only the best WRX exhaust with no drone is definitely presented the most advantages than thousand options in the current market. You can select the best product from the Invidia brand, which offers the most benefited exhaust system from our list.
3. Which exhaust system makes the most pleasing noise?
This is the most important topic which is completely more than the individual. It is highly subjective that municipal sound restrictions can get in the way.
The wonderful exhaust system might be the source of some expensive and time-consuming sound abatement charges. The Maperformance, Invidia, and Magnaflow are arguably the three most well-known sounding exhausts.
4. What is the best kind of exhaust material?
Stainless steel 304 & 409, titanium, and mild steel are all used to produce exhausts. There is no conclusive proof which one substance is super than the other. Corrosion levels are higher in mild steel.
Wrap up!
There is no single rule of thumb while it arrives at choosing the best WRX exhaust in this present era. With Subaru models in the current market, it may be a little tasking task.
However, with the buying guide provided above, one may be able to produce a more informed decision concerning the best axle back exhaust for WRX.
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