Top 3 Exhausts for 2015-2021 WRX/STI

A WRX cat-back exhaust system should be on your first list of modifications if you’re a new owner in the world of Subarus, or if your Subaru is stock and would want to add more power. In other articles we map out the entirety of exhaust components available for the Subaru WRX and we talk about why they are all beneficial in terms of performance. But there is a catch, and why you should always start from the cat-back first, then work your way forward.

So when going down the path of basic performance upgrades or BPU, whether if you are reading on forums, social media, or talking to the local car meet expert, the common upgrades mentioned are cold air intake and downpipe. A cold air intake will allow your EJ to inhale a larger volume of air while the downpipe will allow the EJ to exhale a larger volume of exhaust. However, the downpipe is not as effective unless you have a cat-back exhaust system. The problem is that the majority of aftermarket downpipes have a larger piping diameter which is between 2.50 to 3-inches in diameter. When mated to the factory cat-back exhaust system the piping diameter will be smaller which causes bottlenecking and more exhaust heat. A quality cat-back exhaust system will allow a faster exit stream of exhaust gases out of the downpipe with no turbulence and restrictions. The majority of the selection of cat-back exhaust systems that SubiSpeed offers will usually have 3-inch main piping diameter or close for your 2015 Subaru WRX/STI. This will ultimately optimize the power and performance of the rest of the exhaust components which will increase the response to produce more power, torque, while producing that race-inspired Subaru rumble.

 

Starting with number 3, we have the Invidia Gemini R400 Cat-Back Exhaust System. This exhaust system features premium polished stainless-steel construction with minimal bends to the piping leading to the catalytic converter. You will certainly notice the power gains throughout the entire RPM band as this exhaust system creates an aggressive exhaust note exiting a set of large quad tips. A great choice and investment for your2015-2021 Subaru WRX/STI.

 

In at number 2, is MBRP’s Race 3-Inch Quad Tip Cat-Back Exhaust System. As the name suggests, Race refers to the fact that the piping is all business.  Featuring a 3-inch diameter that splits into the 2.5” Y-pipe section with no mufflers. You will find a narrow resonator at the top of the piping where it meets the catalytic converter. This means that this is going to be the loudest and most-aggressive sounding option out of the 3 and might not be ideal if you live in a tight neighborhood or apartment complex and have to leave for work at 6am. However, this will also be the lightest option due to the lack of mufflers and might be ideal for those of you who want to save as much weight especially if you have a track-dedicated race car. Now as pretty as the Invidia unit, but you get 304 stainless steel quality all exiting a set of quad tips.

 

 

Coming in at number 1 is the AWE Touring Edition Cat-Back Exhaust System. Now the Touring Edition from AWE offers mufflers that will still produce a louder and more aggressive Subaru rumble, but you’re not going to have a giant neon sign above your head that says hey, just look at me. But this exhaust system features full 3-inch piping so although you have the larger mufflers, you don’t get any interference with flow. It can and will handle all of the power and boost you can throw at it. AWE is known for making quality upgrades that are popular among all genres of enthusiast vehicles, and they know a few things about the Subaru platform.

 

You really can’t go wrong with any selection other slight differences in the overall design and layout. And the MBRP unit will be louder. But each example are direct replacements for your factory cat-back system, and will have exhaust hangers welded into place for a direct fitment. It should make for an excellent project that can be performed over the weekend that even novice wrenchers can do with basic garage tools.

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