Backround
So on Monday my Ark Performance DT-S exhaust arrived. Which was right in time since on Tuesday I had to drive out to El Paso from Fort Worth for my new job location.
I installed it myself. I work as a contractor on base and have access to there "Auto Hobby Shop" which is a building with lifts and all the tools you ever would need for a car and helpful staff. Was like 5 bucks a hour for a stall.
The story behind me getting this particular one is everyone was out of every other exhaust virtually and I did not want to wait. I wanted a Fast Intentions but the 10 week wait was the killer. I had a Ark on my prior car so I gave them a call. I had initially wanted there GRIP model but they were out on that. So I asked about the DT-S and they were out. Then the guy said they had a model that just got made that no one had yet. It has a Matte finish vs a shiny one. So I got him to text me the pictures and was like hell yea I will take that.
Install
The install went pretty smooth except for the Nissan OEM one. I had to remove that as one singular piece except for the muffler section. Some of the bolts with virtually any tool would not unscrew. Not a issue. It required me to remove the plate that is under the car which was easy.
Installing the DT-S was simple. I have read that some rattle from hitting that plate, and to get new gaskets vice using the OEM ones up front which I did. The rattling is not a issue as its not touching that plate. My suggestion is you push up while you bolt it. Should have plenty of clearance.
On Monday I installed it without doing a fit since I had to bounce. Tuesday morning I returned to adjust and make sure everything was tight. I could not get it exactly perfect or how I wanted it exactly. The issue is either the exhaust hangers or the hanger that the rubber thing is you put the exhaust into. It requires some adjustment. Looks good to me and I had to leave so that is another day issue.
Sound
Intoxicating, and thrilling. The Nissan OEM exhaust sucks donkey butt you know this, I know this, everyone knows this. You got a 40k sports car you want it to sound like one. This thing sounds awesome.
When your cruising and below 3500 RPM or so its a nice louder then OEM exhaust. When you hit the pedal it the car blasts out its authority. Its how it should of sounded from the get go.
Performance
Ehh I dunno...Fort Worth to El Paso was the first time really I took her out on the highway. Darted here and there, raced a sorry Mustang, a Camaro, and WRX STI along the way. Sorry my butt dyno is not precise..I have no frame of reference since the car is virtually new...bought it around Xmas time.
If your looking for a good exhaust for sure check this one. I am loving it so far. People look at my car flying by now where as before not so much. Rolling down the street telling people that a bad *** Z is coming through is pretty fun!
Looks
Looks fantastic. I like the matte look, and burnt tips. My car is black, rims are black so it all fits in nicely. I do love how the Fast Intentions, and Grip style ones look as well but this one looks good to me as well.
Pics that Ark sent of it to me.
Refreshing to see a company not afraid of the religious Nazis who wish to scrub the universe clean of it (scripture on the box)
