Stock vs Nismo
 

I don't want my new Z to sound like a Buick, but I don't want it to sound like a hot rod either. I am thinking about replacing my stock exhaust with the standard Nismo cat back exhaust not the R-Tune. I do not want to void the warranty. Can anyone tell me the difference in sound between the stock and Nismo exhausts?

I ran an OEM Nismo Cat-back for several years. The difference in sound is minor. This Cat-back is responsible for around half of the 18 HP difference between the base and Nismo, so you will gain a few horses. The idle at start-up will be louder, but it quiets as the car warms up. Under normal cruising conditions the difference in sound will be almost unnoticeable. Under heavy throttle you will hear a more aggressive note, but again, it's nothing crazy or unbearable. If all you want is a few more horses and a slightly more aggressive note without breaking the bank, it's a decant system.

I put a used Nismo exhaust on my previous 370Z sport. If I recall there is one hanger that was in a different location, but I didn’t really need it (it was a while ago, so ymmv). The sound? It’s a bit deeper tone and a bit louder under acceleration. It’s subtle. I would say there are better sounding exhausts that are not crazy loud. However, it met my criteria at the time - cheap. ;)

I agree there are better performing and sounding systems, but I was in the same boat at the time. I wanted something better but didn't have much cash to spend. For the price, it wasn't bad.

Getting older and no longer care for making a lot of noise and seeking unwanted attention.

After going through 4-5 variations of aftermarket exhausts i finally settled for a stock Nismo exhaust and it’s working well for me. Slightly louder than your base exhaust when cruising and when you get on it other people will hear you’re coming, and it’s not excessively loud. I’m also running a Y pipe from a Nismo S tune so the sound may be different from the typical Nismo set up.

The stock exhaust on the Z leaves a lot to be desired because it is too quiet for a Japanese sports car and the design is restrictive and heavy as well. I know the S-Tune Nismo exhaust has a nice aggressive sound without being too loud. The R-Tune Nismo exhaust is more conservative but still has a good exhaust note too. The only other exhaust I believe would really be similar would be the Stillen exhaust. You can not have your warranty voided because you just installed a exhaust there is a act such as the Magnuson-Moss warranty act. The Nissan dealership service department will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the actual aftermarket part or modification you installed deliberately caused the Genuine Nissan OEM part to fail. If anything the Nissan Dealership Service Department will be in terrible odds are. You should listen to other Z enthusiasts exhausts in person or listen to exhaust clips on places like YouTube to determine what exhaust you really like. Exhaust is just a very subjective topic here on this forum it seems that everyone likes something different now days. Also be selective about where you bring your Z for service.

Thanks Quicksilvers.

I got differing responses about warranty issues from the parts department and the sales department at the same dealership. I agree that the sound is subjective. I have spent a lot of time listening to sound clips, and it is difficult to tell. I will see if I can find some guys around here who have exhaust systems I can actually listen to.