FI LTH paired with ... ???
 

Hey,

So, I've decided to buy Dreamers FI LTH and I'm trying to decide what CBE to pair this with.

My requirements are:
1) Cheap, heh.
2) Not the LOUDEST - It can be med-loud, but not the LOUDEST ever. heh
3) Power - (optimal hq/tq for the per the items above)

Extra, but not a big deal:
4) I like the V style cans (HKS, FI, etc).

Here are some cheap exhausts I've found:
1) Agency Power
2) CNT (cheapest shipped)
3) Stillen w/LTH (Sounds great, not cheap)
370Z w/ F.I. LTHs and Stillen CBE - Interior Driving/Sound Clip - YouTube
4) Berk w/LTH (Sounds great as well, maybe too loud ..?)
370z long tube headers - YouTube

So, I don't want to go cheap and end up "paying" for it, by producing sub-optimal power and having a crappy sound. I like the look of the CNT, it sounds decent on a stock setup, and for the price, it'd be great, if you think it won't hurt my #s too much - the big unknown is what it'll sound like paired w/the LTH ...

TIA for the help. :cool:

Why not the FI exhaust to go with the FI LTH? It would be cheaper if you picked up a used one. Just keep looking around the Classifieds, you will see good deals there eventually.

I've thought about that - but the non-res is too loud for my tastes (heard it last week in person - amazingly mean, but just a bit too much for me). Compared to the AP or CNT a used FI CBE won't come close in cost, but it will be right about the stillen/berk cost.

Also, the FI CBE sits pretty low in the rear cans ... that's a concern for me.

And also, why are you going for broke with the LTH's to cheap out on the exhaust? :ugh2:

The FI LTH's were made to be paired optimally with the FI CBE. I have the FI CBE and LTH's. 18" Resonators and SS Cans. The exhaust is quiet when you want it to be, and loud when you want it to be. (Quieter than HFC's at idle and cruising, roars when you get on it.)

If you're worrying about the ride height, I'm lowered an inch all around and I have no problems, along with a lot of other people. But since some have had problems, they modified the piping design and raised the cans 3/4 of an inch to give you more clearance... Have you read the FI LTH or CBE Threads??

Well, any money I save on the CBE, I can invest in other mods. Sure at the end of the day maybe the 18" res FI CBE is the best pairing and maybe that's what I'll do.

However, by looking at the other exhausts, they are pretty similar to my eye from a flow perspective and if I can save $$$ by going w/a cheaper brand, get decent power #s and sound, then why not ... ?

Its sort of like the argument w/CAI vs stock airboxes. I've seen arguments for both sides and I decided to do drop ins and post MAF hoses. Probably just as good performance as the CAI for a lot cheaper (IMO, open to argument of course, but based on all the threads I've read, not a bad move in the near term).

So, I'm just trying to do the same from the exhaust side. The FI LTH are a great deal, I think that's a super wise buy - but the exhaust pairing, I'm just not convinced that I must go FI CBE ... (though I might - just looking for input...)

I understand and completely agree with you on the saving money bit. :tup: But I'm not a fan of sacrificing quality for saving a few bucks. Not saying that's what you're doing, but just making the point. When compared to the FI's I have yet to see any other exhaust (even ones with similar piping designs) matching FI's ability to produce power. If you don't mind sacrificing some power the you'll be ok.

The argument for CAI/Drop ins is pretty much do you care more about looks or money. But again, the Stillens (Most expensive for those with a brain) is the top gainer. So its basically do you mind paying a bit more, to get a bit more. I'd like to get them but I was hoping the price would drop a bit by now... But since some other options are coming along here shortly, I'm going to hold off on them.

And I'm right there with you, I have the K&N Drop Ins and MAF Tubes as well. My combo netted me 35whp over stock without a tune. I'd say thats pretty good so far. Can't wait to get my full intakes and then actually Get a tune to see how well she can really pull.

You don't have to go FI CBE. It's just looking at it from perspective of the header was built to be paired with the exhaust, and that paired with anyone elses (more restrictive) exhaust will null some of the gains you would see from the headers. In the end it's whatever makes you happy. :tiphat:

With that logic you should have just gone with test pipes, especially considering the time/cost to install the headers. Usually people who get the LTH are trying to squeeze out as much power as they can. From a gains/$ perspective, I don't think the LTH are that great of a deal. I've seen used FI exhausts go for under $1k, which isn't that bad. I got my used Berk exhaust for $700. Just keep looking and you will find a good deal.

You want to play you gotta pay. Don't cheap out on something that you might end up changing up later anyway due to dissatisfaction.

LTH's will help the N/A guys, but it will help the SC guys more as it's freer flowing. This is why I'm looking to go SC instead of TT one day. :tup:

But I'd agree, if you're looking to save money, why spend $1200 on headers, and get TP's instead... they almost sound the same, adding more rasp, but you will save almost $500 after the install. :ugh2:

Good points both of you - ok - I'm going to continue researching and trying to find as much info as possible before I pull the trigger...thanks again for the feedback.

Best advice I can give you is to actually give Tony at Fast Intentions a call. He'll be able to help you decide, even if you don't go with F.I. exhaust. :tup: Great guy!

Probably way more than that. I've heard the LTH can take like 12 hrs to install, which if you're getting it done from a shop is like $1200. Test pipes take probably $200-300 at the most.

Will do, thanks.

One last thing, they don't sniff test in NY, they only visual inspect, correct? So I shouldn't have trouble passing inspection w/the LTH and CBE ... ?

HKS exhaust is the only way :)






DAN