I recently installed the CircuitWerks catback and thought I'd share with everyone how it went to install and how it is.
- Quality -
I am happy with the quality of the system and the cost makes it even better. Welds are strong and the piping wasn't poorly formed or bent. Edges were smooth and the piping fit into each other just fine. I like the tips and think they don't need to be swapped with something "better". All the hardware is solid and comprehensive. Overall, it makes you question why other systems cost so much more. Mine is the polished finish and it looks polished.
- Fitment and Install -
I have a bit of a muddied experience because I didn't connect to the OEM downpipe and I added an in-line resonator, forcing me to cut into the system's pipe. I can say, though, that I had little trouble aligning and securing the system to the car. Had the OEM downpipe been there, it would have been positioned nicely, but I don't know for a certainty how the butt joint would be. The CircuitWerks is about 2.375 OD, so it should match up to the downpipe's end. I had some trouble with the tips lining up symmetrically to the stock rear valence though, and I don't think it was completely because of my cutting the piping. I needed a little bit of ingenuity to do it. FWIW, I got it to look good, so it can happen. No bangs or rattles while driving, either.
- Sound and Driveability -
It's good, but it's tough to report because I don't have a stock downpipe. I've got a 3" Catted downpipe that this connects to and it's loud. It's a little too much. It comes with the two resonators at the ends and I almost would like to cut one in half to see if they're actually filled with anything. I had noise concerns going in, so I bought the additional Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonator to make sure I had noise under control. Even still, at full throttle it's a bit too droney for me around 3K RPM. Engine braking at that point is a little unpleasant, too. Highway driving is fine, though, because it's cruising and not WOT. Also, 70-80 MPH is still pretty much below the drone. With the stock downpipe, I think this would need nothing, or maybe a resonator added, but it's tough with the aftermarket downpipe. I'll be adding a racing muffler downstream from the resonator to see if that will help at all.
- Complaints -
I was skeptical at first, and when I installed it, my skepticism was validated: you don't lose 50 lbs with this exhaust like they say. I installed the downpipe and catback at once and there was a net loss of 17 lbs, including the Vibrant resonator. The resonator doesn't weigh 33 lbs haha. The new downpipe is about the same weight as the stock one, but a little lighter. It's a little too loud for me and my dd. Even if I was connecting to the OEM downpipe, I'd probably need to add a resonator or muffler to the system. Oh, and there's no sticker?! What a RIP!!
Hopefully this helps anyone looking at this today. I know our cars are getting a bit older and activity has slowed, but if I am doing this now, others must be too.
- Quality -
I am happy with the quality of the system and the cost makes it even better. Welds are strong and the piping wasn't poorly formed or bent. Edges were smooth and the piping fit into each other just fine. I like the tips and think they don't need to be swapped with something "better". All the hardware is solid and comprehensive. Overall, it makes you question why other systems cost so much more. Mine is the polished finish and it looks polished.
- Fitment and Install -
I have a bit of a muddied experience because I didn't connect to the OEM downpipe and I added an in-line resonator, forcing me to cut into the system's pipe. I can say, though, that I had little trouble aligning and securing the system to the car. Had the OEM downpipe been there, it would have been positioned nicely, but I don't know for a certainty how the butt joint would be. The CircuitWerks is about 2.375 OD, so it should match up to the downpipe's end. I had some trouble with the tips lining up symmetrically to the stock rear valence though, and I don't think it was completely because of my cutting the piping. I needed a little bit of ingenuity to do it. FWIW, I got it to look good, so it can happen. No bangs or rattles while driving, either.
- Sound and Driveability -
It's good, but it's tough to report because I don't have a stock downpipe. I've got a 3" Catted downpipe that this connects to and it's loud. It's a little too much. It comes with the two resonators at the ends and I almost would like to cut one in half to see if they're actually filled with anything. I had noise concerns going in, so I bought the additional Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonator to make sure I had noise under control. Even still, at full throttle it's a bit too droney for me around 3K RPM. Engine braking at that point is a little unpleasant, too. Highway driving is fine, though, because it's cruising and not WOT. Also, 70-80 MPH is still pretty much below the drone. With the stock downpipe, I think this would need nothing, or maybe a resonator added, but it's tough with the aftermarket downpipe. I'll be adding a racing muffler downstream from the resonator to see if that will help at all.
- Complaints -
I was skeptical at first, and when I installed it, my skepticism was validated: you don't lose 50 lbs with this exhaust like they say. I installed the downpipe and catback at once and there was a net loss of 17 lbs, including the Vibrant resonator. The resonator doesn't weigh 33 lbs haha. The new downpipe is about the same weight as the stock one, but a little lighter. It's a little too loud for me and my dd. Even if I was connecting to the OEM downpipe, I'd probably need to add a resonator or muffler to the system. Oh, and there's no sticker?! What a RIP!!
Hopefully this helps anyone looking at this today. I know our cars are getting a bit older and activity has slowed, but if I am doing this now, others must be too.