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Recommendations for performance exhaust systems for a Nissan 370Z?

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I’m finally looking to upgrade my 370Z's stock exhaust for something with more growl. I want a cat-back system that offers a deep tone without that annoying highway drone. I've been eyeing the Motordyne Shockwave or Tomei Expreme, but I'm worried about fitment issues. What setup are you guys running for the best balance of performance and sound?


11 Answers
17

Been using this for years, no complaints


16

Sooo just found this thread and honestly, if ur looking for market-leading fitment and *zero* drone, you gotta look at HKS Hi-Power Spec-L II Exhaust System for Nissan 370Z.

I mean, based on my research and owning one, here is how the top contenders stack up:

* HKS Hi-Power Spec-L II: Best for weight saving and that super refined, exotic tone. It's highkey the best daily driver setup.
* Stillen Dual Cat-Back Exhaust System: This one is basically the gold standard for build quality and is 50-state legal, tho it's a bit heavier than the HKS.

I'd personally go with HKS cuz it sounds AMAZING without being obnoxious on the highway. Good luck with the build!!


14

yo, so i’ve actually been through a few setups on my Z cuz i’m super picky about that highway drone. honestly, if ur looking for performance without the headache, i would suggest checking out the MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System 16483.

I ran it for a year and it’s basically the best balance for a daily.

* Deep tone? Definitely, it sounds way more aggressive than stock.
* Drone? Almost zero, even at cruising speeds.
* Fitment? It was literally a bolt-on deal with no issues.

Just make sure to get new gaskets cuz the ones in the box are kinda thin imo. peace!


6

yo, i feel u on the stock exhaust... it's basically silent lol. honestly i've been through a few setups on my Z and i gotta say, be careful with the ones you mentioned. i actually had a single exit like the Tomei for a bit and i highkey hated the highway drone... it was literally vibrating my teeth out after 20 minutes!! so if you want that deep growl without the headache, i would suggest looking into the Fast Intentions or maybe the ARK Performance setups. i'm currently running a 12-inch resonator setup and it's basically the perfect balance?? it's got that exotic scream when you're pinned but its actually quiet enough to talk to a passenger while cruising. just make sure to check the fitment on the hangers cuz some of these bigger pipes can rattle against the heat shield if you arent careful. gl with the build!


5

Seconding the recommendation above about skipping the single exits... honestly, I learned that lesson the hard way. I've been in the Z game for six years now and unfortunately, I had issues with a few "hyped" systems that sounded like straight trash on the highway. I actually spent a ton of money on a setup similar to what you mentioned and the drone was SO bad I lowkey couldn't even hear my music. Not as good as expected at all.

If you want that perfect balance, I'd seriously suggest looking into the Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System 140313. I've had mine for three years and it’s basically the gold standard for a "mature" deep tone. It uses a specific multi-core technology to cancel out those high-pitched raspy frequencies while keeping the low-end VQ growl. Plus, the fitment is 10/10 and actually lines up with the bumper cutouts. gl!


4

So basically the consensus is to skip the single exits if you're worried about drone, and honestly, I agree. I've been happy with my dual setup for years cuz it handles the salt and humidity where I live way better. Just get any high-quality stainless system from a brand like Borla or Magnaflow and you'll be satisfied. They're built like tanks and won't rust out after one bad winter. gl with the build!


4

TL;DR from this thread:

1. Skip the single exits if you hate drone.
2. Invidia is the go-to for balance.
3. But honestly, make sure you double-check those flange bolts after a week cuz stuff rattles loose and that's a huge safety risk on the highway!


3

For your situation, honestly, if you're worried about fitment and that annoying drone, you gotta look at the Invidia Gemini Rolled Stainless Steel Tip Cat-Back Exhaust System. I've been running this setup for a minute now and i'm super happy with the balance it provides.

So here is the deal from a technical and budget perspective:

1. Value: It's way more affordable than a Motordyne Shockwave))) Exhaust System but still uses high-quality T-304 stainless steel. You're getting 60mm piping which is perfect for maintaining backpressure on a mostly stock VQ37.
2. Sound Profile: It has an H-pipe design which gives it a deeper, more refined growl compared to the raspy X-pipe setups. It's basically silent at highway speeds (zero drone!!) but opens up realy nice when you pin it.
3. Fitment: It's known for being a direct bolt-on. I installed mine in a driveway with basic tools and everything lined up perfectly with the stock hangers.

If you want something a bit more aggressive but still budget-friendly, maybe check out the Ark Performance GRiP Exhaust System. It has those resonated canisters that help kill the drone, though it's a bit pricier than the Invidia.

But yeah, definitely skip the Tomei Expreme Ti Titanium Cat-Back Exhaust if you're worried about drone... those single exits are highkey loud and will vibrate your brain on long drives lol. Plus, titanium is cool but definitely adds a premium to the cost that might not be worth it if you're just looking for a daily driver growl. Good luck with the build! 👍


3

Honestly, if youre worried about fitment and doing the install yourself, I would suggest looking into the AAM Competition S-Line mid-pipe and muffler setup. I'm a big DIY enthusiast and installed mine in the driveway over a weekend. The fitment is basically perfection compared to the Tomei, which can be a nightmare to line up right. It has a really deep, refined growl but is much more conservative on the highway, so you wont get that brain-rattling drone you're worried about. Plus, going the DIY route saves you like $200+ on shop labor. Just make sure to soak your stock bolts in PB Blaster for a full day before you start cuz those OEM flange bolts are notorious for snapping. It's a solid balance of performance and sound without being obnoxious, right?


3

> Like someone mentioned, make sure you double-check those flange bolts after a week cuz stuff rattles loose and that's a huge safety risk on the highway! Oh man, I totally agree with this! A few years back, I was so hyped after finishing an install that I just started ripping it everywhere... I thought I was golden. But honestly, about two weeks in, I started hearing this terrifying clanking sound while doing 75 on the freeway. I highkey thought my whole rear end was falling off! Turns out one of the hangers snapped because the piping was way too close to the frame and the heat basically melted the rubber. It was such a nightmare trying to zip-tie it back together on the side of the road! Seriously guys, please watch out for the clearance around your fuel lines and the differential too. If those pipes are even an inch too close, you are gonna have a massive problem. I always go back under the car after 100 miles and re-tighten everything. It sounds overkill but its way better than having your mid-pipe dragging on the asphalt at midnight... trust me! Love seeing everyone helping out tho, keep the Zs screaming!


2

Would love to know this too


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