2003 Legacy catback

[SilverSuby]

I got a 2003 Legacy L and I am having a hard time finding a cat back exhaust do exhausts from other models fit my car?

[Wiscon_Mark]

WRX/STi/Impreza exhaust systems will work well with some small modifications - the midpipe needs to be extended, and some exhaust hangers rewelded.

You could always get the SPT muffler and have an exhaust shop do the midpipe (pretty easy, one very small bend) with a resonator.

Or you could buy a muffler (Magnaflow/Vibrant/etc) and have an exhaust shop do all of the piping all the way back.

[SilverSuby]

Does it still have to be the same year model?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Nah, I had an 06 STi catback on my car for a while (it's on somebody else's Legacy now, too loud for me). I think you'd be safe with any Impreza catback exhaust, you'd just have to remember that it takes a little modification. The STi system is fairly loud, while the WRX is quieter, but still an improvement over stock.

As far as Legacy exhaust systems go, I think it's pretty interchangeable from 90-04 from the catalytic converter all the way back - The 05+ ones have a different muffler setup. The only difference on the 90-04s is the tip length difference between the wagon & sedan.

[SilverSuby]

How loud are the impreza systems because the weekly meets i go to the sti's that go aren't that loud i just want a deep sound. Also my engine is only 2.5L and my friend say its not gunna sound good its gunna sound like a fart can.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Well your friend doesn't know much about Subarus then. As long as you keep a resonator in the system, you won't sound like a Honda.

My experience with the STi catback was that it was much louder on my car than an actual STi. Probably because of the lack of a turbo on my car to interrupt sound waves from the exhaust. The sound was fairly deep, but a little too loud/droaning inside the cabin. Oddly enough people with a sedan have no problems with this issue, likely because their trunk is isolated from the cabin. Outside the car the volume level isn't too bad unless you hammer it, but it's definitely louder than stock by quite a bit. And FWIW, my engine was only a 2.2L.

Sound clips for you to listen to:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=340 (http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=340)

I believe my car with the STi catback and a hi-flow cat is in there somewhere.

[Huffer]

^^ I have to counter Mark because I am running an 05 STi axleback with a 2.25" custom resonated midpipe and Borla headers on my wagon. No drone and it's perfectly fine for the residential neighborhood. When I get on it, people know it, and when it's idling it just has a low rumble. But a lot of it is due to personal preference.

SilverSuby - your friend doesn't know much about Subaru's - the 2.5L is plenty of volume to warrant a larger exhaust system - but no more than 2.5" internal diameter otherwise you'll be wasting space. If you keep the axleback tip to 2.5"-3", you'll have a good deep note without being too loud.

[SilverSuby]

I have a nice sound system so I'm not too worried about the droning. Huffer how much hp did the headers add I'm looking at dual port unequal length headers but they are 400 bucks and I'm not sure about it since my car is only 160 hp roughly.

[MRLancaster]

This is what it sounds like with UEL Headers, 2.5'' midipe with resonator, and a cannon
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/th_MVI_0242-1.jpg (http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k115/T-Ho_man/?action=view&current=MVI_0242.mp4)

(alot more deeper note in person)

[SilverSuby]

http://www.streetsideauto.com/p/magnafl ... nce-16658/ (http://www.streetsideauto.com/p/magnaflow-performance-exhaust-stainless-steel-cat-back-performance-16658/) do you think this would do the job without a lot of extra work my shop charges 65 an hour just on labor and I'm just in high school and don't have money for days.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Exhaust work isn't that labor intensive. You'd pay a lot less for a custom job. Probably 150-300 bucks.

[SilverSuby]

Do you think the link I posted will be a decent buy?

[02_Legacy]

If I were doing a budget minded exhaust setup I would be looking for something used. There are used exhausts for sale all the time over on NASIOC. And exhausts are not something that goes bad after time.

[MRLancaster]

No, as stated, get used or just buy a muffler and get a shop to do the rest. A lot cheaper

[MRLancaster]

Thats what I have done for all my previous setups, and for the one I'm running now

[Wiscon_Mark]

Do you think the link I posted will be a decent buy?

No, again, you can have a shop do a custom job for probably half that, easily. You can buy a universal muffler (magnaflow has tons of them) and have them weld up all the piping, hangers, etc for a lot less than 600 bucks.

[SilverSuby]

The universal muffler what should the dimensions be on that, 2.25"/4" inlet outlet is the muffler I am looking at.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Generally when people upgrade they usually do 2.25" piping for a non-turbo motor. A 4" output sounds a little overkill. If you want a nice beefy tip, maybe stick with 3" piping.

[SilverSuby]

Ok and 2.25" is good input for the 2.25" piping

[SilverSuby]

This is still going to be a 600 job 120 for the muffler and Meineke said a little under 400 for installation.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Then don't go to Meineke. I had my whole catback done at a local shop for less than 300 with all the parts & labor.

[SilverSuby]

them and midas are the only ones and midas isn't good here. http://www.carid.com/universal-exhaust- ... 85922.html (http://www.carid.com/universal-exhaust-systems/magnaflow-muffler-85922.html) this is the muffler I'm pretty sure I am getting.

[susiemk]

You should contact the guys from Tsudo - they have a UEL Header + a catless midpipe for about $260 & also sell catbacks that fit both GC & GD Imprezas for about $260 as well or $500 for a full header back exhaust (see RS25 vendor sales for photos/pricing)...
They use 304 stainless steel, everything is TIG welded, & they may want to know/see if the exhaust will work on a Legacy (Discount price for being the test subject...).

I bet you can adapt one of their cat-backs to work on your car - I know BC Legacy guys have adapted STi Cat-back exhausts to work in the past with a 3-6" spacer flanged like the OEM exhasuts that bolts between the axleback & mid-pipe or cat & midpipe - forgot which.

[susiemk]

I have OBX EL-Headers (stainless steel), custom 2.25" Mandrel bent resonated midpipe, & a BH Legacy N/A specific Prodrive Axleback (stainless steel) on my 2003 Legacy L-SE Wagon.

It is very quiet @ cruise/idle with a bit of 2-stroke/Rotary zing when you step on it - which I like as I like 2-strokes & Rotarys.

The Prodrive axleback is meant to be used with a JDM bumper so it dumps about 1-1.5" from the edge of / under the USDM Bumper & you cannot read the PRODRIVE Etching on the top of the muffler tip from the rear of the car.

[susiemk]

I had a WRX axleback with a non-resonated custom mandrel bent 2.25" midpipe & a 2.25" mandrel bent single hi-flow cat pipe on my 1999 2.2l OBS & it was quiet @ idle or cruise but was LOUD as soon as you stepped on it.
It was not a good loud like a EWG Dump - it was a nasty junky sounding LOUD...
When I put the turbo on my car it was whisper quiet @ WOT.

I got another 1999 OBS with a WRX muffler on it & it sounds great - but it has a resonated/mufflered midpipe & a single OEM cat - nice little tone to it not loud or annoying.

So the WRX exhaust needs a turbo or resonator/mid muffler to quiet it down...

[omgshitsjrdn]

them and midas are the only ones and midas isn't good here. http://www.carid.com/universal-exhaust- ... 85922.html (http://www.carid.com/universal-exhaust-systems/magnaflow-muffler-85922.html) this is the muffler I'm pretty sure I am getting.


Will this fit on my bd? I love the look and how is the sound on yours?? I want a slight loud but a nice deep boxer growl. should i just get this or wajt to get my headers and know any good headers?? Like you Im just a hs student.. so Im budgeting

[SilverSuby]

So what I did is that with a 2.25" catback, it sound decent but not what I want it to be like. With headers once I get them I am hoping to get the boxer growl we all strive for. There is a group buy that reason is trying to get going with UEL headers but I'm not sure how long it will take to get up. There should be a thing on the top of every topic saying "Exhaust Poll" cast a vote if you still can and well see what happens.
-Logan

[omgshitsjrdn]

So what I did is that with a 2.25" catback, it sound decent but not what I want it to be like. With headers once I get them I am hoping to get the boxer growl we all strive for. There is a group buy that reason is trying to get going with UEL headers but I'm not sure how long it will take to get up. There should be a thing on the top of every topic saying "Exhaust Poll" cast a vote if you still can and well see what happens.
-Logan

After an hour of gruesome searching I happened to fine these Borla Replicas

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-PC-SS-MANIFOLD-HEADER-UP-PIPE-UPPIPE-EXHAUST-02-07-SUBARU-IMPREZA-WRX-STI-EJ25-/180852546107?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ASubaru&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a1ba6da3b#ht_4186wt_1270


Will this fit on my 95 Leggy? I have a 2.2L..

[SilverSuby]

Is your engine an EJ25 and the thing with headers are they are very hit or miss with quality some people have to go through several pairs and some people can have one pair for life. I'm waiting to see where the group buy goes since I am in hurry for them.
-Logan

[omgshitsjrdn]

Is your engine an EJ25 and the thing with headers are they are very hit or miss with quality some people have to go through several pairs and some people can have one pair for life. I'm waiting to see where the group buy goes since I am in hurry for them.
-Logan

It's not it's a 2.2 but I can get one for free having my uncle who specializes just for Subaru's in Williamsport. Say.. If I could would it be good if I build a hybrid with my 2.2 with a 2.5?

[SilverSuby]

I would just swap for a turbo engine if your going to do any work but thats just me.
-Logan

[omgshitsjrdn]

I would but i don't think he has any ej20 v.v

[omgshitsjrdn]

I still havent learned how function a.manual car i feel behind

[SilverSuby]

Same here but I don't know if I'm going to keep the legacy or get an STI yet.
-Logan

[omgshitsjrdn]

Same here but I don't know if I'm going to keep the legacy or get an STI yet.
-Logan


We're so behind..

[SilverSuby]

Haha its called being young my friend.
-Logan

[omgshitsjrdn]

Haha its called being young my friend.
-Logan


Dang Haha are you graduating this year

[SilverSuby]

Next year sadly.
-Logan

[omgshitsjrdn]

Damn, I'm already graduating, but it's all good.. At least you go more car experience than I do..

[SilverSuby]

Haha I started like you.
-Logan

[chrish8r]

You might have to look into some of the larger cities around you like Reading if you want a good exhaust. find a nice shop that does custom work and get their price for a custom cat back. Prices are cheaper in the cities due to competition. And on a side note, i looked up your area on google maps, idk why you have so many meineke's and midas' out there.....

[omgshitsjrdn]

You might have to look into some of the larger cities around you like Reading if you want a good exhaust. find a nice shop that does custom work and get their price for a custom cat back. Prices are cheaper in the cities due to competition. And on a side note, i looked up your area on google maps, idk why you have so many meineke's and midas' out there.....


I rather have not a franchise shop to do my car, because they are pricey.

[chrish8r]

Sorry for the confusion, by nice shop i meant some privately owned one, not a franchise

edit: i had a custom done catback done for $150 in york,pa at miles muffler and brake

[omgshitsjrdn]

Sorry for the confusion, by nice shop i meant some privately owned one, not a franchise

edit: i had a custom done catback done for $150 in york,pa at miles muffler and brake


Should i buy a muffler first? I have an ej22 are there uel headers i could buy for it?

[chrish8r]

If your car is dualport, there are a lot of uel headers. But if it is single port, there is a very slim picking of uel headers.....and the muffler is a very important decision because you need to find the right look, sound and fitment you want. I got a 50 buck mufflerbby OBX off ebay. It sounds nice. Check it out on my ride thread and watch the video if you want to hear how it sounds. Hope this.is helpful

[omgshitsjrdn]

This is so helpful. I was thinking of getting the magnaflow he posted long ago it was a universal muffler

[omgshitsjrdn]

How can i identify if its dual or single?

[chrish8r]

It is how many connectors there are on the header. A dual port will have two holes per side(may look connected) and a single port will have one hole on each side

[omgshitsjrdn]

Ok thanks! :)

[chrish8r]

no problem, glad i could help

[omgshitsjrdn]

Sorry for the confusion, by nice shop i meant some privately owned one, not a franchise

edit: i had a custom done catback done for $150 in york,pa at miles muffler and brake


What did you have to have with you? Pipes or anything?

[chrish8r]

All i brought with me was the muffler i wanted put on.

[omgshitsjrdn]

All i brought with me was the muffler i wanted put on.


Yes, whew thought I was missing something, but nope ;) Progress soon. If I wanted to install an intake what would be better? Maybe we can start a new thread on intakes? Sri or Cai?

[omgshitsjrdn]

Or we can move back onto my introduction post.

[chrish8r]

I can answer that...hybrid intake....search.it and you will lnow what all you need