Anthony's Apexi N1 Cat-Back Review

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Name: Anthony Cascio
Email: [email protected]
Product: A'PEXi N1 cat-back exhaust
Model: S14
Store: Overboost Racing
Price: $485 w/ shipping and tax included
Car: 1998 S14
Worth_it: Yes
Difficulty_Rating: 2
Date: 10 Feb 1999

Problems

Installation was simple, only taking about 30 minutes to complete. Only one minor problem was encountered. The tolerances were very tight near the rear bumper. The muffler can came in contact with the steel frame of the bumper when taking large bumps, so a rubber pad was added on the underside to protect both the muffler and the bumper, as well as eliminating the clanging noise emitted when the two made contact.

Tips

Be sure and use deep sockets to remove the bolts from the cat. The studs make the use of regular sockets impossible. Even though the project car was a 1998 model, a fair amount of rust had accumulated on the cat studs. A large breaker bar was necessary to get the nuts free initially. Also, the rubber exhaust hangers may be easily removed by spraying aerosol "butter" on the hangers. This doesn't react with the rubber like some petroleum based solvents.

Thoughts

Performance increases were as follows: -Decrease in low end torque (remember, this is a 3" exhaust) -Tremendous increase in high RPM horsepower -Excellent "bassy", smooth sound (Not anywhere close to the annoying bumblebee sound made by all those Hondas! -The look that says "I will violate you severely" was effectively added (This greatly adds to the intimidation factor one has on V8 powered domestics)

Other

This modification was a great value for the money. The combination of the small muffler, angled exit and huge 115mm tip really looks great. In combination with a Stillen / K&N intake, I estimate around a 20hp gain at the flywheel from stock. My car now runs a 15.6 or 15.7 in the 1/4 consistently (according to the G-Tech Performance meter). Not bad for only two bolt-on mods!