Nissan Frontier Exhaust Shootout (Top 6 Exhaust Systems TESTED)

[@border411]

I know you all are Z1.... But I'm impressed by your lack of bias. I don't even have a Frontier, and I would choose a Z1 kit in a heartbeat.

[@D41Mallcrawler]

yep I love their transparency, not many companies are like that.

[@TheTurbineEngineer]

This is the way to market, let your product speak for itself

[@AdrianJamaal]

That Borla sound is worth every penny

[@TheTurbineEngineer]

This was a very impressive video. I know this took a massive amount of time and effort from you guys, it is much appreciated! Also I can't believe the difference in torque from just a catback... that would make the difference when towing something big.

[@z1off-road]

Thanks for watching! It was great to see torque and power gains from all of these we tested.

[@treverlebarre5502]

Did this truck have the Z1 CAI while doing this comparison?

[@z1off-road]

@@treverlebarre5502 No, this truck was 100% stock upon testing.

[@treverlebarre5502]

Thanks. I wondered what the dyno numbers would be with both the CAI and CBE.

[@TheTurbineEngineer]

@@z1off-road Smart. Don't muddy the waters with other mods.

[@mrspincitycrew6757]

Love that support for Nissans keep it up

[@z1off-road]

We will!

[@donaldkeller7935]

Borla sounded the best

[@DanBiddle138]

Out of all them I prefer the Z1 exhaust system. It had the best sound (loud enough but not annoying loud) also had the best performance. Now I just need to get a Frontier. lol.

[@roayanrodriguez1811]

Same brother! They have good incentives rn

[@choom3639]

😂😂😂

[@choom3639]

I love all the dedication you guys have to the nissan community especially the frontiers ❤❤

[@eliteexposure5594]

I think even he liked the Borla the most but didnt want to admit it. You can tell by his reaction when driving it 😂 but overall the z1 is the best imo because its a great daily exhaust.

[@z1off-road]

I do think the Borla is a quality kit. The fit, finish, sound, and performance was great. But like I said in the video, at that cost, its not worth almost double of some of the others.

[@Blue-moon12]

This was the video I was looking for. I'm in the market for a new exhaust and now I know what each one sounds like etc. Thank you so much guys!

[@z1off-road]

Glad we can help!

[@peterdaniel66]

I have the 2019 version of the Z1 cat back. Amazing quality, deep sound not intrusive at all.. beautiful fit and finish. Well worth the $$. Of course I have the 6 speed manual which really brings out the sound. The Y pipe alone is simply gorgeous

[@josephmorales9625]

Love the new stuff you're showing. My 24 Pro X needs this

[@hockeymann88]

Dude, this video was a ton of work on your part! Great content and you really seem like you do things the right way. Subscribed!

[@jefferylorance7988]

Great video..We appreciate you guys testing 7 different types!

[@13Monkeys]

This has to be one the best exhaust videos i've come accross. Very nice and comprehensive breakdown on all the kits and i like how give all the relevent information! This must have taken a bit of time to get all together, but thanks for making it much easier to compare and make a decision!

[@z1off-road]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@D41Michigan]

The drone on the MBRP is why i got rid of it lol. I had the 304ss version (i live in michigan soo...) I ended up building a equal length setup with a 2.5in inlet to a 3in outlet and 3in all the way back. I run a Vibrant Street Power muffler and i reused the MBRP axle back as its the high clearance version. Truck sounds like a Z and makes good power, better then the MBRP while cruising as the truck doesnt need to shift as much and retains the improved power up top. Drone is minimal as well.

[@JC-ls7lq]

I like the Z1 exhaust based on performance and sound. It looks like it's possible to leave the side exit tubing out...(so it's tucked in for more clearance) That can save a little weight too... I'd still be able to put the exhaust tip at the end of the tube connecting to the muffler. I don't know if that'll give out more vibration or noise in the cabin though...🤔Worth a try when I get mine, I guess!

[@grahammonohan92]

Probably the most straightforward and unbiased comparison test I’ve ever seen. Kudos gentlemen! Just subscribed.

[@brochilldude]

Good stuff. I personally have the Flowmaster Flow FX Extreme exhaust on my D41. I like the axle dump and it reduced weight by around 30lb over stock. It was a little loud for me from 2000-2700 RPM so I had my shop add a resonator and it sounds perfect now. I also had them bend the hangar so it would clear the Z1 Offroad T-Case Skid as the factory exhaust made a lot of contact and this one added some clearance but still touched occasionally. No more skid contact, less weight, and a nice deep tone without any drone.

[@WalkingUpsideDown]

Interesting! I wanted to go with the flowfx but wasn’t sure how loud it was

[@brochilldude]

@@WalkingUpsideDownonly cost me an extra $113 to add the resonator parts and labor, still made out for around $600 or so

[@monkeypolicd]

Can you send me the link? On this reply.

[@Otzchieem]

I want power and lack of drone. The z1 instantly was my favorite and didn’t become beaten and yeah it’s biased but it is offering what id want

[@paulk.1703]

Thank you for this extensive review! You guys rock!

[@MsAce0424]

When i was younger i loved loud exhausts. I still do for my toys. For my dailys, not so much anymore. I think a little tone but quite in the cab is what i need. Definitely eyeing the z1 spacer intake plate, intake and exhaust. After i get my bed cover first and rails for roof too tent. If I was looking for more noise, I'd go borla. I think z1 fits my needs for a daily.

[@D41Mallcrawler]

the Bub Rub whistle tip clip makes this the best video ever made

[@justinhong4115]

😂

[@ConductorRyan]

And the whistle goes WHOOOOOOOO

[@razor4432]

Great breakdown Justin! You did flip the torque and HP #'s though. I still knew what you meant... I can read! 🤣

[@PRO4XKEV]

Great video. For me it is the Z1 exhaust and the NISMO.

[@z1off-road]

Solid options!

[@shawn9318]

Great video guys! Just ordered the Z1 exhaust & CAI package. Can't wait to install on my 23 Pro X!

[@z1off-road]

That's awesome, you will love how it changes your truck.

[@AP-wu1rv]

I’d get the Z1 but cut right where the tip curves and point it down. The Borla is nice lol

[@tcthompson8581]

Thanks for the great products and videos.

[@Matt-oj2kl]

I have the Borla cat back exhaust on my Nissan Titan. Chefs kiss.

[@AnaMendez-1968]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I'm interested in your Z1 exhaust. I did like the way the Borla sounded but it might be too loud for my taste. Plus, can't beat the performance from the Z1!

[@z1off-road]

We agree 100%

[@cire06.]

thats a good sounding V6

[@josuevazquez5083]

Thanks for the effort on the review

[@The_Hi_Life]

You guys are awesome 👏 great test!

[@z1off-road]

Thank you!

[@mr.skeptical3071]

They all sound good, but its real easy to make your own product the best. Do it on a cold morning for more horses! With that being said, i like how much more power the Z1 adds over the others regardless

[@Ldiepian]

May hop on that Z1 package next time it's on sale

[@theshell2387]

Definitely gonna go for the z1 when i have the money.

[@z1off-road]

We're ready when you are!

[@smoak666]

borla hands down. im curious. would the flowmaster kit sound more aggressive if you replaced the american thunder muffler with something like a super 50? similar to the borla

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

A super 50 would also be a more moderate sound, a super 40 or super 44 would be louder, a super 10 would be absolutely obnoxious

[@dieselwrench3621]

Z1 very impressive 👍

[@ChrisGramm]

I must be getting old because I love how quiet my '22 stock exhaust frontier pro4x is. If it isn't a V8 like my '15 Titan (dual wicked exhaust), why make a V6 louder? The performance gains can't be felt. Once the factory exhaust rusts out then maybe I'll shop aftermarket. Until then, it's nice having a quiet rig.

[@marka980]

I hear ya. $1000 kit without headers is alot of money for a single pipe exhaust. You used to be able to get a true dual exhaust with cross-over pipe, dual mufflers and headers for $700-800. Ah, the good 'ol days!

[@douglass56]

I agree. My Tinnitus doesn't need fuel by loud pipes

[@submissions72]

About to join the Nissan and Z1 family!

[@danbelden7354]

Great comparison, your kit definitely rocks

[@snowsolo]

Love all your videos guys. How about you test each of these exhaust setups with your blower on them.

[@justinhong4115]

This was shot when the new truck was still stock with 400 miles on it.

[@snowsolo]

​@@justinhong4115 yeah they already told me that in the beginning of the video. I'd like to hear all these exhaust kits on a frontier with their supercharger kit installed on it. The one they haven't released yet.

[@ajherman]

Borla sounds badass, but seems like it'd get obnoxious every day. I'd say Z1, Nismo, Borla, in that order. Just love how much cheaper these are vs the $2200 Ark Grip catback I had on my G37.

[@johncarnegie5358]

Great stuff! Glad I found this.

[@z1off-road]

Thanks for watching

[@rossg.8733]

Borla sounds best

[@808flipboi9]

What’s the dyno on the stillen exhaust system? I’ve noticed that one is on the website and wanted to know the specs for that system.

[@ChrisD53893]

Regarding HP numbers I’d like to know what time of day and what the ambient conditions were because humidity and temperature can make a 3-15hp difference NA and more so on forced induction

[@damnnitdave]

NISMO all day long!

[@abw121]

Next time your trying out exhaust systems try lathering up the fittings with anti seize they will go together like butter!

[@andychidsey84]

Just got a 2025 Nissan frontier. I was wondering what you or Z1 exhaust and cold air intake would do for it and your tune. I'm hoping to see this video. I'm interested

[@z1off-road]

We have a video showing it with out Power Pack level 2, but here is the listing for Power Pack Level 1; www.z1offroad.com/z1-power-packs/z1-off-road/2022-nissan-frontier-power-package-level-p-40489.html

[@cstricker1395]

Question about these after market exhausts. I have a 23 SV and when i turn it off the exhaust has a crackling sound when its cooling which i know is normal but on the frontier its at a new level. Plus if the trucks running and the windows down i can still slightly hear it. Will a upgraded exhaust stop this?

[@mafosa8519]

Probably have better results. If you let the computer relearn the pulse signals.

[@Vdeinnar]

Z1 all the way! Btw, do you need a tune when upgrading catback? Thanks!

[@z1off-road]

You can absolutely upgrade only the exhaust system without a tune. Thanks for watching!

[@neoskater420]

AFE didn't make the list? I have a AFE offroad High tuck am curious on how it will compare to these.

[@CalvAnon]

The price on 24” Frontier is far better than 24’ Tacoma. But personally I’m not a fan of the front grill, to me that is.

[@douglass56]

I went with Nissan V-6 over Toyota new Turbo I-4

[@3RAN7ON]

The Tacoma's front end reminds me of when my dog got stung by a bee and his face swelled up. Around the headlights is just a huge swollen mess on the Taco imo

[@averyanderson6945]

When are you guys dropping the super charger kit??

[@zachcamp9444]

Were any of these dyno runs with the different exhaust also using a new tune as well or is the truck still on the factory tune for every run?

[@z1off-road]

We left everything stock, the only thing that was changed between each runs were the 7 different exhaust kits.

[@marka980]

I want a Stainless exhaust to replace the stock tubing and I like the Z1 price and numbers, but what does the higher output and larger tubing design do for the mileage of the truck? Does the stock computer need tweaked for the free'er breathing exhaust?

[@z1off-road]

No tuning was needed for this, it frees up a bit of the restriction from the stock exhaust. So not a huge gain in MPG, but you will love the sound so it might go down as you put your foot in to it more often haha.

[@nemesisrr9492]

Omg!!! wish this video was out last week. got the nismo exhaust last week. I would have picked the louder 1...

[@ulisesavila7209]

which one is that?

[@nemesisrr9492]

I would have went with the Borla type

[@Blue-moon12]

How is the Nismo?

[@nemesisrr9492]

I like it. but when your not on the gas peddle it's quite

[@winny6673]

Well done!

[@z1off-road]

Thank you

[@cowycowy2469]

So what’s the Outcome What Exauhst do You Highly recomend or would you install??? Or did I miss something?

[@nismochik8638]

Watch to the end. The final segment shows the what you are looking for.

[@erasamus1057]

i mean based on this video i would definitely buy the z1 just on an overall bases....... poster: z1-off road👀 🤔.i mean i will probably but your kit but......🤔

[@ryanknoetgen4044]

Just got my first 2024 pro4x 3 days ago I plan on keeping it forever what are some things I should know any known issues I should take care of first ?

[@z1off-road]

We haven't run across anything, that may change as they age. Just normal scheduled maintenance as of now on ours.

[@Blue-moon12]

Now release the Kracken...that supercharger!

[@z1off-road]

👀

[@480bomber]

20 minute install standing under a truck lifted in the air. Do it rolling around on the garage floor.

[@ajherman]

Can't be worse than doing a high flow cat+true dual catback install on a 10 year old salt belt lowered G37 on a garage floor. That was a day and a half job.

[@longranger65]

Looking for a system with minimal sound volume, but still offers substantial power gains. Seems like the Z1 would be the best in terms of performance gains vs sound volume. What are your thoughts?

[@z1off-road]

That's exactly what we were shooting for when our engineers were designing this kit. Enough to let you know its there without being too loud and annoying.

[@808flipboi9]

Do you need to tune your truck after installing one of these exhaust systems?

[@z1off-road]

no, all of these that were tested we still running the stock tune.

[@GodlyAnArchitct]

I check the website and the numbers for the performance gains are totally different to the one on the video for the Z1 off-road exhaust system?

[@e.c.8668]

I wish you all had a table or something at the end. Or did I miss it? Somewhere to summarize it all so someone can reference it for making a purchase decision. Good vid otherwise.

[@stevebogden4023]

Any idea if there is MPG increase with these?

[@michaeldavis6067]

How do I get this installed in So California? I reside in Palm Springs, do I need to order and then have it installed at a muffler shop?

[@z1off-road]

Most shops should be able to help, since we are a cat-back and don't mess with any of the catalytic converters.

[@jessem623]

Which exhaust works with the z1 leaf shackles

[@justinhong4115]

This truck is now running the Z1 lift shackles with the Z1 exhaust kit. 🎉

[@tjcleave2646]

do you have to tune it after? to make up for the more free-flowing exhaust?

[@z1off-road]

All of the tests were on the stock tune. You can if you would like to make it even more efficient and effective.

[@tjcleave2646]

@@z1off-road doesn't it mess with the ecu or hurt the motor if you don't tune it after?

[@z1off-road]

@@tjcleave2646 No issues.

[@searcyrb]

how are y'all getting 10 more horsepower at least above the others????

[@z1off-road]

We've tested many exhaust systems here at Z1, and in developing our own kit, we have been able to determine what works well on these platforms, and what negatively affects power. Our kit uses 3" stainless steel piping, cast flanges and smooth transitions in the system, this, paired with our high flow 15" muffler, greatly improves exhaust gas flow. The construction of our muffler uses an inner layer of stainless-steel packing and an outer layer of fiberglass held in place by a perforated stainless-steel core. Rather than using baffle plates and resonance chambers which negatively affect power, our mufflers use a full-length perforated tube, allowing exhaust gasses to flow through the muffler un-obstructed. We incorporate much of the same tech and construction we've used on our motorsports team for years with proven results.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

So any of these have to be welded? Is the Z1 all nuts and bolt ons??

[@z1off-road]

All of the ones we tested are bolt on.

[@lafuriag8932]

I dont know a lot about HP but doesn't the frontier have 310 hp Am new at this Great job

[@z1off-road]

The 310hp is what Nissan rates the HP at the crank shaft, the HP we are reporting is measured at the wheel.

[@ronny282]

I just got a 2025 Pro 4X crew cab with the long bed. Is the exhaust same as the previous years? And is Z1 the only one that has the long bed option?

[@z1off-road]

Yes they are the same, I have not seen another company that offers the extension.

[@ronny282]

@@z1off-road Thanks for the quick response. I just wanted to make sure before I pull the trigger.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Willl the z1 work with a '19 pro4x with a 2" lift?

[@z1off-road]

Yes, we have tested these with our lift shackles installed as well.

[@thekingkong209]

How hard is it to install the Z1 exhaust? Any tips for someone doing this by themselves?

[@z1off-road]

It is super simple. The hardest part would be getting the old exhaust off. Some of the hardware might be a little rusty depending on the age and area you live in. A little penetrating lube will help on the old bolts and hangers.

[@King_TuTT]

great way to break that brand new truck in doing all those dynos. LOL

[@WorkandAdventure]

Do you honestly gain HP without doing a tune? I’m seriously debating doing the Borla exhaust on my 2022 frontier mainly for sound. But my buddy said I won’t gain any HP unless I do a tune.. is that accurate?

[@z1off-road]

All of the dyno numbers we showed in the video are without a tune. The stock exhaust is very restrictive from the factory.

[@BrockGrimes]

Were there any other mods, tune etc.? Of was it just stock truck and swapped exhaust?

[@z1off-road]

The truck was 100% stock with only 400 miles on the clock during the testing of all of these kits.

[@ulisesavila7209]

Which one is the loudest one? I will get it

[@z1off-road]

The Borla takes the cake for the loudest exhaust, but not by much with the Stillen system only a few decibels behind.

[@AskingAlan96]

Aren’t you guys in Carrollton? I live right down the road and need something loud for my 2024 frontier pro X

[@z1off-road]

Yes we are, if you reach out to our service dept. they can get you all squared away with whatever you need.

[@phambo1tp]

Why didn’t you drive at 65 mph plus or up to 2000 rpm or the full throttle run to check for interior drone like the rest of the muffler test from the Z1 system? Hmmm 🤔 I don’t think the test was done the same way with all the muffler system. Also, whoever was holding the sound meter, they need to be more consistent when showing the numbers from all the test into the camera.

[@z1off-road]

We did the exact same tests with all of the kits. Unboxing, Install, Dyno, out of cab light rev, out of cab heavy rev, out of cab full acceleration. In cab at 12:17 we are at full throttle up to 70, cruse at 65 and 2000 RPM.

[@jamescote9772]

How much more hp with the Z1?

[@scopet420]

They all sound pretty weak because the motor but the Z1 did sound the best

[@D41Michigan]

They all sound that way because it's not an equal lenght exhaust. Pretty much all truck V6s sound like this or pretty similar. Now make it an equal lenght setup and it will sound more like a VQ should. I'm planning a equal lenght setup using the MBRP as the base

[@HP-ov7ol]

So 48 minutes for Z1 to say the Z1 exhaust was best! 😀

[@marksullivan8200]

Its too bad banks doesn't make an exhaust system otd probably be a little better than the nismo & not quite as good as the z1 exhaust

[@tonyj9502]

Anyone bought the borla ? Yet how’s a cold start every morning?

[@z1off-road]

Loud

[@monkeypolicd]

That borla stype tho

[@danielmclinn5963]

Stillen sounded the best at idle. But man it’s sounds cringe when it revs. Bummer

[@aaronberg5708]

One thing i noticed. When he took off with the stock exhaust, holy fuck did that thing take off. Now i don't know if anyone saw that video of the frontier racing the Colorado and another one where it races a ranger. But in those videos you can clearly see they loaded the throttle on the Ford and gm and not in the frontier. And obviously the frontier lost those races. I bet you a frontier would smoke em, with a good driver.

[@z1off-road]

They break boosted those to get the revs to spool the turbo for a better launch.

[@donniekirks4632]

No one going to talk about why the truck is so low on power. Window sticker claims 310hp factory.

[@z1off-road]

The 310hp that the factory rates the engine power is measured at the crank shaft. The numbers we reported are at the wheel.

[@toraow]

Drivetrain loss ofc. Only common sense

[@JAYschnazzy]

Yeah but 250 hp in that size is still fairly weak. But with their z1 performance packages, gets closer to 300

[@D41Michigan]

​@@JAYschnazzy it's about a 77hp loss thru the drive train and of course tire size doesn't help. It's about 25% DL on these trucks and that's not accounting for weather conditions or fuel quality and air density. You'd see slightly better numbers on the S or SV due to the smaller tire but that 9spd auto will sap power no matter what

[@Herman_Lifts]

If anyone does fabrication for headers/flanges lmk

[@deweysturgill6220]

Exhaust manifolds are built in to the heads, Wil flow all the exhaust port is capable of flowing. Getting gains out of this engine is going to be really expensive.

[@submissions72]

Borla and Z1 wins. Flowmaster too damn loud, my goodness.

[@XxJx3xX]

stock, it sounds like a hopped up Chevy 3.9 cop motor!!

[@robthomas1829]

I would just keep stock save your cash for something you really need..

[@Diogenes77]

This video was too long. Halfway through it, I got hungry so I left it playing and went to the kitchen to fix myself a sandwich. But then I found out that I'm out of mayonnaise so I went to the store. There, I saw the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my whole life. But I'm really a shy person so I took up a three-year personality development course so I can introduce myself. She was very friendly and all, but unfortunately, she had a boyfriend. So I said, all good, I'm a mature person. I want the best for her and I harbor no illusion that I am the best person for her and she seems happy with her boyfriend, so I did not bother her anymore. But we kept in touch and we became friends and I got over my crush on her. Then she broke up with her boyfriend, we drank some alcohol because of it, I told her she'll be fine and I wished her well. I still think she's the most beautiful woman in the world, but like I said, I am over my crush on her. It was like five years already when I first saw her. Besides, I am quite happy with the friendship I developed with her. It was more important than a crush So we kept hanging out, drinking, having coffee, and all. I had a girlfriend, she started dating other guys. My girlfriend wants to live some other life without me in it, so I said, okay, I want the best for you and I want you to pursue your happiness. My lady friend and I drank alcohol about it, and she gave me the same advice l gave her when she was in that position and I became okay with the breakup immediately. But we were really drunk, so she spent the night in my apartment. I only have one bed, so you know what that means: She took the bed and I slept on the couch. But on the couch, I really can't sleep. Something was bothering me. So I tossed and turned for about three hours, then I finally can't take it anymore, I stood up and went straight to my room where she's sleeping. I approached the bed, gently sat on it and I reached for her shoulder to pull her closer to me. She stirred and woke up. She asked, "what's up?" I told her, you know, the first time I saw you, I was watching a video and left it playing to get myself a sandwich then went to the store to get some mayo then I got distracted by life that I forgot to finish the video. She said, you know what, I've been wondering about a weird noise in your night drawer. So we opened that drawer, and lo and behold, there's my phone and this video still has two minutes of play time on it.

[@z1off-road]

Thanks for watching, keep our channel on repeat

[@jimm8465]

Z1 sounded best. Others sounded like a370z.

[@Z1Motorsports23]

What's wrong with that?!

[@nn431xru1]

The best and most quiet was the stock muffler. The sounds of all the aftermarket exhausts were terrible! Why would anybody spend $1000 to have more noise in the cabin…don’t understand. The HP gain at 6500rpm is minuscule. Its useless gain for me because I will probably never run my engine at 6500-7000rpm. Bottom line….if you want your 6 cylinder sound like 8 cylinder, then get a truck with 8 cylinder engine! All the sounds presented sounded fake - imitation of 8 cylinder engine. Why would I want that ?! Its embarrassing.

[@marka980]

I say the same thing about every truck I see on the road with low profile, wide tires. WHY? What's wrong with you stupid people? You REALLY think that looks good? What Idiots!