Subaru Impreza 2.5i Exhaust

Custom exhaust setup on my 2007 Impreza. (Turn up your bass!)
I used a WRX UEL cast iron manifold (header) that I cut and welded to meet the rest of the 2.5i exhaust system. This deletes the first Catalytic Converter, so I had to move the oxygen sensors around the secondary Cat to keep the computer happy. Due to the cast iron holding heat very well, and the relatively short exhaust run until the (now only) Cat, everything is working perfectly and there is no CEL to speak of!
This manifold was the right price and was available when I needed it, but if you are thinking of doing this yourself, ideally you want an older Forester XT, or an older WRX manifold... they have a different shaped collector on the passenger side, and would have really made a smoother transition where the cut and splice is.
The twin tip muffler is a universal one made by OBX Racing, and can be found on various ebay listings.
The whole project took about 4 good days of work, and only cost $300 for everything.
Music supplied by:
www.freestockmu...
machinimasound...
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[@lawrencehouse5558]

Those 2.5i are pretty quick cars without turbo or any modifications

[@cottonhill35]

Not even close to being quick

[@yournamehere3679]

@@cottonhill35 in comparison to other vehicles in its category it’s “quick” by no means are these 2.5i motors gonna win a lotta races in stock form, but they have significantly better torque delivery then most 4 cylinder cars let alone for an awd platform, the outback (a crossover) is a prime example of this

[@Infinite_AM]

​@@cottonhill35 200hp / 200 ft lbs is pretty quick for a NA 4 cyl car.

[@yamomgotcake1232]

my axles nd driveshaft are done for and mine still slams my ass in the seat 😂

[@YonkoPapa]

@@Infinite_AMthey only make 165hp but that is very peppy for a SOHC 4 cylinder

[@ChetOphus]

Loving it man. Sounds great,way better than stock! Glad to see another video from you!

[@FanatikBuilds]

Chet Ophus Hey bro! Thanks for that! I'm really happy with how it turned out. Great to hear from ya man!

[@LiftCrazy]

Ahhhh, that boxer rumble 😁

[@FanatikBuilds]

LiftCrazy Yummy isn't it! Thanks man!

[@RobertBrolo-l3q]

Man I like your Subaru STI on your KZbin videos 🏆 💯 ​@@FanatikBuilds

[@ryanhill7318]

Very nice sound, and very, very clean instal. Theyre a lot of fun to drive with the stick and a good setup.

[@FanatikBuilds]

I still miss this car!

[@FanatikBuilds]

I'm not dead, just up to different things!

[@TwInKiEmAn99]

+MrRcFanatik the muffler didnt come with hooks to put on hangers did it

[@FanatikBuilds]

Nah man, a friend of mine with an oxy-acetylene tourch helped bend those for me. 1/2" stainless rod!

[@MrCDM9]

I really like your videos man. I'm wondering what the black spray is that you used to get rid of or improve the rust on the exhaust pipes? Thanks! Just bought an 06' 2.5 NA and your video excites me to the possibilities.

[@theleviathan282]

Fanatik Builds are you still alive?

[@juliodc1231]

finally someone did this, I need to do this to my 07 2.5i as well. any tips would be greatly appreciated

[@FanatikBuilds]

Hey man, check out the description, and previous comments... plenty of helpful info there! If you still have questions let me know!

[@sxggaming8518]

I just got a 07 Impreza sedan does the led headlights work for it

[@hawkmoon993]

@@sxggaming8518 it should if u get them off of eBay with the little light bar on the outer ring of the headlights, it’s usually just plug n play headlights wise

[@sxggaming8518]

@@hawkmoon993 can you send me the link

[@itzkemosabi]

wow you got her to sound proper! wish my 02 outback sport would sound this good.. thanks for the build idea looks like I know what to do for my next project

[@FanatikBuilds]

+Dylan Osborn No prob man, pretty sure that your 02 OS has the older style manifold though, so you should be able to pick up a stainless set of UELs on ebay for about $180+/- ... saves a bit of a headache! TIP! Don't buy a high-flow cat-pipe unless you are planning to get a tune! My brother put one on his 99 Impreza and had an ever remaining engine light.

[@kevogoeswild-wildlifenatur7411]

I call you the god of sound! Awesome work, mate! Wish I had the same sound in my outback

[@MsK1llers]

i really want to do this to my 2011 impreza 2.5i now. and for only $300?! HELL YES!

[@tylerhorst1719]

Worth it ?!

[@dj1488]

Love the way this sounds! I have the same Subie and really want to do this and make mine sound the same way!

[@FanatikBuilds]

Thank you! :)

[@dj1488]

Looking back on my own comment 5 years ago and still haven’t done this 😭

[@dj1488]

Looking back 6 years now and still haven’t done it! Still looking to do it but can’t do the metal work ):

[@garageqf]

Repping Ontario! Live the subie man

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

Twin exhaust sounds the best

[@dannyteichroeb864]

My little brother bought this car and I'm sitting shotgun in it right now so I can hear the exhaust on video and real life at the same time!

[@FanatikBuilds]

Glad to hear he's still got it! Miss it everyday!

[@ZenkiOscar]

Thanks for all the help from before. I went through with the mod and it's great. There are a couple pin hole leaks that need to be patched though. So I will give that to a pro shop. great video, I did end of with a bit different of a design then yours though.

[@FanatikBuilds]

Good for you man, I'm glad you gave it a shot! If you post a video of it completed be sure to let me know!

[@ZenkiOscar]

MrRcFanatik I will let you know if I post a video

[@Streetw1s3r]

I love it, better sounding and subtle, not some huge loud and obnoxious fart cannon.

[@JesseFranklinWood]

Nice sound and great work! For those looking for a little easier and cheaper way to improve exhaust sound and gain some easy power, I recommend getting a simple custom muffler delete. Every car I've ever done a muffler delete with just a pipe in its place sounded really good and not too loud. Just enough noise to make you happy and not too raspy or droning. I had a shop do my 2011 hatch non turbo for $138 and they even welded my stock tip on the pipe so it still appears factory but sounds way better

[@392Low]

Please dont take this vid down im highly considering getting an older 2.5 since i cant afford a wrx sti or whatever, this thing sounds just like a boxer after!

[@FanatikBuilds]

The video's not going anywhere man! I loved this setup, and would highly recommend it - miss the little car! Unfortunately the 04-07 generations are getting older and harder to find these days... I'd love to do a restoration of one in the future though! 👍

[@RedPillVegan]

I have a 07 stock non turbo impreza. Is oem stock exhaust 2.25" into muffler? I think i am gonna have to get a 2.25-to-2.5" adapter for a black widow muffler 2.5".

[@RedPillVegan]

I’m seeing some comments say you have to go UEL header to get a good sound, so I’m having doubts about going with just a different muffler

[@FanatikBuilds]

It was a while ago when I did this, but I believe that 2.25" is correct. I know my muffler was a 3" inlet and I had to adapt it a couple of times but it worked fine. It'll sound good with the stock manifold, but un-equal runners will give it the "rumble" that STIs have had for years. There's tons of debate on this topic, but ultimately in a non turbo Impreza, any losses from a UEL header are pretty minimal and if the sound is what you're going for, then do it! I did and loved every minute of it! Sold the car a few years ago but never had a check engine light with these modifications. Best of luck with whatever you decide!

[@ChaseMyles]

Hey this is exactly what I am trying to do right now, awesome video! The manifold is cast steel correct? Is it difficult to weld cast steel? Do you have any tips for a beginner welder. Regards, Chase

[@FanatikBuilds]

+chase myles Hey man, didn't see your reply till now. Thanks for the props! **As far as I was able to find out**, it's cast iron which is much harder to weld then cast steel... However, it welded up pretty easily (I was very careful) so it **could** be steel. I decided to err on the side of caution and treated it as iron though. The welds look a bit ugly on the manifold, but they're solid, and it's not leaking! Check out ChuckE2009 here on KZbin, he has some really helpful stuff on this topic. Best of luck on your project, well worth the effort, I LOVE how it sounds now!

[@zacmacmillan1281]

Good job! You actually made a subaru sound nice👌👌

[@FanatikBuilds]

Zac Macmillan Hey Zac! Ha, cheers bro!

[@ek9civicful]

First and foremost I want to say great job!! Your car really sounds good, I am currently working on doing this mod to my car. My only question to you is did you have to extend the o2s sensor wires when you moved it the the rear cat? Or was it long enough to reach to the rear cat? Thank you

[@FanatikBuilds]

Thanks very much for the kind words! No you do not have to extend them! It's a common misconception, but you just need to trace the factory wiring for the secondary O2 sensor back closer to the firewall .. (you may have to cut some tape on the factory split loom to pull the wires out) Then just tidy it up with new split loom and tape, you should have just enough length to reach the back of the second factory cat. I NEVER had a CEL due to this modification while I owned the car. Good luck with your project, and happy new years!

[@just_that_guy4256]

Love the video bro, car sounds great. Is there any way to do this mod for the 2.5i in an 07 forester non turbo? Very similar but not sure if it exactly works

[@FanatikBuilds]

Should be very similar as you say - same year as my Impreza was so the only difference would potentially be the CAT pipe section, but likely the exact same. I loved this setup and the car so best of luck if you give it a go!

[@thewotbrothers897]

Hey man, i know this is a super old video but i just wanted to say thank you for making it!!! Quick question, what size was the piping you used to weld onto the headers? and what muffler did you swap onto the car? is it possible for you to share the link? Thanks :))

[@sawyerdann2507]

I have the exact same car. I don't have access to a welder though and I was wondering if they make an exhaust like that but for a regular impreza. I can only find exhaust for wrx. Sweet build!

[@privateinformation8364]

Mine isn't a wrx, this is my set-up It us welded, but before it was welded it was just all clamped together It's also a bit louder than the car in the video, but not too bad kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGfTeat3aZaGbLMsi=e2ogjYZxwyLtscb5

[@TheRcMasterJ]

Hey man love all your videos. i watched all your boat build videos as i was building my own. You helped me alot by tracking down the propeller parts off ebay and hobbyking. i see you have a subaru now. great choice! Looks like you live somewhere in the gta of ontario. Im in mississauga how about you?

[@FanatikBuilds]

Thanks for the comment man, glad my videos could have helped a bit! Yep we are a bit of a Subaru family, fantastic cars. That's not too far from me, small world :)

[@williamfabricioo]

Can you send me links to where you purchased everything

[@bk5474]

Are you able to buy unequal length headers that are premade for a n/a Subaru? Sounds great👌🏻

[@minty39R]

Yes you can, check ebay or just Google unequal length headers for N/A Subaru's

[@rccapistrano2100]

nice! great rumble sound! just wanted to ask if you are having check engine light on your car because of the headers?

[@FanatikBuilds]

+rc capistrano Thank you! Nope, none whatsoever! Biggest factors for that are that the cast iron keeps the heat in the pipes better then thin-wall stainless, and coupled with a short run to the Cat, it can keep the Cat at operating temperature and thus avoid a trouble code. That's the main reason why so many N/A owners get a CEL when they throw on a new exhaust... the Cat doesn't get hot enough, so the rear O2 sensor picks up on this and triggers the code. Edit: P0420 "catalyst inefficiency" is the normal code you'd get, basically if it (Cat) doesn't get hot enough it won't clean the exhaust properly, and the post-cat oxygen ratio will be off.

[@steevennunez4801]

Wait...... the 07 2.5i comes stock with equal length?

[@rosskroening1290]

what year forester XT or WRX manifold should i search for?

[@FanatikBuilds]

I'm trying to remember as this was a while ago, but I believe anything from 02-07 will fit best. Mine was from an STI I believe but the WRX/FXT ones are shaped a bit differently which helps with where the new flange has to be welded on. Hope that helps, and Merry Christmas!

[@rickysharma3475]

Did a great job bro

[@FanatikBuilds]

Thank you!

[@rickysharma3475]

I'm working on my Impreza too addmy @ricky_636 ig keepme posted on ur build

[@OGbrundle]

Which muffler is that

[@sswoal69]

Cool, good job guys👍😱

[@FanatikBuilds]

Thank you!

[@liamaxton6611]

I currently own an 06 2.5i and would love to make this transition to unequal length headers. any ideas as to what year would transition best?

[@sxggaming8518]

I just got a 07 Impreza sedan does the wrx led headlights work for it

[@i_amthespeedhunter]

I too own a 2006 2.5i Impreza, you have specifics on measurements and whatnot? I'm very impressed with your skills and wish I had similar trade. Links would be great, and any tips before I start this project?

[@silver_trek_AWD]

go to my videos i have links. I have uel headers on my 07.

[@scotthoglund1401]

I know this is an old video, but im currently doing the same swap with my 07 2.5i and a 03' wrx UEL header. I see where you screw in and place the first O2 sensor (A/F, right before the flange), but was wondering how you did the second one that comes right after. I see 1:20 you have the midpipe out with ahole drilled and bung welded to it. Is this where you have the secondary O2 sensor at? Is this why everybody talks about "extending the O2 Sensor" finding information that isnt from the early 2000's has proved difficult so far. This has proved to be the most relevant and helpful video ive found. Any information you could provide would be extremely useful. Thank you

[@FanatikBuilds]

Yep, you got it. It was placed immediately after the second factory catalytic converter in the mid-pipe. Never ever had a CEL in the 2+ years I owned the car after doing this mod. Also, no need to extend the wiring harness for the rear O2. If you pull apart the split-loom covering the factory wires, you can pull back just enough to reach the new location behind the engine. Recover with new split-loom and zip-tie to prevent the wires from getting too close to the exhaust. Sorry I didn't take better pictures, it was a rush to get the project done over a long weekend, and never got back to take photos of the completed setup. Good luck with your project, I was ecstatic with my results! 👍

[@MasterofPlay7]

damn I want to make my car just like yours (I have a 2009 impreza 2.5i), looks great bro

[@FanatikBuilds]

Thanks man!

[@DustSnip3r]

MasterofPlay7 do you have an exhaust on ur subi?

[@MasterofPlay7]

DustSnip3r no man, but planning to do some mod and diy on it, I have the hatch

[@DustSnip3r]

MasterofPlay7 i have a hatch 08 with an exhaust but it sounds like a civic lol im looking to change it for more rumble...

[@heavysnow-ee4gg]

What year headers did you purchase, same year just from a wrx?

[@maazrehal9261]

I was just wondering if you install unequal headers and an aftermarket muffler does the rumble become even better if the whole resonator (I think that’s what it’s called) is deleted so it’s just a catback system?

[@FanatikBuilds]

Deleting the resonator will increase the volume and cause a more "raspy" sound. Some like this, but personally I'm not as much of a fan. That's why I opted to keep my factory resonator in place and was very pleased with the result. ..... Less drone on the highway too if you keep it. Cheers!

[@maazrehal9261]

Thanks so much!

[@ravenclawstudent6012]

does the 2006 impreza 2.5i wagon have equal length headers? would i have to do this as well to get the rumble sound?

[@FanatikBuilds]

That's correct. It would still sound good with just the muffler, however the unequal length manifold is really what makes it complete IMHO. Cheers!

[@silver_trek_AWD]

check out my videos i bought ebay headers 98-05 non turbo for my 07 sedan. They worked great on one video i have links to the parts.

[@sxggaming8518]

I just got a 07 Impreza sedan does the wrx led headlights work for it

[@zanjani13]

Great video. Im trying to figure out the best and cheapest way to make my 2.5 Forester to have the boxer rumble. I watched many videos about doing the uel headers swap but if I didnt want to change my headers is there another way? Dont want to go full muffler delete because that is too obnoxious. Let me know what you think?

[@FanatikBuilds]

Unfortunately to get the boxer rumble you are after, you will have to replace your headers. Axle-back or cat-back exhausts will unleash more of the natural sounds that a boxer makes, but the rumble you are after is strictly produced by the uel headers. It is the sound of inefficiency sadly, and Subaru seems to be dropping the design for their new cars, but the sound will never be the same without it! Best of luck!

[@zanjani13]

Ok, Thanks for replying once I have more income I will definitely have to start searching for some uel headers and a Cat back later down the road.

[@briangray2869]

I think the oem with el sounds great, mine just had a whistling muffler so had to replace. I messed up and changed the mid pipe and muffler with some cheap aftermarket setup and it's a smaller pipe and crappier resonator. Now the car even seems to be jerky from a takeoff and has less power overall. I may search for an oem wrx mid pipe back, modding the O2 sensors and wiring to run the uel header and worrying about tune worries me too much.

[@FanatikBuilds]

I drove the car like this for two years with no issues related to the exhaust at all! The uel manifold made a HUGE difference, and by just replacing the muffler but leaving the rest if the OEM midpipe alone, I think I achieved one of the best sounding non turbo Subies I've heard! But I am biased! Lol

[@briangray2869]

Yeah, I should have kept my midpipe. Didn't realize how crappy the one I bought would be. All I got was some weight savings. I'm about to ditch the cheap parts though, may even go uel, I just want it quiet at highway cruising. My other car is turbo swapped with a killerB header and depending on exhaust it was a little noisy at some speeds. My 07 is my car for longer trips.

[@FanatikBuilds]

Ah I see. Yeah the setup I had was fine for 45-60 minute drives, but after hours on the highway it did get tiring. I'd say to do a uel manifold and as you said a wrx OEM cat-back ... They are not direct fitment, but can be massaged to fit. That way you can get a nicer tone, but still keep it quiet enough for long trips. That would be a good setup IMHO! Cheers

[@CyberFas]

Fanatik Builds nice work!!! BTW, I thought once you swap to UEL you needed a high flow cat no matter what. Also, how big were the twin mufler tips? 2.5" or 3"? I wanna get UEL headers done pretty soon. I was thinking about getting the ones from www.infernofab.com/exhaust.html the ones with catted J pipe or the ones Direct bolt on. What do you think??? Thanks!!!!!

[@Alex50095]

I have an 06 2.5i and I'm looking at replacing at least my cat-back as it is rusted and falling off (actually separated from the muffler right now haha) and I'm debating whether or not I want to do headers as well.... I've long wished to hear my Subie rumble like yours. I've heard changing the 06+ from stock equal length to unequal length results in some power loss and high flow exhaust parts (on our N.A. system) can result in low end torque loss. Did you experience any of this loss changing just the Cat-Back for higher flow and also UEL vs EL? The other thing I'd like to ask you is if getting regular aftermarket UEL headers is more expensive than scavenging for an 02-13 WRX or older Legacy GT header? I have no fabricating or welding experience myself, I do know an experienced welder, but don't know his fabricating skill - would my cost to do this be much higher than yours given this? Sounds great by the way!

[@FanatikBuilds]

+Alex50095 Ok long answer so bare with me! UELs will slightly reduce power, but the loss is mainly noticeable on high power or turbo cars where lots of exhaust is flowing... on our little 2.5i's there's not a huge difference. This is also countered as one of the Cats has been deleted so the exhaust has less resistance to flow and will make up for any inefficiencies introduced by the UEL. The MAIN reasons why I went with this setup are: Price... due to my available tools and experience it is much cheaper to go this route. ... No CEL ... my brother's 99 Impreza has a full stainless exhaust on it and has had an engine light ever since that was put on. Stainless doesn't hold in heat as well as the cast iron, so too much is lost by the time the gases reach the Cat... triggering the code. By keeping one cat near the engine, retaining the heatshields, and using a cast iron manifold, I've been able to keep the heat high enough so there is NO engine light! (here in Ontario CA, a CEL = instant fail at etests) .... and finally, using this setup retains all the original flanges and mount positions... meaning I could revert back to EL if I wanted. This is also helpful if I ever decide to buy the AVO turbo kit as it will still bolt on! I didn't replace the cat back, just the muffler box and don't notice any power loss. If anything it's more sprightly, but maybe I just have a heavier foot now as that sound is awesome! If you are uncertain about costs associated with this, get your welder friend to view this video so he can get an idea of what's going on. It took me the better part of 3 days work to complete the all changes to the manifold and cat-pipe, as I had to let the cast iron cool between each weld to avoid cracking (why it looks so ugly) Your best bet may be to buy all the parts you need online. They don't make manifolds and cat-pipes for our 06-07 2.5i in the aftermarket, but everything for a 98-2004 RS fits right up, so you could just go that route, and get a tune to remove the CEL as it is most likely you would have one. Hope that helps!

[@BernonCars]

Gotta love the Subie :D btw any news on Project. Expedition?

[@FanatikBuilds]

ThatGearHead™ Thanks man! Project Expedition is coming along, I've been busy with work, but have some time over the next couple of weeks to push on with it. It needs completion!

[@BernonCars]

+MrRcFanatik sounds awesome :D (besides being busy lol) can't wait to see it!

[@crazywhiteboyz9251]

Did it improve the acceleration????

[@abecaisley2293]

Possible with 1.5i impreza?

[@datgio114]

How do you get it to be loud?

[@AliExplores13]

Where im Ontario are you? I need this on my 2011, im from Scarborough

[@Madvillian]

i know this off topic, but did you install that spoiler on a wingless trunk or trade, people keep telling me I should just trade

[@FanatikBuilds]

Hey, it was a factory upgrade that the previous owner of my car opted for. I'm with the others, definitely try to do a trade - there's plenty of WRX and STI owners who want to go wingless for "stealth looks"... it's a win win! :)

[@Mrtojo]

Nice

[@FanatikBuilds]

TOJO RC Cheers Tojo!

[@bleetyrabbit1]

Is this London Ontario?

[@tsiro9440]

is this a stock subi ?

[@RetroGamingNoobs]

Hello I'm planning on doing the same exact thing to my 2007 2.5i Impreza and was wondering if I would still pass emission testing.

[@FanatikBuilds]

That's going to vary a lot depending on where you live. In Ontario, cars 1998 and newer are obd2 tested only, so technically as long as there are no codes you can pass. I have yet to have my car tested since I did this exhaust work though, so I don't know 100% if it will pass. I have kept the old manifold though, so worst case I can get it retested on the factory setup and then switch back again afterwards. Hope that helped a bit!

[@gabels540]

How does it fit around your oil filter?? hard to pull it out??

[@FanatikBuilds]

Easier actually! Much more open under there now.

[@SavageEnemyyy]

what wrx manifold did you use out of what year?

[@FanatikBuilds]

It was a 2010, but any wrx manifold from 02-13 should be the same. Try to find an older legacy gt manifold though, as I've heard they are a bit different in design and easier to make work nicely.

[@johnokidneys]

If I buy a wrx catback exhaust will it fit on a 2.5i?

[@FanatikBuilds]

It'll be about 2 inches short of mating up to your catalytic converter. A small section of pipe and some band clamps or better yet a welder can sort that out though! Biggest drawback is an aftermarket WRX or STI catback will usually be 3inch, which is too large for this small of a non-turbo engine. 2.25" is ideal. Cheers 👍

[@fullthrottle716]

can you make one for me for an 02

[@sgtmajsnuggles3178]

WHAT ARE THOSE

[@johnaram8133]

Hey great sound ! I wanna do this but I just wanna know do you notice any lose or gain in power?

[@alkalin3543]

John Aram why would that be the case at all.

[@zacharyarmstead7994]

what if you dont have any welding tools

[@FanatikBuilds]

You'll need to find a shop or a friend who does then! No other way to do this header mod.

[@PistonPerspective]

Is that the 2.5i sohc ej25 na?

[@FanatikBuilds]

Yep! Sold it this last spring, but still miss her to this day, was a great little car!

[@jglads21]

I know this is an old video but if anyone has done this, what is it like on the highway? I want to do this but worried about highway drone on 4-5 hour long drives!

[@FanatikBuilds]

Hey Josh! Haven't owned the car in 4 years but miss it every day. The exhaust was literally perfect, not too loud, but great when I got on it. No drone... None. Zip. Nada! Would highly recommend a similar setup! Cheers 👍

[@celerymeat]

Hey man, where did you get your mud flaps?

[@celerymeat]

Nevermind, just noticed they're rally armor flaps.

[@FanatikBuilds]

Yep, Rally Armor urethane flaps... love em, highly recommended!

[@celerymeat]

MrRcFanatik Yeah, how much did you pay for them? I've been lookin and all I can find are the ~$100 flaps.

[@FanatikBuilds]

Don't know where you're from, but I'm in Canada, so I'm used to paying more then the US price to begin with... these were $200 from a company in Ottawa who carried the Rally Armor products. If you found the urethane flaps for $100, that's a steal! :)

[@celerymeat]

MrRcFanatik I think I found some for $150, so I guess compaired to what you paid it's not bad, but still expensive for some plastic.

[@zuilok]

Sounds great. But unless I missed something the exhaust system is now ..well simply put ...worse than what you started with. I am no exhaust engineer but the picture at 2:49 made me cringe. Also I am pretty sure unequal length headers are objectively worse. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[@FanatikBuilds]

Great points. Here's the thing. The car was never going to be fast... I knew that! I was only looking for the sound and didn't want to spend much money. In my mind, having removed one of the cats surely made up for any little losses anyway. This video isn't telling people what to do, just showing what I did! In the 2+ years I owned the car after this modification, I never once experienced any issues or drawbacks, and again, it only cost me $300!

[@zuilok]

@@FanatikBuilds I am glad you didnt take my comment as "another asshole trolling me". I´ve done my fair share of mods other people would consider really pointless or dumb. Many much worse than trying to make your boxer engine sound like an oldschool boxer. That was in fact the plan with my 1.5R also 07 like yours. But after some research I am about 99% sure I am just gonna sell it and buy something I will actually enjoy. Your video also helped so thank you for making it :)

[@FanatikBuilds]

Completely get you. I did exactly that! Thought I'd continue modifying the Impreza, but instead bought a Legacy 3.0R ... Then a 05 STI ... And now a 2018 STI. 🙂 ... I can tell you, having the engineering all done for you and just making a few changes to personalize it, is a good way to go for a daily driver. Our 1971 Triumph we are rebuilding fills the need for a bigger project!

[@zuilok]

@@FanatikBuilds While I dont have the money to buy a new STI. I am going to try to find a nice clean X-type Jag. Ideally the 3l wagon but those are very rare. I think that would be a great daily for me even in a completely stock form. And just like you I also need a car I can play with but I am covered there because I have a 1992 E36 325i and a 1996 Subaru Justy with an engine from a Swift gti. Justy is probably gonna end up being the big project because its just too dangerous to drive it on the road anyway. I think it would make a great buggy :)

[@gabels540]

hey what muffler is that a magnaflow?

[@FanatikBuilds]

It's a universal muffler by OBX racing... quite pleased with it actually!

[@gabels540]

+MrRcFanatik which obx is it? OBX-R TRO4??

[@FanatikBuilds]

+Dylan Gabel It's the OBX HR-12

[@CyberFas]

What kind of High temperature paint did you use for this project? And how did you cure (baked) the paint? Thanks a bunch!!!!

[@FanatikBuilds]

I just used some high temp paint that was in our basement... I'm really not 100% sure of the brand but it didn't last well on the headers. My suggestion to you would be to get yours ceramic coated, or at least a high heat header paint and just follow the baking instructions on the can. Hope that helps a bit!

[@CyberFas]

Fanatik Builds ok thanks a lot. My other option was to wrapped them up but I will probably go with the high temp paint. I saw a video of a guy baking some exhaust parts with a flame torch before they got installed but the other way to go it's paint them, installed them, and them baked with the engine running. Have a nice holidays!!!!

[@FanatikBuilds]

Using a torch could be quite difficult as you need to heat it up without burning it off, and maintain the heat for a set amount of time for proper curing. Best (and most fun!) method would be as you said ... paint it, install it carefully so as to not scratch the new soft paint, and then go for a nice drive! Thanks, happy Christmas to you as well!

[@ericsgamingchannel9705]

Sounds awesome but I’m a bigger fan of the g37🤷🤷

[@FanatikBuilds]

Thanks Eric, agreed that the G37 sounds good! I really loved how this turned out and miss the car a lot, good times! 👍

[@ericsgamingchannel9705]

@@FanatikBuilds still a sweet rude tho bro, loved the video, no hate here😜

[@FanatikBuilds]

@@ericsgamingchannel9705 Haha, cheers man! 😄👍

[@willarnold3971]

Just curious did you get the muffler locally or off eBay?

[@FanatikBuilds]

Yep - Ebay man! More details in the description.

[@birchovsky8387]

I'm thinking of getting a 2002 impreza rx (as i cant afford a wrx lol). it has the exhaust system and all but it just doesnt have UEL headers on it. Basically all i want is to have that really nice iconic rumble. I know i can't get it to be exactly the same as on the wrx's but would anyone have any clue if it would sound pretty similar to the wrx rumble? thanks

[@FanatikBuilds]

Well, as you are looking at an 02, your task of getting UEL headers is MUCH easier than what I had to go through. Hop on eBay and you can find tons for around $100-200. You'll need 4 port headers, and the CHEAP ones WILL crack on the welds eventually, but they are easily re-welded if you know a buddy with a welder. As for sound, it will never be exactly like a turbo Suby, as there is no "whoosh" from the turbine, but these cars can still sound very good. I'd say my car is very similar to a rex, while not having the fuel penalties of premium gas and worse mileage!

[@birchovsky8387]

aight cheers man

[@Patou253999]

Hey man what can i do whit My 2011 2.5i sedan ??

[@FanatikBuilds]

+Patou253999 The 2011 shares the same manifold design as my car, so you could do the same mod to a WRX manifold to get the UEL rumble and delete the first cat. As for the rest of your exhaust, you have two mufflers, so you could either buy a new cat-back that will bolt on, or do like I did and just get new weld-on mufflers and replace the current ones. There's really a lot of different solutions for you out there, but I made a list of what I wanted to end up with, and I was able to achieve it perfectly with this setup. The one piece of advise I would give is, be careful when playing around with the catalytic converters... if the computer senses anything different, it will throw a check engine light and in a lot of places these days, you can't pass an E-test with the light on.

[@armedbuckeye9165]

+MrRcFanatik I'm new to this but you're saying to delete your cat? I'm interested in doing this on my 08 hatch but the video became unclear after a couple minutes.

[@FanatikBuilds]

+Armed Buckeye Yeah this video wasn't really meant to be a step by step guide, so that's why it sped up a little ways in. It was just meant to get the idea across! Really, what you are doing is eliminating the first cat by replacing the manifold. The 2.5i unit had the first cat as a part of it... and the WRX one has none. So I relocated the oxygen sensors around the second cat (now the only cat) and it has all worked out great. Absolutely no issues with it, including no CEL. It would be almost the exact same process on your 08 hatch, my brother has the same car as you and really wants to do this as well :) ... wasn't a simple process sadly, I spent most of a 3-day weekend on just the manifold conversion alone. Worth it though.

[@armedbuckeye9165]

+MrRcFanatik I'm looking into an eBay uel header. I would love to do it like yours but unfortunately I can't find that much time to do so. None the less I really appreciate your response and your car sounds great.

[@FanatikBuilds]

+Armed Buckeye If you get an eBay header, you will also have to get a 98-2004 RS cat-pipe. As the header won't just bolt up to your year suby. And even then you will still need to get the midpipe modified to reach the catpipe. .... it's all very messy and silly, but it's how it is. Best advise I can give you is to buy those two bits (use a factory catpipe from a wrecking yard - it'll save you a bundle) and take them with you to a muffler shop to get it all installed and the midpipe modified while you are there. ... ALSO. use a heat wrap on your header and catpipe... it will help avoid a CEL. Best of luck. .. and thanks for the kind words!

[@Nays33]

All subies must just have stupid loud fuel pumps haha

[@FanatikBuilds]

#becauseracecar ... kinda not really 😉

[@kaedendelong9212]

Bro actually rev it

[@jethzeeltorres9727]

thats fummy mines sounds like this stock and its the same car .. why all the mods

[@FanatikBuilds]

Hmm, what speakers are you using bro? :) This sounds totally different from stock... no where near the same! I didn't rev it much past 4k in this video because it was still warming up, but still, very different and much more WRX-ish! Thanks for watching though :)

[@jethzeeltorres9727]

Fanatik Builds it does sound different from stock ..sounds really good. I was just stating that on mine all I did was remove the exhaust at the back and sounds like this already

[@jethzeeltorres9727]

Fanatik Builds plus clean job on the exhaust looks really good on it

[@FanatikBuilds]

Ah I gotcha. Yeah a muffler delete will go a long way for sure. Do you have any probs with the police? I wanted to keep a muffler on mine caus I wanted the sound, but not the fear of the volume level! The whole job with the manifold was what really added that finishing touch to my setup IMHO. I didn't take any videos with just the muffler (+ OEM manifold) due to the order I performed the mods, but if I did, and had a back to back audio sample of OEM vs modded manifold it would be a pretty clear difference. More tone, then loudness. You can sort of hear it even with the factory muffler though. Really down to the design... the equal length spaces the exhaust pulses evenly so it's a smoother sound, whereas the un-equal length literally puts the exhaust pulses from the cylinders out of sync with each other and it results in the "Subie Rumble"! :) Less efficient but cool! Thanks for the kind words man, cheers!

[@jethzeeltorres9727]

Fanatik Builds no prob .. keep it up.. and no , no problems with cops ..

[@muhdhaikal9277]

For who wearing ear piece plsz turn it off the volume

[@diegochumbe4059]

can you do the same thing on a impreza outback sport 2005

[@CyberFas]

Diego Chumbe yes you can....

[@diegochumbe4059]

CyberFas how can I do ? Or what exactly do I need?

[@CyberFas]

Diego Chumbe you can either get an older set of UEL headers or you can get them from this website www.infernofab.com/exhaust.html email them and they will tell you what kind of headers fit your year and model!!.. this video also is well detailed and you can have a better idea of what you need kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5nPqZ5ol5aUeNk

[@diegochumbe4059]

what I can't get it's my catback for subaru outback impreza some of them don't fit

[@CyberFas]

Diego Chumbe you can get one customed made, here in Jersey there's plenty of shops that specialize on just muflers and I'm really sure every state has plenty just Google it.

[@Speedaholics]

Sounds really good. Feel free to check out my channel if you want, I have many videos up of my 350Z as well as other car stuff!

[@FAITHjourney.HOLYGHOSTchurch]

God loves youand he really wants to have and build a serious love relationship with you,all peoples, Repent and give your life to god And make to get baptized in a HOLY GHOST CHURCH By the Guidance from what acts 2:38 & acts 2:4 says in the bible king James Version Bible the original Bible

[@mathewandrews7110]

What kind of spoiler is on that?

[@FanatikBuilds]

It was a factory option when the car was new. Basically a WRX wing. I like it, a bit less in-your-face than an STI one :)