Don't have a car with stock intakes.... don't plan on removing them either, they don't make that much of a difference either way.

 

Any pics of exhaust tips yet? It would be nice to see an aftermarket exhaust for the sedan that doesn't have huge tips... Release date?

 

Tips will be similar to the Tanabe setup...no concrete release date.

 

No longer in the exhaust market, but good to see some action with the axle back system. they are very popular on these forums but only real option is OEM sounding Tanabe that looks obnoxious and has an outrageous price tag. in my opinion, keep the tips oem looking. keep it under $400 shipped, and be modest on the finish of the actual muffler and you will sell these like hotcakes.

 

Sounds great. I am still in market for exhaust, It would be nice if you offer a Quad-tips option.

 

I can promise you nobody would buy a $400 axle back because it would be of the cheapest quality and sound even worse.

 

I don't mind spending good money, just wish the exhaust length was close to stock so it doesn't stick out from the bumper. And wish there was an axle back with exhaust tips that look close to stock. Maybe I'm just getting old... LOL

 

Neither the Tanabe or our exhaust stick out past the bumper....can't get much closer looking to stock in my opinion.

 

sure you want to use those words? that statement is absolutely false and I would like to counter with several points, but I dont want to hijack this thread.

 

Yes, I'm quite sure I want to use those words, because I have been doing the R&D for the exhaust and know exactly the cost involved for parts and labor in this particular unit. So counter with whatever points you would like, but I refuse to put my name on a product that isn't going to last or made cheaply. I saw how the ebay "axle back" system went down hill quite fast and that is a prime example in my book. You have to ask yourself, how come there aren't more axle back systems on the market for the G37 sedan?? Because of cost and demand....

 

EDIT: redacted to remove any perceived negativity

I am quite positive that there are NUMEROUS people with the TopSpeed exhaust (rolled tips) that are very satisfied. There are members who have claimed how impressed they were durability of the product. The point is, axle-backs for this system are gimmicks. They are for noise and looks only. Demand is there for sure for those who want to bling (visual/audio) out their ride without doing a full exhaust. These forums have proven that i think most people would admit that once you get over that $500 mark, people start questioning why not do a full exhaust Why their arent more companies is simple, its a niche market. You are targeting ONE car in an entire line, let alone just the SEDAN version. Therefore 2 companies stepped up and made them to satisfy the need. Tanabe knew they could get away with such a high price bc 1. they have a name TANABE. 2, there arent any made, and 3. its for an "Infinti" so its higher class and more expensive. The companies that have done them, have done well in this market. Aside from obnoxious tips, no one has any real complaints with their Tanabe (other than price) or rolled tipped TopSpeed. TopSpeed just a little bit ago had these at $380-420 shipped. Id like to think they werent selling these at a loss. The cost of the exhaust is low. And if exhaust prices have indeed skyrocketed that much, then yes why bother making such an expensive product with expensive costs for a minimal cosmetic mod that people dont want to pay that much for. You are adding a lot of value on "labor" and "R&D". Once a proper template/jig is created, it would be rather simple to reproduce. In fact, I have been apart of so for several car forums in the past creating custom exhausts. Its two mufflers, two bends, and basically 2 straight pipes. To think that any axleback system should cost more than $500 is outrageous. Look at the market for our class. I am simply stating, and was stating originally, that consumers have spoken in this market, they want a simple OEM looking exhaust, they dont need all the chrome, they also dont want to pay more than $400-500. I know the point of business is to make money, and increase profitability. I am not faulting you on your metrics for profitability. While your profit margin may be higher per unit at this price, you may be able to bring in more sales and more revenue dollars be slightly lowering the profit margin.

Will you be making these per order or as a batch?

again though, I didnt want this to turn this way. I was praising you for making an exhaust but now that its almost guaranteed to be over $500, all i can say is good luck. I hope I eat my words and members support forum vendors.

 

If half *** welds, mild steel pipes and some "ebay" muffler that the baffles are going to fall apart in 6 months is what you are looking for, then sure that can be made and sold for $400. The piping is 304 ss mandrel bends and the tips are also 304 ss. The mufflers are magnaflow series. I'm not trying to pass off an expense to the customer, but these obviously can't be sold at cost. The prospeed exhaust is probably made in another country where the costs of these materials is a 1/3 of what you can expect to pay for in the U.S. They also went an even cheaper route after the small batch of "rolled tips" and then things went down hill with how people were pleased with the systems overall look. Didn't you sell your Tanabe because the sound was almost the same as stock, never heard anything about the "obnoxious tips". In my opinion they fit the car well, but I agree the sound needs much improvement.

Sorry, I'm trying to do my best to make something that will please the masses with a better look, better sound and finish. At this point it is looking like mighty slim chances.

 

I know of at least one member who has had their Topspeed for over 2 years without issue. I sold the tanabe because axlebacks are worthless. Yes the sound wasnt there, but even when I received a topspeed with the group buy, the awkward honda civic look was worth the sound. The tanabes stand out way too much which is which I got rid of them. 4.5" tips are an inch too big. Also, many people end up blacking out the loud chrome cans they have too.

Dont let me deter you or demotivate you. Like I said, its awesome to see more love for the sedans and I give you a lot of credit for taking the bull by the horns here. I want this to succeed as much as you. I have been here since 2008 and have a pretty good understanding of the trends in the mods for our cars.

You said it exactly, its impossible to please the masses. Just my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions...they are like....

 

Only time will tell what happens, Brian...

 

Im rooting for you (if you carried Swift, I would have purchased through you). As always, forums are unpredictable. Sedans usually get neglected.