Stillen vs FI vs ARK CBE
#1
Registered Member
Thread Starter
Stillen vs FI vs ARK CBE
Hey guys, didn't know whether to post here or in the sticky.
Got my 2013 G37x last year. Loving it so far. However, time to start the upgrade process I've looked at a lot of posts on here and YouTube videos but I am stuck. I love the Motordyne and Meistershaft? I think but they're too pricey and maybe even too loud. I'm getting to the point where I want good deep/nice sound, especially under WOT. But I don't want to be SO loud I attract unwanted attention. Looks to me like it's between ARK, Stillen and FI. I see the ARK is very nice and sounds decent but fitment and clearance bother me. I live in New Hampshire, winters are not fun here by any means, especially if I plan on dropping the car 1" or so later on. So I guess that leaves the FI and Stillen, what are the differences on sound tone or loudness? Drone? I don't even know what the difference is between test pipes and ART pipes lol. I'll probably just do CBE for now and maybe upgrade to HFC later if it's not quite loud enough...?
Thanks guys.
Got my 2013 G37x last year. Loving it so far. However, time to start the upgrade process I've looked at a lot of posts on here and YouTube videos but I am stuck. I love the Motordyne and Meistershaft? I think but they're too pricey and maybe even too loud. I'm getting to the point where I want good deep/nice sound, especially under WOT. But I don't want to be SO loud I attract unwanted attention. Looks to me like it's between ARK, Stillen and FI. I see the ARK is very nice and sounds decent but fitment and clearance bother me. I live in New Hampshire, winters are not fun here by any means, especially if I plan on dropping the car 1" or so later on. So I guess that leaves the FI and Stillen, what are the differences on sound tone or loudness? Drone? I don't even know what the difference is between test pipes and ART pipes lol. I'll probably just do CBE for now and maybe upgrade to HFC later if it's not quite loud enough...?
Thanks guys.
Last edited by AScobi64; 05-04-2020 at 11:05 AM.
#2
Registered Member
I think the fast Intentions is the way to go, I'm still on an axle back , but that would be my choice. To me this is what Id want my G to sound like
doesn't have an as aggressive look, but I think it sounds amazing
#3
Registered Member
Thread Starter
I think the fast Intentions is the way to go, I'm still on an axle back , but that would be my choice. To me this is what Id want my G to sound like https://youtu.be/_EIF4JD7FPU doesn't have an as aggressive look, but I think it sounds amazing
#4
Administrator
iTrader: (9)
FI is easily a $300 premium over Stillen. However, you get a much better quality set of components. Looks better, sounds better, fitment is spot on, etc.
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Rich11G37xS (05-04-2020)
#5
Registered Member
iTrader: (1)
Full Motodryne with ART pipes and catback is loud and it draws attention, trust me. Fast Intentions should be your choice. Pair it up with their resonated test pipes. I never consider Stillen an option for really anything, it's just a name to me.
BTW ART pipes are just a fancy term used for resonated test pipes. Check out their website for more info on Advanced Resonance Tuning.
Oh and make sure before you buy that everything fits okay with AWD.
BTW ART pipes are just a fancy term used for resonated test pipes. Check out their website for more info on Advanced Resonance Tuning.
Oh and make sure before you buy that everything fits okay with AWD.
Last edited by jpowersjr2; 05-04-2020 at 12:36 PM.
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Rochester (05-04-2020)
#6
Registered Member
I got the HKS axle back , I like it, don't love it...in retrospect I wish I just put that money towards a full catback, I have a megan racing Y pipe and the HKS axle back, it sounds ok, but nothing like a full catback setup
#7
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Thread Starter
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#8
Registered Member
Got the stillen, little drone below 2500 but nothing music doesn’t fix. Other than that no complaints.
Also got mine second hand and painted it for the salt season.
Also got mine second hand and painted it for the salt season.
#9
Registered Member
In that vid I posted he has 18"....12" a little louder, and I believe you have the option for non resonated
#10
Registered Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the reply. I haven't ordered yet. So how would you describe the sound of the Stillen? Aggressive? Or smooth until you open it up?
#11
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iTrader: (6)
I own an Ark that I got at an intro price when they first came out. My understanding is that they have made some changes since their debut. I had no issue with fitment or the tips lining up BUT had/have issues with the flex sections hanging too low. I stayed away from Stillen because the consensus was that their exhaust was too tame.
#12
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#13
Registered Member
Thread Starter
Best way to describe it would be anything under 3k you can be as loud as you want or as quiet the exhaust will let you. Under 3k you have just a deep kind of growl but nothing annoying or over the top. Cold starts are fine nothing obnoxious. Once you open it up that's when it will come alive for you. Sound WOT is smooth but I would not say aggressive after hearing ark, motordyne, gt haus. I feel like Stillen fits my needs fine. Dont want to grab too much attention but when I want to hear it I can.
#14
Registered Member
If I didn’t get mine used for a steal I would have gone FI from what I’ve read. Haven’t heard one yet
#15
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Thread Starter