JNA Exhaust install and review!

[snownick]

So, last weekend, I went down to CT to install my new JNA exhaust I recently got from Justin at JNA performance. This is to replace my SPT exhaust which was too restrictive for my use.

Here is my install and review of the exhaust:

Tools:
Socket set (12mm, 14mm, and 17mm sockets)
Same size wrenches
Flat Head Screwdriver (long)
PB Blast
White Lithium Grease Spray (or silicone spray)
Jack stands or ramps and jack


To start, here is what you get:
Midpipe:
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics009.jpg?t=1265932180
Axle Back:
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics011.jpg?t=1265932131
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics016.jpg?t=1265939303
I put the rear of the car on ramps and jacked up one side of the front. Although I did not, I highly suggest using a jack stand in the front for safety.
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics001.jpg?t=1265931995

[snownick]

A view of the SPT soon to be removed. Pardon the dirt, VT isn’t an easy state to keep cars clean in. It’ll clean up nicely though once removed.
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics005.jpg?t=1265931819

Ok, now we have to start unbolting the mid pipe from the down pipe. Some like to separate the mid pipe from the axle back as well while under here, I preferred to just remove it all in one piece. Before doing this, it helps to soak the bolts with PB Blast for a good 30 minutes. Below is a view of the down pipe to mid pipe connection. I had 12mm bolts and nuts on mine. I don’t remember what the stock size are, but I think they are the same, if not, 14mm. Remove the bolts from the down pipe, slide the exhaust hangers off from down pipe up to the muffler, and then drop the exhaust gently. You’ll need a partner for this to help you. To help get the hangers off easily, I used white lithium grease to lube them up. Silicon spray will work fine as well though and a long flat head screw driver help in coaxing them off. One other thing I suggest is to have extra exhaust nuts and bolts available incase you break some.

http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics003.jpg?t=1265937461
Mid Pipe to Axle back:
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics004.jpg?t=1265937816
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics008.jpg?t=1265937892

[snownick]

Next, get the mid pipe up, slide the new gasket and new bolts in and just start the nuts on, don’t tighten them up yet. Next, just slide the exhaust hanger on. Now you can go back and tighten the nuts. I am unsure what the torque settings are. I believe the down pipe to turbo are 26 foot lbs, so that might be the same here. Just get em tight and don’t break em.
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics021.jpg?t=1265937968
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics027.jpg?t=1265938664

[05Rex]

nice review. glad you like the exhaust.

one question, you did put a jack stand under the front of the car right? you didnt use the jack as a stand. im assuming you did but i have to ask. i have seen alot of people get hurt from doing this.

[snownick]

Now, time to put the axle back on. For me, I first hung the axle back on the exhaust hangers and then slipped the gasket and bolts in. This is another place to use white lithium grease on the hangers.

http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics028.jpg?t=1265938812
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics029.jpg?t=1265938851
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics030.jpg?t=1265938895
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics031.jpg?t=1265938932
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics034.jpg?t=1265938991
Now slip in the gasket and bolt this bad boy up!
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics038.jpg?t=1265939029
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics042.jpg?t=1265939087
Now you’re done!
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics044.jpg?t=1265939126
http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/Exhaust%20Install/CTExhaustandpics047.jpg?t=1265939170

Start her up and check for leaks!

[snownick]

Review:
First thing I noticed was that this exhaust looks very similar to a Cobb, which I love! The tip isn’t big or fart can like and definitely keeps it low key. The welds look good and overall it is a very quality piece. It also came with all hardware and gaskets, another plus. The only thing is that depending on what down pipe you have, you may need to use different bolts for it. My Cobb DP had smaller holes so I simply reused what I had. Also, I used my stock hangers and they do work but the exhaust sits pretty close to the bumper, which is ok with me. But XL hangers are available if you need them at a pretty decent price.

Upon start up and idle, it’s somewhat tame but still brings out the boxer rumble. Once driving, it’s a VERY great sounding exhaust. It’s not horribly loud but definitely has a great note to it. You know a subie when you hear one and this doesn’t disappoint. It’s a nice, just loud enough tone which shouldn’t get you pulled over, unless the cops already know you and are gunning for you! It’s also not raspy at all. I’ve heard a sound clip before I purchased it and it honestly didn’t do it justice. It sounds WAY better in person. Inside, it actually is not loud at all. No drone what so ever on the highway either. So you can still listen to your music if the exhaust note isn’t music enough to your ears already.

So after all is said and done, the install is easy, the exhaust is AWESOME and the service I got with Justin at JNA Performance was TOP NOTCH! I’d recommend this to everyone!

[snownick]

nice review. glad you like the exhaust.

one question, you did put a jack stand under the front of the car right? you didnt use the jack as a stand. im assuming you did but i have to ask. i have seen alot of people get hurt from doing this.

Yes, I definitely agree with you. I'll admit, I did not use one. But I highly recomend it!

[adam]

Nice Review!!!

Part Looks Quality too!!!

[chadsti]

nice you might of just sold a exhaust for them, did you use the stock hangers?

[itsmy04wrx]

Great write up and review. Looks great on the car :up:

[snownick]

nice you might of just sold a exhaust for them, did you use the stock hangers?

Yup! I used stock hangers. It sits pretty close with the stock hangers but I dont think its too bad. You can get longer hangers from them if you need though failry inexpensively.

[snownick]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1918892

[chadsti]

How u like that cobb sway bar?

[squeethebee]

Great write up, I want one of these pretty bad. Waiting on a twin tip, but I may cave and go with the single. Looks great on your rig.

ed

[JNA Performance]

Thanks for the review!

Car looks sleek with it on! Doesnt make the car stand out but still gives ya the DEEP tone!

----

We have 13 more catbacks IN STOCK here in CT-READY TO SHIP.

Fitment on WRX-STI-FXT
Also cost effective Legacy exhausts available!

Alan
-JNA Performance-

[JNA Performance]

Sexy at its best!

http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss168/snownick777/3rdscroppedWRX.jpg?t=1265905240

FXT Fitment:
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/4513/img484111600x1200.jpg (http://[URL]http://img706.imageshack.us/i/img484111600x1200.jpg/)


WRX Fitment
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f328/dee1469/ki1600x1200.jpg





http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f328/dee1469/untitled1600x12003.jpg





i have a stock catted up pipe and downpipe 02 wrx
the camera is only a few feet away so it sounds loud but this exhaust is perfect not loud at all but still rumbles and when i get on it, it can roar

Sound Clip:
http://s651.photobucket.com/albums/uu240/squillo300/?action=view&current=ce810604.flv

[RCKSTR]

looks great man :up:

[Bu11dogg2]

Nice write up!

I like to use soap on the hangers :)

[shtbxr22]

WD-40=mo' bettah!

[snownick]

How u like that cobb sway bar?

Its not bad! I have only ever used this Cobb so I cant compare it to any other brands but the difference is noticable. Its not huge but worth having on, for me.

[chadsti]

Its not bad! I have only ever used this Cobb so I cant compare it to any other brands but the difference is noticable. Its not huge but worth having on, for me.


thanks :D

[JNA Performance]

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/Yopgommen/P2210011.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/Yopgommen/P2210013.jpg