@@KonkrRoads I love it. I’m in DC and I live in an apartment. It’s just enough that I enjoy the car more, but I’m not disturbing anyone. Great choice for a lot of reasons you’ve stated.
Thanks zbeast, and yep totally agreed that companies should give this a go. I don’t know much about Tomei exhausts, but I’m not sure there is a decibel reader tough enough to measure an AWE cold start 😳🤙
@@KonkrRoads I have the AWE Track and this thing was so loud on a cold start that the people who installed it for me said their ears were ringing bad for some time. I now have a ECUTEK connected so now my cold start is loud but much quieter than before and is at a lower rpm but the pops and bangs are super loud and when I floor the gas as well
Hey thanks fidrat 🤙. Yep, the HKS LPA does get a bit louder after a few thousand miles. Nothing major, but you can legitimately notice. The note gets a touch more throaty too. You considering this exhaust? Any others in contention?
@@KonkrRoads Yes, the Greddy supreme sp exhaust is300 and Invidia Q300 Cat Back. The HKS LPA makes it sound like my beloved 03 WRX with a Borla touring twin tip and a Invidia catless down and up pipe. The only thing missing are the yummy blow off sounds.
@KonkrRoads I bought a set of Enkei RFP-1s and Falken RT-660s for autocross. I plan to stay in street class for the foreseeable future and I do generally prefer a stock look and feel, so not likely to change anything. A turbo kit and MCS suspension at some point would be a lot of fun though. For whatever it's worth, I turned my fake engine sound off and haven't looked back. I don't miss it at all. It's kind of a loud car even when just cruising so I like it off.
@@Nathan_King nice wheels and tires -- classic combo that looks as good as it performs. 100% agreed with the power adder...this car is incredible in stock trim but a turbo or supercharger would be pure blissful insanity!! 💪💪
Awesome video, man!! Thanks for this! I’ve been searching for a quiet axel back with low notes but no ear bleeding drone. My first aftermarket system was also an N2. I thought I’d done my homework but I couldn’t live with it after 5 days. Back to stock. Hopefully this HKS will be the charm ❤
Thanks so much for all these tips, really helped me out! I was struggling to get the jack to the rear diff jack point, then i realized you can lay the jack arm down to push it deeper, derp. Not too tough after that! Cheers. I will say my tips seem to be bent inward slightly. Not sure how that would happen unless they were welded that way from factory. Maybe it just needs to settle in a bit. Definitely deeper/bassier than stock! Will see how it breaks in.
I just recently installed a Legamax too and noticed the same thing with my exhaust tips. Though when you take a picture of the rear, the tips are centered in the bumper cutouts so i'm not sure if it's intentional or not
@@CarbonFiber23yeah, i didn't follow up with the pics request cuz busy but also because from certain angles, i was like "wait, maybe it's fine?" It's close enough that I'm not bothered, which is saying something cuz I'm generally pretty neurotic 😅
Just an update: I have the fake engine noise disabled now. Swapping in the JDM intake box along with a HKS drop-in air filter made the real induction noise loud enough 🤙
I am from Europe where we have quite strickt noise and modification laws. So I would like to keep it at a reasonable noise level and not touch to much of the stock exhaust system and this one seems to fit those requirements quite well. The only thing I don't like are the blue exhausts tips. That's definitely not premium imho 😊 But I think I can live with it.
This exhaust tests at ~87db, so yes it should be fine in most European counties. For the blue tips, you can polish it away if you wish - I actually planned on doing this but once I saw the blue against my magnetite grey I fell in love! 🍻🤙
@@KonkrRoads Yeah, I thought the Blue could be "Fixed" with polishing or painting, so it is not a showstopper. I really see the benefits of easy installation, hardly any changes to stock car, not too loud. It all looks good. BTW, Still happy without the fake sound?? I really want to turn this off. It's cool at first but after a few months, it gets a bit annoying. But I would like to hear some exhaust sound from the inside. Just a bit is enough.
@@enekoprins I have the fake noise “on” now. All is good with it off, except the exhaust isn’t loud enough to hear with the windows down, and music up, at highway speeds. I keep it on so I don’t miss shifts at speed essentially
Been looking at this one and i also am considering JDL catted headers to pair with it. I wonder if the high power spec l2 catback would be a more desireable sound tho. Also do yourself a favor and get a cold air intake. The throatiness from it plus the axleback will be fantastic. I currently have an MST cold air intake and absolutely love it.
You can’t go wrong with either the Legamax Premium or high power l2 - it’s all loudness preference. My end game is adding a supercharger and header to the mix, so a few dbs added to my axleback shouldn’t be an issue. Glad you like the cold air intake, I’ll consider one for sure. What else you have planned for the car other than exhaust?
@@KonkrRoads I got over 10$k in the car so far haha. About 3100 of that is wheels and 2 sets of tires. Currently wearing Michelin pilot Ps4s. Another 3k is suspension. Coils, whiteline sway bars and Spl end links. Also SPL rear lower control arms. I installed the OEM short shifter, rear differential bushings, side markers, spoiler, and carbon antenna. I have front and rear strut braces and a C pillar power brace (all braces Cusco). I also am using a MST Cold air intake. Havnt even touch power other than intake which I'd an alleged 8hp according to MST. But the car handles like a dream. I eat corners so super fun. It handles as good as a Cayman. Okay great on the exhaust. I'm looking for not so loud. The axleback is going to be less loud than the spec L correct?
@@PBrooksSawyer that’s a serious mod list! I like the initiative 💪. What wheel setup did you go with? Yep, the HKS axle-back is quieter than the Spec L by 3 or 4db as I recall. Header + Spec L will be pretty dang loud, if that’s what you want; much more tame going with axleback 🤙
@@KonkrRoads ok good to know thanks. Right now my wheels are TSW Kemoras. 18x8.5+38. I like the fitment. 0 rubbing even with the car lowered about 1.5 inches.
As someone who has paired a header with this axle-back exhaust, I would suggest against it. The header will make it sound more raspy, as the HKS Legamax is a muffler that wasn't designed for increased exhaust flow. You are better off with a cat-back. That being said, I still think the Legamax is a fantastic exhaust with great looks that work well when I returned to the stock header.
What were your two previous exhausts that you didn’t get on with? I was thinking of the AWE Touring but am concerned that it’s just too ‘rude’ for a man nearing 60 - your axle back seems like a decent OEM+ type of sound. BTW, tell your girls ‘well done’ for their part in your movie making 👍🏻
OEM+ is a perfect description for the HKS axleback - it’s literally 25% louder, and not intrusive. The first two catbacks I had were the Invidia N2 (absolutely terrible…unless you enjoy being in a broom closet with ten subwoofers blasting) and then the 22+ Borla S-Type (quite good tone, though a bit too loud and the deceleration drone between 2.8k- 4k was totally unacceptable). I don’t have personal experience with the AWE Touring, but videos and reviews I’ve seen and read caution the cold start noise. Atomically loud is the consensus. Overall, with the HKS axleback I’m totally satisfied 95% of the time - the 5% is when I’m “sending it” with the windows down, music up, at 50mph+ and could use a bit more oomph for excitement. I’m ok with the 5% sacrifice compared to living with a too loud daily driver exhaust that is unbearable most of the time I drive. If you have other Qs let me know. Thanks for the kuddos on my little a actresses, they were excited to hear someone gave them props on their spiel 🤙
@@Zandariouz you will for sure have a better time with the HKS axleback - it’s never too loud, even on start-up when the ~1800rpm is at it’s loudest on the FA24. I have heard those with automatics do get more steady and annoying tone with this axleback though, as these cars stay in the louder tone zone of 1500-2000; if you have a manual, you seriously have nothing to worry about. Zero issues for me, and I consider myself ultra-sensitive to resonance, drone, and loud tones.
@@Zandariouz this platform is for sure a tough one to get the exhaust just right. I’m glad I was able to stop on the third system lol. Any others you’re considering?
@@KonkrRoads i think you'd like the yonaka catback. its $600, slightly louder, cold start sounds great and sounds bearable, and sounds a lot deeper. the legamax is amazing for an axleback, though. sounds really good, almost perfect for me
@@brzo. I strongly considered the Yonaka -- great sound with an amazing price. My concern with it (and any other catback) was pulling the OEM resonator. Plus...HKS tips are 🔥🔥😎. You have any drone with the Yonaka?
Love the sound of this exhaust! I currently have the HKS Hi- Power L-Spec II, which is the Japanese version so its quieter. Do you think this axle back would fit onto the mid pipe that came with the L Spec II? The mid pipe it came with is really nice
Hey thanks for checking the video out and I appreciate the kudos on the sound. For your question, it’s unlikely the Spec-L mid pipe and Legamax Premium axleback will mate…but it’s testable. If you still have the OEM axleback, see if it will mate with your L-Spec mid pipe while on the car. If so, then yes the Legamax premium axleback will fit. Otherwise, no such luck.
No drone -- the only time the sound is somewhat unpleasant is when starting the car hot (is noticeably boomy until the revs settle...especially with the windows down) and when bogging the engine on the highway (~2k rpm has the faintest deep note that lingers). 99% of the time this exhaust is premier 🤙
@@KonkrRoads Thank you for responding. I've tried contacting Blackhawk Japan. But didn't get a estimate. I figured around what you paid. You have a good one! 🤙
3 time lucky is right -- the HKS is still on the car and I love it the same as day one. The exhaust may be a smidge louder now, but nothing too serious; tips are still glorious 🤙. You in the market?
@@KonkrRoads Thanks. Yes, in the market, and therefore your video helped convince me on HKS. Be about £900 of our English pounds. Should be worth it though as the car is super quite as standard. Thanks again.
HKS single exit - I get why folks like this…fun for sure. 🤙. Have a clip of yours? I had single exits on my 1986, 88, & 89 300ZXs. My 88 had over 400rwhp and my bumper charred quite a bit lol. I am liking the dual exit on the BRZ though - something new to me and it’s how the OEM intended.
Literally the best exhaust review I’ve ever seen . Thank you and keep it up👏
Hey glad you liked it!! Hit subscribe for more 😎😎🤙. Which exhaust you leaning towards for your twin??
This review was what convinced me to buy this axle back.
Thanks for having a look 🤙. How do you like the exhaust so far??
@@KonkrRoads I love it. I’m in DC and I live in an apartment. It’s just enough that I enjoy the car more, but I’m not disturbing anyone. Great choice for a lot of reasons you’ve stated.
waking up the neighbors test was genius. if only the tomei and awe guys would do this 😫😫
Thanks zbeast, and yep totally agreed that companies should give this a go. I don’t know much about Tomei exhausts, but I’m not sure there is a decibel reader tough enough to measure an AWE cold start 😳🤙
They wouldn't because they know it's going to fail lol.. but those who are do get should know by now what they're in for
@@KonkrRoads I have the AWE Track and this thing was so loud on a cold start that the people who installed it for me said their ears were ringing bad for some time. I now have a ECUTEK connected so now my cold start is loud but much quieter than before and is at a lower rpm but the pops and bangs are super loud and when I floor the gas as well
Love your channel "in the drone zone" I'm dead!🤣 I heard after a while it gets a smidge louder. Is this true?
Hey thanks fidrat 🤙. Yep, the HKS LPA does get a bit louder after a few thousand miles. Nothing major, but you can legitimately notice. The note gets a touch more throaty too. You considering this exhaust? Any others in contention?
@@KonkrRoads Yes, the Greddy supreme sp exhaust is300 and Invidia Q300 Cat Back. The HKS LPA makes it sound like my beloved 03 WRX with a Borla touring twin tip and a Invidia catless down and up pipe. The only thing missing are the yummy blow off sounds.
Great video, thank you. Made the install quite simple. Installed it myself on my 2023 BRZ. Great deep tone and not excessively loud.
Hey thanks Tim, glad the video was of help and that you enjoy the exhaust! Any other mod plans?
@@KonkrRoads Yes, I'm going to change the steering wheel to a Greddy and maybe some 4 pot front calipers. That'll do for now! 😀
Great review and video. I'm not even the market to replace my exhaust but this would be the one I'd get!
Hey thanks Nathan 🤙. Any modification plans at all or leaving the car OEM?
@KonkrRoads I bought a set of Enkei RFP-1s and Falken RT-660s for autocross. I plan to stay in street class for the foreseeable future and I do generally prefer a stock look and feel, so not likely to change anything. A turbo kit and MCS suspension at some point would be a lot of fun though. For whatever it's worth, I turned my fake engine sound off and haven't looked back. I don't miss it at all. It's kind of a loud car even when just cruising so I like it off.
@@Nathan_King nice wheels and tires -- classic combo that looks as good as it performs. 100% agreed with the power adder...this car is incredible in stock trim but a turbo or supercharger would be pure blissful insanity!! 💪💪
appreciate the video... have had my eye on this axleback for months and I just need a nudge to pull the trigger. this helps.
Right on - I don’t think you’ll regret it. Subtle but noticeable, and great for a daily driver. What other exhausts are you looking at?
Awesome video, man!! Thanks for this! I’ve been searching for a quiet axel back with low notes but no ear bleeding drone. My first aftermarket system was also an N2. I thought I’d done my homework but I couldn’t live with it after 5 days. Back to stock. Hopefully this HKS will be the charm ❤
I'm impressed your ears lasted five days with the N2 lol!!! Yep, you'll be happy with the switch to the HKS. Let me know how it goes 🤙
Will do. Ears barely survived, nerves were another story 😬
Thanks so much for all these tips, really helped me out! I was struggling to get the jack to the rear diff jack point, then i realized you can lay the jack arm down to push it deeper, derp. Not too tough after that! Cheers.
I will say my tips seem to be bent inward slightly. Not sure how that would happen unless they were welded that way from factory. Maybe it just needs to settle in a bit. Definitely deeper/bassier than stock! Will see how it breaks in.
Glad to be of service 🤙. Have any pics to share of the inward bend? You can shoot them my way on my Facebook page if the photos can't post here 🍻
I just recently installed a Legamax too and noticed the same thing with my exhaust tips. Though when you take a picture of the rear, the tips are centered in the bumper cutouts so i'm not sure if it's intentional or not
@@CarbonFiber23yeah, i didn't follow up with the pics request cuz busy but also because from certain angles, i was like "wait, maybe it's fine?"
It's close enough that I'm not bothered, which is saying something cuz I'm generally pretty neurotic 😅
Great review.
Thanks 🙏 🤙
Just excellent! Thank you.
Thanks Robert!! 🤙
Great video - I too am looking for a "dad" exhaust lol. This was super helpful! Did you wind up leaving the fake sound on????
Hey thanks! Yep, I left the fake noise on for now, mostly so I can easily hear high RPMs with music up and the windows down at hooning speeds. 🤙
Just an update: I have the fake engine noise disabled now. Swapping in the JDM intake box along with a HKS drop-in air filter made the real induction noise loud enough 🤙
Thanks Mr Dad
😎🤙
I am from Europe where we have quite strickt noise and modification laws. So I would like to keep it at a reasonable noise level and not touch to much of the stock exhaust system and this one seems to fit those requirements quite well. The only thing I don't like are the blue exhausts tips. That's definitely not premium imho 😊 But I think I can live with it.
This exhaust tests at ~87db, so yes it should be fine in most European counties. For the blue tips, you can polish it away if you wish - I actually planned on doing this but once I saw the blue against my magnetite grey I fell in love! 🍻🤙
@@KonkrRoads Yeah, I thought the Blue could be "Fixed" with polishing or painting, so it is not a showstopper. I really see the benefits of easy installation, hardly any changes to stock car, not too loud. It all looks good. BTW, Still happy without the fake sound?? I really want to turn this off. It's cool at first but after a few months, it gets a bit annoying. But I would like to hear some exhaust sound from the inside. Just a bit is enough.
@@enekoprins I have the fake noise “on” now. All is good with it off, except the exhaust isn’t loud enough to hear with the windows down, and music up, at highway speeds. I keep it on so I don’t miss shifts at speed essentially
Been looking at this one and i also am considering JDL catted headers to pair with it. I wonder if the high power spec l2 catback would be a more desireable sound tho. Also do yourself a favor and get a cold air intake. The throatiness from it plus the axleback will be fantastic. I currently have an MST cold air intake and absolutely love it.
You can’t go wrong with either the Legamax Premium or high power l2 - it’s all loudness preference. My end game is adding a supercharger and header to the mix, so a few dbs added to my axleback shouldn’t be an issue.
Glad you like the cold air intake, I’ll consider one for sure. What else you have planned for the car other than exhaust?
@@KonkrRoads I got over 10$k in the car so far haha. About 3100 of that is wheels and 2 sets of tires. Currently wearing Michelin pilot Ps4s. Another 3k is suspension. Coils, whiteline sway bars and Spl end links. Also SPL rear lower control arms. I installed the OEM short shifter, rear differential bushings, side markers, spoiler, and carbon antenna. I have front and rear strut braces and a C pillar power brace (all braces Cusco). I also am using a MST Cold air intake.
Havnt even touch power other than intake which I'd an alleged 8hp according to MST. But the car handles like a dream. I eat corners so super fun. It handles as good as a Cayman.
Okay great on the exhaust. I'm looking for not so loud. The axleback is going to be less loud than the spec L correct?
@@PBrooksSawyer that’s a serious mod list! I like the initiative 💪. What wheel setup did you go with?
Yep, the HKS axle-back is quieter than the Spec L by 3 or 4db as I recall. Header + Spec L will be pretty dang loud, if that’s what you want; much more tame going with axleback 🤙
@@KonkrRoads ok good to know thanks. Right now my wheels are TSW Kemoras. 18x8.5+38. I like the fitment. 0 rubbing even with the car lowered about 1.5 inches.
As someone who has paired a header with this axle-back exhaust, I would suggest against it. The header will make it sound more raspy, as the HKS Legamax is a muffler that wasn't designed for increased exhaust flow. You are better off with a cat-back. That being said, I still think the Legamax is a fantastic exhaust with great looks that work well when I returned to the stock header.
What were your two previous exhausts that you didn’t get on with? I was thinking of the AWE Touring but am concerned that it’s just too ‘rude’ for a man nearing 60 - your axle back seems like a decent OEM+ type of sound.
BTW, tell your girls ‘well done’ for their part in your movie making 👍🏻
OEM+ is a perfect description for the HKS axleback - it’s literally 25% louder, and not intrusive. The first two catbacks I had were the Invidia N2 (absolutely terrible…unless you enjoy being in a broom closet with ten subwoofers blasting) and then the 22+ Borla S-Type (quite good tone, though a bit too loud and the deceleration drone between 2.8k- 4k was totally unacceptable).
I don’t have personal experience with the AWE Touring, but videos and reviews I’ve seen and read caution the cold start noise. Atomically loud is the consensus.
Overall, with the HKS axleback I’m totally satisfied 95% of the time - the 5% is when I’m “sending it” with the windows down, music up, at 50mph+ and could use a bit more oomph for excitement. I’m ok with the 5% sacrifice compared to living with a too loud daily driver exhaust that is unbearable most of the time I drive.
If you have other Qs let me know. Thanks for the kuddos on my little a actresses, they were excited to hear someone gave them props on their spiel 🤙
@@Zandariouz you will for sure have a better time with the HKS axleback - it’s never too loud, even on start-up when the ~1800rpm is at it’s loudest on the FA24. I have heard those with automatics do get more steady and annoying tone with this axleback though, as these cars stay in the louder tone zone of 1500-2000; if you have a manual, you seriously have nothing to worry about. Zero issues for me, and I consider myself ultra-sensitive to resonance, drone, and loud tones.
@@Zandariouz this platform is for sure a tough one to get the exhaust just right. I’m glad I was able to stop on the third system lol. Any others you’re considering?
@@KonkrRoads i think you'd like the yonaka catback. its $600, slightly louder, cold start sounds great and sounds bearable, and sounds a lot deeper. the legamax is amazing for an axleback, though. sounds really good, almost perfect for me
@@brzo. I strongly considered the Yonaka -- great sound with an amazing price. My concern with it (and any other catback) was pulling the OEM resonator. Plus...HKS tips are 🔥🔥😎. You have any drone with the Yonaka?
Love the sound of this exhaust! I currently have the HKS Hi- Power L-Spec II, which is the Japanese version so its quieter.
Do you think this axle back would fit onto the mid pipe that came with the L Spec II? The mid pipe it came with is really nice
Hey thanks for checking the video out and I appreciate the kudos on the sound. For your question, it’s unlikely the Spec-L mid pipe and Legamax Premium axleback will mate…but it’s testable. If you still have the OEM axleback, see if it will mate with your L-Spec mid pipe while on the car. If so, then yes the Legamax premium axleback will fit. Otherwise, no such luck.
Any drone?
No drone -- the only time the sound is somewhat unpleasant is when starting the car hot (is noticeably boomy until the revs settle...especially with the windows down) and when bogging the engine on the highway (~2k rpm has the faintest deep note that lingers). 99% of the time this exhaust is premier 🤙
How much was the shipping cost from Blackhawk Japan?
It was $330 at the time, and $600 for the exhaust. ~$930 total 🤙
@@KonkrRoads Thank you for responding. I've tried contacting Blackhawk Japan. But didn't get a estimate. I figured around what you paid. You have a good one! 🤙
How’s HKS 8 months on? 3 time lucky. Thanks
3 time lucky is right -- the HKS is still on the car and I love it the same as day one. The exhaust may be a smidge louder now, but nothing too serious; tips are still glorious 🤙. You in the market?
@@KonkrRoads Thanks. Yes, in the market, and therefore your video helped convince me on HKS. Be about £900 of our English pounds. Should be worth it though as the car is super quite as standard. Thanks again.
@@xplane7523 you'll love it for sure -- just enough to let you know the exhaust is there without alerting your neighbors or police. Enjoy 🤙
@@KonkrRoads Perfect! Thanks 👍
@KonkrRoads I’ve ordered one 😊. Fitting it in a week in or so. Thanks
Waiting on this muffler to deliver to me as well as a GR intake. #dadlife
@@mattonthewater hey nice choice on the exhaust -- you'll love it. Let me know how the GR intake goes...I hear the hp gains are solid 🤙
Leave it unhooked. I am.
I’m with ya 100% - been driving for a week now “unplugged” and loving it. Do you have the HKS too??
it's not bad but nothing beats a single hks hi power it's just awesome nothing beats it and shoots😅
HKS single exit - I get why folks like this…fun for sure. 🤙. Have a clip of yours?
I had single exits on my 1986, 88, & 89 300ZXs. My 88 had over 400rwhp and my bumper charred quite a bit lol. I am liking the dual exit on the BRZ though - something new to me and it’s how the OEM intended.
ok, I understand, for me it looks so more race-drift and certainly a double exhaust will never match the drone
@@Themis187 I can 100% appreciate that 🤙
Everything was good; EXCEPT, the video is way too short - next time shoot for, at least, 3 hours. You are BLOCKED
😂🤣 -- hey thanks for having a look at the video 🤙
i swear ive seen you on like 5 different car guys' videos just leaving hate comments and saying youre gonna block their "site", are you a bot ? lol