I had gone back and forth for awhile too before getting the q300. Best looking and sounding exhaust imo. Paired with a downpipe and headers the exhaust sounds amazing while still being very liveable.
Well you`ve got me sold, I will order the Q300 TBE with a Accessport Combo from ProS Racing. I have a discount available on their price so it`s a great deal!
Nice, you should do a video and report back, I'm only a few months off warranty ending and will likely adding the downpipe etc soon. Would be great to hear it.
@@BenCad I paid for it but they couldn`t discount it further as it`a sponsored sale item .Will fit it on the long w/e. We have a my13 hatch with turbo back q300 and it`s LOUD imo
Hi BenCad, nice video, I'm also trying to decide between Q300 and R400. I have read on fitting instructions for Q300 that you need to cut away under tray due to the really tall muffler body, so if you haven't done that, may explain the uneven L/R alignment, i.e. undertray could be pushing it down. None of this is verified though, just net info. My worry with the R400 is how much louder will it get with dp and accessport? As for Q300 I have heard that the drone gets shifted further back (away from cabin) once you get a dp due to flow characteristics and harmonics.
Definitely sounds great. Hmm. I'm on the fence between this and the Borla S-Type (I think). Both supposedly have very low drone which is essential, but I also don't want to wake up the neighbors when coming home at 3AM or leaving for work at 6.
That neighbour care is why so far I didn`t put something else under my STI. But since I`ll get a new engine after it broke just now at 120.000 km I decided to also give the exhaust upgrade as I hope now I`ll keep the car for more years after that investment. Really exciting already, especially after hearing this video. It seems to give a nicer note but not be so excessivly loud to really piss people off. I`ll see how it is because unfortunately I need to get in my garage backwards (or I can`t fit my motorbike next to it and get out of the car) and it was already loud with the stock exhaust that way where I felt bad to let it idle the little bit just to settle after start and before stop....but oh well. It`s not going to be my daily anymore and the times I come home at 1-2am are over too so hope it wont be too bad:-)
I want more rumble, but My STI is my daily, I leave for work at 6am and I have a 4 year old daughter. I don’t want to wake up my neighbors and I want to be able to hear my radio or people talking in the car. This seems like the right exhaust for me but I’m curious what you think?? Thanks
Hey Justin, word on the internet suggests the Q300 is one of the quieter ones in market, but I can only talk to this one. Its pretty good but not stupid loud. If you check my channel I have some videos of an older WRX I owned which a Canon exhaust... i guess I can say my family friends say they don't easily hear me coming to visit anymore with this new one. Otherwise, perhaps checkout Xforce and their Varex adjustable exhausts. Cheers
Sounds good any other mods? I just installed these on my 2020 Sti but says a little bit i like how’s yours are tight to the bumper. Any tips? New hangers or??
Hey Eric, thanks. No other engine/exhausts mods besides the q300 cat back. Also stock hangers. Might be a few differences between the 17’ and 20’ models.
Albert it’s easy to drive and harder to drive right. As a daily driver you’ll find it’s alright once you get it down . That said I personally find if I drive any other manual car they usually feel easier. Anyways I like it :)
Hey San, most commonly people say a cat-back exhaust won’t void your warranty. Except for components that are related to it. So for instance it would likely void it for the OEM parts related to it. So for example Subaru told me it would void the warranty on my exhaust hangers also haha. Always best to call and check if you’re concerned though. Hope that helps. Cheers.
@@BenCadthank for the reply. How does it feel after a long road trip on highway? I got family with kids, Does it get deafeny or annoying? Or still smooth and comfortable?
@@sanluu Most will see not needed for a cat-back exhaust, if you choose a turbo-back exhaust (full exhaust) then yes you will. This is just a cat back and is not tuned here in this video.
Did you use the stock exhaust hangers? I have a Q300 as well and the alignment issues seem to be a problem with these exhausts, especially on the left side. Yours looks misaligned on the right side.
ibp4da97 hey mate, yeah stock hangers apparently suck at aligning these evenly. Aftermarket hangers are on the to do list. Interesting you think the sides are different to usual though. Mine is Right Hand drive (Australia), I doubt that woke change anything back there though. Will investigate more when I go for some hangers! No issues with drive-ability or anything though.
@@aaronplaster5818 I actually did the same thing but only used zipties on the stock exhaust hanger closest to the bumper. I tried a 4 hole adjustable hanger but it pushed the exhaust against the side of the bumper where the rear spats usually go.
Came very close to getting one. Main thing that got me on the Q300 was first of all the looks, i prefer the tips. And I found that a common trend in WRX groups, ebay, classifieds etc there were a lot of poeple selling the R400 or looking to swap to the Q300 because they did not like the drone in the cabin. So I went with this one. It would be nice if the Q300 was a little louder though I will say that. Cold start volume when warm would be perfect!
No, Catback exhaust do not need tune, it isn't changing anything except the tone of the car. Now, If you change items that restrict, like the intake or downpipe, that is when you will start needing tunes to accommodate the increase air flow that is occurring.
@@grantr426 Hey Grant, what R Roman said. I havent tuned mine (yet) and was told my dealer it would not void warranty either (except for the exhaust hangers apparently lol). I WILL say and I swear it wasn't just cos of the noise. The car did feel a lot better to drive with it fitted. There is a difference. Cheers
Hi. Just got a 2018 STI in same color. Such a nice looking car. Thinking about this exhaust or leaving it at stock since my daily driver. How is this exhaust on long road trips? Does it get irksome at all after hour five of driving or is it a non factor? I have motorcycles where I get my fix of hearing the exhaust but on the fence with this one. Having a low growl would be preferable but only if it’s not unwelcome in the long run. Any thoughts having had it for awhile. Thanks
Hey mate, nice buy :) Nah its a non-factor its not very loud mate. Best way I could describe is this is the exhaust you would *think* Subaru would subaru from factory. Nice noise but once the cars warm it doesn't blow out your ear drums. On the way highway, you just have a subtle rumble, but the radio, phone calls, conversations are all totally fine. No drone at all. Cheers!
@@BenCad Just got it installed and they sound lovely, however, the exhaust scrapes now when entering our steep driveway. Have you noticed a lower clearance for yours? I had them professionally installed and I don't think they can be cinched higher. Also, did you notice a slight drop in torque? Seems a little less punchy with the freer exhaust. May have to cut my losses with this one on the scraping alone.
@@Earclops Hey Barclay, nah man I found the car drove way nicer once I fitted it.. I know people the cat-back doesn't really change performance but it does. Mine feels better and definitely different. No scrapes at all on mine (its still stock height.. for now) So it sits how you see here. I got a bunch of other videos of my car on my channel so you can probably see the exhaust height on a solid surface there too. Hope that helps!
Nice video Ben. Did you consider the Invidia R400? I’m trying to decide between it or the Q300. Also do you get any crackles or backfires at all with the Q300?
Neal Krempin hey Neal, was a very tough call. I go into a bit more detail in my video description but essentially I prefer the look of the q300 over the r400 and I’m not sure in your wrx circles but I just keep seeing people list the r400 for sale or trade wanting to move to a q300 to avoid the drone noise. I will say I wish inside the cabin was a bit louder. If you lower back seats down I think the volume is perfect. But it’s certainly not stupid loud, I used to have an older wrx with a canon exhaust - it’s not loud like that but it’s a good respectable note. Most of my car mates say it sounds great. And we can all talk over it and you can still have a Bluetooth phone call. Regardless crackles and pops.. from inside the cabin I’d say maybe there is an occasional pop or crackle when you’re putting the foot down in S# mode. Cheers!
Ben Cad thanks for the info mate. I think you have helped me make my mind up. Part of me still wants the R400 but after the novelty wears off I think the Q300 is the better all round choice, particularly if doing a downpipe later which will make it louder. Will find out when I get it fitted next week. Thanks again
Neal Krempin agreed Neal, I think the noises I miss most are the ones you get when you ad a full system and a CAI. Especially after coming from another wrx with all this fitted.
@@Andy-eq5fu hey Zhao, well the q300 you get the big stainless mufflers, but the main thing is the exhaust tips are much thicker than on the R400, which are thinner. Thats about it. I personally prefer the tips on the Q300 looks a little tougher i reckon. Hope that helps! Also there is another video i recently published on my channel on the q300 if thats of interest. Cheers
If you could guesstimate essentially. Would you say the Q300 is much quieter than the borla cat-back? I'm hoping i don't end up with something too too loud. I keep debating this, borla and AWE.
hey Brian, thanks for the comment. Honestly not sure mate the Borla is not a popular brand here in Australia and I havent heard one in real life to offer an opinion. If you're not looking for 'too loud' then probably a q300 is a good option. Once you pick one, you'll be likely happy either way.
Hi Strakos, it’s certainly a q300. Ive actually never seen one without the centre logo on this model - at least in Australia. Perhaps the older ones might not? Not sure, but it is a q300. Cheers
Hi. Just wanted to say that your video helped me with the decision a lot. I just got Q300 for my 2018 STI :D
I hope you like it! Glad to hear it helped, thanks for leaving a message. Cheers!
I had gone back and forth for awhile too before getting the q300. Best looking and sounding exhaust imo. Paired with a downpipe and headers the exhaust sounds amazing while still being very liveable.
Thank you for this thorough review.
Cheers, hope it helped!
Well you`ve got me sold, I will order the Q300 TBE with a Accessport Combo from ProS Racing. I have a discount available on their price so it`s a great deal!
Nice, you should do a video and report back, I'm only a few months off warranty ending and will likely adding the downpipe etc soon. Would be great to hear it.
@@BenCad I paid for it but they couldn`t discount it further as it`a sponsored sale item .Will fit it on the long w/e. We have a my13 hatch with turbo back q300 and it`s LOUD imo
very thorough review thank you very much
Hey David, thanks hope it helped you! Cheers
Hi BenCad, nice video, I'm also trying to decide between Q300 and R400. I have read on fitting instructions for Q300 that you need to cut away under tray due to the really tall muffler body, so if you haven't done that, may explain the uneven L/R alignment, i.e. undertray could be pushing it down. None of this is verified though, just net info. My worry with the R400 is how much louder will it get with dp and accessport? As for Q300 I have heard that the drone gets shifted further back (away from cabin) once you get a dp due to flow characteristics and harmonics.
Definitely sounds great. Hmm.
I'm on the fence between this and the Borla S-Type (I think). Both supposedly have very low drone which is essential, but I also don't want to wake up the neighbors when coming home at 3AM or leaving for work at 6.
Well I can't offer an opinion on the Borla, but I can say my neighbours haven't complained about this exhaust :)
@@BenCad Good to know 👍🏻 and thanks for the quick reply on such an old video
That neighbour care is why so far I didn`t put something else under my STI. But since I`ll get a new engine after it broke just now at 120.000 km I decided to also give the exhaust upgrade as I hope now I`ll keep the car for more years after that investment. Really exciting already, especially after hearing this video. It seems to give a nicer note but not be so excessivly loud to really piss people off. I`ll see how it is because unfortunately I need to get in my garage backwards (or I can`t fit my motorbike next to it and get out of the car) and it was already loud with the stock exhaust that way where I felt bad to let it idle the little bit just to settle after start and before stop....but oh well. It`s not going to be my daily anymore and the times I come home at 1-2am are over too so hope it wont be too bad:-)
I want more rumble, but My STI is my daily, I leave for work at 6am and I have a 4 year old daughter. I don’t want to wake up my neighbors and I want to be able to hear my radio or people talking in the car. This seems like the right exhaust for me but I’m curious what you think?? Thanks
Hey Justin, word on the internet suggests the Q300 is one of the quieter ones in market, but I can only talk to this one. Its pretty good but not stupid loud. If you check my channel I have some videos of an older WRX I owned which a Canon exhaust... i guess I can say my family friends say they don't easily hear me coming to visit anymore with this new one. Otherwise, perhaps checkout Xforce and their Varex adjustable exhausts. Cheers
so have you got more rumble? asking, because I have two kids on back seats...
Sounds good any other mods? I just installed these on my 2020 Sti but says a little bit i like how’s yours are tight to the bumper. Any tips? New hangers or??
Hey Eric, thanks. No other engine/exhausts mods besides the q300 cat back. Also stock hangers.
Might be a few differences between the 17’ and 20’ models.
nice car! is the sti manual transmission easy to pick up?
Albert it’s easy to drive and harder to drive right. As a daily driver you’ll find it’s alright once you get it down . That said I personally find if I drive any other manual car they usually feel easier. Anyways I like it :)
My stock legacy sounds like that because of an exhaust leak 😂
Protip! Haha
Hi Ben, is there much drone with this exhaust?
Nope :)
I’ve got another exhaust video on my channel you can watch which has a very interior audio clips.
Hi Ben, I'm in Sydney, do you know if installing the invidia exhaust void the subaru factory warranty?
Hey San, most commonly people say a cat-back exhaust won’t void your warranty. Except for components that are related to it. So for instance it would likely void it for the OEM parts related to it. So for example Subaru told me it would void the warranty on my exhaust hangers also haha. Always best to call and check if you’re concerned though. Hope that helps. Cheers.
@@BenCadthank for the reply. How does it feel after a long road trip on highway? I got family with kids, Does it get deafeny or annoying? Or still smooth and comfortable?
Smooth and comfy mate. There’s barely any drone from it. While cruising it’s not that much louder than stock, but you get the right exhaust note.
@@BenCad do you need a tune for this exhaust? Or stock Ecu? Not going to harm engine without tune?
@@sanluu Most will see not needed for a cat-back exhaust, if you choose a turbo-back exhaust (full exhaust) then yes you will. This is just a cat back and is not tuned here in this video.
Just got pulled over for mine being to loud🤣 that’s what brought me here.
Shocked! Surely it passed?
What exhaust did you have?
Did you use the stock exhaust hangers? I have a Q300 as well and the alignment issues seem to be a problem with these exhausts, especially on the left side. Yours looks misaligned on the right side.
ibp4da97 hey mate, yeah stock hangers apparently suck at aligning these evenly. Aftermarket hangers are on the to do list. Interesting you think the sides are different to usual though. Mine is Right Hand drive (Australia), I doubt that woke change anything back there though. Will investigate more when I go for some hangers!
No issues with drive-ability or anything though.
I used the stock hangers on my q300 then I used big zip ties to help pull up the exhaust made it fit perfect and I was only like 3$ from Walmart
@@aaronplaster5818 I actually did the same thing but only used zipties on the stock exhaust hanger closest to the bumper. I tried a 4 hole adjustable hanger but it pushed the exhaust against the side of the bumper where the rear spats usually go.
Hey mate! I’m in melb too, would you have any trouble with the highway patrol/cops with this exhaust ?
Noch So Hi Noch, nah haven’t had any trouble at all, you’ll be fine. Hope you like it!
does the 2016 have unequal headers? i don’t remember
the STI variants do.
@@BenCad so my 2020 sti should sound that aggressive?
@@jdenjdenjden Yep!
Hey all, here is a second follow up video to watch after this one with pure driving sounds & a review!
th-cam.com/video/giC_7vKKoQs/w-d-xo.html
thoughts on the invidia R400??
Came very close to getting one. Main thing that got me on the Q300 was first of all the looks, i prefer the tips. And I found that a common trend in WRX groups, ebay, classifieds etc there were a lot of poeple selling the R400 or looking to swap to the Q300 because they did not like the drone in the cabin. So I went with this one. It would be nice if the Q300 was a little louder though I will say that. Cold start volume when warm would be perfect!
@@BenCad yeah fair enough, cause i have a subaru levorg and im trying to decide between the 2
@@jamesd271 Nice, t's a toughie.
@@BenCad decided to go with the r400
Nice, hope you like it!
is a tune/ cobb accessport required with a catback exhaust ?
No, Catback exhaust do not need tune, it isn't changing anything except the tone of the car. Now, If you change items that restrict, like the intake or downpipe, that is when you will start needing tunes to accommodate the increase air flow that is occurring.
Awesome thank you
@@grantr426 Hey Grant, what R Roman said. I havent tuned mine (yet) and was told my dealer it would not void warranty either (except for the exhaust hangers apparently lol). I WILL say and I swear it wasn't just cos of the noise. The car did feel a lot better to drive with it fitted. There is a difference. Cheers
Hi. Just got a 2018 STI in same color. Such a nice looking car. Thinking about this exhaust or leaving it at stock since my daily driver. How is this exhaust on long road trips? Does it get irksome at all after hour five of driving or is it a non factor? I have motorcycles where I get my fix of hearing the exhaust but on the fence with this one. Having a low growl would be preferable but only if it’s not unwelcome in the long run. Any thoughts having had it for awhile. Thanks
Hey mate, nice buy :) Nah its a non-factor its not very loud mate. Best way I could describe is this is the exhaust you would *think* Subaru would subaru from factory. Nice noise but once the cars warm it doesn't blow out your ear drums. On the way highway, you just have a subtle rumble, but the radio, phone calls, conversations are all totally fine. No drone at all.
Cheers!
@@BenCad We got great taste ;) Thanks, Ben. I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on this one. Really appreciate your feedback
@@Earclops No worries hope you like it ;)
@@BenCad Just got it installed and they sound lovely, however, the exhaust scrapes now when entering our steep driveway. Have you noticed a lower clearance for yours? I had them professionally installed and I don't think they can be cinched higher. Also, did you notice a slight drop in torque? Seems a little less punchy with the freer exhaust. May have to cut my losses with this one on the scraping alone.
@@Earclops Hey Barclay, nah man I found the car drove way nicer once I fitted it.. I know people the cat-back doesn't really change performance but it does. Mine feels better and definitely different. No scrapes at all on mine (its still stock height.. for now) So it sits how you see here. I got a bunch of other videos of my car on my channel so you can probably see the exhaust height on a solid surface there too. Hope that helps!
Nice video Ben. Did you consider the Invidia R400? I’m trying to decide between it or the Q300.
Also do you get any crackles or backfires at all with the Q300?
Neal Krempin
hey Neal, was a very tough call. I go into a bit more detail in my video description but essentially I prefer the look of the q300 over the r400 and I’m not sure in your wrx circles but I just keep seeing people list the r400 for sale or trade wanting to move to a q300 to avoid the drone noise.
I will say I wish inside the cabin was a bit louder. If you lower back seats down I think the volume is perfect. But it’s certainly not stupid loud, I used to have an older wrx with a canon exhaust - it’s not loud like that but it’s a good respectable note. Most of my car mates say it sounds great. And we can all talk over it and you can still have a Bluetooth phone call.
Regardless crackles and pops.. from inside the cabin I’d say maybe there is an occasional pop or crackle when you’re putting the foot down in S# mode. Cheers!
Ben Cad thanks for the info mate. I think you have helped me make my mind up. Part of me still wants the R400 but after the novelty wears off I think the Q300 is the better all round choice, particularly if doing a downpipe later which will make it louder.
Will find out when I get it fitted next week. Thanks again
Neal Krempin agreed Neal, I think the noises I miss most are the ones you get when you ad a full system and a CAI. Especially after coming from another wrx with all this fitted.
@@BenCad Hi Ben, how does the Q300 look different to the R400? They look almost identical to me😅
@@Andy-eq5fu hey Zhao, well the q300 you get the big stainless mufflers, but the main thing is the exhaust tips are much thicker than on the R400, which are thinner. Thats about it. I personally prefer the tips on the Q300 looks a little tougher i reckon. Hope that helps! Also there is another video i recently published on my channel on the q300 if thats of interest. Cheers
Does anyone know if this exhaust (Q300) is 3'' pipe all the way to the mufflers?
8 months late, but yes 3in pipe from the cat
If you could guesstimate essentially. Would you say the Q300 is much quieter than the borla cat-back? I'm hoping i don't end up with something too too loud. I keep debating this, borla and AWE.
hey Brian, thanks for the comment. Honestly not sure mate the Borla is not a popular brand here in Australia and I havent heard one in real life to offer an opinion. If you're not looking for 'too loud' then probably a q300 is a good option. Once you pick one, you'll be likely happy either way.
Way too quiet for my taste ... remark now that’s the way to go
I would certainly be open to a little more noise! I think it would perfect if there was an exhaust between the Q300 and R400.
R400 all the way it’s deeper
Hey, Q300s does NOT have Invidia logo in the center. They have the catalyzator instead! These, by look are R400!
Hi Strakos, it’s certainly a q300. Ive actually never seen one without the centre logo on this model - at least in Australia. Perhaps the older ones might not? Not sure, but it is a q300. Cheers
Strakos0
Hi there from Madrid (Spain)
My Q300 brought from France actually has the center logo.