While not drastically more so, it’s easy to see how restrictive the stock exhaust (left) is versus the Borla based on pipe diameter aloneĪs such, and as they do with an extensive list of other vehicles, Borla was on the task of improving how the current WRX sounds. Not that it’s a bad sound per se, but it’s severely lacking when compared to its predecessor. Instead of the deep, uneven choppiness that came to create the immediately recognizable “Subie rumble,” the stock FA engines gets the traditional turbo four cylinder tone.
Motion, and the sensation of speed, is nothing without sound.Īnd that’s why it’s such a shame that Subaru ditched the unequal length headers, the iconic natural sound enhancer behind the Boxer-four, with the introduction of the FA20 series motor that powers the 2015 and newer WRX. Sound works to make things sound just as fun as they feel, turning what could otherwise be a good experience into a great one. Sound is a crucial element of what makes a car enjoyable to drive if there’s any questioning this, look at the backlash from Porche replacing the flat six with the turbo four in the 718. There’s many factors that go into creating the sensation of speed, from actual thrust to what we’re about to explore here: sound. Luckily for my 2017 Subaru WRX the former applies here, as it has only made my car better and more enjoyable not just while commuting, but while driving for fun as well. Accordingly, there’s been good and bad experiences. )įrom my V-Twin powered ATV to my not-too-dearly-departed Challenger R/T, I’ve modified the way just about every single vehicle I’ve ever owned ejects noise. Happily I installed it on my otherwise stock car, unless you consider mud flaps a modification. ( Disclaimer : In an attempt to make my WRX sound as great as it drives, Borla sent me an S-Type exhaust system on their dime. Click past the jump for a more in-depth review. The Borla setup is truly a great kit and has only improved the car. After a few weeks of testing, I wholeheartedly love the newfound character that emanates upon coaxing from my right foot. Knowing this, the kind folks at Borla sent over an S-Type cat-back exhaust system for my own 2017 Subaru WRX. The problem for the FA-powered car is that factory pipes just aren’t exciting, which leaves it in the hands of the owner to improve the situation. Sports sedans are usually backed by a noise that encourages one to drive hard, by vocals that match the sporting intentions that simply isn’t the case with the stock WRX. Then you dive further into the video, assessing the other crucial checklist items: Will it put a smile on your face under hard acceleration? What does it sound like when you drop down a gear and floor it? Is it going to drone on the highway? And yet, as much as you can prepare for how an aftermarket exhaust sounds, you never really know if it will satisfy until you hear it in real life.Īlthough the current-gen Subaru WRX is a great car, it is severely lacking in the combustion-generated sound department. Listen to as many YouTube clips as you can, it’s always the first startup that makes the biggest impression.