I have not seen any full reviews of this exhaust, so here you go. This is my 4th exhaust setup BTW. I most recently sold my Tanabe Super Medallion Hyper 80mm catback. The Tanabe replaced a Buschur system. Hands down the Tanabe was top notch quality wise. My review is posted on this forum. So I had high expectations for the Skunk2 unit which it met. First off, the Skunk2 catback is just a slightly redesigned Invidia N1 catback. Invidia makes all of Skunk2's systems in Taiwan. The difference between the Skunk2 and Invidia systems is in the final pipe bend. The Invidia N1 exits at an angle in the typical N1 fashion. The Skunk2 system exits straight out. IMO the straight exit is cleaner, less flashy to cops, and less ricey. Also the rear muffler on the Skunk2 is a little bigger (6.6 in vs 6 in I believe for the N1). So the Skunk2 exhaust should be a tad quieter.
Check skunk2's website for pics but the system is gorgeous. All 304 stainless. Perfect robotic TIG welds. Expensive cast flanges. OEM grade gaskets and bolts. The Silencer which I do not need is actually a mini muffler core rather than an exhaust pipe restictor. The system weighs 27.7 lbs. My only criticism of the construction is in the hangers. Invidia uses plain bent SS rod which is cheaper than the hollow SS hangers that my old Tanabe system had.
Installation and fit was fine except the muffler touched the right lower corner of the exhaust bumper cutout. This only occurred when the exhaust was hot and expanded. I trimmed 1/2 in from this corner with my Dremel. No biggie. The trimming is not noticeable. The melted plastic from my previous Buschur system is way more annoying.
Performance wise I gained 2 psi in boost over the Tanabe. The Tanabe had a few restrictions (the cat flange necked down from 80mm to 72mm and the muffler core narrowed to 76mm). The Skunk2 is a smooth 75mm ID from cat flange, through the 1st pre-muffler, all the way to the tailpipe. I had to adjust my boost controller back down to 22 psi. Sound wise, idle is deeper than the Tanabe. Driving is almost identical to the Tanabe soundwise. Keep in mind that the Tanabe SMH system is quiet compared to most other Evo exhausts. When I get a chance, I will post decibel readings.
In summary, Skunk2 (and Invidia) make a top notch exhaust system!
Check skunk2's website for pics but the system is gorgeous. All 304 stainless. Perfect robotic TIG welds. Expensive cast flanges. OEM grade gaskets and bolts. The Silencer which I do not need is actually a mini muffler core rather than an exhaust pipe restictor. The system weighs 27.7 lbs. My only criticism of the construction is in the hangers. Invidia uses plain bent SS rod which is cheaper than the hollow SS hangers that my old Tanabe system had.
Installation and fit was fine except the muffler touched the right lower corner of the exhaust bumper cutout. This only occurred when the exhaust was hot and expanded. I trimmed 1/2 in from this corner with my Dremel. No biggie. The trimming is not noticeable. The melted plastic from my previous Buschur system is way more annoying.
Performance wise I gained 2 psi in boost over the Tanabe. The Tanabe had a few restrictions (the cat flange necked down from 80mm to 72mm and the muffler core narrowed to 76mm). The Skunk2 is a smooth 75mm ID from cat flange, through the 1st pre-muffler, all the way to the tailpipe. I had to adjust my boost controller back down to 22 psi. Sound wise, idle is deeper than the Tanabe. Driving is almost identical to the Tanabe soundwise. Keep in mind that the Tanabe SMH system is quiet compared to most other Evo exhausts. When I get a chance, I will post decibel readings.
In summary, Skunk2 (and Invidia) make a top notch exhaust system!
Evolved Member
Quote:
Check skunk2's website for pics but the system is gorgeous. All 304 stainless. Perfect robotic TIG welds. Expensive cast flanges. OEM grade gaskets and bolts. The Silencer which I do not need is actually a mini muffler core rather than an exhaust pipe restictor. The system weighs 27.7 lbs. My only criticism of the construction is in the hangers. Invidia uses plain bent SS rod which is cheaper than the hollow SS hangers that my old Tanabe system had.
Installation and fit was fine except the muffler touched the right lower corner of the exhaust bumper cutout. This only occurred when the exhaust was hot and expanded. I trimmed 1/2 in from this corner with my Dremel. No biggie. The trimming is not noticeable. The melted plastic from my previous Buschur system is way more annoying.
Performance wise I gained 2 psi in boost over the Tanabe. The Tanabe had a few restrictions (the cat flange necked down from 80mm to 72mm and the muffler core narrowed to 76mm). The Skunk2 is a smooth 75mm ID from cat flange, through the 1st pre-muffler, all the way to the tailpipe. I had to adjust my boost controller back down to 22 psi. Sound wise, idle is deeper than the Tanabe. Driving is almost identical to the Tanabe soundwise. Keep in mind that the Tanabe SMH system is quiet compared to most other Evo exhausts. When I get a chance, I will post decibel readings.
In summary, Skunk2 (and Invidia) make a top notch exhaust system!
Dude i have that catback and i know its not the "norm" on this forun to go with that brand name but i love it. Top quality PERFECT fit, excellent welds, nice bends. Glad someone else went that route too!Originally Posted by shadow1
I have not seen any full reviews of this exhaust, so here you go. This is my 4th exhaust setup BTW. I most recently sold my Tanabe Super Medallion Hyper 80mm catback. The Tanabe replaced a Buschur system. Hands down the Tanabe was top notch quality wise. My review is posted on this forum. So I had high expectations for the Skunk2 unit which it met. First off, the Skunk2 catback is just a slightly redesigned Invidia N1 catback. Invidia makes all of Skunk2's systems in Taiwan. The difference between the Skunk2 and Invidia systems is in the final pipe bend. The Invidia N1 exits at an angle in the typical N1 fashion. The Skunk2 system exits straight out. IMO the straight exit is cleaner, less flashy to cops, and less ricey. Also the rear muffler on the Skunk2 is a little bigger (6.6 in vs 6 in I believe for the N1). So the Skunk2 exhaust should be a tad quieter.Check skunk2's website for pics but the system is gorgeous. All 304 stainless. Perfect robotic TIG welds. Expensive cast flanges. OEM grade gaskets and bolts. The Silencer which I do not need is actually a mini muffler core rather than an exhaust pipe restictor. The system weighs 27.7 lbs. My only criticism of the construction is in the hangers. Invidia uses plain bent SS rod which is cheaper than the hollow SS hangers that my old Tanabe system had.
Installation and fit was fine except the muffler touched the right lower corner of the exhaust bumper cutout. This only occurred when the exhaust was hot and expanded. I trimmed 1/2 in from this corner with my Dremel. No biggie. The trimming is not noticeable. The melted plastic from my previous Buschur system is way more annoying.
Performance wise I gained 2 psi in boost over the Tanabe. The Tanabe had a few restrictions (the cat flange necked down from 80mm to 72mm and the muffler core narrowed to 76mm). The Skunk2 is a smooth 75mm ID from cat flange, through the 1st pre-muffler, all the way to the tailpipe. I had to adjust my boost controller back down to 22 psi. Sound wise, idle is deeper than the Tanabe. Driving is almost identical to the Tanabe soundwise. Keep in mind that the Tanabe SMH system is quiet compared to most other Evo exhausts. When I get a chance, I will post decibel readings.
In summary, Skunk2 (and Invidia) make a top notch exhaust system!
Former Sponsor
I personally heard and saw this exhaust setup on "urslo4n8" car. It has a nice sound down low and screams up top with no raspy ricey sound. Good quality even though it is not too popular with our community.