Well, the stock exhaust system has developed a small hole. Im weighing my options:
weld it shut
buy stock exhaust only to buy aftermarket later
buy aftermarket exhaust now

I want to just buy the aftermarket exhaust now and be done with it. My dream is an Alta system, but I don't have the funds. So I was searching for cheap exhausts and came upon a few. I don't want something too loud. Just a little louder than the stock. It seems the OBX and Megan Racing systems are just too loud. I recently came upon this Tsudo exhaust system. The problem is that there are no reviews, or sound clips. So my question...has anyone heard about this exhaust system or know of anyone that has had experience with them? It seems pretty cheap, I just want to do my research before I pull the trigger.

http://www.speed-element.com/servlet...muffler/Detail

Thanks.

 

Looks like an Invidia knockoff, except you don't get the blued titanium tips: http://www.invidia-usa.com/Products.aspx?ProductID=237.

 

I hope its like that system. I was actually considering that one based on sound to cost ratio. Half the price for something that pretty much the same would be awesome.

 

Weld up the hole you have now and save your money to get a quality exhaust later, you'll be happier in the long run.

 

I have a Tsudo coming Tuesday. I'll let you know how it fits/sounds. For $279 shipped you can't go wrong!

 

Says 2002-2003 only. Don't support a company where the exhaust is made in China. I'm with Way.

 

Sure you can. On their web site its listed for 259 shipped

LOL the link is even in the Ebay auction to get to the cheaper price!

http://www.speed-element.com/servlet...muffler/Detail

 

Oh damn....

Looks like all their systems are marked up on eBay (which is where I made the purchase).

I already kindly demanded a $20.05 refund.

Either way, still a good price for the system.

..and for reference (before anyone says anything), the piping diameter is 60mm, the same as Invidia/Skunk2. They just do sloppy conversions into inches. See:
http://www.speedelement.net/2010/04/...-back-exhaust/

 

Looks like people are not very happy with the TSUDO (see 3rd post)

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150543

 

Dude, that thread is from 4 years ago! not saying that the tsudo system is nice though

 

Do you mean #4? #3 is in favor of Tsudo.

From the research I've done, it's pretty much hit or miss when it comes to Tsudo. Some people love them, others think they're complete crap. I was reading a Subaru forum and the general census came to the catback being and the downpipe not so much.

I took a gamble on this system. If it works out, then I have a killer system for under $300. If not, I only spent a few hundred... I'll make it back in the stock market .

 

I had a header from them on a GM car. The flange will almost 100% be warped as they do no clean up after welding. But seal the flange and it should be fine.

 

Let us know. Take some pics.

 

Very true, I will likely go same route. Anifing more than $500 for the mini exhaust is way overpriced IMO.
Please let us know.

 

Glad to hear I’m not the only one interested. If anyone can make a video of the sound after installing it, it would be much appreciated. In all honesty I just don't see myself spending $800 on an exhaust. I don't think I will get my moneys worth. Thanks for all the opinions and responses.

 

Received the Tsudo catback exhaust for my 02 MCS this morning. After unpacking it, my first impression was "this is well worth the < $300".



There was a slight ding in the resonator from shipping, but it's minute. I'm still going to let them know to maybe get a partial refund. This picture makes it look a LOT bigger than it is.



Upon checking the flanges, like many people have said in the past about Tsudo, they are a bit warped. Enough for me to run out and buy some Permatex Copper Gasket Maker. This along with the (pretty thick) gaskets that were included leave me with my fingers crossed.

It seemed pretty flat around the pipe and when I cranked down the bolts, it minimized the gap so we will see what happens. I'm still waiting for the copper to set before I turn on the car and check for leaks.

This picture also makes the warpage look a lot worse than it is, but it is still cause for concern.



Close-up of the welds. Pretty decent if you ask me.



Here is the 3 sections hanging, but unbolted. This area was a pain in the butt to align properly, I was able to get one bolt through and threaded on each flange, but there wasn't enough threads on the other bolt for the nut to grab. I ended up using some vice grips to pull it together so I could thread it on.



Here is the hefty amount of copper I used on each gasket (both sides).



How the tips sat before I worked on them a bit. I was able to move them up slightly, but the inner hangers really need to be adjusted to pull them up. Still hangs higher than the 05 exhaust I had on my 02 .



Here is everything bolted up. The main section isn't perfectly centered, but there is still a good amount of clearance all the way around so I don't anticipate any rattles.



Muffler through the wheel well.



Resonator. This was the last flange I bolted up. I also had to use my vice grip technique here. I'm hoping that the stress won't cause any cracks at the welds. Only time will tell. You can see the ding here as well.



Mid-section. I bolted this and the resonator section together before I put it on the car. Didn't see a reason not to.



And finally, the tips. I am a little disappointed with these tips. I think I am going to do a lot of filing to make them even. While individually they look good, together they are cut at two completely different angles. I am debating painting the tips flat black as well. Still undecided on that.





Here they are after adjust them to sit higher (pretty much just jacked up the tips until the bumper started to lift. Ghetto solution, but it works .




Stay tuned for a sound review and audio clips.....

 

Very informative and nice write up.

I would take a disk to the tip on the left to maybe make it look more like the right. Keep working the hangers, align them - maybe while up on a lift.

We tweaked my hangers for about 20 minutes after buying new exhaust donuts for them and got those JCW tips up high and tight. Before they were drooping something terrible. Made a huge difference.

As far as paint goes. High temp black is definately needed for inside the tips where piping meets the tips. Or just throw some 380's in and wait for them to carbon up some

Looking forward to the sound clips

 

Have you looked at the Scorpion exhaust? it's under 600 shipped from Bavarian Autosport in NH. here is a video of mine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXmjQkCFRs8

 

This was a cold start revving. Sounds pretty damn good if you ask me. No leaks (so far) either. I am very satisfied with my purchase.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRV1tde_JkY

Does the fit and finish compare to the $6-900 systems? Not entirely. Is it worth the < $300 I paid, absolutely. Would I buy this system again over the $600+ Invidia, without a doubt.

Take this thread for what it's worth.

 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the post. Looks good and sounds pretty damn good. Im impressed. Doesn't sound like a ricer at all. Question for ya. Are the exhaust tips welded on or are they replaceable like the stock system?

 

You're Welcome

Te tips are welded on. You would need to cut them off to use aftermarket tips. There might be enough piping left once you cut them off to attach new ones, but your best bet would be get two 2-3", 2.25" dia sections welded on to give some added surface.

 

Sound great!!! I think $300 for this cat-back system. I can't complain anything...

 

Scorpion exhaust is awesome. I have one on my 07. Mcs

 

Sounds great. Thanks a lot for posting this.
How is the droning at cruise speeds?

 

I'll let you know tonight or tomorrow. I've only driven it for about 5 minutes today down the street to the bank. When I got back home burning smoke was coming out of my tips! From what I read it's just assembly oils and whatnot burning off and will go away after a half hour of driving.