I just got a Tubi exhaust installed on my NSX. I am told things will change a bit as it wears in, but I know there were lots of people asking about the Tubi on the site, so I thought it would be helpful to post a review of what I have heard with it new.
Overall, I am very happy with it. It is not perfect, but it is much better than the stock sound, and I like it better than other after-market exhausts I have heard as well.
Good Things:
1. The sound when cruising around town and when accelerating is the best part. It sounds wonderful, especially with the top off on my Targa. Tunnels are even better.
2. It looks very good, like a well-done stock exhaust instead of something after-market.
3. It is not so loud as to hinder conversation in the car.
4. I don't think I have had the stereo on when driving anywhere but the freeway since installation a few days ago, and I love music. That should tell you something.
Bad Things:
1. If you are playing the new exhaust for your friends in the parking lot or driveway, it doesn't sound that good. The idle is pretty quiet, and the "down" note when revving it is a bit vibrating and harsh, even though it sounds good on the "up" note of the rev. If you want the car to sound good when stationary, I think the RM exhaust would be a better choice. (The RM is good overall too, but I found it the most pleasing at idle and revving, and less pleasing than the Tubi while at driving speeds - subjective opinion).
2. The hum when driving at 3K RPM on the freeway can get tiring over time. It isn't that loud, but it is a bit like being in an airplane in regards to constant background noise, albeit a much lower and far more pleasing noise. This is less true with the top off on a Targa as the wind noise somewhat drowns it out.
3. At $2100 after the '97+ adapter tubes and tax, it is significantly more than other good alternatives like the Taitec and RM exhausts.
But as I said, overall I am very happy with it. If there are other NSX owners in the SF Bay Area who would like to hear the Tubi before buying it, contact me at [email protected] and I will try to arrange taking you for a ride in it (I live in Belmont, and work in Menlo Park near the Dumbarton bridge).
I had Don at Hilltop Auto in Daly City (near San Francisco) install mine. He did it for just $65 labor plus about $5 for gaskets and things, and I recommend him highly. He did a great job (the pipes even align well), and didn't even charge me the time spent to go out and buy the gaskets. If he had loaner cars to ease the hassle (he will take you to BART, but BART doesn't go where I live), he would be perfect.
Chip
]
Overall, I am very happy with it. It is not perfect, but it is much better than the stock sound, and I like it better than other after-market exhausts I have heard as well.
Good Things:
1. The sound when cruising around town and when accelerating is the best part. It sounds wonderful, especially with the top off on my Targa. Tunnels are even better.
2. It looks very good, like a well-done stock exhaust instead of something after-market.
3. It is not so loud as to hinder conversation in the car.
4. I don't think I have had the stereo on when driving anywhere but the freeway since installation a few days ago, and I love music. That should tell you something.
Bad Things:
1. If you are playing the new exhaust for your friends in the parking lot or driveway, it doesn't sound that good. The idle is pretty quiet, and the "down" note when revving it is a bit vibrating and harsh, even though it sounds good on the "up" note of the rev. If you want the car to sound good when stationary, I think the RM exhaust would be a better choice. (The RM is good overall too, but I found it the most pleasing at idle and revving, and less pleasing than the Tubi while at driving speeds - subjective opinion).
2. The hum when driving at 3K RPM on the freeway can get tiring over time. It isn't that loud, but it is a bit like being in an airplane in regards to constant background noise, albeit a much lower and far more pleasing noise. This is less true with the top off on a Targa as the wind noise somewhat drowns it out.
3. At $2100 after the '97+ adapter tubes and tax, it is significantly more than other good alternatives like the Taitec and RM exhausts.
But as I said, overall I am very happy with it. If there are other NSX owners in the SF Bay Area who would like to hear the Tubi before buying it, contact me at [email protected] and I will try to arrange taking you for a ride in it (I live in Belmont, and work in Menlo Park near the Dumbarton bridge).
I had Don at Hilltop Auto in Daly City (near San Francisco) install mine. He did it for just $65 labor plus about $5 for gaskets and things, and I recommend him highly. He did a great job (the pipes even align well), and didn't even charge me the time spent to go out and buy the gaskets. If he had loaner cars to ease the hassle (he will take you to BART, but BART doesn't go where I live), he would be perfect.
Chip
]
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