We were fortunate enough to be the original (unofficial) track-tester for the ARK Performance 08+ STi Grip Exhaust (cat-back). This quad-tip, 3" exhaust has a beautiful anodized finish to the tips, and the resonators assist in giving the boxer rumble a melodic sonority that is perfectly tuned for street but opens up into your own personal Hans Zimmer-level symphony when wide-open-throttle at the track. Say buh-bye to that stealth tire sound, and hello to a grumbly-rumbly Subaru.
My Personal Review...
PROS:
~Perfect sound levels and tones for street cruising and track effects. (I had always told my friends pre-mod that I desired an exhaust I could feel more than hear from inside the car, and this seems to be it.)
~Gorgeous look and finish; one of the most visually and aurally appealing exhaust systems available for the 08+, IMO.
~You can't stop taking ground shots of your Subaru, and neither can anyone else.
~Exceptional fusion of aesthetics and street performance. (Falls below the legal threshold of 95dB [in CA] at responsible street speeds.)
CONS:
~An extra-shaky butt at high speeds was an undeniable concern at the track with this unit, as compared to the stock muffler. (We'll see how a rear diffuser will affect this later.)
~The system, and the price... both kinda heavy.
~If you don't polish those 4" anodized tips on a bi-weekly basis, they'll never be blue again.
While I can't accurately vouch for power gains due to a terrible post-install tune at another shop (hence, insufficient data), I did initially notice a marginally higher acceleration band right off the floor. Matches already ran velvety smooth with the prior stage 1 tune for the stock exhaust, but this unit instantly gave it a hair-higher RPM reach.
FAQ:
Q: Would you recommend this exhaust?
A: For street-use, aesthetics, and the purely beautiful sound it delivers - yes. For track use and performance - not quite.
Q: Can it come without the finish?
A: You'll have to check with ARK Performance, but at the time when we tested, yes - they had a stainless steel option.
Q: Does it fit with the stock downpipe?
A: When they installed it on Matches, there was a slight adjustment made to their mid-pipe. (Permanent fix.) Otherwise, it fit perfectly.
All photos and videos above were provided by ARK Performance USA.
HERE'S MY VIDEO:
UPDATE
June 2017
I had installed an Invidia Divorced Wastegate downpipe in 2015, and the fitment was perfect, absent the ARK midpipe.
I've driven around the entire country with this exhaust, and have never received complaints - only compliments.
The new downpipe certainly added more decibels, but I still think the ARK exhaust emits the most alluring drone out there.
While the exhaust has rusted badly and the tips are no longer blue, it has held up in durability and sound.
(We'll see what I can do in a restoration session.)
UPDATE
June 2020
I plan to move on to a custom exhaust setup with the Invidia downpipe for purposes of performance/competition,
but I'll be holding onto the ARK system for future endeavors.
Until next time...
Maintenance regularly; drive often...
All photos/videos by me, unless otherwise noted.
Life's obstacles are more entertaining with a sports car.™
Comments