Is the whole point of an axle-back exhaust for sound and looks? If so, what kind of differences would there be from a stock axle-back to an aftermarket? Sound wise, Performance wise, etc.
i dont think axle backs would make any difference, especially on a turbo charged cars. Since you need a tune after u do anything to a car. BTW interested in a sti axle back?
You don't need a tune after you do everything. On the earlier WRXs (bugeyes) you can easily get away with a turbo-back exhaust and no tune (and you still see/feel results). That being said, an axleback is probably only going to give you a couple horsepower at the most. Just swapping the axleback is definitely much more for aesthetics than anything else.
What kind of volume are you looking for? I currently just have a generic magnaflow axleback with the stock exhaust system. It adds a nice rumble but is still pretty quiet relative to other aftermarket set-ups. Similar quiet exhausts are the STI and Prodrive axle-backs. If you want something loud you can always go for the Blitz Nur-spec (it's what milo had on his car and I know there are a few others on the forum with it). http://www.fastwrx.com/blitwrxexrea.html oh look, it even has a sound clip. There's also the matter of what you want it to look like. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the large canister look so I have something a little more subdued. Although, I picked mine up for free off of someone on the forum so it's not exactly like I shopped around. Just another note, it's been my experience that most exhausts are sold as a cat-back. You will find some axle-back only set-ups (like the blitz), but not as often.
Thanks for all the help Deke. When you say quiet, is it loud enough to be heard in the car while idling? Or is it only noticeable with higher rpm's?
I'd say when idling, a little bit. I can definitely hear mine when I start moving. When I get on it, it sounds like a jet engine. I don't believe I've ever ridden in a car with either the STI or Prodrive though, I think they may be a little quieter. From what I understand, they basically have a stock-like volume until you get on it.
For mine, I have no idea. I honestly think it was a custom job. All I know is that it was free If I were you I'd look into an STi axle-back. You should be able to pick one up for fairly cheap price and it will let the boxer rumble stretch its legs a little.
i remember when my only mod was a sti axle-back on my bugeye, and i could DEFINITELY tell a difference... the revs climbed MUCH smoother. noisewise, it's almost like stock until you get on it, then there is a minute difference... i can only tell a big difference after installing catless UP/DP hehe
the prodrive is great sound under acceleration and as for idling it is not very much louder than stock...
+1 for the STI axleback. Not too loud and added good deep rumble sound. As far as performance - nothing my buttdyno could feel.
Best thing to do is go to a meet and listen to a bunch of different ones.. see what you like. Only problem with that is most people have full turbo-backs.. but it would be a good place to start.