[skippymcware]

I am just wrapping up a six speed swap. After pulling my tow-bar and installing the requisite replacement parts, I was able to get my Invidia FXT catback (Part Number: HS04SFRG2S) mounted up to my Grimm Speed downpipe (Part Number: 007082). The downpipe fits fine, but there are three issues with the catback fitment. First, the resonator on the midpipe has about 1/4" to 3/8" of clearance to the driveshaft. Not sure if it will be a problem, but it is enough to make me nervous about it. Second, the axle-back portion of the exhaust almost touches (1/8" of clearance) the driver's side lower corner of the differential housing. Third, the exhaust hanger bracket on the forward side of the muffler doesn't even come close to aligning with the corresponding hanger bracket on the chassis. In retrospect, this is to be expected since I have an STI rear crossmember now.

So, should I have bought an STI catback (Part Number: HS02SW1G2T)? It looks quite different, but I can't tell if it would resolve the fitment issues or just make everything worse. I know I am in a bit of a unique position with the whole drivetrain/suspension/crossmember swap, but any guidance people can offer would be much appreciated. Besides chopping this exhaust up, the only other option I can think of is to buy the alternative and craigslist the bits I don't use.

I haven't found any threads that address this situation yet, but will continue looking. Apologies if I missed something. This situation is unique enough that it is kind of a pain to search for.

 

[dra2120]

I have a litespec exhaust that was designed for an STI on my Forester. Depending where in MA you are, my car is in storage in S.NH, if you want to come to look at the exhaust to see if it looks like it would fix your fitment issues.

 

[skippymcware]

dra2120, that's really generous of you. Assuming you have some flexibility around timing, let me get the car back on the ground and see if it is at all driveable. If it is, I can try and drive it up to you. I live in Cambridge, so I'm guessing it would be a decently long drive for you. Thanks for offering, though.

 

[skippymcware]

Just to follow up on this, I brought the G200 to an exhaust shop to have them do some TIG work on it. It cost $90 and fits pretty well now. Before doing this, I contacted Cobb, East Coast Swappers, and Flatirons Tuning. None of them knew the answer for sure, but all suggested that an STI exhaust might have different fitment issues and that modifying the one in hand would be a better plan. I think the most likely issue would have been that the STI exhaust was too short and rule melt the bumper, but I am only guessing.

 

[DK_SG]

I'm glad I stumbled on this since I am swapping my car as well. I have been running an STI fitment TBE on my FOZ since the get go though and only had to modify one mounting location to get it to fit. Yes, it is a couple inches short but it looks fine and never caused any issues with my bumper. I guess I'll have to have the modifications undone and back to sti mounting locations.

 

[Mistek89]

will a forester specific catback fit? im in the process of this as well

 

[skippymcware]

I can't speak to all Forester catbacks, but the G200 is for a forester and I had to modify the forward hanger on the axelback. I haven't looked closely to see if they did any other work, but it is possible (although unlikely) the exhaust shop changed the angle of some of the flanges as well.

 

[Mistek89]

I would imagine a forester cat back will still work. I have a storming. now with switching rear sti subframe I know the hanger will be off. my question is if I cut the hanger off the forester subframe and weld it on the sti subframe if it will work. I guess il see once I get closer to finishing up the project

 

[DK_SG]

I would imagine this would work just fine.

 

[dra2120]

dra2120, that's really generous of you. Assuming you have some flexibility around timing, let me get the car back on the ground and see if it is at all driveable. If it is, I can try and drive it up to you. I live in Cambridge, so I'm guessing it would be a decently long drive for you. Thanks for offering, though.

I totally forgot about this, but if you are still looking. I am fairly flexible...My car isn't registered at the moment, so you would have to come up to look a it, but the car is only about an hour from Cambridge.

 

[skippymcware]

No worries. Thanks for checking back in. I'm all set now, though. Good luck with your car.