Trumpet Solo: Best Exhaust Systems for Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35
One of the easiest ways to make an improvement in the feel and sound of your Nissan coupe is an aftermarket exhaust. Some offer better flow and a different sound while a few can actually increase horsepower and torque. Exhaust upgrades include axle-back upgrades that replace your sports car’s stock muffler, cat-back setups that replace everything from the catalytic converter back to the exhaust tip, and full headers-and-back systems that replace your entire exhaust system. We’ve got a mild and wild recommendations for each type of system for your Z car!
Axle Back
If you’re looking for looks and sound alone, axle backs are the way to go. Great exhaust is a little tough to come by these days, but it looks very close to the factory exhaust while making a louder sound. For a more eccentric approach, try the larger chrome exhaust tips that sit just under the rear bumper.
Cat Back
For a wilder solution, try a cat-back exhaust system. Instead of a mid-pipe that collects into a box muffler behind the rear bumper, a lot of cutbacks will split into a Y-pipe with individual mufflers. This increases both volume and flow since your exhaust isn’t hitting a right angle at the back of the car.
The cat back for the 350Z is an interesting one: It offers fewer bends and less restriction than the standard Y-pipe and muffler but isn’t much louder than stock. It’s got a different tone than many other custom 350Zs, with more of a roar at high RPM than a wail.
One of the most popular cat-backs for the 350Z, the Invidia N1 is the classic option for loud trumpet noises. The N1 is big, straight, and loud, with massive tuner-cannon mufflers sitting just under the rear bumper.
Headers Back
The most noticeable changes to exhaust sound and performance on a Z car come from new headers. If you are upgrading from stock, nearly anything will provide better sound and flow, as many aftermarket headers don’t have built-in catalytic converters. Keep in mind, these systems are the most complicated exhaust upgrade for your 350Z or G35 short of a turbocharger manifold. Like, it’s really time-consuming. Nissan is very good at packing engine bays full of stuff, and making it super hard to get at the headers; it’s actually easiest to do this if you’ve got either the engine or the transmission out of the car already. Maybe do it while you’re performing a clutch replacement; doing the header install alone takes about 6 hours if you know exactly what you’re doing, and closer to 14 hours if you don’t. Also, keep in mind that aftermarket headers may not be legal if you’re in a place like California that doesn’t allow fun.
There are so many modification options available for your 350Z. Think of the possibilities– an all-out track Nismo, an ear-piercingly loud canyon roadster, or a stand-out influencer whip are all within easy reach with a little bit of planning and research.
