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- City
- Waltham
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- MA
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- 2023 GR Corolla
Hey All,
Finally got around to installing the FI Exhaust cat-back on my GRC. Below are some of the photos and video of the unboxing and install on the car.
The process from unboxing to install and testing went as smooth as possible. The packaging was in great shape and the stuffing/condition of the entire exhaust was done very well. The system that I received is #001 for the GRC, however up until now, the photos/videos that were available were based off a prototype system.
Upon arrival//unboxing it was immediately obvious that the one I received is production, and the welds/bends/steel was of much higher quality than that noted from the prototype. I did not notice any dents/scratches or anything of the sort on my system.
I decided to go with the cat-back system with the carbon fiber tips. I did also purchase the catted 200CEL downpipe, however I chose not to install that yet, as not legitimate tunes are available with the stock ECU, so that will come at a later date for those interested.
Unboxing:
As mentioned the installation went very smoothly. Few items to note on the system itself along with the valve functions.
View: https://youtu.be/HDYkankthFI?si=dO1EUG9ObrAckLvI
Sound:
The OEM system I will say is actually excellent. Has a nice throaty/boomy sound, which really reminded my of a Subaru rumble. The FI Exhaust cat-back keeps that boomy sound, but adds just a bit more bass when the valve is closed, and gets much more pronounced when the valve is open.
Valve closed, it honestly sounds pretty similar to stock, but ever so slightly pronounced, which is nice if you are looking to fly under the radar at times, or are on a long highway cruise. I did not notice any drone with the valve closed in city commute or highway cruising speeds.
Valve open, it can be fairly loud. At idle it sounds GOOD, really really good. It sounds mean, is the best way for me to explain it. When driving, the initial 1500-3000RPM's the car has a slight Civic like sound. Then once you pass that threshold it sounds amazing. Like a 3-cyl rally car is a great way to compare, yes I know that's what this technically is lol. At full throttle it also sounds amazing. You can hear the intake and turbo sounds nicely with the added burble and scream of the engine through the exhaust. There are no crackle/pops of any sort noticed when downshifting, or letting off throttle. I did notice some slight drone on the highway when at lower RPM's cruising in sixth gear, but nothing unbearable. The cabin, if windows are all up, you can feel the vibrations.
Overall, very happy with the sound. Especially having the option to control the valve manually with the push of a button, and noticing a drastic difference when open or closed. One thing to note, I have only put ~300 miles on the car since install, so wondering if the sound will change at all once everything settles in.
Sound clips/comparison/drive by's:
View: https://youtu.be/E1svUb9VEGg?si=xvLcy5gq2bmE9-XC
Overall, I am very pleased with the system itself as far as quality and sound goes. If anyone has any specific questions please feel free to send me a message!
If anyone is interested in the system follow the link below for the system on FI Exhausts website.
Link: E210 GR Corolla
Thanks!
-V
Finally got around to installing the FI Exhaust cat-back on my GRC. Below are some of the photos and video of the unboxing and install on the car.
The process from unboxing to install and testing went as smooth as possible. The packaging was in great shape and the stuffing/condition of the entire exhaust was done very well. The system that I received is #001 for the GRC, however up until now, the photos/videos that were available were based off a prototype system.
Upon arrival//unboxing it was immediately obvious that the one I received is production, and the welds/bends/steel was of much higher quality than that noted from the prototype. I did not notice any dents/scratches or anything of the sort on my system.
I decided to go with the cat-back system with the carbon fiber tips. I did also purchase the catted 200CEL downpipe, however I chose not to install that yet, as not legitimate tunes are available with the stock ECU, so that will come at a later date for those interested.
Unboxing:
As mentioned the installation went very smoothly. Few items to note on the system itself along with the valve functions.
- Overall weight of the OEM system is ~39-40lbs, the FI cat-back system with valve is ~49-50lbs. You can also feel the weight when holding exhausts side by side. Just to note, this system is full stainless and not titanium. So if you are looking for the lightest system out there, please be aware.
- The OEM valve is not compatible with the FI system. A fastener is provided to keep the OEM valve plugged in to avoid any CEL, etc. Unlike my GR Supra, the FI system on the GRC can only operate the valves with their provided key/app. As someone who prefers the more OEM feel of just putting in sport mode, this was not ideal, but not a deal breaker.
- The valve system can be controlled via a "Key" provided by FI Exhaust, or via an app, if "Pro" option is purchased. I have both the key fob and the pro system. The testing and use if covered in the video link provided.
Sound:
The OEM system I will say is actually excellent. Has a nice throaty/boomy sound, which really reminded my of a Subaru rumble. The FI Exhaust cat-back keeps that boomy sound, but adds just a bit more bass when the valve is closed, and gets much more pronounced when the valve is open.
Valve closed, it honestly sounds pretty similar to stock, but ever so slightly pronounced, which is nice if you are looking to fly under the radar at times, or are on a long highway cruise. I did not notice any drone with the valve closed in city commute or highway cruising speeds.
Valve open, it can be fairly loud. At idle it sounds GOOD, really really good. It sounds mean, is the best way for me to explain it. When driving, the initial 1500-3000RPM's the car has a slight Civic like sound. Then once you pass that threshold it sounds amazing. Like a 3-cyl rally car is a great way to compare, yes I know that's what this technically is lol. At full throttle it also sounds amazing. You can hear the intake and turbo sounds nicely with the added burble and scream of the engine through the exhaust. There are no crackle/pops of any sort noticed when downshifting, or letting off throttle. I did notice some slight drone on the highway when at lower RPM's cruising in sixth gear, but nothing unbearable. The cabin, if windows are all up, you can feel the vibrations.
Overall, very happy with the sound. Especially having the option to control the valve manually with the push of a button, and noticing a drastic difference when open or closed. One thing to note, I have only put ~300 miles on the car since install, so wondering if the sound will change at all once everything settles in.
Sound clips/comparison/drive by's:
Overall, I am very pleased with the system itself as far as quality and sound goes. If anyone has any specific questions please feel free to send me a message!
If anyone is interested in the system follow the link below for the system on FI Exhausts website.
Link: E210 GR Corolla
Thanks!
-V
