The Toyota GR86 has quickly become a modern icon among driving enthusiasts. Its lightweight chassis, rear‑wheel‑drive layout, and naturally aspirated 2.4‑liter boxer engine deliver a pure, unfiltered driving experience that harks back to the golden age of sports cars. Yet even the most well‑engineered platform can benefit from thoughtful modification. Upgrading the exhaust system is one of the most rewarding changes you can make: it sharpens throttle response, liberates a few extra horsepower, and, most importantly, gives the GR86 a voice that matches its athletic intentions. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top five exhaust systems for the GR86, examining their sound characteristics, construction quality, and real‑world performance gains. Whether you’re after a thunderous roar that turns heads or a refined note that complements daily driving, there’s an exhaust here for you.

1. Borla ATAK Exhaust System – The Aggressive Standard

Borla has earned a legendary reputation in the performance exhaust world, and the ATAK (Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics) system for the GR86 lives up to the hype. Designed for drivers who want no compromise on sound, the ATAK delivers an aggressive, deep tone that becomes especially ferocious under wide‑open throttle.

Sound Profile

The ATAK system produces a rich, muscular note with a pronounced mid‑range growl. At idle it rumbles subtly, but when you rev past 3,500 rpm, it transforms into a full‑throated roar that announces your presence without being obnoxious inside the cabin (especially if you keep the factory resonator in place). The exhaust note is free of raspiness, thanks to Borla’s proprietary multi‑core technology that cancels undesirable frequencies.

Construction and Build Quality

Borla uses 100‑percent T‑304 stainless steel throughout, ensuring the system will resist corrosion for years. The mandrel‑bent tubing maintains consistent diameter for optimal flow, and the CNC‑precision machined flanges guarantee a leak‑free seal. The ATAK also features a straight‑through design with Borla’s patented Reflective Sound Cancellation, which reduces drone without sacrificing volume.

Performance Gains

The straight‑through muffler design significantly reduces back pressure, allowing the engine to exhale more freely. Borla claims gains of 5–8 horsepower and 6–8 lb‑ft of torque at the wheels on a dyno, with improved throttle response throughout the rev range. Combined with a cold‑air intake and a tune, these numbers can climb even higher.

Installation Notes

This is a cat‑back system, so it bolts directly to the factory flange behind the catalytic converter. Installation typically takes one to two hours with basic hand tools. The system is compatible with the GR86 and the Subaru BRZ without modifications.

  • Material: T‑304 stainless steel
  • Sound: Aggressive, deep, minimal drone
  • Weight: Approximately 10 lbs lighter than stock
  • Price: $1,200–$1,400

2. Invidia N1 Exhaust System – Iconic Single‑Exit Sound

The Invidia N1 is a cult favorite among Subaru and Toyota twin enthusiasts. Its signature single‑exit design not only cuts weight but also produces a unique, off‑beat exhaust note that’s different from the more common dual‑exit systems.

Sound Profile

The N1’s sound character is aggressive and raw, with a deep bass note that develops a crisp, metallic edge as the revs climb. The single 3‑inch outlet creates a slightly louder and more focused tone compared to dual‑exit systems. Many owners describe it as “sporty without being boy‑racer,” though it is definitely on the louder end of the spectrum.

Construction and Build Quality

Invidia constructs the N1 from SUS304 stainless steel (the standard for high‑quality Japanese exhausts). The 3‑inch mandrel‑bent piping ensures minimal turbulence, while the integrated resonator and high‑flow muffler keep drone under control. The tip is available in polished stainless or an optional burnt‑blue titanium finish that adds a visual flair.

Performance Gains

By replacing the restrictive factory muffler with a low‑back‑pressure straight‑through design, the N1 frees up 4–6 horsepower and improves throttle response, particularly in the 3,500–6,000 rpm range. The weight savings of roughly 8 pounds (compared to the stock dual‑exit) also shave a noticeable amount of unsprung mass from the rear.

Installation Notes

The N1 is a simple cat‑back installation. Because it uses a single exit, you will need to remove the factory bumper diffuser’s left cutout cover or replace the diffuser with an aftermarket piece that matches the single‑exit look. This is a minor cosmetic step that many owners find worthwhile for the weight reduction and unique sound.

  • Material: SUS304 stainless steel
  • Sound: Aggressive, distinctive single‑exit note
  • Weight: ~8 lbs lighter than stock
  • Price: $700–$900

3. HKS Legamax Premium Exhaust System – Refined Performance

HKS has been a staple in Japanese performance tuning for decades, and the Legamax Premium represents the brand’s philosophy of “performance without compromise” in daily livability. This exhaust is perfect for owners who want a more aggressive sound than stock but still need a system that’s quiet enough for early morning starts and long highway commutes.

Sound Profile

The Legamax Premium produces a smooth, refined tone that’s deeper than stock but never harsh. It has a subtle growl at idle and builds to a satisfying snarl under hard acceleration, yet it avoids the drone that plagues many aftermarket exhausts. HKS achieves this with a large, dual‑chamber muffler that uses carefully tuned internal baffles.

Construction and Build Quality

Like the Invidia, the Legamax Premium uses SUS304 stainless steel with polished TIG welding. The dual 4‑inch titanium tips (in a double‑wall design) add a touch of class and resist discoloration longer than plain steel. The flanges are laser‑cut for precise alignment, and the hangers are made from reinforced rubber to eliminate vibrations.

Performance Gains

HKS rates the Legamax Premium for a 3–5 horsepower increase, but the real benefit is the improved exhaust flow. The 2.75‑inch piping (slightly larger than stock) optimizes the scavenging effect, which helps the FA24 engine pull harder from 0–4,000 rpm. Torque gains of around 4‑6 lb‑ft are common, making the car feel more responsive in daily driving.

  • Material: SUS304 stainless steel, titanium tips
  • Sound: Smooth, refined, no drone
  • Weight: ~12 lbs lighter than stock
  • Price: $1,300–$1,500

4. Tomei Expreme Ti Exhaust System – The Weight‑Saving Champion

Tomei’s Expreme Ti exhaust is engineered for performance purists who track their cars and count every pound. As the name suggests, it’s made from titanium, which dramatically reduces weight while producing a signature metallic timbre that no stainless steel system can replicate.

Sound Profile

The titanium construction gives the Expreme Ti a unique sound: it’s loud, aggressive, and has a crisp, “exotic” note with a slight metallic rasp. At idle it rumbles with a bit of volume, and under full throttle it screams like a race car. This is not a system for the faint‑hearted – it is significantly louder than all the others on this list, and drone is present if you’re not careful with gear selection.

Construction and Build Quality

Full titanium piping, a titanium muffler, and a thin‑wall design make the Expreme Ti incredibly light – roughly 15 pounds lighter than the factory system (and up to 20 pounds lighter than some stainless options). Tomei uses aircraft‑grade Ti‑6Al‑4V alloy, which can withstand extreme heat and pressure without cracking. The welding is precise and the hangers are reinforced.

Performance Gains

The weight reduction alone is worth it for track enthusiasts – saving 15 pounds of unsprung mass improves handling and acceleration. The straight‑through design flows freely, adding 5–7 horsepower and a noticeable improvement in top‑end power. With a better header or tune, the gains are even greater. This system is also compatible with aftermarket cat‑less front pipes, which some owners use to unleash even more volume.

  • Material: Titanium (Ti‑6Al‑4V)
  • Sound: Extremely loud, aggressive, metallic
  • Weight: ~15 lbs lighter than stock
  • Price: $1,800–$2,200

5. GReddy Supreme SP Exhaust System – The All‑Rounder

GReddy’s Supreme SP (Sport Premium) exhaust aims to strike a balance that many GR86 owners crave: a deep, aggressive sound that doesn’t cross the line into obnoxiousness, combined with a reasonable price point and straightforward installation. It’s one of the most popular systems on the market for good reason.

Sound Profile

The Supreme SP delivers a deep, muscle‑car‑like rumble with a clean, controlled tone. It’s slightly louder than the HKS Legamax but more refined than the Borla ATAK. The system uses a multi‑chamber muffler design that reduces drone while maintaining a robust exhaust note. Many owners note that it sounds excellent with the side windows down, giving a rich bass note that isn’t harsh.

Construction and Build Quality

GReddy uses high‑quality 409 stainless steel for the piping and polished 304 stainless for the muffler shell. The 3‑inch mandrel‑bent pipes are larger than stock and are designed to scavenge gases efficiently. The dual 4‑inch polished tips look aggressive and can be either slash‑cut or angle‑cut depending on the variant.

Performance Gains

The Supreme SP picks up about 4–6 horsepower and 5–7 lb‑ft of torque, with the biggest gains coming in the mid‑range. The system also improves throttle response, making the car feel more eager when you tip into the gas. Because it’s a cat‑back, it pairs well with an aftermarket cold air intake for a modest bump in power.

  • Material: Stainless steel (409 main, 304 tips)
  • Sound: Deep, aggressive, minimal drone
  • Weight: ~10 lbs lighter than stock
  • Price: $900–$1,100

How to Choose the Right Exhaust for Your GR86

With five excellent options, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal priorities. Consider your daily driving environment: if you need to keep noise down for early morning starts or have noise ordinances in your area, the HKS Legamax Premium or GReddy Supreme SP are best. If you’re chasing every last horsepower and don’t mind a loud cabin, the Tomei Expreme Ti is the ultimate weight‑saving track weapon. The Borla ATAK and Invidia N1 sit somewhere in between, offering aggressive sounds without totally sacrificing livability.

Also consider future modifications. If you plan to add a header (equal‑length or unequal‑length) or a cat‑less front pipe, the tone and volume will change dramatically – especially with the Tomei, which can become unbearably loud. For most owners, a cat‑back alone is the perfect starting point, providing a noticeable improvement in sound and performance without needing a tune.

Installation is straightforward for all of these systems, but if you’re not comfortable wrenching, a professional shop can typically install a cat‑back exhaust in under two hours. Expect to pay $150–$300 for labor. Finally, don’t forget to check the finish of your exhaust tips – polished stainless, burnt titanium, or black‑coated options are available and can change the rear appearance of your car dramatically.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your Toyota GR86’s exhaust system is one of the most gratifying modifications you can make. It wakes up the character of the FA24 engine, sheds unnecessary weight, and enhances the visceral connection between you and the road. Whether you choose the musical refinement of the HKS Legamax, the raw aggression of the Tomei Expreme Ti, or something in between, you’ll transform your GR86 into a machine that sounds as good as it drives. For more details, check the official websites: Borla, Invidia, HKS, Tomei, and GReddy. Visit enthusiast forums like GR86.org for owner dyno sheets and sound clips to help finalize your decision. Happy motoring.