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Evaluating the Tomei Exhaust for the BRZ FA24: Power, Sound, and Value
The Subaru BRZ with its FA24 engine has quickly become a darling of the aftermarket tuning world. Enthusiasts chasing every possible horsepower often look to exhaust systems as a foundational upgrade. Among the most talked-about—and most expensive—options is the Tomei Exhaust, carrying a price tag of roughly $2,200. For many, that sum represents a serious investment. But does the Tomei deliver enough real-world power gain, sound refinement, and weight savings to justify its premium cost? This evaluation breaks down every aspect of the Tomei exhaust swap, comparing it against alternatives and community data so you can decide if it belongs on your BRZ.
The Tomei Exhaust: Engineering and Design
Tomei, a Japanese brand with deep motorsport roots, designs its exhausts for maximum flow and weight reduction. The system for the BRZ FA24 is a cat-back (or axle-back, depending on configuration) setup constructed primarily from titanium. Titanium offers a unique combination of strength, heat resistance, and low density—typically shedding about 40% of the weight compared to a stainless steel counterpart. The Tomei exhaust features a single-exit layout with a large, polished tip. This design minimizes backpressure while producing a distinctive, high-pitched tone that many enthusiasts describe as "race-inspired." The system uses a straight-through muffler design with minimal baffling, which directly contributes to both power and volume.
Material Selection and Build Quality
The use of titanium is not merely a marketing gimmick. It reduces unsprung and overall vehicle weight, which improves throttle response and handling. Tomei’s welding quality is renowned; the titanium joints are TIG-welded with precise bead consistency. Many owners report the exhaust fits with no rattles or misalignment, a critical factor when dealing with aftermarket parts. The tip is often a polished or burnt-titanium finish, adding visual flair under the rear bumper.
Power Gains: What the Dyno Really Shows
The primary question for any performance upgrade is: how much power does it actually add? Dyno testing from reputable tuners such as CounterSpace Garage (CSG) and FT86 Speedfactory indicates that pairing a Tomei cat-back with a proper ECU tune yields approximately 10–15 wheel horsepower and 8–12 lb-ft of wheel torque on an otherwise stock FA24. These numbers are modest but realistic for a cat-back system. The torque curve often shifts higher in the rpm range, allowing the engine to rev more freely. A significant portion of the gain comes from reduced backpressure, which improves volumetric efficiency in the mid-to-high RPM region.
Power Gains With Additional Modifications
When combined with an aftermarket header (such as a Tomei equal-length header or a JDL unequal-length unit) and a tune, the Tomei exhaust can contribute to a total gain of 30–40 wheel horsepower. The system flows enough to not become a bottleneck even with supporting mods. Some tuners have reported peak gains of 15–18 whp when the exhaust is coupled with a cold air intake and a flex-fuel kit running E85. However, it’s important to note that a cat-back alone will not unlock the full potential of the FA24 engine; a tune is highly recommended to capitalize on the improved flow.
Dyno Curve Analysis
Unlike some exhausts that sacrifice low-end torque for top-end power, the Tomei’s straight-through design preserves a relatively flat torque curve. The powerband becomes slightly more peaky, but the trade-off is a noticeable improvement in high-rpm pull. Users who have logged both stock and Tomei exhaust data on a Mustang dyno observe that the system gains about 3–5 hp in the lower rpm range and up to 15 hp near redline. This characteristic benefits track driving where sustained high RPM is common.
Sound Characteristics and Volume
The Tomei exhaust is famous—or infamous—for its volume. It is one of the loudest cat-back options available for the BRZ FA24. At idle, it emits a deep, aggressive note that settles into a steady rumble. Under acceleration, the sound builds quickly to a sharp, metallic rasp typical of titanium systems. Many owners compare it to a Formula car or a heavily modified race machine. For those seeking a subtle tone, the Tomei will be overwhelming. However, for enthusiasts who want their car to be heard, it delivers.
Decibel Measurements and Drone
Independent decibel tests have measured the Tomei exhaust at around 90–95 dB at cruising speeds (70 mph) and up to 110 dB under full throttle. This places it well above many competitors like the Borla S-Type (~85 dB cruise) or the HKS Legamax (~80 dB). Cabin drone is present between 2500–3500 RPM, which corresponds to highway cruising. Owners who use their BRZ as a daily driver often find the drone fatiguing on long trips. Sound-deadening materials or a resonator add-on can mitigate this, but they also add cost and weight.
Legal and Neighborly Considerations
Given its volume, the Tomei exhaust may violate noise ordinances in many jurisdictions. It is not CARB-compliant, and any removal of catalytic converters further jeopardizes legal street use. Many owners report being pulled over specifically due to exhaust noise. If you live in an area with strict enforcement, or if you park in a shared residential setting, the Tomei may become a liability. Some aftermarket providers sell a "quiet" version with an extra silencer, but that reduces power and changes the sound profile.
Weight Savings: Real Numbers
The stock BRZ FA24 cat-back exhaust (from the mid-pipe back) weighs approximately 35–40 lbs. The Tomei titanium cat-back system weighs roughly 18–22 lbs. That’s a saving of about 15–20 lbs, or roughly 10% reduction in mass in one of the lowest parts of the car. While this does not dramatically affect straight-line performance, it reduces unsprung weight and improves handling response, especially when combined with lightweight wheels. For a track-focused build, every pound matters, and the Tomei delivers a significant weight reduction with minimal installation effort.
Drawbacks and Practical Considerations
Beyond the cost and noise, several other factors should influence your decision.
Installation Complexity
The Tomei exhaust is designed as a direct bolt-on with most factory hangers and flanges compatible. However, the titanium material requires careful handling during installation. Overtightening bolts can strip threads, and the lightweight exhaust can rattle if not properly aligned. A professional installation is recommended, costing an additional $100–$250. DIY installation is possible with jack stands and basic tools, but first-time users should allow 2–3 hours and follow torque specifications precisely.
Ground Clearance
Because the Tomei system uses a straight-through muffler that sits lower than the stock unit, ground clearance is reduced by about 1 inch. This can cause scraping over steep driveways or speed bumps. For cars with lowered suspension, this becomes a real risk. Owners frequently report scraping the muffler tip on curbs or parking lot inclines. A skid plate or careful driving habits can mitigate damage, but it’s an added inconvenience.
Maintenance and Longevity
Titanium is resistant to corrosion, but it can become brittle after prolonged exposure to extreme heat and vibration. Hairline cracks near the hanger welds have been reported on some units used on track cars with aggressive engine mounts. Tomei offers a limited warranty, but it typically covers manufacturing defects only, not damage from road debris or fatigue. Regular inspection of the welds and hangers every 5,000 miles is a good practice.
Comparing the Tomei to Competing Exhausts
No exhaust exists in a vacuum. Several alternatives offer similar performance at a lower price or with more civilized behavior.
| Exhaust | Price (approx.) | Power Gain (wheel) | Weight Saved | Sound Level | Drone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomei (titanium) | $2,200 | 10–15 hp | 15–20 lbs | Very loud | Moderate |
| Borla S-Type | $1,100 | 8–12 hp | 5–8 lbs | Moderate | Low |
| Invidia R400 | $1,000 | 6–10 hp | 8–12 lbs | Loud | Low |
| HKS Legamax Premium | $1,200 | 5–8 hp | 4–6 lbs | Quiet | None |
| Greddy Supreme SP | $1,300 | 7–11 hp | 10–15 lbs | Moderate | Very low |
The Borla S-Type offers a similar power increase and a deep, mature tone at half the price, but provides far less weight savings. The Invidia R400 is a popular budget option with a louder note but heavier build. The HKS Legamax is the quietest, ideal for daily driving but sacrifices top-end power. The Greddy Supreme SP strikes a balance between sound and weight reduction but still cannot match the Tomei in outright weight savings or raw performance potential. For the serious track driver who already has a separate daily car, the Tomei’s price premium is easier to justify.
Community Feedback and Real-World Experiences
On forums like FT86club.com and Reddit's r/BRZ_86, feedback on the Tomei exhaust is polarized. Many owners rave about the sound and the noticeable bump in performance. One user noted: “After installing the Tomei and a tune, the car feels like it breathes better at high RPM. The sound is aggressive but addicting.” Another countered: “I loved the exhaust for the first month, but the drone on the highway made me swap back to stock for long trips. It’s just too loud for daily life.” The general consensus is that for weekend track cars or dedicated performance builds, the Tomei is a top-tier choice. For daily drivers, it may be too much.
Tuning Requirement
Most community members strongly recommend an ECU tune when installing any aftermarket cat-back. Without a tune, the engine runs leaner due to the reduced backpressure, which can cause knock on aggressive throttle inputs. A tune also allows you to take full advantage of the exhaust flow, increasing throttle response and smoothing the power curve. Common tuning options include ECUTek, Cobb Accessport, or open-source tuning via a tactrix cable. Budget an additional $500–$800 for a custom dyno tune or an off-the-shelf map.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Deciding whether the $2,200 Tomei exhaust is worth the investment depends entirely on your priorities. If you value the absolute lightest exhaust, maximum power potential (10–15 whp alone, 15–18 with a tune), and a race-inspired sound that turns heads, the Tomei is among the best in its class. It offers genuine performance benefits and the brag-worthy weight savings that titanium provides. However, if you need a daily-driver-friendly exhaust with low cabin drone, legal noise levels, and a lower price, the Tomei will likely disappoint. In that case, alternatives like the Borla S-Type or Greddy Supreme SP deliver 80–90% of the performance at half the cost and with much better civility. For the track-focused enthusiast who is building a BRZ for weekends and events, the Tomei exhaust is a worthy investment that will amplify both performance and driving pleasure.
For further reading, check Tomei's official product page for detailed specs and installation instructions here. Community dyno data can be found on FT86club. For sound comparisons, visit this dyno run video. To explore competitor pricing, check Borla's official site and Invidia's product line.