I've had the IS350 for exactly a week, and I've done my first mod. As you know, most new cars are way too quiet and the IS350 is no exception. With such a great engine, I wanted to hear it. So I decided to go with an axle back exhaust. No huge gain in power...usually around 10HP/10TQ. Just a better sound. I chose the Magnaflow...well because it was new and everyone seemed to have a Tanabe on theirs and complained the Tanabe was too quiet. I almost went with Borla, but the price was too much for my taste. Magnaflow had just released their exhaust, and I supposedly have one of the first units. 100% stainless construction, lifetime warranty, polished muffler and tips. I'd rate the overall beauty of the Magnaflow below the Tanabe on our other IS. The Tanabe is polished throughout (Magnaflow has only polished mufflers, tips). Magnaflow's welds are a but rougher-looking than Tanabe. But overall, you don't see any of this when the exhaust is mounted, so no biggie.
It went on easy, with no issues. If I had a gripe it might be for Magnaflow to flare the T pipe a bit more to mount closer to the mid-pipe. But there is no leak at all...so this is just me being anal. Tips mount nearly flush with the rear bumper. Very clean. Looks factory. Impressed with the clean look.
I was totally un-prepared for the sound, given the other IS350's I've heard with their Borlas and Tanabes. The Magnaflow is DEEP. It rumbles and burbles like a V8. No joke. The first 3 people who sat in the car after the install all said the same thing "Wow, sounds like a V8, eh?" It does. From idle to 3,000RPM (cruising around speed) there is a deep V8 sound. I was pretty shocked actually, but then given Magnaflows bread and butter market of V8 American muscle, I guess it makes sense. Since I'm a lover of V8s, I think it's great. Reminds me of my GS400 with a Rod Millen exhaust on it. From 3,000 RPMs on (with throttle planted) the V6 sound returns...albeit in a louder form than stock. No raspiness to report..and cruising at a steady 110-120km/h there is a slight V8 sound. Not a drone at all, just a soft rumble. It's pretty pleasing to my ears.
Sadly, the video I took were only from a phone, though the do give a general idea of the change in sound. I've included vids of before and after from the inside, plus a couple of fly-bys with the Magnaflow. Feel free to comment!
STOCK INSIDE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECoOUMG4T9ASTOCK OUTSIDE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaLvA7jsb8oMAGNAFLOW INSIDE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tMLzUGBjKwMAGNAFLOW OUTSIDE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP-u2z_Z5AAMAGNAFLOW FLY-BY FROM A STOP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8czEwuDKfMMAGNAFLOW FLY-BY FROM A ROLL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfXQ0G0E7Uk (if you turn up the volume some, you can really hear the deep rumble before I mash the throttle)
