For a couple weeks now, I have had my Apex'i N1, despite mgags recommending the GT spec to me - this was a hundred dollars cheaper; depending on where you buy from (HopUpRacing). I've seen the GT spec retail close to $700 at some of the websites I looked at. Although the full stainless steel of the GT spec would be nice, however, I can live without it in Texas. Apparently, it sounds different compared to the N1 as well.

For a whole month I debated on which cat-back to choose, as I am very picky and didn't want to have an exhaust shop weld me up one. Both the Tanabe Super Medalion Hyper Spec & RS*R tips stick past the bumper and that just bothered me... not by much, but like I said, I'm very picky. Just about everyone and their friends, have the Greddy Evo2 & Apex'i WS2 and I wasn't about to try something that I had no idea what would look like on a 4th gen (HKS, 5Zigen, Espelir). And why not the Thermal classic? Because they don't offer the dual-tip muffler for the 4th gen, as they do for the 5th gen guys. If they had, I'd be all over it. I just wanted a quick cat-back I could bolt on, sell later in the future if I end up selling the car, fairly popular and which appealed to the eyes... despite the potato-launcher muffler.

Overall, I am happy with the purchase. After taking my original cat-back off, I noticed the previous owner hollowed out my catalytic converter, causing me to believe this shit was going to be 4-door Civic raaaaspy. Surprisingly, it is not at all and doesn't drone out in the cabin. Its not even that loud as so many people have claimed, unless you really punch it. Although I'm not completely satisfied with the sound coupled with the hollowed out cat, I will be replacing the cat shortly, which should cause a noticeable difference in sound... and so I can pass inspection.

I am dissatisfied with how low the piping hangs, although this can be modified by adjusting the rubber hangers with adjustable hose clamps. And if I'm not mistaken, the WS2 also has this problem with ground clearance on lowered Preludes. Another complaint, its obviously not stainless steel as I mentioned above like the GT spec. You could have spent the same money on a Greddy Evo2 and still have the potato-launcher muffler, but have a full stainless steel exhaust to prevent rusting. Anyway you choose, this is a quality cat-back.

I've avoided all speed bumps thus far and have gotten owned by a steep incline, but be careful my friends.

Good write up though! Thanks for the pics , but could use a video with some sound.

If not

spoon down > magnaflow hi-flow cat > resenator > n1

sounds very good, never rasp except for extremely suddle rasp near 8k rpms

Quote, originally posted by BLANCOh22a4 »

ive heard more bad things about the n1 than good, the most common thing that I hear is that it is very obnoxiously loud. Just hearing that does not make me want one

It is loud, just like any other straight through muffler, but obnoxiously loud? Not at all, unless you're running a test pipe or have no resonator.

Quote, originally posted by hamadiscool »

I have a stainless steel megan catback that I got for under $200 used. I am pretty sure you can get a new one for around $300 for a 4th gen. Good write up though! Thanks for the pics , but could use a video with some sound.

Unfortunately for 4th gens, the Megan cat-back sticks out unnecessarily too far. However, it is fairly cheap and having the exhaust cut and re-welded back a little further would most likely not even come close to the price of an Apex'i, Greddy or Tanabe product.

Thanks for the comment. I wish I had the resources to video record the sound.

I found out the guy that bought my catback shortly after sold his car. Boo. I loved the sound of that thing.

becareful with the canister and hitting the underside. It will eventually crack the muffler and make it sound bad.

good review. I'll add it to the faq

fourdoormafia y0!

Quote, originally posted by ECX »

To the OP, what is your car's suspension setup? I was thinking about getting this exhaust but was worried about clearance too... Just wondering how low our car's can be without worrying really bad about the exhaust getting ripped off.

I honestly haven't the slightest clue. I purchased the car lowered. Not sure of the brand springs, but they're blue.

Well even at that, about how far would you say is your exhaust piping (the lowest point) from the ground?
Scared it's going to get horribly screwed after I get one...

Quote, originally posted by mgags7 »

Cheaping out on parts and ruining more poor preludes Get a geo or something.

Greddy Evo2

Luckily for me, I don't drive more than an average 10 miles away from my house to worry about road hazards or speed bumps.

Looks like it does hang pretty low, but then your car is pretty low overall. Coilovers next on the list?

-intake, windshield washer lights, rear body kit, carbon fiber windows

Quote, originally posted by Hawkze_2.3 »

Good review but your tow hook is too dirty, get under there and clean!! Looks like it does hang pretty low, but then your car is pretty low overall. Coilovers next on the list?

Would be nice to have, so I could raise it up a bit. Might possibly be next, never really thought about it until now, thanks... having to spend more money now.

muffler

resonator