Gen2 JDL Catted UEL Headers GR86/BRZ; In car audio with JDL FP/OP and HKS Spec-L2.

This is a 2023 GR86 MT with JDL UEL catted header, the JDL Ultra Quiet FP/OP 2.5", gen 2 HKS Spec-L2 catback, and a charcoal filter delete in the intake.
I love the way this exhaust setup sounds. Zero drone. Zero rasp. Zero buzz. Perfect volume. Mild cold starts. Dyno scheduled for three days from now, video of that should be up in about a week!
Here's a link to a video showing how the same car sounded with SME catless EL headers: • GR86 SME Catless Equal...
Exhaust sounds are subjective, but for me I'd say the UELs win the sound contest for sure. The ELs were a little too loud, a little too buzzy, and lacked some of the character that the UELs have. For performance, we'll have to wait and see until all the numbers are in!

[@sikrip]

Thanks for sharing. Now I know it is very loud for my taste/usage of my gr86 :)

[@Charles-ee5mm]

Glad it was helpful! If you want to stay quiet, sticking with the stock catback is probably the way to go.

[@Brokenandsilencedrec]

I dig this sound. Do you get the pops and bangs on downshift with this setup (not a fan tbh)? Did you have to do any tuning or have any check engine light issues? I've been eyeing the Borla S type for my cat back setup.

[@Charles-ee5mm]

@@Brokenandsilencedrec JDL uses high quality cats, so no CELs on the catted version. There are occasional pops on downshift, just like with the stock headers. The Borla S type is a popular choice, nice and deep 👍

[@Brokenandsilencedrec]

@@Charles-ee5mm thanks for your reply!!

[@kbandzzz_86]

No way!!! Recently just got my HKS Spec-L2 exhaust and was planning on getting headers! This sounds awesome!
Question: Was wondering if your 86 through a check engine? Thank you

[@Charles-ee5mm]

@@kbandzzz_86I did not get a check engine. If you get catless headers (or headers either a VERY low cell count), you will need an O2 sensor spacer to avoid a CEL.

[@kbandzzz_86]

@@Charles-ee5mm appreciate the help! One more thing, with the HKS exhaust + headers alone, it wouldn't be as loud as this where you have the JDL FP/OP as well? Cuz I know the HKS L2-Spec is almost close to stock sounding and the headers def boost it up a notch

[@Charles-ee5mm]

@@kbandzzz_86 The OP/FP is slightly larger diameter than stock, so it probably increases sound level a little bit. The HKS is pretty mild with stock headers, the difference between it and stock catback is much more apparent once you swap headers out.

[@kbandzzz_86]

@@Charles-ee5mm appreciate it so much! Will be ordering the JDL headers !! I cant wait till you dyno the car and bless for making these videos !!1

[@kbandzzz_86]

also thanks for the feedback

[@mryay1000]

Can’t really hear the rumble. Do you still have the pumped in noise active?

[@Charles-ee5mm]

I have the fake noise disabled. The rumble is more subtle with the catted headers, but still very apparent if you compare them to EL.