3.3TT Exhaust review & setup

[noogahz]

Hello ~

I have recently purchased an SSR catless midpipe/downpipes from another member on here and wanted some opinions on some upgrade options.

My goal is to keep the car on stock tune (I am still paying off this vehicle as a 25 year old) until warranty expires, and then would like to tune. Until then, I would like to upgrade the exhaust if nothing else performance-wise on my vehicle in Texas.

Please help me decide what is ideal for an upgrade? I also don't think it's possible to get crackles and pops with this set up but someone correct me if I'm wrong.

So far, I am thinking:

1) SSR Midpipes + SSR Axleback (Muffler Delete)
2) SSR Midpipes + MBRP Exhaust (talking with another member on purchasing)
3) SSR Midpipes + Borla (3.3 Catback?)
4) SSR Midpipes + Any exhaust under $1.5k?

Since I won't be touching tune for a while, does it make sense to upgrade these 2 parts? Meaning, can I upgrade these 2 parts without running into any issues? Dealership told me "as long as ECU is not tampered or configured, warranty shouldn't be an issue in most cases."

I am not really technical and have a mechanic friend who will be helping me install the exhaust. I am looking for a budget of $1.5k max for the exhaust system, but another option I am considering is to just do the SSR midpipe upgrade for now and then exhaust later?
I don't want to spend more than $2k for an upgrade I still owe on a vehicle, even though I plan on paying it off.

Eventually, I will be doing intakes, bov, oil catch can, etc...but this would be my first upgrade.

Looking for some perspectives and opinions for an optimal "exhaust" upgrade. I haven't done any other performance upgrades and eventually will be doing intakes, bov, oil catch can, sway bars, intercooler and lastly tune.

Thank you all for your opinions and thoughts.
- noogahz

 

[SKStinger]

I have the SSR mids and MBRP exhaust and am happy with it but for someone starting out on a budget I’d just do the mids for now and put the rest of your budget into a catch can and intakes.

 

[noogahz]

I have the SSR mids and MBRP exhaust and am happy with it but for someone starting out on a budget I’d just do the mids for now and put the rest of your budget into a catch can and intakes.

Would you recommend purchasing the other parts after paying off the vehicle? (keep those 3 for now?) I suppose having most bang for your buck is what I'm going for until car is completely paid off. Thoughts?

 

[SKStinger]

Would you recommend purchasing the other parts after paying off the vehicle? (keep those 3 for now?) I suppose having most bang for your buck is what I'm going for until car is completely paid off. Thoughts?

I would do the catch can now as it’s best to put that on as soon as possible for long term. If you can afford to, intakes too. The sound they add is really addicting!

The DIY intake will only set you back $100 and you get the benefits of the more expensive kits.

 

[noogahz]

I would do the catch can now as it’s best to put that on as soon as possible for long term. If you can afford to, intakes too. The sound they add is really addicting!

The DIY intake will only set you back $100 and you get the benefits of the more expensive kits.

Sorry for the noob questions...but for the catch can, would I be placing an order for the baffled oil catch can or the BMS compact double oil catch can? (Pretty sure it's the regular blue oil catch can shown?) For the Intakes, I think they are great value...other intakes seem to be much more expensive and to be honest, they all should somewhat similar (to me at least out of the ones I watched).

Thank you very much for your help ~

 

[noogahz]

Just made this purchase and have the SSR midpipes/downpipes on the way. Thank you @SKStinger for the help and suggestions! Appreciate the feedback.

 

[SKStinger]

View attachment 37923

Just made this purchase and have the SSR midpipes/downpipes on the way. Thank you @SKStinger for the help and suggestions! Appreciate the feedback.

You move fast! No problem.

 

[SKStinger]

Sorry for the noob questions...but for the catch can, would I be placing an order for the baffled oil catch can or the BMS compact double oil catch can? (Pretty sure it's the regular blue oil catch can shown?) For the Intakes, I think they are great value...other intakes seem to be much more expensive and to be honest, they all should somewhat similar (to me at least out of the ones I watched).

Thank you very much for your help ~

That’s the same catch can I have and it works great and lots of members have that intake and are happy with it. Both solid choices.

 

[Kato_the_kia_stinger]

I voted SSR mids and other. But I have Ark mids.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

I would do the catch can now as it’s best to put that on as soon as possible for long term. If you can afford to, intakes too. The sound they add is really addicting!

The DIY intake will only set you back $100 and you get the benefits of the more expensive kits.

Totally agree. Though I would spring for the BMS intake.

 

[CeramicGT001]

Aem intake is a solid option too and khartunerz has them listed for $387

 

[Toddasaurus]

Aem intake is a solid option too and khartunerz has them listed for $387

I really like the AEM intake, though I still think Stillen would get my money if I were to do it again, as I'd like to just take my time on the install make sure everything is just right. Reading the reviews on websites that sell the Stillen intake, most people seem to love it, but there are a few who complained about fitment - I assume they just did a rushed job with sloppy results.

 

[stung cb]

Help me. I see you folks tinker with the exhaust system a lot on the Stinger. Is the stock version a poor functional design from KIA?
I would think the design engineers would have put a lot of time and effort to match the proper exhaust system to such a fine powertrain. As far as exhaust sound goes, you can only change the buzz sound so much on a 6 cyl. It's like you can put lipstick on a pig.

 

[Kato_the_kia_stinger]

T

Help me. I see you folks tinker with the exhaust system a lot on the Stinger. Is the stock version a poor functional design from KIA?
I would think the design engineers would have put a lot of time and effort to match the proper exhaust system to such a fine powertrain. As far as exhaust sound goes, you can only change the buzz sound so much on a 6 cyl. It's like you can put lipstick on a pig.

The stock exhaust is surprisingly restrictive. As for the sound of an aftermarket catback, I thought the same thing until I got my newest catback. And now, I want to make out with my piggy!