We’re back with part three of Marlon’s 2023 BRZ transformation! This time, we’re diving into his exhaust system. We’ll explore why he chose a CLEiB exhaust, then walk you through the entire installation process step-by-step, albeit not a difficult one. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to tackle your own BRZ exhaust upgrade – after all, that’s probably what led you here, right? You searched for BRZ exhaust, and fate (and Google) delivered you the perfect guide!
If you arrived here via Google, then you should first click the links below to get up to speed on the other modifications we have already done to his car. If you’re a regular visitor, then you have my permission to skip the links and get straight to the exhaust part of this post.
In the first link, we tackle brake pads, and fluid that are designed to handle some track abuse. And the 1000-mile break-in oil change procedure.
In the link below we upgrade Marlon’s Wheels/Tires and lower the car via Swift Spec R springs.
Installing the CLEiB exhaust is the heart of this post, yet we can’t ignore Marlon’s previous attempt at modding the exhaust on this car—a saga of half-baked upgrades perhaps best left in the rearview mirror and never to be spoken of again. What was Marlon’s exhaust setup, you ask? A desperate cry for an upgrade. Everyone knows it, and if they don’t, they should. Before we get to the meat of installing the CLEiB exhaust – the real game-changer – we have to talk about Marlon’s poor decision when it came to exhaust modification the first time around. Yeah, he jumped headfirst into modifying his car, fueled by the adrenaline of Black Friday sales. But come on, those “amazing deals”? They were a siren call leading to a less-than-stellar choice of parts.
As you can see below, Marlon, enticed by the allure of Black Friday and tempted by a good deal, made his first “mod” to his brand new car by purchasing a Remark axle-back muffler delete. If you’re new to the car world, here’s a heads-up: this isn’t the best choice. In fact, it’s probably the most cringe thing you can do as a first and only modification. Unfortunately, Marlon had already clicked “submit purchase” and then… excitedly told me about his Black Friday buy leaving no opportunity for me to prevent this atrocity. The downside for Marlon was, that he had to promptly purchase a proper exhaust system (not a muffler delete) after he shared what he had bought with me.
If you’re thinking about a muffler delete as a modification, especially your first, you’re about to make a colossal mistake. Let’s set the record straight: there’s a wealth of cat-back exhausts out there that won’t break the bank and actually serve a purpose. But no, you want to go full rogue, don’t you? Choosing a muffler delete as your first and only modification is like screaming to the world, “Forget performance, forget style, forget having a shred of dignity—I’m all about that senseless ear-splitting racket.” Do yourself a favor, skip the obnoxious noise parade, and pick a modification that says you’ve got a shred of intellectual prowess.
Enough about what I feel… Let’s get to what you are all here for.
CLEiB is a distinguished auto garage in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, infused with a zealous passion for motorsport by the two brothers who operate it. Their commitment to automotive performance and racing is evident in every aspect of their work.
They are renowned for their unwavering dedication to mastering the BRZ/86 chassis, though their expertise extends to other platforms as well. Embodying the true essence of passion over profit, CLEiB’s workshop may lack a flashy storefront, but that’s a strategic choice. They prefer to maintain the aura of a secret hideaway, prioritizing the art of car customization over the pressures of commercial fame. By consciously deciding to step away from the typical business-client interactions and deadlines, they invest undivided attention to each vehicle, ensuring unparalleled quality and delivering exceptional, personalized service to their clientele.
Supporting small artisan shops such as CLEiB is crucial to securing the longevity of our community, which currently faces a decline, overshadowed by individuals more concerned with social media fame than the genuine passion for their builds. It’s through our support of these bespoke creators that we can sustain the authenticity and spirit of our scene. Should these kinds of shops fail, we face a future dominated by American-based corporate businesses peddling uninspired, mass-produced knock-off parts from overseas.
Anywho, let me once again step off my soapbox and get to the point of this post.
In light of my recent passionate paragraphs, I presented Marlon with the idea of the CLEiB exhaust—an undeniably distinct option to distinguish his car from the monotonous uniformity that plagues so many BRZ/86 builds.
The CLEiB exhaust system redefines uniqueness, not through its dolphin-style pie-cut tip or the use of avant-garde materials, but by offering Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 enthusiasts a chance to set their vehicles apart from the ubiquitous modifications out there.
For us dedicated fans of Honda, the “Dolphin Style” exhaust tip has become almost a standard feature we all know and appreciate. However, it’s a different story with the BRZ/86 enthusiast community where you’ll find the Dolphin tip to be a rarer sight.
In addition to a notable shift in our automotive manufacture content, for this post, we’ve upgraded our workspace to Marlon’s house, which features a garage that outshines mine in both elegance and cleanliness. The superior lighting in his garage provides the perfect environment for capturing high-quality images too.
Behold the image showcased below—Marlon, strong in his dedication to his hobby, as mentioned earlier, previously upgraded his vehicle with a muffler delete. However, his steadfast commitment to refinement, optimization, and individuality compels him to undo this change after just a few hundred miles.
I certainly expressed some strong opinions regarding his decision to opt for a muffler delete, but really, he’s embodying the spirit of what many of us aspire to do. Acquire a sports car, personalize it with modifications, and revel in the driving experience. Now, fully enlightened by his lapse in judgment, he stands with unwavering certainty—it’s a mistake that will never repeat itself. I take pride in having played a key role in his journey towards enlightenment—nothing compares to the deep satisfaction of being the guiding light that leads someone from obscurity into clarity.
Let’s begin the installation.
The initial step involved detaching the two 14mm bolts that fasten the muffler delete to the B pipe. Should a stock muffler be in place, one would similarly detach these identical bolts for its removal. Unlike the muffler delete, the OEM muffler carries considerable weight, making it necessary to disconnect it from the B pipe prior to removal, followed by the subsequent removal of the B pipe itself.
Even though the muffler delete isn’t heavy, we still decided to detach it from the B piping to ensure no damage to the muffler delete, making it much easier to recoup some costs from his bird-brain lapse of judgment.
The abomination is swiftly removed.
Farewell, you mundane modification.
Luckily, he had kept his original stock muffler, which gave us the perfect opportunity to snap an excellent comparison photo showcasing the trio.
Now, just the OEM and the muffler delete for comparison.
If, like us, you’re new to the BRZ/86 scene, you might be intrigued to find out that the front pipe also houses the secondary catalytic converter. This is pretty cool because it makes removing (or straight piping) the cat much easier than in most newer cars. Brands like CLEiB and others offer a host of aftermarket options to choose from for front pipes. However, Marlon is choosing to retain his secondary cat for the time being, which, honestly, is a smart move if you want to maintain a balance between performance and noise. With that decision made, we proceed with excitement as we carefully detach the OEM front pipe from the B piping, maintaining the integrity of the system.
There is no sense in removing the secondary cat since Marlon isn’t really chasing more horses. He’s more after a distinguished exhaust note that allows him to enjoy the emotion of driving even more.
From this vantage point, it is evident that the rear segment of the B pipe remains suspended by the exhaust hanger while Marlon proceeds to detach the bolts that fasten the front pipe to the B pipe. Leaving it connected to the rubber hanger makes life much easier while trying to remove the two 14mm bolts that secure it to the front pipe.
With the two bolts removed, Marlon employs his specialized exhaust hanger removal tool to easily release the B pipe from the rubber exhaust hangers’ grip.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to use this ingenious tool, I highly recommend you experience its life-changing power. Once you’ve experienced how effortless it makes rubber hanger removal, you’ll never go back to your old way ever again.
This comparison clearly highlights the advantages of the CLEiB cat-back system over the stock exhaust. in case you’re too daft… Piping diameter, mandrel bends, smaller resonator, and the obvious being a much freer flowing muffler.
We now install the CLEiB B piping using a reverse-order technique, as compared to the removal process of the OEM. Begin by simply attaching the rearmost section of the B piping directly to the exhaust hanger.
Then move to the front part where it bolts to the front pipe. Make sure not to fully tighten down the bolts until we have the whole exhaust system loosely installed. By doing this, it will make it easier to ensure your muffler is perfectly lined up and centered.
Now time to install that beautiful dolphin-tipped muffler.
Ensure the muffler is securely mounted by attaching both hangers to the corresponding rubber hangers already in place on the vehicle. Be aware that the two additional rubber hangers on the passenger side are obsolete and should be removed, as they are no longer required.
Once you have both hangers securing the muffler, you can then move on to bolting the axle-back portion to the B-piping. Don’t forget to use the gasket supplied by CLEiB.
Using the bolts supplied by CLEiB, hand tighten them both snugly again, just to ensure we get the muffler all centered before fully tightening all the bolts down.
Marlon is truly going above and beyond! His dedication to perfection is showcased in the picture below, as he uses his hand to meticulously center the gasket to ensure optimal exhaust gas expulsion. Sure, it might seem like a touch of OCD, but it’s this attention to detail that truly makes a difference, even if it’s on a stock car. Such commitment is inspiring, and it sets a high standard for quality and excellence.
Remember… “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing it well”
Once the gasket aligns seamlessly, and the placement of the muffler in the bumper cutout looks stellar, Marlon is ready to take the final step of securing the axle-back section to the B-pipe. Note that, true to form, the exceptional quality of the CLEiB system shines through, as it fits perfectly on the first try, negating any need for additional adjustments.
So Marlon’s just about done, he’s tackling the last pair of bolts that lock the B pipe to the Front pipe.
Quick Jacks have revolutionized garage mechanics by providing a fast and efficient way to lift vehicles, surpassing traditional jacks in convenience, speed, and safety. Their portability also resolves space issues in crowded garages, making vehicle maintenance, from routine checks to complex repairs, easier and safer while saving time and reducing physical effort. If you’re financially secure enough to purchase some… I highly suggest it!
One from the front? Sure! Why not?
Lastly, a wonderfully simple yet crucial step, often overlooked by enthusiastic DIY mechanics, is to cleanse the exhaust pipping of all greasy fingerprints and oils after the installation process by wiping the whole thing down. Even with the precaution of rubber gloves, it’s worth noting that the manufacturing process might leave some oily residue behind. But fret not, by liberally spraying some brake cleaner, paint thinner, rubbing alcohol, or the ever-reliable WD-40—which happens to be my go-to—all over the exhaust then wiping it off with a clean towel, you can guarantee that once your exhaust heats up, it will remain pristine and free from any stubborn marks, fingerprints, or blemishes that could otherwise permanently burn (imprint) into the metal. This easy final step is a fantastic way to ensure a spotless and professional-looking finish!
Unfortunately, Marlon didn’t have regular WD-40 (some kind of garage mechanic he is *eye roll), so we employed the use of brake cleaner. For the best results, remember to frequently flip the towel so every wipe is as effective as the first, helping you achieve a spotless and sparkling clean surface with ease! This approach ensures that the grease is effectively removed, preventing it from simply relocating to a different part of the piping system.
Behold the towel post-Marlon’s meticulous muffler-cleaning session! You can certainly spot a hint of grime, reflective of the thorough job done.
Time for a cold start! (Video below)
While the photographs might not do it justice, the muffler sits perfectly centered within the bumper cutout, and my god, does it look sick!
If your intention is to maintain a more understated or stock appearance for your car, choosing a single-sided exhaust may not align with your aesthetic goals. Opting for the CLEiB single-sided exhaust, in particular, will command attention, giving your car an imposing and aggressive rear profile.
Lucky for us, Marlon’s ride is about to get some more upgrades, and that bold CLEiB exhaust won’t look out of place too much longer. I’m super pumped to dive into this project. It’s a rad chance to get clued up on different cars, plus it’s gonna spice things up on the blog with some fresh, cool updates from a different chassis.
So, about the noise level… Marlon went all in for that 70mm “loud” version, and honestly, it’s definitely a more refined sound than the muffler delete, but yeah, it’s still a little loud on cold starts. Marlon’s cool with it, and his neighbors aren’t complaining either. Check it out in the clip below (sorry about the wind noise). But hey, just so you know, my iPhone mic really can’t capture the whole majesty of it.
I’m thrilled about the amazing new content we’ll be rolling out in the coming months. And just to ease your mind, our Honda heritage remains at the core of everything we do – we’re simply broadening our horizons to embrace the full spectrum of functional cars. Stay tuned for this exciting journey!
As always, it’s a joy to share my musings and honest feedback, drawn from my perspective and experiences. If you have any questions, thoughts, or even a friendly greeting, I’m all ears! Feel free to drop me an email at Billy@functiontheory.com, send a message on Instagram @Functiontheory, or simply leave a comment right here. I’m eager to engage in uplifting conversations that could provide you with guidance.