As you probably know, the R35 GTR smashed nearly all benchmarks when it came out back in 2009. Even though Nissan made the GTR insanely fast on the track, the Japanese automaker kept it quite timid on the street. The ride quality is comfortable and the exhaust is pleasantly quiet – something many other “sporty” vehicles cannot boast. It’s a fantastic daily driver with insane on-track performance, making it the best of both worlds. An exceptional performance car, the GTR (or Godzilla as enthusiasts call it) has earned its place among the supercars of the world with devilishly good looks, impressive engine power, and racecar-like driving dynamics.
Some GTR owners, however, want their car to be a little rowdier to assert even more dominance on the streets. One of the easiest ways to improve the driving experience of your GTR and its soundtrack is with an aftermarket exhaust. Not only will this unleash an awesome sound, but it will also improve airflow to unleash additional horsepower and torque. To help you find the perfect system for your needs, we’ve compiled this short guide outlining the top 8 exhausts for the Nissan GTR in terms of looks, sound, performance, and power gains! You can also check out Vivid Racing’s entire lineup of exhaust options for the Nissan GTR here.
#1 VR Performance Titanium 102mm
The VR Performance Exhaust for the Nissan R35 GTR is specially designed to complement the aggressive looks of the R35 and the beloved tone of the VR38DETT under the hood. This pie-cut titanium crafted system is tuned to produce the most optimal sound output, free of unwanted drone and vibration while maintaining a lightweight profile and aesthetic appearance. The burnt titanium finish on the quad 5-inch tips allows this exhaust to shine brightly in the visual category, just as it does with sound. Not only does this system look, sound, and perform the part, but it is also super lightweight compared to stock!
Unlike some other R35 exhaust systems on the market, the VR Performance also features a specially designed Y-pipe with a true dual 76mm diameter that runs into a single 102mm section back to the muffler. Pie-cut bent tubing offers incredible airflow while minimizing backpressure and adds elegant styling too. Precision TIG welds mend the exhaust piping while sturdy v-band clamps hold the system together. This system comes with everything necessary for a seamless installation process and it requires no modifications at all. Thanks to the Valvetronic system on this exhaust, you can easily switch from loud to quiet with just the push of a button.
Features:
- Total weight of 40.4lbs, super lightweight compared to stock!
- Amazing and Loud Exhaust Tone
- Increased Horsepower and Torque
- Bolt-on Installation, No Cutting or Welding Required
- Made Using High-Quality Titanium
- Integrated 102mm Piping
- 5-Inch Burnt Titanium Tips
- V-Band Clamp Mounting
#2 ARMYTRIX Valvetronic Exhaust
If you’ve spent time on YouTube looking at exotic car exhaust videos, then you’ve probably heard of ARMYTRIX. Much like Agency Power, their exhaust system for the R35 GTR integrates an exhaust valve that allows you to change the sound of your GTR on the go. Built with the utmost care and attention to detail, this system boasts precise power that comes smooth and easy with just a tap. Step on the gas and prepare for liftoff as this exhaust emits a tantalizing soundtrack that will make you want to turn the radio down, not up.
The integrated Valvetronix system introduces a new level of versatility, giving you the ultimate freedom to choose between sound and stealth modes. Moreover, this system features clear displays and user-friendly controls with an exclusive OBDII dongle system that reduces installation time by 50 percent! You can even navigate through ARMYTRIX’s smartphone app to gain an insightful look into the GTR’s real-time operational status and assert complete control over the valve settings
This exhaust system from ARMYTRIX uses 90mm piping made from stainless steel to offer greater exhaust flow and increased power without compromising efficiency. ARMYTRIX has tailored each exhaust for carrying the max payload to be delivered to a thunderous effect. This streamlined system is lighter (gets rid of OE deadweight), provides an unrestrictive flow, and offers dramatic improvements in both horsepower and torque figures. If you are looking to save as much weight as possible, you can opt to purchase the Titanium version of this exhaust.
Features:
- Real-time smartphone app
- 90mm Mid-pipe
- Valvetronic Mufflers
- Quad Color Optional Tips
- Wireless Remote Control Kits
#3 Invidia Full Titanium Exhaust
Although the exhaust valves on the systems above are cool, not everyone wants one. Ditching the exhaust valve saves weight, but you might get annoyed by how loud your GTR is all the time. This exhaust system from Invidia uses a full titanium design which is super lightweight, but also fairly expensive. Unfortunately, Invidia used relatively small 80mm mandrel-bent exhaust piping which can limit power if you plan on building a high horsepower GTR. Though, if you want to save the most weight possible, this exhaust system from Invidia is hard to beat. Manufactured using only the highest-quality materials, the Invidia exhaust improves performance while remaining stylish and reliable with precise fitment and proven power gains.
The free-flowing titanium exhaust system from Invidia improves power, torque, and response over the factory exhaust. Titanium is stronger and lighter than steel, so this gives your GTR a better power-to-weight ratio helping to improve straight-line performance and cornering. Titanium is also highly resistant to corrosion and rust to keep your exhaust looking its best for longer. Invidia’s full titanium exhaust systems were developed for the serious track day or full-on racer by an extensive R&D team of engineers with a long racing heritage that had one thing in mind: to develop a product that delivers ultimate performance and weight savings for enthusiasts looking to get the most from their car.
Features:
- Full Titanium construction
- One of the lightest GT-R systems on the market
- Reduces weight up to 50% over stock exhaust system
- 100% bolt-on, direct-fit system
- Utilizes mandrel-bent piping
- Pipe Size: 80mm
- Tip Size: 125mm
#4 Boost Logic 4” Exhaust
If you want the most exhaust flow possible, standard 3.5” piping just will not cut it. This is where Boost Logic comes in with its massive 4” exhaust system – the newest addition to its Formula Series Titanium Exhaust lineup. This system doesn’t use any exhaust valve, and with such large piping, you can expect a bolt exhaust note. In fact, the Boost Logic system is so loud that, if you plan on driving long distances, you may want to look into a valved exhaust system. On top of using extremely large piping, Boost Logic designs this exhaust system to be as straight as possible to maximize exhaust flow for better performance.
Using its 12+ years of experience in the industry, Boost Logic has designed one of the lightest, high-flowing, and aesthetically pleasing exhausts on the market today for none other than the beloved Godzilla car. The entire system including the mid-pipe weighs in at an astonishing 25.8 pounds. That is 45.5 pounds of weight savings over the stock GTR exhaust and Y-pipe!
The boost-activated valve option features valves that remain closed under 7psi of boost which will keep your GTR quiet while cruising and idling. Once you exceed 7psi of boost, the valves open to provide the maximum airflow possible, allowing your engine to produce the most power possible. Boost Logic strategically designed this upgrade to prevent any excess backpressure or power loss while the valves are closed. And when the valves are opened, the system flows as much as the brand’s standard race-proven titanium exhaust system.
Features:
- Precision TIG-welded full titanium construction
- Proper merge collectors for high flow
- Fully adjustable titanium slash cut tips
- 4.0″ Titanium Quadzilla Mid Pipe
- 4.0″ Titanium Cat-Back Exhaust
#5 HKS Legamax
HKS has long been one of the biggest names in aftermarket JDM parts, and much of its brand was originally built on the R32 and R33 GTRs. Naturally, they also offer a ton of great parts for the R35 GTR including a few different exhaust systems. The particular system we’re looking at here is the Legmax Premium Stainless Steel exhaust. What makes this exhaust unique from other exhaust systems on this list is the lack of a centralized muffler in the rear. Instead, this system uses two very small chambers; one for each side. To utilize two small chambers, HKS uses a very unique routing design which is far different from most exhaust systems. The main pipe is 85mm and the tips are 119mm.
Designed with a racer in mind, the HKS exhaust will provide your GTR with countless years of reliable performance and stylish good looks. Professionally developed with a racer in mind, this HKS system provides an easy opportunity to upgrade both the horsepower and sound of your GTR with precise fitment and proven gains. Made from only the highest-quality materials available, this performance exhaust will appeal to all of your senses and transform your driving experience.
Specifications:
- Exhaust System Type: Cat-Back
- Exhaust Tubing Material: 304 SS
- Exit Location: Quad Rear
- Main Tubing Diameter: 3.35″
- Exhaust System Sound: Aggressive / Loud
- Tip Material: Titanium
- Tip Outlet Diameter: 4.69″
- Exhaust Series: LEGAMAX Premium
- Sound Level Stock: L: 88 dB, R: 89 dB
- Sound Level HKS: L: 89 dB, R: 90 dB
- Idle Sound Level Stock: L: 67 dB, R: 67 dB
- Idle Sound Level HKS: L: 69 dB, R: 69 dB
#6 Greddy Super Street Titan
The R35 GTR is a pretty heavy vehicle straight from the factory, so lightweight parts are a great addition to the platform. If you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight exhaust, the Greddy Super Street Titan is probably your best bet. This system is constructed entirely from titanium and uses 1mm thick walls to ensure the lightest construction. The piping, muffler, and tips are titanium, and the entire system is designed specifically for reducing weight as much as possible. The total weight for the cat-back comes in under 15 pounds, which is significantly lighter than the OEM exhaust.
The Greddy Super Street Titanium line is a true race-inspired exhaust system and a great fit for the Nissan R35 GTR. This system is very free-flowing, having large diameter piping and minimal bends. As a true PRO system, the outer construction is full titanium, from the flanges to the mandrel-bent piping, to the muffler canister and flamed outer-curled Tip. It also uses the straight-through design that Greddy is renowned for. “Made in Japan” guarantees the highest quality and the heat gradated titanium ensures a beautiful look on top of the impressive performance it delivers.
Features:
- Titanium Construction
- Greddy exhaust series with a straight pipe design
- Wall thickness of 1mm titanium ensures the lightest exhaust possible
- Tail end uses a beautifully gradated titanium finish
- Meets the strict Japanese vehicle inspection requirements
- Racing Titanium Exhaust
- Super Lightweight Racing Exhaust
- Full Titanium Piping, Muffler and Tip
- Full Cat-back System in the 10-15lb range
- Large Piping with Minimal Bends & High-Flow Mufflers
#7 Meisterschaft Titanium GT
Another great option for a full titanium exhaust is the Meisterschaft Titanium GT. This axle-back exhaust replaces the restrictive factory unit on the GTR and increases exhaust flow by minimizing bends in the system. Meisterschaft’s design team builds their exhaust systems to compliment the powerplant of your Nissan sports car and increase horsepower and torque while emitting a tantalizing tone that will be music to your and your passenger’s ears, as well as those around you.
What’s very unique about this system is the pie-cut turns and transitions in the rear section. This is way different than typical tube bending and, although it doesn’t offer any real performance benefits, it looks incredible compared to other systems. In the rear, this system is available with 4x120mm tips or 4x130mm tips separated OEM style. Meisterschaft also offers a titanium mid-section for those who want even greater performance.
Furthermore, the GT system is available in a stainless steel variant at a much lower price point if titanium isn’t a must-have for you. Compared to all the other exhausts on this list, this is one of the louder systems and it doesn’t feature any valves. Meisterschaft is known for its iconic metallic soundtrack that turns heads without that annoying in-cabin drone. This is definitely a system for GTRs that want to be heard before they are even seen.
Features:
- 100% Titanium construction
- 4x130mm Tips (separated OEM style)
- Axle-back system only
- Includes installation hardware
#8 IPE Valvetronic w/ Mid-Pipe
Last, but certainly not least, is the IPE mid-pipe back system. As the name suggests, this system is comprised of a full cat-back and mid-pipe as one package. Functionally, there isn’t anything unique about this system; however, it is a valved system which means you can change the tone and volume of it on the fly. It is constructed from high-quality stainless steel tubing with a centralized rear muffler and four burnt blue tips. If you’re looking for one system that does everything you need and includes a mid-pipe, this is one of the best options on the market today.
Innotech’s Valvetronic technology makes this a sophisticated performance exhaust system that delivers both power and dynamic valve control. When the valves are fully opened for maximum flow and power, it creates an intoxicating tone. When the valves are closed, the volume is reduced for a more low-profile, comfortable drive. The auto mode lets the system detect the engine RPM and fuel pedal signal to automatically adjust the valve movements for a more streamlined driving experience. The muffler internals on this system were individually designed and specifically produced for the Nissan GTR for optimal performance benefit.
Features:
- Stainless steel design
- The product is heavily tested by IPE
- Great fitment
- Increased horsepower
- Increased torque
- Improved throttle response
Summary
The exhaust system that may be best for you depends on what you are doing with your car. If you just plan on doing some simple street driving, then Agency Power and ARMYTRIX exhaust are perfect with their valved systems. If you do not care about having an exhaust valve and just want a super lightweight exhaust for going to the track, the Invidia exhaust is a good choice. If you want something that can flow massive amounts of air for your high-horsepower GTR, then the Boost Logic exhaust is the one for you. We personally like the Agency Power exhaust due to its sturdy construction and pretty low cost that makes it a great value for the performance benefits you gain.
If you have any questions about these exhaust systems, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can be reached by phone at 1.480.966.3040 or via email at sales@vividracing.com.