Enhancing the Subaru WRX’s Performance with the STI Muffler: A Mixed Bag of Pros and Cons
When it comes to the 2023 Subaru WRX, the team at Autoblog felt that something was missing – a bit of growl, snarl, or bark to match its vivacious personality. So, they decided to install the STI muffler, one of the official Subaru performance accessories, to see if it could give the WRX the sound it deserved. However, the initial impressions weren’t great. The WRX’s high-rpm cold start routine brought out the worst of the muffler, resulting in an extremely boomy sound from the cabin, especially in the 1,000 to 2,000 rpm range. It was a disappointing start, with the muffler taking away from the WRX experience rather than enhancing it.
But, after putting on several hundred miles, there was some good news. The overall volume of the muffler did come down a bit, indicating that it had “broken in.” While the boominess never completely disappeared, it mellowed out, making it more tolerable.
Despite the occasional boominess, the STI muffler has its genuine positives. The exhaust tone is clean and deep, and once it settles into the warm idle, it has the desired lumpiness that one would expect from a boxer engine. The added volume also enhances the driving experience, especially when rev-matching or pushing the car hard. Road Test Editor Zac Palmer noted that rev-matching becomes easier and more enjoyable with the muffler.
Moreover, the muffler manages two important things exceptionally well. First, it remains civilized on the highway. Despite the initial concerns about the boomy start-up, the muffler is perfectly tuned to be quiet, just slightly louder than the stock muffler, and it remains drone-free during highway cruising speeds (60-80 mph). This means that long drives won’t leave you with a headache. Second, and somewhat surprisingly, the muffler is oddly quiet from the outside. It seems that the exhaust sounds louder inside the car than outside, allowing drivers to feel a bit like hooligans without drawing the negative attention of neighbors.
In terms of aesthetics, the STI muffler doesn’t disappoint either. The trapezoidal tips with crisp stamping, particularly the STI logos, add a touch of style to the WRX’s rear.
Overall, the STI muffler is a bit of a mixed bag. It can be quite noisy inside the cabin, occasionally annoying, but it still manages to be livable in some critical ways. With its clean and deep tone, improved rev-matching, and highway civility, it has its merits. However, Autoblog doesn’t recommend rushing out to buy it, nor do they advise staying away from it entirely. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons against personal priorities and consider factors like the video sample provided before making a decision.
It is worth noting that the muffler does not come with any claims of horsepower gains from Subaru, as it only includes the resonator and tips without any other modifications to the exhaust system or engine tuning. Additionally, the price tag of $1,139.95 is a significant investment, even if it doesn’t void the warranty. Therefore, potential buyers should carefully consider their preferences and priorities before making a final decision.
In conclusion, the STI muffler for the 2023 Subaru WRX offers a mixed bag of pros and cons. While it may not be the perfect solution for every driver, it does provide an opportunity to enhance the car’s sound profile, improve rev-matching, and maintain highway civility. Ultimately, it’s important for individuals to assess their own preferences and priorities before investing in this performance accessory.
