BRM exhaust review (with lots of pics)

[n00b240]

So I got my BRM cat back exhaust system Yesterday. Put it in the car this morning and went to a local shop here in Dallas, that lets me work on the car with their tools, when business is slow. I tried to take as many pics as I could, for references for the next n00b who wants to install this exhaust on they car.

Installation process:

We are talkin bolt-ons people, its not rocket science. Stock exhaust is in two pieces, using a wrench I removed the nuts from the bolts near the muffler. Using the same wrench I unbolted the pipe from the catcon. No elbow grease needed, simple as simple does. Here was the tricky part. I spent 5 mins trying to get the muffler off the rubber hangers. Damn near impossible. Then I sprayed a lil WD40 all up in the rubber hangers. Muffler slid clean off. No elbow grease needed. Removed the pipe by putting WD40 on the hangers again, no stress at all.

BRM (magnaflow) muffler install was easy as slicing cake. The fabbed hangers slid right into the rubber hangers with no issue. BRM (magnaflow) resonator pipe hangers slid right into the rubber hangers no issues. Of course gaskets were put in place. 2 bolts came with the BRM system, so I bolted those up appropriately. Bolted the resonator pipe with gasket back to the catcon. (thanks for this extra gasket greg, mine was completely shot)

And then I pulled the car down. Total install, 40 minutes. Literally a joke. Took 5 mins to wrestle with the rubber hangers (just use WD40), 5 mins to find the right wrench. So really this install took 30 mins.

Here are the pics, Kind of alot. But why not. Most kats are on high speed internet anyway.

Car in air with stock exhaust system in:

The welding job (not the best, but it will hold for a lifetime)

The stock to BRM comparison:





Absolutely perfect clearance:

Tips come out a bit farther than I expected:

Another clearance pic. Lookin good IMO

Lookin a bit crooked. Nothin a lil elbow grease cant fix

I know Im monster truckin, but I autocross in stock class, so form over function trumps this one. Im 2 seconds off the mini cooper here, so no coilovers until I beat the mini

Final pic:

Now for the quick sound review. Sound clips are out there already. I think the exhaust sounds much louder on youtube than it does on my car. When you start the car, its a hella nice deep throaty tone. And then its almost as quiet as stock if not quieter.

Rollin around town, is as quiet as stock if not quieter. Now you do hear the deep notes as you are rolling around town, but its not that much louder than what you would hear inside the car. Outside the car however...its a very very nice sound over the stock notes. Ive also got the solid subframe bushings so I will hear a bit more than you guys with ES bushings or stock bushings. But its nothing, as I said, just as quiet as stock IMO.

The highway is a different ballgame. Nothing a lil Sports-Radio cant handle. But the speed limit on the highways here are 70. So I go 75, and the exhaust note is Quieter than stock I kid you not, but mind you, you can hear the deep tone. Around 60-65, the note is um, LOUD. Might have to crank that radio up some, or tell the GF to speak up. Its louder than stock yes, but nothing that is annoying. If anything its enough to make you either speed up or slow down. Speeding up works best for me.

And there you have it. Ask me any questions, and I will do my best to help.

-Your easily seasoned n00b240

[Dire91]

I'm glad someone finally created a thread like this. I've heard the same exhaust on a sr20det and it was pretty damn loud, would it actually vary that much? Also would you be able to compare the loudness to other catback exhaust such as the HKS Hi power, Blitz Nur spec R etc...

[AZhitman]

Hell yeah!

Nice-looking S14 and a great writeup... Glad you like the system!

[AZhitman]

I'm glad someone finally created a thread like this. I've heard the same exhaust on a sr20det and it was pretty damn loud, would it actually vary that much? Also would you be able to compare the loudness to other catback exhaust such as the HKS Hi power, Blitz Nur spec R etc...

Hard to say... Some folks order a system without a resonator, or with the shortest resonator - that definitely makes for a louder system.

I can't speak for the others, but I know we benchmarked the HKS when we designed this one... it was one of the ones with a nice sound. Steer clear of anything that's available with a "silencer"... Pretty good indicator that the system wasn't engineered well.

Over 500 systems sold, and I've only had two customers report that they didn't like the sound. I can live with that.

[spooled240]

i like it, i need something stock-looking with good ground clearance on my 14

[n00b240]

I'm glad someone finally created a thread like this. I've heard the same exhaust on a sr20det and it was pretty damn loud, would it actually vary that much? Also would you be able to compare the loudness to other catback exhaust such as the HKS Hi power, Blitz Nur spec R etc...

I couldnt say the same for an sr20 cause Ive never heard one with a brm before. But I know the HKS hi power, the blitz, the apexi, and the greddy exhaust systems are all much louder than the brm. On stock setups. Not only that the BRM is much throatier, and a nicer deep tone

[n00b240]

Hell yeah!

Nice-looking S14 and a great writeup... Glad you like the system!

Ya man, thanks alot. Im lovin it. Well worth the cash. All my friends love it too. GF hasnt sat in it yet, but Im sure she will complain once I hit that 60 65 mph

Again thanks for everything

[S14toRPS13]

GF hasnt sat in it yet, but Im sure she will complain once I hit that 60 65 mph

Girls will complain in anything that isn't as quiet as stock and doesn't ride like a Cadillac.

Good review as I don't remember there being too many on this exhaust. It looks good from every angle except directly from the rear, but I guess you can get under there and try straightening a few things out.

[Dire91]

Hard to say... Some folks order a system without a resonator, or with the shortest resonator - that definitely makes for a louder system.

So getting a mid sized resonator would give you a louder sound and a nice throaty sound.

Girls will complain in anything that isn't as quiet as stock and doesn't ride like a Cadillac.

Not true some girls like the rough ride and vibrations

[Hooked on 240]

As a BRM 2.5in catback Dual tip owner, its def the best money ive spent on an exhaust period.

[Japakaze]

Q_Q i want one now.. i guess it's time to save money and collect every penny i find on the floor.

[n00b240]

So getting a mid sized resonator would give you a louder sound and a nice throaty sound.

That is correct. I wanted mine to sound as close to stock as possible, so I opted for the 22in resonator

[breadbox]

I think I have the same setup. Mine has an exhaust leak and it is 1/4 the loudness of the "custom" exhaust the car came with.

Once I put it on better it'll be quieter, but it sounds amazing. and looks so sexy.

Last night the Previous owner mentioned how good it looked and that is what exhaust he might have gone with.

[nissanman04]

I autocross in stock class...

...Ive also got the solid subframe bushings

Street modified for you

Nice exhaust, though. One of my top choices if I ever need a new one.

[n00b240]

Street modified for you

Nice exhaust, though. One of my top choices if I ever need a new one.

heh dont tell anyone. I just want to beat the mini with everything else stock, before bumping up to SM. Im getting closer every time I go out. Just trying to get the skill up before doing any more mods. The mini's in our area are quite competitive.

I wish I had the time for more seat time. Im hoping the 140 tires, and pads/fluid upgrade put me over the mini
Modified by n00b240 at 10:07 AM 11/20/2009

[simmode1]

Hmm... Looks like we're gonna have to do a side by side comparo: BRM vs Circuit Sports... Who's quieter?! lol

[S14toRPS13]

Hmm... Looks like we're gonna have to do a side by side comparo: BRM vs Circuit Sports... Who's quieter?! lol

I second that! Great idea!!

[n00b240]

bummer, we got rain in the forcast for the next few days. Im down for that, would make for a nice youtube.

[ZX88]

FACT. dont pick up a girl in a 240.

looks alright. although I wouldnt pay 600 for something like that. no offense.

[Jagstang]

I'm glad someone finally created a thread like this. I've heard the same exhaust on a sr20det and it was pretty damn loud, would it actually vary that much? Also would you be able to compare the loudness to other catback exhaust such as the HKS Hi power, Blitz Nur spec R etc...

Hey, My S14 has a blitz Nurspec R Cat-back Exhaust, and my buddy (Asoomal) has the BRM on his S13. I'll be honest with you now, when he had his stock intake manifold, the BRM was so deep, and it sounded like sex. And once he put on his DC headers, the BRM now sounds like crap.

But anyways, my Blitz cat-back system sounds almost identical to the BRM (before the DC header's went in), but mine is definitely louder and throatier (due to the fact that i'm running a test pipe).

But all in all, you pay good money, you'll get a good deep system.

[Philipio]

Mine hangs lower than that in the rear and it's crooked. I'd like to get that fixed soon. It also moves WAY too much and that's with brand new Nismo exhaust mounts.

Don't ever upgrade your sway bar or you'll have to cut out the resonator and reweld like me.

[Amtk240]

My Review:

I have to agree that the BRM system is outstanding! I installed mine myself and it is a very straight forward install. I installed new Nismo Hangers at the same time. The sound is great and I even felt a little more get-up-and-go when I pressed the gas. (that may have been in my head because of the awesome sound being spread out around me, I don't know for sure?) Anyway, I feel like it was money well spent not only for the acoustics but also for the looks. It doesn't over do it, but instead sits very suttle under there. No rice with this system!

I got the BRM exhaust for my S14 Kouki to replace the stock muffler. The system barely bumps against my Whiteline Sway bars but it doesn't create any problems.

I purchased the BRM Stainless Steel Exhaust with 22" Resonator and a new Catalytic Converter.

I also have to say that the exhaust was shipped extremely fast! I did not expect it to arrive like two days after the money was sent, but there it was on the porch!

If you're looking for an exhaust for your 240sx, look no further than the BRM exhaust!

[n00b240]

looks alright. although I wouldnt pay 600 for something like that. no offense.

Not sure where you got your 600 dollar quote from, but mine was 475 shipped to my door here in dallas. 475 Seems quite reasonable to me. Considering much of the competition I looked at is 500 plus not including shipping.

[ZX88]

i

Not sure where you got your 600 dollar quote from, but mine was 475 shipped to my door here in dallas. 475 Seems quite reasonable to me. Considering much of the competition I looked at is 500 plus not including shipping.

i wasnt 100% sure on the price. i remembered them being pricey.

[Amtk240]

i

i wasnt 100% sure on the price. i remembered them being pricey.

You get what you pay for my friend. This is no exception. Your getting the best quality here.

If I want an ok sloppy burger for cheap, I go to Burger King, but if I want a quality and delicious burger then I'll will spend the extra money and go to Fuddruckers or Red Robin for a gourmet burger. Quality comes with a price tag!

Point made....

[asoomal]

Hey, My S14 has a blitz Nurspec R Cat-back Exhaust, and my buddy (Asoomal) has the BRM on his S13. I'll be honest with you now, when he had his stock intake manifold, the BRM was so deep, and it sounded like sex. And once he put on his DC headers, the BRM now sounds like crap.

But anyways, my Blitz cat-back system sounds almost identical to the BRM (before the DC header's went in), but mine is definitely louder and throatier (due to the fact that i'm running a test pipe).

But all in all, you pay good money, you'll get a good deep system.

I don't remember changing my intake manifold :S

[simmode1]

Red Robin

Aggghhhh... Monster Burger on Texas Toast w/ bacon and sauteed oinions...

bummer, we got rain in the forcast for the next few days. Im down for that, would make for a nice youtube.

Cool... Lets shoot for next Weekend! Send me an email and we'll see if we can work it out. And maybe I'll take that solid subframe bushing test ride after all...

[ThuG LyFe]

looks good i wish i was smarter and saved up for a brm instead of buying one from ebay.

and yes they do come out to like 600 if you want SS, dual tip, big res, etc unless they recently lowered the price?

also you said 60-65 it's "loud" it's probably drone.

[n00b240]

Maybe they did lower the price. What I got was the Stainless steel 2.5in exhaust with the dual tips, and 18in resonator. It was 475 shipped to my door.

The website says for my system its 420 + shipping. It says by the bottom, shipping is 45 to anywhere in the US. And I guess that means it was 10 bucks extra for the dual tip.
Modified by n00b240 at 7:35 PM 11/21/2009

[spooled240]

a 3" stainless exhaust with dual tips is 590, close enough to 600