Young Version — April 1998

This full-stainless muffler emphasizes low-rpm torque. After large-diameter and dual outlets, the latest trend is the angled tailpipe. That aggressive style is hard to resist. Fujitsubo, one of the best-known muffler makers, has finally released the Legalis Super R. It uses a newly developed straight-through special silencer, tuned for low-rpm torque and sound, and is lighter than previous models. The main pipe is generously sized to deliver power throughout the rev range: 76.3 mm for Silvia and Impreza, and 91 mm for Tourer V and GT-R. The material is SUS304 stainless steel throughout, with a brushed finish on the muffler body and outlet—not a flashy shine, but a subdued sheen that feels suitably Spartan. And the best thing about this muffler is…

It has a strong sense of power. The shell-shaped muffler angles sharply upward for a striking look, yet it is surprisingly quiet. Even on the circuit it seems quieter than on the street, and in reality it isn't nearly as loud as its appearance suggests—only a little louder than stock. Still, you can feel the added power, especially as boost begins to build. The test 180SX and Silvia both had stock engines, so they ran out of breath at higher rpm, but torque felt clearly stronger from about 3,000 to 5,000 rpm.