Exhaust Front Pipe Header Time Stamp
HKS Spec L Stock Front Pipe Stock EL Header 10:00
HKS Spec L Invidia Catted Front Pipe Stock EL Header 13:06
HKS Spec L Catless Front Pipe Stock EL Header 16:45
HKS Spec L Invidia Catted Front Pipe HKS Catted EL Header 19:37
HKS Spec L Catless Front Pipe HKS Catted EL Header 21:08
HKS Spec L Invidia Catted Front Pipe JDL Catless EL Header 26:40
HKS Spec L Catless Front Pipe JDL Catless EL Header 30:00
HKS Spec L Invidia Catted Front Pipe Catted UEL Header 31:53
HKS Spec L Catless Front Pipe Catted UEL Header 33:17
HKS Spec L Invidia Catted Front Pipe Catless UEL Header 35:44
HKS Spec L Catless Front Pipe Catless UEL Header 37:02

Driven.Media Exhaust Bible | AWE Touring Exhaust

It's Kevin's mission to run through every exhaust, front pipe, header combo he can get his hands on. In this installment of the Exhaust Bible Series Kevin runs through the highly request HKS Spec-L Catback Exahsut. HKS is known for building exhaust systems that balance sound quality, performance, and fitment. The SPEC-L uses ultra-thin stainless steel for both the piping and silencers, allowing the system to achieve a weight level competitive with titanium exhausts while retaining the durability and refinement of stainless construction.

Front Pipe Options

Header Options

  • Catted Stock Equal Length Header
  • Catted JDL Unequal Length Header
  • Catless JDL Unequal Length Header
  • Catless JDL Equal Length Header
  • Catted HKS Equal Length Header

HKS Exhaust Dyno and Flow-Bench Results

The HKS exhaust produced a modest but measurable improvement over the factory system, increasing peak output from 211 horsepower to 214 horsepower and maximum torque from 228.8 Nm to 230 Nm. The stock and HKS curves remain closely matched throughout the rev range, indicating that the system maintains the engine’s factory drivability and power delivery while providing a slight advantage near the top end.

The larger difference appears in the flow-bench testing. Compared with the stock exhaust, the HKS system flows substantially more air at the same level of pressure loss, demonstrating a meaningful reduction in exhaust backpressure. While the peak gains on an otherwise stock engine are modest, the improved flow gives the engine a less restrictive exhaust path and provides additional headroom for future intake, header, tuning, or forced-induction upgrades.

Why We Like It

This is a great exhaust for drivers who want more personality from their GR86 or BRZ without going to an overly raw or harsh setup. The SPEC-L gives you a sporty tone, reduced weight, and a premium HKS design while keeping the dual-exit look that fits the car so well.

Sound Level

  • Advertised Sound Level: 89dB
  • Idle Sound Level: 66dB
  • Sound Note: 32016-BT004 is louder than 32016-AF101

Specifications

  • Brand: HKS
  • Product: Hi-Power Muffler SPEC-L Dual Exit Catback Exhaust System
  • Chassis: ZN8 / ZD8
  • Engine: FA24
  • Material: Ultra-thin stainless steel
  • Layout: Dual exit
  • Advertised Sound Level: 89dB
  • Idle Sound Level: 66dB
  • Part Number Reference: 32016-BT004

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