R34 GT-R Exhaust Systems Parts Catalog

Welcome to the complete aftermarket exhaust systems catalog for the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (BNR34). This comprehensive guide covers everything from cat-back systems to full turbo-back exhausts, helping you choose the perfect setup for your build.

What Is the R34 Exhaust Architecture?

The RB26DETT exhaust system consists of three main sections: downpipes (turbo outlets) that connect twin turbos to mid-pipe, a mid-pipe (Y-pipe) that merges dual exhaust into single or dual exit, and a cat-back system from catalytic converter to exhaust tips. Most aftermarket exhausts replace the cat-back section, though some aggressive setups include downpipes for maximum flow.

1. Downpipes (Turbo Outlets) - Connect twin turbos to mid-pipe
2. Mid-Pipe (Y-Pipe) - Merges dual exhaust into single or dual exit
3. Cat-Back System - From catalytic converter to exhaust tips

What Are the Recommended Exhaust Systems by Build Type?

For street daily drivers, HKS Hi-Power or GReddy Power Extreme systems deliver 88-94 dB sound levels with +10-15 hp gains. Street/track builds benefit from Tomei Expreme Ti or Blitz Nur-Spec (92-96 dB, +15-25 hp), while track/race applications require Amuse R1 Titan or custom straight-pipe setups (95-105 dB, +20-30 hp).

Build Type	Recommended Exhaust	Sound Level	Gains
Street Daily	HKS Hi-Power, GReddy Power Extreme	88-94 dB	+10-15 hp
Street/Track	Tomei Expreme Ti, Blitz Nur-Spec	92-96 dB	+15-25 hp
Track/Race	Amuse R1 Titan, Custom Straight-Pipe	95-105 dB	+20-30 hp

How Do Exhaust Materials Compare?

Stainless steel (304/321) exhausts weigh 12-18 kg and cost $1,000-$2,000, offering durability and corrosion resistance at affordable prices. Titanium exhausts weigh 6-10 kg and cost $2,500-$4,000, providing ultra-lightweight construction and premium sound but requiring expert installation and higher investment.

Stainless Steel (304/321)

• Pros: Durable, corrosion-resistant, affordable
• Cons: Heavier than titanium
• Weight: 12-18 kg (26-40 lbs)
• Price Range: $1,000-$2,000

Titanium

• Pros: Ultra-lightweight, exotic appearance, premium sound
• Cons: Expensive, requires expert installation
• Weight: 6-10 kg (13-22 lbs)
• Price Range: $2,500-$4,000

What Are the Sound Characteristics of Different Exhaust Systems?

R34 exhaust sound varies by design: HKS Hi-Power delivers deep/mellow tone with large resonators, Tomei Expreme Ti produces aggressive/raspy titanium straight-through sound, and GReddy Power Extreme offers balanced tone with canister muffler. Volume ranges from street legal 85-92 dB to race-spec 96-105+ dB, with drone levels varying from minimal to significant depending on system design.

Tone

• Deep/Mellow: HKS Hi-Power (large resonators)
• Aggressive/Raspy: Tomei Expreme Ti (titanium, straight-through)
• Balanced: GReddy Power Extreme (canister muffler)

Volume (dB Levels)

• Street Legal: 85-92 dB (HKS, Blitz with valve closed)
• Spirited: 92-96 dB (Tomei, GReddy, Amuse)
• Race: 96-105+ dB (Straight-pipe, catless)

Drone (Highway Cruising)

• Minimal: HKS Hi-Power, Blitz Nur-Spec (valve closed)
• Moderate: GReddy Power Extreme, Tomei at 2500-3500 RPM
• Significant: Straight-pipe setups, catless downpipes

What Are the Installation Considerations for R34 Exhausts?

Cat-back bolt-on systems like HKS, GReddy, and Blitz are DIY-friendly (2/5 difficulty, 2-3 hours). Turbo-back with downpipes requires moderate skill (3/5 difficulty, 4-6 hours, shop recommended), while titanium systems need expert installation (4/5 difficulty) for precision alignment. Required tools include floor jack, jack stands, socket set (10mm-19mm), penetrating oil, new gaskets, and torque wrench.

Difficulty Rating

• DIY-Friendly (2/5): Cat-back bolt-on systems (HKS, GReddy, Blitz)
• Moderate (3/5): Turbo-back with downpipes (requires lift)
• Expert (4/5): Titanium systems (precision alignment critical)

Time Estimate

• Cat-Back Only: 2-3 hours (backyard install)
• With Downpipes: 4-6 hours (shop recommended)
• Full Custom Fabrication: 8-12 hours

Tools Required

• Floor jack + jack stands (or lift)
• Socket set (10mm-19mm)
• Penetrating oil (for rusty bolts)
• New gaskets and hardware
• Torque wrench (for flange bolts)

Which Exhaust Systems Are Emissions Compliant?

Street legal options include catted systems like HKS Hi-Power and GReddy Power Extreme that retain catalytic converters, with some brands offering high-flow 200-cell cats. Track/off-road only systems include catless Tomei and Amuse exhausts or straight-pipe setups with no mufflers or cats. Removing catalytic converters is illegal on public roads in most jurisdictions.

Street Legal Options

• Catted Systems: HKS Hi-Power, GReddy Power Extreme (catalytic converter retained)
• Test Pipe Options: Some brands offer high-flow cats (200-cell)

Track/Off-Road Only

• Catless: Tomei, Amuse (maximum flow, not street legal in most states)
• Straight-Pipe: No mufflers, no cats (race only)

⚠️ Important: Removing catalytic converters is illegal on public roads in most jurisdictions. Check local emissions laws before purchasing.

How Do R34 Exhaust Systems Compare?

Popular R34 exhausts range from HKS Hi-Power stainless steel (16 kg, 88-92 dB, $1,450) to Tomei Expreme Ti titanium (8 kg, 95+ dB, $2,850). GReddy Power Extreme offers balanced performance (14 kg, 90-94 dB, $1,649), while Amuse R1 Titan delivers exotic tone (9.5 kg, 92-96 dB, $3,950) and Blitz Nur-Spec provides adjustable sound (15 kg, 85-93 dB, $2,050).

Brand	Model	Material	Weight	Sound (dB)	Tone	Price
Tomei	Expreme Ti	Titanium	8 kg	95+	Aggressive	$2,850
HKS	Hi-Power	Stainless	16 kg	88-92	Deep/Mellow	$1,450
GReddy	Power Extreme	Stainless	14 kg	90-94	Balanced	$1,649
Amuse	R1 Titan	Titanium	9.5 kg	92-96	Exotic	$3,950
Blitz	Nur-Spec	Stainless	15 kg	85-93	Adjustable	$2,050

How Do You Troubleshoot Common Exhaust Issues?

Excessive drone from resonance at 2500-3500 RPM is solved by adding Helmholtz resonators, upgrading hangers, or switching to larger diameter piping. Exhaust leaks from warped flanges or failed gaskets require replacing gaskets, resurfacing flanges, and retorquing bolts. Low-hanging exhausts need upgraded solid rubber hangers or adjusted routing, while heat damage to bumpers requires heat shields, adjusted tip angle, or recessed tips.

Excessive Drone

• Cause: Resonance at cruising RPM (2500-3500)
• Solution: Add Helmholtz resonators, upgrade hangers, switch to larger diameter piping

Exhaust Leaks

• Cause: Warped flanges, failed gaskets
• Solution: Replace gaskets, resurface flanges, retorque bolts to spec

Hanging Too Low

• Cause: Weak hangers, aftermarket piping design
• Solution: Upgrade to solid rubber hangers, adjust exhaust routing

Heat Damage to Bumper

• Cause: Tips positioned too close to rear bumper
• Solution: Add heat shields, adjust tip angle, choose recessed tips

What Performance Gains Can You Expect vs Stock?

Stock BNR34 exhaust is restrictive above 400 hp. Cat-back only systems provide +10-20 hp mostly at top-end, while adding downpipes increases gains to +20-30 hp with faster turbo spool. Full turbo-back with ECU retune delivers +30-50 hp maximum gains.

• Cat-Back Only: +10-20 hp (mostly top-end)
• With Downpipes: +20-30 hp (turbos spool faster)
• Full Turbo-Back + Tune: +30-50 hp (requires ECU retune)

Affiliate Disclosure

This page contains affiliate links to performance parts retailers. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. All product recommendations are based on enthusiast community feedback and specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will a louder exhaust fail emissions testing? A: As long as catalytic converters are retained, most systems pass emissions. Sound level regulations vary by state.

Q: Can I install an exhaust without a tune? A: Cat-back exhausts typically don't require tuning. Downpipes or catless setups should be tuned to avoid running lean.

Q: How much weight can I save with titanium? A: 6-10 kg (13-22 lbs) compared to stainless steel systems.

Q: What's the best exhaust for a stock-turbo daily driver? A: HKS Hi-Power or GReddy Power Extreme - great sound without excessive drone.

Q: Do I need a gasket kit? A: Yes, always replace exhaust gaskets during installation. Most kits include them.