The Return of the Gentleman’s Exhaust: GrimmSpeed V2 for the VA WRX and STI
The Same Idea, Executed Better
The Gentleman’s Exhaust has always been about balance. It's not about chasing the loudest possible setup or making compromises in daily drivability. It's about giving you an exhaust that sounds and fits the way it should.
With the release of the GrimmSpeed Gentleman’s Exhaust V2 Catback for the 2015 to 2021 WRX and STI VA chassis, we took a system that people already trusted and refined it to better match how these cars are built and driven today. The goal stayed the same from the beginning: deliver a clean, controlled exhaust note that avoids harshness, avoids drone, and actually feels right.
Version 2 just does it better.
What Changed with V2
The biggest improvement you will notice is not just in sound, it's in how the system fits and installs.
We introduced dual overlapping slip fit connections across the system, replacing more traditional fixed style connections. This allows for a much wider range of adjustment during install, making it easier to line everything up exactly how it should sit on the car. These are not basic clamp setups either. The double overlap sleeve design increases surface area at each junction, which helps create a more secure seal while also reducing the likelihood of exhaust leaks under load or heat cycling.
Each connection point uses 409 stainless steel clamps paired with 304 stainless steel tubing, giving you a balance of strength and corrosion resistance where it matters most. The slip fit design also allows for slight rotational adjustment, which is key when dialing in tip alignment on a multi piece exhaust system.
That adjustability works hand in hand with the updated dual hanger mid pipe design. By adding an additional hanger point and refining placement, we were able to better support the system across the VA chassis and reduce unwanted movement. This becomes especially important during hard driving or with aftermarket setups that can introduce additional stress into the exhaust system.
We also integrated a stainless-steel braided flex section into the mid pipe. This helps absorb engine and drivetrain movement, reducing strain on the rest of the exhaust and improving long term durability across a wide range of setups, whether you are retaining factory components or running a full aftermarket configuration.
Altogether, these updates make the V2 system more installer friendly and more consistent once everything is in place.
Sound That Holds Up
A lot of exhaust systems sound good on day one. Not all of them stay that way. For V2, we updated the internal muffler construction with larger twin tube perforated cores and a revised internal Y splitter. This increases flow while maintaining the refined tone that defines the Gentleman’s Exhaust.
Two Options, Same Philosophy
One of the biggest advantages of the V2 system is the ability to choose the setup that fits your build.
Non-Resonated is the more aggressive option. It brings out more volume and gives the car a sharper edge, especially if you are running a mostly stock exhaust setup.
Resonated is the more controlled route. If you are planning additional exhaust modifications or just want to keep things smoother overall, this version helps maintain balance as airflow increases.
Both options are built on the same platform, with the same materials and construction. The difference comes down to how you want the car to sound and feel.
Built for the VA Platform
This system was designed specifically for the 2015 to 2021 (VA) WRX and STI. Every design choice, from hanger placement to connection style, was made with that platform in mind. The addition of a stainless-steel braided flex section also helps ensure compatibility across a wide range of setups, whether you are retaining certain factory components or pairing this with aftermarket parts.
No tune is required, and installation is straightforward with all necessary hardware included.
