Invidia Germini catback

[jliuod]

I think we all can agree the stock exhaust in our Z is rather anemic. I decided to get an aftermarket catback exhaust to replace the stock one. My goal of an aftermarket catback system is simple. Slightly increase in the exhaust noise from stock. I like the deeper tone. I have absolutely no interest in any loud and obnoxious exhaust. After seeing many reviews and listening to different exhaust sound clip I pulled the trigger on the Invidia Germini.

It arrived today. It came in a rather large box. Packaging was excellent. Each exhaust components was individually wrapped. Quality appears to be top notch. That's the good part. It did not come with any instructions. I know it is pretty straight forward, but it would be nice if Invidia would include instructions.

This unit only came with 6 gaskets. I am not sure if this is correct or is missing two more. I ended up using the stock metal gasket for the connection between the muffler and the rear pipes. Started the car and test for leaks and was all good.

The most simple part of this install turned out to be a PITA! For the life of me I could not tighten the clamps enough to secure the connection between the exhaust tips and the muffler. I basically ran out of thread on the bolt and the exhaust tip was still loose. I ended up using some bolts I have and eventually I was able to securely mount the tips. I probably will get some better bolts later and replace what I used today.

Went for a drive. Cold start was slightly louder for maybe 10 seconds and it was quite like stock. There was definitely an increase in the exhaust noise when driving. I think I made the right decision in selection this Invidia Germini exhaust. Maybe about 30% increase in exhaust noise and I really like the deeper tone this system provides. I will take it on the freeway later and see.

 

[Exquisite_Red]

Thanks for sharing. The Invidia Gemini was always my favorite exhaust for the VQ engines. I haven’t seen a lot of info or examples on the VR, though. So sound clips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[saltyz]

Please share some exhaust clips. Would be much appreciated. Any drone in the cabin at any rpm? I’ve ran through two diff 3” CBE and both droned at 3k rpmish and was thinking to give invidia Gemini a shot next.

 

[RZ34>Mk.V]

I think we all can agree the stock exhaust in our Z is rather anemic. I decided to get an aftermarket catback exhaust to replace the stock one. My goal of an aftermarket catback system is simple. Slightly increase in the exhaust noise from stock. I like the deeper tone. I have absolutely no interest in any loud and obnoxious exhaust. After seeing many reviews and listening to different exhaust sound clip I pulled the trigger on the Invidia Germini.

It arrived today. It came in a rather large box. Packaging was excellent. Each exhaust components was individually wrapped. Quality appears to be top notch. That's the good part. It did not come with any instructions. I know it is pretty straight forward, but it would be nice if Invidia would include instructions.

This unit only came with 6 gaskets. I am not sure if this is correct or is missing two more. I ended up using the stock metal gasket for the connection between the muffler and the rear pipes. Started the car and test for leaks and was all good.

The most simple part of this install turned out to be a PITA! For the life of me I could not tighten the clamps enough to secure the connection between the exhaust tips and the muffler. I basically ran out of thread on the bolt and the exhaust tip was still loose. I ended up using some bolts I have and eventually I was able to securely mount the tips. I probably will get some better bolts later and replace what I used today.

Went for a drive. Cold start was slightly louder for maybe 10 seconds and it was quite like stock. There was definitely an increase in the exhaust noise when driving. I think I made the right decision in selection this Invidia Germini exhaust. Maybe about 30% increase in exhaust noise and I really like the deeper tone this system provides. I will take it on the freeway later and see.

I had the exact same issue with one of the exhaust tips on my Invidia Gemini. Oddly enough, there was another Z getting the same exhaust installed and had no issues. After a glance, I figured out that all it needed was a washer (+2mm) to push the clamp enough to be tightened with the supplied bolt. As for the gaskets, If i recall correctly, the supplied 6 gaskets were all used on the exhaust system and the stock gaskets were used between the stock downpipe and new Invidia exhaust

 

[RZ34>Mk.V]

Please share some exhaust clips. Would be much appreciated. Any drone in the cabin at any rpm? I’ve ran through two diff 3” CBE and both droned at 3k rpmish and was thinking to give invidia Gemini a shot next.

Here's a clip with just the Invidia Gemini exhaust. Best with earphones. No drone Deep sound, but not loud enough to be annoying.

 

[RZ34>Mk.V]

Here's a clip after installing a Boosted 6 resonated lower downpipe. Noticeably louder, and even deeper exhaust note. Still no drone I got the Invidia Gemini over the Invidia N1 as I knew I may get a lower downpipe in the future and didn't want an exhaust that was too loud.

 

[RZ34>Mk.V]

And here's a clip after getting a K&N Cold Air Intake.

 

[jliuod]

On the gaskets it would have been nice for Invidia to tell us which stock gaskets will need to be reused. I ended up using the stock metal gaskets between the muffler and the rear pipes. No leaks.

I actually emailed Invidia about the fitment issue with the tips and the gaskets. No reply so far. Now I know who I would not be purchasing from!

 

[2Cool]

I have the Invidia N1 on mine. Very impressed with the weld and bend quality, and packaging/shipping was top notch. No instructions, but I just laid it out on the floor beside the car, comparing to the flange angles and shape of the stock exhaust. Minor amount of tweaking to adjust, found that tighening from the rear forward worked best, opposite most exhaust installs I have done.

 

[RZ34>Mk.V]

I have the Invidia N1 on mine. Very impressed with the weld and bend quality, and packaging/shipping was top notch. No instructions, but I just laid it out on the floor beside the car, comparing to the flange angles and shape of the stock exhaust. Minor amount of tweaking to adjust, found that tighening from the rear forward worked best, opposite most exhaust installs I have done.

I was impressed with the look, sound, performance, and overall quality as well especially at such a good price compared to other exhausts. Clean welds. Very nice materials used. Very nice design and consistent diameter pipe bends. I love the deeper sound from the 2 3/4'" (70mm) piping as compared to the 2 1/2" diameter that most exhausts have. Only issue was with the exhaust tips that didn't tighten properly out of the box, but easily remedied with a couple washers.

 

[jliuod]

First time of driving the Z on the freeway with the Invidia Germini. Please to report there was no drone at all, 25 miles.

 

[saltyz]

Right on. Congratulations. Glad you’re pleased with your Gemini. If you end up replacing your down pipes please let us know. This thread will def help other new Z buyers. Appreciate it.

 

[Noddy91]

Hi All,

Thanks for sharing this post, I have installed the Gemini Catback Exhaust on my 2023 Z.

I was wondering you have experienced the following, maybe I have done somthing incorrectly please advise.

I have AMS Full Race Downpipes (just in case this matters).

I expereinced the following:

1) A drone & rattle inside the cabin with vibrations felt in doors and seats inlcuding the steering wheel when driving in the 2000-2500rpm range.

2) Is the Exhaust designed to be the lowest part of the car? I find it makes contact with the gound on some speed bumbs / humps? (refer attached picture).

Note my car is ever so slightly lowered using Tein Flex Z Coilovers.

Thanks in Advanced

 

[saltyz]

Yeah those downpipes are resonator free. Talk to a chat bot, download an app to analyze frequency range during drone. Talk to chatbot regarding what length of resonator will be most effective for removing said frequency range.

Re: door rattleProlly gonna need a second set of ears to identify or show friend how to produce the rattle while you ride shotgun

 

[Phorari]

Hi All,

Thanks for sharing this post, I have installed the Gemini Catback Exhaust on my 2023 Z.

I was wondering you have experienced the following, maybe I have done somthing incorrectly please advise.

I have AMS Full Race Downpipes (just in case this matters).

I expereinced the following:

1) A drone & rattle inside the cabin with vibrations felt in doors and seats inlcuding the steering wheel when driving in the 2000-2500rpm range.

2) Is the Exhaust designed to be the lowest part of the car? I find it makes contact with the gound on some speed bumbs / humps? (refer attached picture).

Note my car is ever so slightly lowered using Tein Flex Z Coilovers.

Thanks in Advanced

1) I just have AMS catless LDP noticed drone and vibration is worst in the first 2k-3k miles but smooth out over time. The muffler uses fiberglass packing that needs some wear in. Full catless will always have more drone on VR30.

2) I'm stock height and still think that section towards the back sit pretty low.