Best Downpipes and J-Pipes for the 2022–2026 WRX: 5 Top Picks Compared
The best downpipe for a 2022–2026 WRX is a catted one matched to your transmission and your tune plan: the ETS GESI Catted Downpipe ($1,395) is the premium, emissions-conscious pick, the PLM Catted J-Pipe ($795) is the value pick, and JDMuscle's 3-inch Intermediate Pipe ($349) is the budget first step that replaces the restrictive lower section only. Below are five verified options we sell for the VB WRX, organized by how much of the exhaust path each one replaces.
On the VB WRX, the downpipe and J-pipe are the same conversation: the pipe that leaves the turbo is the biggest restriction in the factory exhaust, and it is where the catalytic converter lives. That is why every full replacement here is catted, why a tune belongs in the same budget, and why the cheapest option — an intermediate pipe — replaces only part of the path.
1. ETS [22-26 WRX] GESI Catted Downpipe — $1,395
The ETS GESI Catted Downpipe is the no-compromise pick. Per its listing, it is 3.0-inch 304 stainless steel with CNC mandrel bends and 304 stainless flanges, built around a Gen 2 GESI catalytic converter that ETS rates to support up to 850 whp, in a system ETS says supports over 800 whp overall. The same listing describes the GEN2 GESI line as EPA-compliant models for vehicles 2017 and newer, which is exactly the point of this part: serious flow without giving up the cat. It includes new studs and nuts and is hand built in the USA. One fitment note from the listing: it may not fit CVT models, so SPT owners should confirm before ordering.
2. STM [22-25 WRX MT] Catted Downpipe/J-Pipe — $1,249
The STM Catted Downpipe/J-Pipe ($1,249) is the lightweight pick. STM's listing puts its pipe at 16.2 lb against the factory downpipe's 24.7 lb — an 8.5 lb saving — and rates it as capable of flowing 850 horsepower, with faster spool and gains through the power band as the stated goal. It ships with new 2-bolt gaskets and hardware, includes two O2 bungs for the front and rear sensors, and fits the stock exhaust or aftermarket cat-backs that bolt to the factory locations. Fitment is confirmed for the six-speed manual; STM states it is not yet confirmed for CVT models, and the listing covers 2022–2025 cars.
3. MAPerformance [22-26 WRX] Catted Downpipe — $849–$889
The MAPerformance Catted Downpipe ($849–$889) is the engineering-details pick. Its listing describes a 3.5-inch bellmouth stepping down to a 3-inch mandrel-bent 304 stainless pipe, a stainless flex section to reduce stress from engine movement, a CNC 304 stainless turbo outlet flange, and compatibility with the OEM ground strap and your OEM turbo outlet gasket. It is 100% made in the USA per the listing. If you like a downpipe that sweats the transitions, this is the mid-priced one to look at hardest.
4. PLM [22-26 WRX] Power Driven Catted J-Pipe Downpipe — $795
The PLM Power Driven Catted J-Pipe ($795) is the value pick: a full catted replacement for hundreds less than the top of this list. Per its listing, it uses a 200-cell high-flow metallic-core catalytic converter, 304 stainless construction with mandrel bends, V-band flanges and clamp, CNC-machined flanges, included hardware, and a one-year warranty, as a direct bolt-on. PLM is also the most explicit here about tuning: its listing states an ECU tune is recommended for best results. Budget for that advice whichever pipe on this list you choose.
5. JDMuscle [22-26 WRX MT] 3" Performance Intermediate Pipe — $349
Our own JDMuscle 3-inch Performance Intermediate Pipe ($349) is the honest first step, and it is important to be clear about what it is: an intermediate pipe — the front-pipe / lower-downpipe section — not a full turbo-outlet J-pipe like the four parts above. Per its listing, it is 304S stainless steel, and the smoother, less restrictive flow both improves performance and increases exhaust volume, giving a more aggressive note. At $349 for manual-transmission cars, it is the cheapest way to open up part of the factory restriction and hear more of the FA24 — just do not expect it to do the whole downpipe's job.
Quick comparison
| Downpipe / pipe | Price | Listed fitment | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETS GESI Catted Downpipe | $1,395 | 2022–2026 WRX (may not fit CVT) | Premium catted flow, GESI Gen 2 cat |
| STM Catted Downpipe/J-Pipe | $1,249 | 2022–2025 WRX, 6MT confirmed | Lightest option, 8.5 lb saving per listing |
| MAPerformance Catted Downpipe | $849–$889 | 2022–2026 WRX | Bellmouth design, flex section, USA-made |
| PLM Catted J-Pipe Downpipe | $795 | 2022–2026 WRX | Value full replacement, 200-cell cat |
| JDMuscle Intermediate Pipe | $349 | 2022–2026 WRX MT | Budget first step, lower section only |
How to choose — and what to do next
Decide how much pipe you are replacing. A full catted J-pipe (picks 1–4) replaces the turbo-outlet restriction and the primary cat in one part; the intermediate pipe (pick 5) replaces only the lower section and costs a fraction as much — different budgets, different goals.
Plan the tune either way. PLM's listing says it outright — a tune is recommended — and a downpipe change is exactly the airflow change a tune exists to manage. Pair any of these with our guides to the best cold air intakes for the 2022–2026 WRX and the top 5 cat-back exhausts for the 2022+ WRX, and the whole exhaust path works together instead of fighting itself.