From off-road, rally, street, or track, JDMuscle is your source for quality Subaru performance parts and off-road aftermarket components. One type of question we hear a lot has to do with optimizing the Subaru WRX for the track or for off-road. Sometimes, drivers want to find a setup that will give them the best of both from the same platform. Here, we want to cover the difference between on-road and off-road performance.
Generally, when we think of an optimal setup for on-road versus off-road, we think of 4-wheel drive vs two-wheel drive, street tires versus off-road tires, high clearance versus low clearance, as well as different types of suspension. With the suspension, there is also long and short travel as well as stiff and soft suspension.
For off-road purposes, we tend to want 4-wheel drive, knobby tires, high clearance, and a longer traveling suspension with a looser setup than you would see on the road. All of this is about helping the vehicle to cope with uneven terrain, mud, rocks, and the like. One off-road set up might have more travel in it than another, one might be stiffer or looser than another. But overall, what the off-road setup is about is making up for the loss of what the road or track does for you, providing a smooth and stable driving surface.
With an on-road setup, you can minimize all the off-road optimization to reduce weight and focus on control and acceleration. The question is, what kind of exhaust system would work best with one type of setup or another? Well, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
Off-Road Exhaust
An exhaust system that is optimized for off-road will offer more robust construction to help it stand up to the stress. It will often offer better airflow. An optimal off-road exhaust system will be constructed to be more amenable to providing a higher clearance and will not hang down low to the ground. With greater clearance and a less restrictive design, you get a more compelling sound out of most exhaust systems designed for off-roading.
Track Exhaust
Of course, there is one big area of common ground that both on-road and off-road exhaust systems can benefit from, and that is more internal clearance. By installing a system that is nice and open with mandrel tubing to prevent bends in the contours, you can give your ride the best performance possible.
If you want to strike a balance between on-road and off-road performance, we have a wide selection of aftermarket Subaru exhaust systems available. You may need to consult an automotive professional before selecting and installing one of these systems for a specific purpose. Either way, our team here at JDMuscle is ready to answer your questions!Â