yeh just had mine done at preston, no issues for me either. The only real issue is financially with the next monthly payments being around £55pm.Just wanted to share that the GR with the Remark axleback got through the MOT just fine, even as loud as it is
GR86 Exhausts
- Thread starter Swizzle
- Start date
Moonballs
Obsessed member
- Apr 19, 2022
- 219
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Quick update for anyone googling AWE GR86 exhaust UK MOT. It passed. No issues with the noise but the tester did inform me that the muffler has drain ports in. 2 per resonator. They are easy to see once you look from below.
He had issues getting a reading for the emissions test. These were throwing the results. He advised me to just put some tape over them in the future as it stood it could have failed had he not covered them himself.
He had issues getting a reading for the emissions test. These were throwing the results. He advised me to just put some tape over them in the future as it stood it could have failed had he not covered them himself.
Anyone had any issues with the carbon exhaust tips on Cobra systems? Mine have started vibrating, looks like the rivets are loose.
ctecperformance
Devoted member
- Nov 1, 2023
- 95
- 169
- 33
It happens where rivets are used to affix a sleeve to the tail pipe. The softer rivet material wears with heat and vibration.
It's not exclusive to Cobra. We've just rectified the exact same issue on a customers Milltek exhaust. Not great, but an easy fix. Remove the offending rivet, and fit a new one. Just be prepared for this to reoccur, potentially.
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Over the last week I’ve tried all the combinations of PCW modded exhaust and spent a few days driving round with each.
PCW front and rear
PCW rear only
PCW front only
I also used the endoscope to have a look inside the backbox to see what was done and while PCW wouldn’t want me to say how they’ve modified the exhaust on a public forum. What I can say is that it’s NOT just been gutted, its more sophisticated then that.
What I found is that the front resonator seem to affect the cold start and pops/bangs as well as volume.
Back box makes a difference to volume only.
PCW front and rear - loud cold stat, audible pops/bangs on downshift, once off cold start it sounds great, doesn’t drone on the motorway and makes a nice sound on throttle. Great for summer drives on country roads.
PCW front and standard rear - this was worst of both worlds. Had a rattle/rasp on start up but once warm sounded like stock. Very muted pops/bangs.
PCW rear and standard front resonator - a louder than stock cold stat but without the hard edged blare of the full system - more than acceptable in a residential street. When warm and driving it’s quiet but can be heard when on throttle. Makes a nice flat four rumble 3-4k rpm. It’s how I think it should have been from factory.
This is what I’m sticking with for winter driving. I’ll get a video over the next week or so.
CPH6R
Devoted member
That's really useful, I have been in conversation with Paul at PCW and had debated just doing the back box. For anyone else interested he will also do a `partial` front which reduced the noise significantly over the full modification. This was his recommendation to me rather than just the rear. He has a video he can share of the partial setup on a red car that is not on his instagram.
This is also interesting. The key for me is keeping start up low, but louder than oem. I take it you didn’t pull the trigger?
CPH6R
Devoted member
No I did not - Paul could not fit me in when I was in the UK, he had a lead time of three weeks when I spoke to him. I will do when I am back in the UK for late summer and will plan my time better next time. I would also like to source some spare OEM components in prep... maybe get them sent there in advance. I am convinced this is the right solution for me though.
A partial front along with rear sounds like a great option. Rear only is a bit quiet, both is a bit loud. Something in the middle could be the sweet spot.
Bobocop
Fascinated Member
- Jan 12, 2026
- 28
- 39
- 13
So I'm coming up to one year of ownership of my GR86 and wanted to post a review of my C-Tec GPF-back exhaust along with the whole experience.
Spoke to Nigel at C-Tec via PM regarding getting one of their exhausts. After a few back-and-forths we booked in for exhaust fitment and on C-Tec's advice, camber bolts with alignment, Superpro Gearbox insert and Whiteline differential bushings.
I had been highly impressed with level of detail put into the C-Tec system on GR-Zoo and I had been shopping for a full catback setup for a while which was getting a little frustrating due to most aftermarket offerings being designed for non-GPF 86s. I had a HKS Legamax Axleback which is an awesome muffler but found it lacking post 4k rpm, probably due to the GPF and stock resonator.
One of the things that sold me on the C-Tec system (and please correct me if I'm wrong) is it seems to be one of only a handful of setups designed for the European GR86 spec from the ground up. I know there's the REMUS system but I've found finding soundclips (other than the couple they posted) or reviews to be difficult. There's a third company whose name escapes me too. Either way, I fancied something British for a change as I'm usually a sucker for anything JDM and C-Tec's transparency is another thing that sold me on it.
I'm based in Pembrokeshire but happened to have a gig in Bristol the night before so had a good night, caught a few hours of sleep and then up early to arrive in Rotherham for 9am.
Nigel and Wayne at C-Tec were absolute gentlemen to deal with; knowledgeable, passionate and down to earth. Nigel was keen to show the finer details of their exhaust system and explained the thought process in the design and engineering that went into it. Another GR-Zoo member and 86 owner soon arrived as he was due to have an alignment too. Nigel magnanimously gave me the keys to his Discovery so we went into town for lunch while both cars had the final touches done. After work was completed we went to a quiet strip of road and listened to each others' cars drive-by to get an idea of the sounds involved.
Now, the good stuff: how does it sound?
Fantastic. The C-Tec exhaust has enough authority to make its presence known without being obnoxious in any sense of the word. The car rolls with a gentle growl which is unmistakably flat-4 in character. When you start to get into power band territory the exhaust opens up with a tasteful, sporty shout but again, without ever being overstated or screaming "HEY LOOK AT ME!" When downshifting there is a very nice amount of occasional natural overrun, usually shifting into third but especially when shifting into second. A little pop or two keeps putting a childish grin on my face even in middleage.
So I'm a working musician and am somewhat picky about tone and textures when it comes to sound but during my wild, youthful years I caused some hearing damage and tinnitus as a result of neglecting hearing protection. When it comes to cars it means that I'm a little sensitive to drone... at certain frequencies it feels like ants are bouncing off my eardrums like trampolines.
I had preemptively bought some STi exhaust hangers to counter any potential drone. C-Tec recommended that while they could fit them they shouldn't be necessary and I can attest, they were right. There may be a hint, and I mean HINT, of drone on deceleration from 3-2.5k rpm but I am VERY sensitive to drone. To give an idea of how sensitive my ears can be to THAT frequency I had a HKS Spec L ii on my GT86 which is praised for its lack of drone and that thing DRONED at 3k rpm... to the point it made me reluctant to take it on motorway drives longer than two hours. In comparison to that, the C-Tec is dead quiet. Driving on the M4 for 4 hours with my GT86 and Spec L ii the space between my ears and jaw bone would feel rattled. Driving 5 hours back from Rotherham with the C-Tec and my ears felt perfectly fine.
It's been three weeks since I had the exhaust fitted and as it's settling I feel validated in my purchase more and more. The tone has changed very subtley as it's broken in... perhaps a little loss of high-end treble but it sounds absolutely delicious. My best friend owns a stock GR Yaris and has previously owned a Lotus Exige, Nissan GTR and a HEAVILY tuned Imprezza. He was impressed with what he heard as I pulled into his street. To quote him: "that's the sound... it sounds like a boxer now".
On a side note I generally chalk up a car's shortcomings to myself, the driver; like an instrument, you adapt your technique and method on a case-by-case basis. I had noted a touch of understeer with the GR86 which I learned to deal with. That said, the extra new additions have taken an excellent car and made it better; the camber bolts and tiny bit of negative front camber have made turn-in more confidence-inspiring and the nose feels more planted mid-corner. Gear shifts also have less slop and there's less of a rubberband effect when getting power down to the wheels (at cost of some added whine in the lower gears but it's a trade-off I'm more than happy with).
I cannot recommend the guys at C-Tec enough and if you are looking for a mature, sporty sound their exhaust is the way to go.
Spoke to Nigel at C-Tec via PM regarding getting one of their exhausts. After a few back-and-forths we booked in for exhaust fitment and on C-Tec's advice, camber bolts with alignment, Superpro Gearbox insert and Whiteline differential bushings.
I had been highly impressed with level of detail put into the C-Tec system on GR-Zoo and I had been shopping for a full catback setup for a while which was getting a little frustrating due to most aftermarket offerings being designed for non-GPF 86s. I had a HKS Legamax Axleback which is an awesome muffler but found it lacking post 4k rpm, probably due to the GPF and stock resonator.
One of the things that sold me on the C-Tec system (and please correct me if I'm wrong) is it seems to be one of only a handful of setups designed for the European GR86 spec from the ground up. I know there's the REMUS system but I've found finding soundclips (other than the couple they posted) or reviews to be difficult. There's a third company whose name escapes me too. Either way, I fancied something British for a change as I'm usually a sucker for anything JDM and C-Tec's transparency is another thing that sold me on it.
I'm based in Pembrokeshire but happened to have a gig in Bristol the night before so had a good night, caught a few hours of sleep and then up early to arrive in Rotherham for 9am.
Nigel and Wayne at C-Tec were absolute gentlemen to deal with; knowledgeable, passionate and down to earth. Nigel was keen to show the finer details of their exhaust system and explained the thought process in the design and engineering that went into it. Another GR-Zoo member and 86 owner soon arrived as he was due to have an alignment too. Nigel magnanimously gave me the keys to his Discovery so we went into town for lunch while both cars had the final touches done. After work was completed we went to a quiet strip of road and listened to each others' cars drive-by to get an idea of the sounds involved.
Now, the good stuff: how does it sound?
Fantastic. The C-Tec exhaust has enough authority to make its presence known without being obnoxious in any sense of the word. The car rolls with a gentle growl which is unmistakably flat-4 in character. When you start to get into power band territory the exhaust opens up with a tasteful, sporty shout but again, without ever being overstated or screaming "HEY LOOK AT ME!" When downshifting there is a very nice amount of occasional natural overrun, usually shifting into third but especially when shifting into second. A little pop or two keeps putting a childish grin on my face even in middleage.
So I'm a working musician and am somewhat picky about tone and textures when it comes to sound but during my wild, youthful years I caused some hearing damage and tinnitus as a result of neglecting hearing protection. When it comes to cars it means that I'm a little sensitive to drone... at certain frequencies it feels like ants are bouncing off my eardrums like trampolines.
I had preemptively bought some STi exhaust hangers to counter any potential drone. C-Tec recommended that while they could fit them they shouldn't be necessary and I can attest, they were right. There may be a hint, and I mean HINT, of drone on deceleration from 3-2.5k rpm but I am VERY sensitive to drone. To give an idea of how sensitive my ears can be to THAT frequency I had a HKS Spec L ii on my GT86 which is praised for its lack of drone and that thing DRONED at 3k rpm... to the point it made me reluctant to take it on motorway drives longer than two hours. In comparison to that, the C-Tec is dead quiet. Driving on the M4 for 4 hours with my GT86 and Spec L ii the space between my ears and jaw bone would feel rattled. Driving 5 hours back from Rotherham with the C-Tec and my ears felt perfectly fine.
It's been three weeks since I had the exhaust fitted and as it's settling I feel validated in my purchase more and more. The tone has changed very subtley as it's broken in... perhaps a little loss of high-end treble but it sounds absolutely delicious. My best friend owns a stock GR Yaris and has previously owned a Lotus Exige, Nissan GTR and a HEAVILY tuned Imprezza. He was impressed with what he heard as I pulled into his street. To quote him: "that's the sound... it sounds like a boxer now".
On a side note I generally chalk up a car's shortcomings to myself, the driver; like an instrument, you adapt your technique and method on a case-by-case basis. I had noted a touch of understeer with the GR86 which I learned to deal with. That said, the extra new additions have taken an excellent car and made it better; the camber bolts and tiny bit of negative front camber have made turn-in more confidence-inspiring and the nose feels more planted mid-corner. Gear shifts also have less slop and there's less of a rubberband effect when getting power down to the wheels (at cost of some added whine in the lower gears but it's a trade-off I'm more than happy with).
I cannot recommend the guys at C-Tec enough and if you are looking for a mature, sporty sound their exhaust is the way to go.
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@Bobocop if you did your research through YouTube you’d be forgiven for thinking that all systems came from the US, but looking within these forum walls you’ll find that Cobra Sports is based in Sheffield and also produced a system designed for the UK model. Unfortunately, CTEC were a bit late to the show with theirs and I’d long since fitted my Cobra cat-back. At less than half the price of CTEC it made for an affordable upgrade, with no drone and a subtle deep boxer rumble. It can also be made to ‘pop’ on downshifts with a bit of accelerator ‘fluffing’. Glad you found your new CTEC exhaust to your liking - a properly researched and well produced pipe adds to the pleasure of driving and really gives the GR86 more smiles per mile. Enjoy 
KobayashiMaru86
Totally Hooked
Mines been on about 10mths now and it's a superb bit of kit. He did the MCA traction mod for me at the same time which made quite a difference and I already had the camber bolts and the Whiteline diff mounts. The quality is fantastic and Nigel was great to deal with, even following up a few weeks later. It sounds as it always should have. I'm looking next at gearbox mounts and possibly the driveshaft stabiliser Perrin do but I need to look into that more.
Bobocop
Fascinated Member
- Jan 12, 2026
- 28
- 39
- 13
I actually did order the Cobra non-resonated setup initially (although to my understanding it's their GT86 catback rebranded without any design changes). It had hardly any packing, the wrong tips and was missing the center pipe. After a load of emails to Fensport and Cobra I sent it back for a refund after a week of faff. Fensport were excellent as always but it has put me off the Cobra brand.@Bobocop if you did your research through YouTube you’d be forgiven for thinking that all systems came from the US, but looking within these forum walls you’ll find that Cobra Sports is based in Sheffield and also produced a system designed for the UK model. Unfortunately, CTEC were a bit late to the show with theirs and I’d long since fitted my Cobra cat-back. At less than half the price of CTEC it made for an affordable upgrade, with no drone and a subtle deep boxer rumble. It can also be made to ‘pop’ on downshifts with a bit of accelerator ‘fluffing’. Glad you found your new CTEC exhaust to your liking - a properly researched and well produced pipe adds to the pleasure of driving and really gives the GR86 more smiles per mile. Enjoy
It's a shame because it seems like a great bang-for-buck exhaust but I'm glad it pushed me to the C-Tec. Having seen both up-close the attention to detail with the welds, joints and hanger placement made the price tag worth it for me.
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Bobocop
Fascinated Member
- Jan 12, 2026
- 28
- 39
- 13
Funnily enough the Overtake driveshaft lockdown looks to be an improvement over the Perrin design and it caught my eye recently. It's a cool mod and I can see it putting down more whp at the wheels but two things concern me:
- Extra wear on thrust bearings and harshness with less than perfect rev matching.
- Potentially removes the ability for the transmission to crumple in a head-on collision.
