The stock 350z DE and HR Y pipes work just fine, but they’re bulky, heavy, and don’t sound nearly as good as the aftermarket alternatives.
If you want to take your exhaust system to the next level and want more power, then pairing an aftermarket Y pipe with a catback exhaust designed for your 350z is one way to do it.
As long as you install the right supporting mods for your Z33 and remap your ECU in a way that suits the altered exhaust flow rate, you will notice a performance boost.
In this guide, we’ve listed some of the best Y pipes that you can buy for your Nissan 350z. Regardless of your budget or preference, you’ll find the right one on our list.
Y Pipes Explained
Before we get into the list, let’s revisit what a Y pipe is and why you need one.
Y pipes have two inlets that split into one outlet. Their purpose is to collect exhaust gases from the left and the right bank of the engine and merge them at a point where the most amount of power can be extracted. Cars with a V-configuration engine have Y pipes for this reason.
One thing we like about Y pipes is that they make it easier for you to maintain some degree of uniformity across your exhaust system when it comes to piping diameter.
If you’re wondering why they’re called Y pipes, it’s because the way they merge with the 350z exhaust headers collector pipes resembles the letter Y.
Why You Should Upgrade Your Factory Y Pipe
Factory exhaust systems have to adhere to various emission standards. To meet these standards, they’re designed in a way that favors the bigger picture, not just performance. The result is a somewhat restrictive design that limits the power you get from the engine.
With aftermarket Y pipes, you’ll have a light and free-flowing exhaust system that has good scavenging and backpressure characteristics.
The Best Nissan 350z Y Pipes
If you’ve decided that you want to switch to aftermarket Y pipes, the next step is to choose the right one. This comes down to your budget and what you plan on doing with your car.
Below we’ve listed some of the best, most popular y pipes designed to fit your Nissan 350z.
ISR Performance
Manufacturer: ISR Performance
Part Number: IS-Z33-Y
Piping Diameter: 76.3mm
Warranty: 1-year
In the world of performance mods, ISR has long become a name you can trust. Their stainless steel Y pipe is no exception to this. Adding to their stellar build quality, ISR integrated a dimpled gusset plate that ties the two runners for added rigidity. Needless to say, this upgrade is going to last you a long time.
ISR used a 2.5-inch pipe and a bellowed flex section that stems from the 2-bolt catalytic converter and connects to the velocity merge section. It merges with the 3-inch pipe that comes out of the velocity merge to the rear 3-inch exhaust flange.
In the box, you get the main Y pipe assembly, 2×2.5-inch bolts, 1×3-inch exhaust gaskets, 6 bolts, and 6 nuts.
Tomei Expreme
Manufacturer: Tomei
Part Number: TM-TB6110-NS02A
Piping Diameter: 60.5mm to 76.3mm
Warranty: 1-year
Tomei is a well-known manufacturer of aftermarket titanium parts. Their products are relatively expensive but worth every penny. You get what you pay for.
If you want to build the perfect exhaust system for track use, you’ll love what Tomei has to offer with their Expreme Y pipe.
In the package, you get:
- bolt smooth paste,
- center pipe assembly,
- clamp band,
- copper washer,
- flange nut,
- flange bolts,
- front and rear gasket, and
- Tomei Expreme stickers.
The most notable benefit of using titanium exhaust components is weight reduction. The stock 350z Y pipe weighs 14.6 lbs and the Expreme Y pipe weighs 5.7 lbs. That’s almost 10 lbs saved.
To make the deal even better, you also get a 1-year warranty with this Y pipe.
AAM Competition
Manufacturer: AAM
Part Number: AAM35E-MFYP253
Piping Diameter: 63.5mm to 76.2mm
Warranty: Lifetime
AAM’s intention with the Competition pipe was to create a product that’s reliable and delivers superior performance at the same time. Usually, the two qualities are mutually exclusive in the world of racing.
This Y pipe is constructed using 16-gauge stainless steel. It comes with smooth 2.5-inch mandrel tubing and flex joints that flow into the 3-inch tube.
Because it’s slightly larger than the factory 350z mid pipe, it’s more suitable for turbocharged or supercharged 350zs.
It’s a direct bolt-on part that doesn’t require any modifications and weighs only 12 lbs. It should take you no more than an hour to install the pipe.
Manzo SS
Manufacturer: Manzo
Part Number: TP-180
Piping Diameter: 63.5mm to 76.2mm
Warranty: 1-year
High-performance Y pipes are crafted to endure just about anything you throw at them, be it on the street or the track. Manzo understands this, and so they designed their Y pipes to handle a lot more than just daily driving.
Considering the cheap price tag on this Y pipe, what you get for your money is totally worth it. The Manzo Y pipe has a 2.5-inch inlet and a 3-inch outlet. It doesn’t have any O2 sensor ports, but all the required hardware and gaskets are included.
Installation is fairly easy and the product’s affordable price tag only adds to its appeal. This pipe contains flexible sections to prevent stress on your exhaust manifold. It’s a must-have item if you’re looking to boost your car’s performance.
Megan Racing SS V2
Manufacturer: Megan Racing
Part Number: MRYN3ZV2
Piping Diameter: 63.5mm to 76.2mm
Warranty: 1-year
Megan Racing has carved quite the name for itself in the world of affordable aftermarket upgrades, so it’s no surprise that these Y pipes are just built just as you’d expect.
The pipe comes with flexible sections that reduce stress on the overall exhaust system. While Megan Racing hasn’t listed any dyno results, some owners have claimed gains of up to 6 hp. This involved an ECU remap and supporting mods like high-flow catalytic converters, a cold air intake, and a plenum spacer.
As far as durability is concerned, the pipe is TIG-welded and finished with a 3-stage polish for a mirror-like finish. The construction also includes CNC-machined flanges to provide solid support.
Bosal
Manufacturer: Bosal
Part Number: 750-093
Piping Diameter: 50.8mm to 63.5mm
Warranty: 1-year
Buy on: Amazon
Bosal takes great pride in its reputation for providing high-quality products that are easy to install. Needless to say, this Y pipe is a direct fit.
It weighs only 9.83 lbs, making it 4.77 lbs lighter than the OEM Y pipe. Quality-wise, it’s in the ballpark of Manzo and Megan Racing, but slightly better.
Gasket and installation hardware will have to be purchased separately. However, you do get a Bosal 1-year warranty which is nice.
Motordyne XYZ Pipe
Manufacturer: Motordyne
Part Number: MD-020
Piping Diameter: 76.2mm
Warranty: 1-year
The Motordyne is a modular merge collector with multiple applications. In other words, it’s a lot more than just a regular Y pipe. It can be used to build a single, dual, or true dual exhaust configuration for your Nissan 350z.
Motordyne managed to build a part like this by collecting multiple data points to generate the perfect performance map.
This fully optimized Y pipe can be attached to a Nissan 350z test pipe, resonator, or high flow catalytic converter. Thanks to the V-band clamp that’s included, you can change to the different modules in a matter of minutes.
Top 3 Y Pipes for Your 350z
The 350z may not have a long list of Y pipes to choose from, but it certainly has some stellar options. Each and every Y pipe on our list has been tried, tested, and loved by countless 350z drivers for good reason.
Nevertheless, there were 3 that stood out from the rest and we’ve listed them down below.
For The Track: Tomei
From its solid titanium build to its guaranteed performance increase — there’s no denying that Tomei always delivers the ultimate performance.
Not only is this Y pipe built to last you for a long time, but you also get to skim off 12 lbs relatively easily.
For The Street: ISR Performance
When looking for a budget-friendly upgrade all you really need is a high-quality build and a reasonable price. ISR Performance delivers on both accounts with their stainless steel Y pipe that has an affordable price tag.
Best Overall: AAM Competition
If you’re looking for reliability, quality, and performance, AAM Competition Y pipes are for you. They’re constructed from 16-gauge stainless steel and allow a significant increase in the mass of exhaust flow. You’ll also benefit from the 4 lbs weight-saving since it weighs only 12 lbs.
We’d love to know which of these Y pipes caught your attention the most. Got a favorite that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!