AWE Exhausts for Subaru WRX & STI (VA, VB, GV)

• AWE Touring Edition Exhaust – retains the rear mufflers for a deeper, more characterful tone without highway drone. The daily-driver choice.
• AWE Track Edition Exhaust – muffler-delete design for a louder, rawer note, with 180 Technology still working to control drone.
• AWE Track-to-Touring Conversion Kit – swaps Track rear sections for Touring rear sections without buying a complete new system.
• AWE Touring-to-Track Conversion Kit – steps a Touring system up to Track Edition sound using the same approach.
• Tip finishes – 4" (102mm) Diamond Black or Chrome Silver on the VA/GV Sedan systems.

Browse the full AWE Tuning range, or other AWE platform collections: Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86 & 86, Toyota GR Supra, Honda Civic Type R FL5, Volkswagen Golf R MK7.5, Golf R & GTI MK8, Audi S3 8Y, Audi RS6 & RS7 C8 and the Nissan Z RZ34. All brands are listed on our brands page.

Confirm your chassis code first

VA chassis STI (2015–2021): 2.5L EJ257 turbo. In Australia the VA was STI-only. Uses the VA/GV Sedan catback with 4" (102mm) tips.

GV chassis WRX / STI Sedan (2008–2014): earlier EJ-engined Sedan. Shares the VA/GV Sedan catback fitment.

VB WRX (2022+): FA24-DIT 2.4L direct-injected turbo, with different exhaust mounting, midpipe routing and rear bumper architecture to the VA/GV. VB cars require the VB-specific Touring Edition or Track Edition system, not the VA/GV Sedan part number.

The chassis code is shown on the build plate inside the driver's door jamb. The VA/GV systems are engineered around the sedan rear bumper and exhaust mounting, so hatch bodystyles are not covered by this fitment.

Touring or Track?

Touring Edition keeps the rear mufflers and uses the 180 Technology midpipe to add tone and presence without highway drone — the sensible pick for a commuter or long-distance car. Track Edition deletes the rear mufflers for a louder, more aggressive note; it is the louder of the two by a clear margin and suits a weekend or track-focused build. The Conversion Kits mean the decision is not permanent.

Tip finish

Diamond Black is the more aggressive look and hides road grime well; Chrome Silver is the traditional polished finish and sits closer to the factory tip aesthetic on most STIs. Both are 4" (102mm) double-walled and designed not to blue from heat.

Noise compliance

Both Editions are catback systems that retain the factory catalytic converter. Track Edition is significantly louder than factory and may exceed state EPA noise limits under enthusiastic driving, so Touring is the safer choice where noise scrutiny is a concern. Always check the requirements in your state.

AWE catback systems fit from the catalytic converter rearward, using CNC mandrel-bent T304L stainless tubing with TIG-welded joints and factory-style hanger locations for the relevant chassis. The Conversion Kits are a direct bolt-on swap of the rear sections rather than a full system replacement.

You will typically need a vehicle hoist or safe jack stands, standard metric spanners and sockets, penetrating fluid for factory exhaust fasteners, and replacement gaskets where required. Rubber hangers should be inspected and lubricated during fitting, and tip alignment set before final tightening.

Installation by a qualified professional workshop is recommended, particularly for setting tip alignment and bumper clearance and for checking that all hangers and clamps are correctly torqued.

No tune is required for a catback system on its own — these are designed to work with the factory ECU. Larger power gains on the EJ257 generally come from the downpipe, uppipe and tuning, which are separate from the catback.

Does the AWE VA/GV Sedan catback fit a VB WRX?

No. The VB WRX (2022+) uses the FA24-DIT engine with different exhaust mounting and rear bumper architecture, so it needs the VB-specific AWE Touring Edition or Track Edition system listed in this collection.

Will an AWE catback cause drone?

AWE's patented 180 Technology midpipe is designed to cancel drone frequencies before they reach the cabin. Touring Edition retains the rear mufflers and is the quieter, more refined option; Track Edition is a muffler-delete design and is louder overall, though the midpipe still controls drone.

Do I need a tune with an AWE catback?

No. These are catback systems fitted from the catalytic converter rearward and are compatible with the factory ECU.

Can I change from Track to Touring sound later?

Yes. AWE offers Track-to-Touring and Touring-to-Track Conversion Kits for the WRX/STI VA/VB/GV, which swap the rear sections rather than requiring a complete new exhaust.