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Prior to Install:

The exhaust comes constructed of mandrel bent T-304 Stainless Steel tubing, a nice size canister and 4″ straight cut tip.  Also in the box are complete install instructions and rubber hanger mount.

The install:

I will admit, we tried to do the install for this awesome exhaust.  However, we found that the jack points did not provide enough room for us to get a decent jack stand under the car.  Enter the folks at Toyota 101 and the ability for them to do this swap really fast.  The great part about this exhaust is that it utilizes the stock clamp/gasket for a factory-like fit and easy installation.

Our review:

Prior to our install we were sporting the stock Toyota exhaust with the TRD tip, not really a set up that will make the car growl from the outside.  Now we already had the Weapon-R Short Ram Intake on our project car, so we were already growling at the engine.  With that said, I waited at the dealership for them to drive our xD to the customer pick up area and all you could hear was growl. So we at MicroCar Magazine thought it would only be right to put the exhaust to the paces, so we set out on a 1k adventure to San Diego and Extreme Autofest show.  On the road you can really tell how well Scion was able to block out the outside noise.  During normal around town driving our exhaust provided a nice rumble and low tone sound, when we got it to the freeway that was a different story.  As we moved thru the gears the exhaust really came to life and the xD powered ahead.  The best part to this exhaust is that we notice no power loss, and we got the nice growl that Toyota engines are known to have.

Overall this exhaust performed awesome.  Can not wait to see what other products come out for the xD.

Suggested MSRP: All our research found that the exhaust goes for just under $600.00 – However we did manage to find out friends at FastScions.com selling this exhaust for under $400.00 – DC-Sports Exhaust at FastScions.com .

For today’s spotlight I will be reviewing Tanabe’s DF210 series springs, providing the lowest drop without taking the plunge into coils or bags.  The drop rate is, according to Tanabe, 1.9 Front and 2.2 Rear, respectively.  Where as most springs will follow the height ratio of the manufacturer, the DF’s will bring the body completely level, rather than slightly (ever so slightly) raked up in the rear as the OEM set up is.  For this reason, there is a noticeable gap in the front fenders between the wheels (as seen with OEM steelies+dunlops), where the rear is actually flush with the quarter panel line.   Overall, this would be my overall gripe with the product.  Everything else is flawless.

Handling/Daily Driving

The biggest concern people have with a lowered car is not necessarily handling, but how will it FEEL when driving through town?  Before I address how it feels, I’d like to give you my insight on what “harsher” ride quality means.  In my opinion, a harsher ride can vary from strong jolts whenever riding over a pothole (eek!), and can include the extra body movement you feel as you go over a small hump in the road.  In my 1100 mile experience, the only thing you’ll notice is that extra body travel as you ride over a small hump.  The ride isn’t uncomfortable or disheveling in any way, and to be quite honest, is still just as soft and cushy as the OEM springs.  (Let me say now, that I’m riding on the OEM Shock/Strut set up, so ride quality and handling improvements are solely based off the springs alone).

Handling, as with any worthwhile suspension upgrade, brought an immediately noticeable improvement in cornering.  Hard cornering, when paired with some sticky tires, should be no problem for this set up.  Seeing as how I’m riding on all seasons, my handling through hard corners isn’t quite up to par, but I can assure that the crispness is there, and VERY enjoyable.  Pair it with a nice, thick, rear sway, and I think all xD owners will have a thrilling little ride on their hands!

Kit Includes
-Tanabe DF210 Springs
-Tanabe Stickers (YEA!!)

Tools/Install

Tools required are as follows:

-Torque Wrench (yes it’s first. Anyone planning on doing DIY work for their cars should have a good Torque Wrench!)
-Sockets: 10, 14, 17, 22 mm
-A 17mm offset wrench (had to run out to the store to buy this one)
-6mm allen wrench
-Last but not least, a Spring Compressor for the front springs

Overall Install

The install wasn’t horrible, and it definitely wasn’t my first time working on suspension.  However, having said that, I did struggle with the front struts because of Toyota’s genius Wiper Guard design.  Instead of following logic, I opted to not remove this piece, and struggled for a good hour, harshly stripping the top nut for my front driver side strut.  So let this be a warning to you: DO NOT SKIP THIS PROCESS.  Remove the Wiper Guard, and all will be happy.

Final Review

I truly enjoy my xD with the DF’s installed, and would recommend them to anyone looking to drop their car.  Dont be scared by the 2″  drop, it’s really not bad at all.  Theres still a 7″ clearance.  If you live in a pothole ridden area of town, or commute to a pothole ridden area, fear not!  My locale has by far some of the worst roads I’ve ever driven on, and my little xD survives just fine, drop and all.  So don’t be afraid!  Get as low as y ou can, and enjoy every inch of it!

-Corey