American Racing Headers Lexus RC-F 5.0-Liter V8 Exhaust Systems
THE FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
After numerous phone calls and requests for American Racing Headers to develop a header for the Lexus RC-F, we really started investigating what made RC-F enthusiasts really fall in love with this car. If you told the team at ARH that you shoved a 5.0-liter V8 into a coupe, we would instantly be hooked, and that’s exactly what Lexus did with this car. This one just happens to boast 467 hp, and it’s mated to an 8-speed paddle shifted automatic transmission. The car also features some rather large brakes to slow it back down, and 19” wheels with plenty of grip to push the car to its limits. The RC-F takes a new place in the Lexus line up after the launch of the IS-F sports sedan years prior. This smaller and more aggressively styled car with its sharp lines appeals to a large group across the globe —while the GS-F is a step up from the performance and size of the previous IS-F. We were getting quite a few requests from the Middle East on this system as well, which is why we partnered with Kanoo Performance in order to help with prototyping, and to provide personalized service and sales for those customers.
ARH RC-F HEADER
ARH put the wheels in motion to start prototyping on a 2015 Lexus RC-F In April of this year. Upon starting this project, we were very curious as to what we would find once the factory system was removed and we had a chance to really look at its design. As you may have seen in our video blog, the exhaust was comical to say the least. The design of the factory manifolds caused great restriction in airflow exiting the engine. Some of the cylinder primary tubes actually merged into other tubes at a 90 degree angle. If you didn't know, air does NOT like to change directions at the velocity and RPM this engine would see. The design causes some cylinders to push double the air through the same sized pipe in the same bank. Right off the bat, we expected big gains from a proper header for this engine.
As with all of our systems, everything is 100% made in the USA and never outsourced. The RC-F system is fabricated from 1-7/8” primaries using 304 stainless steel and built to last the life of the vehicle. The flange itself is 3/8” thick, and laser cut for accuracy and a warp-free seal. After we TIG weld the flange to the primaries, which we arrange in a specific order and layout in order to maximize superior fit and performance. We go back in and hand-port the inlets to ensure a smooth transition of the air exiting the cylinder head as it routes down to the merge collector complete with scavenger spike. Don’t think you have to go with the off-road cat-less option in order to see gains from a system like this; even the catted version still provides substantial flow because of the high quality 200 cell metallic substrate catalytic converter, which is built for extreme durability. The ARH RC-F Header system will connect to any aftermarket axle-back, or the ARH Axle-Back exhaust.
ARH RC-F AXLE-BACK
We could not stop at the header once we saw the rest of the anemic exhaust system underneath the middle of the RC-F. If we were going to do this RC-F the right way, it was all or nothing for ARH. The piping leading to the rear muffler section was so unbelievably small, we wondered how that 5-liter V8 could expel the air that it pushed out. This would be like trying to swim laps in an Olympic pool while breathing through a drink straw underwater. But the end of that straw is bent at 90 degrees (can’t forget that manifold restriction). The ARH system was built to make power right from the start. That’s why we chose to use our Pure Thunder series mufflers, with 3” piping throughout — Incorporating the RC-F’s signature staggered exhaust tip styling. The header merge collectors exit with 3” pipe, which routes through an X-pipe, and toward the back of the car. The system steps to 2.5” on each side, and through a pair of resonators, connecting to the factory system there or our optional ARH Axle-Back RCF exhaust. The header section can be ordered without the resonators as well if you’re looking for a bit more sound. The Axle-back RC-F exhaust can be installed without the need to purchase the header, so you can upgrade the system if you would like to expand at a later date.
ON TO THE GOOD STUFF
Power. Everyone wants to know how much power the car makes before and after right? Well this car put down 380 HP and 330 ft-lbs of torque at the wheels when it rolled on to the dyno. After we fitted our long system, the car picked up 24 HP and 16 ft-lbs of torque, which brought its final power output to 404 HP and 347 ft-lbs of torque. This is on a bone stock car! With a bit of tuning and a free flowing BMC air filter, Kanoo performance was able to extract quite a bit more power even using an aftermarket axle-back exhaust. The RC-F picked up 59 wheel horsepower which shows the ARH system’s potential. After Nick’s initial test drive, he came back with a big smile on his face. The rest of the team was in awe after hearing the RC-F blast by in full song. We know the RC-F owners will love this system as much as we do.
QUICK RECAP
If you’re looking to wake up your RC-F and really feel it breathe, there is nothing on the market that compares to the ARH long system. We have seen a broad range of factory header designs in our years of experience, and knew that when we laid eyes on the RC-F factory system there was a ton of room left on the table.
-100% Made in the USA - Never Outsourced
-Made entirely of 304 stainless steel
-3/8” thick laser-cut flanges for a warp-free seal
-Hand-ported TIG welded inlets
-Optimized primary tube routing for superior fit and performance
-Merge collectors complete with welded scavenger spikes
-Catted systems feature 200 cell metallic substrate catalytic converters for extreme durability
-Includes hardware for installation.
ARH Lexus RC-F LONG SYSTEM:
The long system provides a deep, throaty tone without high pitch rasp. Available with 1-7/8" primaries and if you are looking for a louder sound, consider our "resonator delete" option.
If you would like to see our long system pricing and options, follow this link here:
ARH Lexus RC-F FULL SYSTEM:
ARH also offers a full system for the Lexus RC F. There is simply nothing currently offered as a package that provides the incredible HP, torque and sound as an ARH full system for your Lexus RC F. The long system provides a deep, throaty tone without high pitch rasp. Available with 1-7/8" primaries and if you are looking for a louder sound, consider our "resonator delete" option.
Want to see more? Check out the full system here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Thank you for taking the time to check out our new product offerings. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions you may have. We have a large network of dealers available for you to look up on our Dealer Locator. We can ship to you if you would like to purchase the system from our website as well!
KANOO PERFORMANCE
Kanoo Performance in Bahrain had an Integral part in the development of the RC-F system. They were the catalyst that sparked the prototyping of the system, and helped us achieve our vision by working with us to perfect the system. We want to say thank you and to let you know that If you’re in The Middle East, Kanoo Performance is your go-to dealer that stocks ARH products as well as provides performance services.
For more information about Kanoo Performance and EKanoo racing division,
Please visit their site: http://www.ekkanoo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/377369072386837/kanoo-performance/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EkanooRacing/
WE HAVE CATBACKS!
If headers are not in your plans for your Lexus but the need for an ARH exhaust system is. ARH now has a catback system for your Lexus RC F that provides a deep, throaty tone without high pitch rasp. Available with or without resonators. If you are looking for a louder sound, consider our "resonator delete" option. Check out these systems here.
