
Force 3″ Race Cat-Back Exhaust Subaru WRX STI GV/VA – ESSW28CS
XForce ESSW28CS 3″ Race Cat-Back Exhaust System for Subaru WRX STI GV and VA, manufactured from 304 stainless steel for a more aggressive exhaust note, improved exhaust flow and a performance-focused appearance.
- Brand: XForce
- SKU: ESSW28CS
- System: Race Cat-Back Exhaust
- Main Pipe Size: 3″
- Rear Sections: Twin 2.5″
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Tailpipes: Quad 4″ Double-Wall Polished Tips
- Fitment: Selected Subaru WRX STI GV & VA Saloon Models
Designed as XForce’s more aggressive Race System, the ESSW28CS uses mandrel-bent pipework, a centre resonator and high-flow rear sections to deliver a deeper, more purposeful Subaru WRX STI exhaust note.
Performance Car Parts UK recommends confirming chassis/VIN compatibility before ordering, particularly for 2014 crossover-year vehicles.
Only 1 left in stock
XForce 3″ Race Cat-Back Exhaust for Subaru WRX STI GV & VA
Upgrade the sound, appearance and exhaust flow of your Subaru WRX STI with the XForce ESSW28CS Race Cat-Back Exhaust System.
Designed for selected Subaru WRX STI GV and VA saloon models, this performance exhaust system features large-bore 304 stainless-steel pipework, a performance-focused resonator configuration and quad polished exhaust tips.
The ESSW28CS is part of XForce’s more aggressive Race System range, making it ideal for WRX STI owners looking for a noticeably stronger exhaust character than the factory system.
3″ Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System
The XForce ESSW28CS uses a 3-inch main exhaust section designed to provide a freer-flowing route for exhaust gases compared with the standard system.
The system then divides into twin 2.5-inch rear sections, providing the dual-exit configuration required for the WRX STI’s quad-tip rear layout.
- 3″ main exhaust pipework
- Twin 2.5″ rear sections
- Mandrel-bent tubing
- Performance-oriented exhaust layout
- Vehicle-specific cat-back design
304 Stainless-Steel Construction
The ESSW28CS is manufactured from 304 stainless steel, offering a strong combination of durability, corrosion resistance and performance exhaust construction.
This makes the system particularly suitable for UK performance cars that may be exposed to rain, moisture and winter road conditions throughout the year.
XForce Race System Exhaust Sound
The ESSW28CS is the more aggressive XForce Race System option for this application.
It uses a centre hot-dog-style resonator together with high-flow rear resonators and dedicated drone-control canisters to create a deeper and more purposeful WRX STI exhaust note while helping manage unwanted frequencies inside the cabin.
Actual exhaust volume and tone will vary depending on the vehicle and any additional modifications.
Exhaust sound can be affected by:
- Standard or aftermarket downpipe
- Catalytic converter specification
- Exhaust manifold or headers
- Engine calibration
- Other exhaust modifications
Quad 4″ Double-Wall Exhaust Tips
The rear of the system is finished with four polished 4-inch double-wall exhaust tips.
This retains the distinctive quad-exit WRX STI appearance while giving the rear of the car a more aggressive performance look.
Important: XForce’s current specification lists 4″ exhaust tips. Some older third-party listings may show 3.5″ tips.
Designed for Subaru WRX STI GV & VA
The XForce ESSW28CS is designed for selected Subaru WRX STI saloon applications across the GV and VA chassis generations.
For UK vehicles, the key applications are 2.5-litre turbocharged WRX STI saloon models fitted with the EJ257 engine.
Because 2014 is a crossover year between the GV and VA generations, customers should confirm their chassis or VIN before ordering where there is any uncertainty.
Compatibility requires confirmation for imported, modified or non-UK specification vehicles.
Performance Benefits
A larger-bore performance cat-back exhaust can reduce unnecessary restriction after the catalytic converter while giving the WRX STI a more distinctive exhaust note.
The primary benefits of the XForce ESSW28CS include:
- More aggressive exhaust sound
- Freer-flowing exhaust layout
- Large-bore 3″ pipework
- 304 stainless-steel construction
- Mandrel-bent tubing
- Quad polished exhaust tips
- Vehicle-specific installation
- Sportier rear appearance
No specific horsepower or torque increase should be assumed, as performance results depend on the vehicle, ECU calibration and supporting modifications.
Installation
The ESSW28CS is designed as a vehicle-specific cat-back exhaust system and connects behind the vehicle’s existing upstream exhaust components.
Professional installation is recommended to ensure correct alignment, clearance and sealing.
Before installation, check:
- Exhaust flange condition
- Existing exhaust hangers
- Gaskets and fasteners
- Underbody clearance
- Rear bumper and tailpipe alignment
- Any aftermarket downpipe or previous exhaust modifications
Road & Track Use
The ESSW28CS is marketed by XForce as a more aggressive Race System.
Exhaust noise and vehicle compliance depend on the complete vehicle configuration, so road legality should not be assumed solely from the cat-back system itself.
Customers using modified downpipes, decats or other exhaust components should ensure their vehicle remains compliant with applicable UK road and MOT requirements.
Product Details
- Brand: XForce
- Part Number: ESSW28CS
- Product Type: Cat-Back Exhaust System
- Series: Race System
- Main Pipe Diameter: 3″
- Rear Pipe Diameter: Twin 2.5″
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Construction: Mandrel Bent
- Tailpipe Layout: Quad Exit
- Tip Size: 4″
- Tip Type: Double-Wall Polished
- Vehicle: Subaru WRX STI
- Chassis: Selected GV & VA Saloon Applications
Vehicle Compatibility
This product is intended for selected Subaru WRX STI GV and VA saloon models.
Do not assume compatibility with WRX STI hatchback models, JDM imports or other WRX/STI variants solely because they use a similar engine or platform.
If you are unsure about fitment, contact Performance Car Parts UK with your registration, VIN/chassis number and SKU ESSW28CS before ordering.
Why Buy from Performance Car Parts UK?
- UK specialist performance car parts supplier
- Vehicle fitment assistance available
- Wide range of Subaru performance upgrades
- Performance exhaust, suspension, braking and engine components available
- UK-wide delivery
SKU: ESSW28CS
FAQs
Does XForce ESSW28CS fit a Subaru WRX STI?
Yes. XForce identifies ESSW28CS for Subaru WRX/STI G3 and VA sedan applications. For UK cars, the relevant applications are principally the GV and VA-generation WRX STI saloons. XFORCE AUSTRALIA
Does ESSW28CS fit the WRX STI hatchback?
I would not list the hatchback as confirmed fitment. The strongest application evidence for ESSW28CS refers to sedan/saloon fitment. Compatibility requires confirmation before publication.
Will ESSW28CS fit a 2014 WRX STI?
Potentially, but 2014 spans the transition between generations. Check the chassis/VIN before ordering rather than relying only on the registration year.
What diameter is the XForce ESSW28CS exhaust?
The main system is 3 inches, splitting into twin 2.5-inch rear sections. XFORCE AUSTRALIA
What size are the exhaust tips?
XForce’s current specification states quad 4-inch double-wall tips. Some older reseller descriptions state 3.5 inches, but the manufacturer specification should take priority. XFORCE AUSTRALIA
Is ESSW28CS a Varex exhaust?
No. ESSW28CS is the fixed Race System. XForce’s installation documentation separately identifies Varex components for other configurations. XFORCE AUSTRALIA
Is it suitable for road use in the UK?
ESSW28CS is marketed as XForce’s aggressive Race System. Whether a particular vehicle complies with UK noise, emissions and MOT requirements depends on the complete vehicle and exhaust configuration. Do not advertise it as road legal unless XForce supplies product-specific UK approval documentation.
Does it include a catalytic converter?
It is a cat-back exhaust, so it does not itself replace the vehicle’s upstream catalytic converter/downpipe. Exhaust configurations can vary on modified vehicles, so inspect the existing system before installation.
Technical Specification
| Brand | XForce |
| Part Number / SKU | ESSW28CS |
| Product Type | Race Cat-Back Exhaust System |
| Main Pipe Diameter | 3″ (76.2 mm nominal) |
| Rear Pipe Configuration | Twin 2.5″ Sections |
| Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Pipe Construction | Mandrel-Bent Pipework |
| Centre Section | Hot-Dog Style Centre Resonator |
| Y-Pipe | Cast Y-Piece Splitting to Twin Rear Sections |
| Rear Section | High-Flow Rear Resonators / Mufflers with Drone-Reducing Canisters |
| Tailpipe Layout | Quad Exit |
| Exhaust Tip Size | Quad 4″ Tips |
| Tip Design | Double-Wall Polished Tips |
| Exhaust Sound | Aggressive Race-System Sound with Drone-Reduction Design |
| Exhaust Valve | No – Fixed Race System |
| Installation Type | Vehicle-Specific Bolt-On Cat-Back System |
| Primary Application | Subaru WRX STI G3 / GV / VA Sedan / Saloon Applications |
Vehicle Fitment
Designed for selected Subaru WRX STI saloon / sedan models. UK applications should be checked by chassis and vehicle specification, particularly for 2014 crossover-year vehicles.
| Year | Make | Model | Submodel / Chassis | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK Saloon / GV | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
| 2012 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK Saloon / GV | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
| 2013 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK Saloon / GV | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
| 2014 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK Saloon / GV | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
| 2014 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK Saloon / VA | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
| 2015 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK Saloon / VA | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
| 2016 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK Saloon / VA | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
| 2017 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK Saloon / VA | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
| 2018 | Subaru | WRX STI | Type UK / Final Edition Saloon / VA | 2.5L Turbo EJ257 |
Delivery & Returns
UK Delivery
We deliver throughout the United Kingdom using reliable courier services. Delivery times vary depending on stock availability, supplier location, product size and destination.
Shipping charges are calculated at checkout where applicable. Larger, heavier, specialist or supplier-direct items may incur additional delivery charges.
Dispatch Times
We aim to dispatch in-stock products as quickly as possible. Some specialist, imported, made-to-order or supplier-direct performance parts may require additional processing time.
If you require a product by a specific date, please contact us before ordering so availability can be checked.
Tracking
Tracking information will be provided where available once your order has been dispatched.
International Delivery
International shipping may be available for selected products and destinations. Import duties, taxes, customs charges and local handling fees are normally the responsibility of the customer unless otherwise stated.
Returns
Please contact us before returning an item. Products should be returned in accordance with our returns policy and in suitable condition where applicable.
Special-order, made-to-order, customised or imported products may be subject to different cancellation and return conditions.
Damaged, Faulty or Incorrect Items
Please inspect your order as soon as it arrives. If an item is damaged, faulty or different from what you ordered, contact us promptly with your order number and clear photographs where relevant.
Vehicle Fitment
It is the customer’s responsibility to confirm product compatibility before installation. If you are unsure, contact us with your vehicle registration or VIN and the product SKU before ordering.








