Down to 2 Cat-back choices... Some Qs...

[QCV8eater]

Hi!

well since Winter's getting to an end (finally!) in a few weeks, it's time for me to order the parts for spring... And concerning my cat-back, i've come to a dead end choosing between Thermal and N1. here's my problem/question. I want to have a cat-back for now, but I prefer planning and make sure to do things right the 1st time... so I know i'll need a 3" downpipe next year (AGP RS49)...

The N1 is a 3" cat-back... but I want to have the Thermal sound.... it's soooo sweet So I'd have to cut a thermal muffler or any muffler with a quieter/deeper note and weld it in place of the N1 muffler.

The Thermal is also a 3", but it tapers to 2.375" right after the cat to make it bolt on to the stock cat. (The n1 too, but it's an adaptor so I could change it when I install my downpipe). So to keep a full 3" when the downpipe comes in, i'd have to weld a short piece of 3" tubing with a flange for a Hi-Flo Cat (I really can't get a test pipe or a Cat eliminator DP, don't worry, i've thought of it before so dont mind posting these as solutions)...

So, finally the question, Which of those two modifications scenarios would be cheapest/easiest?

 

[saw wave analog]

cheapest is to go to a local shop and have them fab you a full system. its worth investigating, i saved about 400$

..granted its not stainless, but aluminized 3" tubing is going to last for years anyway so i dont really care

 

[Xit40]

I don't know what Thermal exhaust you're looking at but most of the ones I've seen http://www.dsmtuners.com/parts/product_info.php?cPath=3_142_55&products_id=204 are full 3" no tapering and will not bolt to the stock cat. The N1 on the other hand does. So if you were going to go with the 3" in the future I would just pick the real 3" exhaust and go with the Thermal.

 

[Turbo Talon DL]

I dont think you should play around with a cat back system. Go the whole 9 yards and get a full system. You will be much happier. Buy the parts you want and have a shop put it together the way YOU want it.

 

[QCV8eater]

I dont think you should play around with a cat back system. Go the whole 9 yards and get a full system. You will be much happier. Buy the parts you want and have a shop put it together the way YOU want it.

Wouldn't a 3" DP be way too much overkill for the T25??

I don't know what Thermal exhaust you're looking at but most of the ones I've seen http://www.dsmtuners.com/parts/product_info.php?cPath=3_142_55&products_id=204 are full 3" no tapering and will not bolt to the stock cat. The N1 on the other hand does. So if you were going to go with the 3" in the future I would just pick the real 3" exhaust and go with the Thermal.

This one - 2G AWD

 

[Sic95gst]

I have the Thermal Catback and yes it is tapered. it starts off at 2.5" right off the cat, if you wanted to use a 3" downpipe then you would have to weld a new flange and a small piece of pipe on it. As for the catback i love it, i haven't been at WOT yet because i had a clutch that was slipping at 3psi. I now have my new clutch and flywheel and waiting to run my 500mile break in off then i'm boostin 15psi again.

 

[QCV8eater]

hmmm thought i'd see more replies than that...

 

[QCV8eater]

I have the Thermal Catback and yes it is tapered. it starts off at 2.5" right off the cat, if you wanted to use a 3" downpipe then you would have to weld a new flange and a small piece of pipe on it. As for the catback i love it, i haven't been at WOT yet because i had a clutch that was slipping at 3psi. I now have my new clutch and flywheel and waiting to run my 500mile break in off then i'm boostin 15psi again.

Then does the Thermal Cat flange fit the stock Cat as it is?

 

[QCV8eater]

over 160 views, 10 votes and 6 replies?? WTF???

 

[VBGSX]

You can't go wrong with either setup.
I have the N1 and love it
My friend has the Thermal and it's nice also
Both sound great and look good. The thermal may have a slightly deeper/louder tone.

Cons
The N1 isn't a true 3" exhaust. I know someon will argue but it's not. I posted a cut out of it on a thread a long time ago(aprox 1 yr or more ago). Inside the can, it necks down to 2.5 or 2.75(I forget. I'll have to recheck) to fit the silencer(unless they've changed which I doubt). I still love it.

I really don't think it's much/if any of a restriction.
My friend and I have the same setups(turbo's, 3" downpipes, DSMLink, etc, etc) with two exceptions. Catback exhaust and he's a G-ST and I'm a GSX. I still walk him in 3rd gear pulls

In the end it's up to you.
You can't go wrong with either.