Downpipe/Flex Pipe/Muffler Question

[SleepingEclipse]

I had my car up a lift today changing the transmission fluid, and checked out my exhaust system...one side of the flex pipe is worn away, and most of the connections are near the end of their life...i wanted to know what are my options as far as replacing the downpipe to the muffler? i have heard that i should get the flex pipe so i put less strain on the exhaust system, but havent been able to find downpipes that include the flex pipe...also, i have read that i should just take my car to a muffler shop and have them put on all the piping to save money...i was thinking if im going to get it all changed, might as well get some bigger piping, like 2.25" or 2.5"...what differences in power/sound/price are there between those 2 sizes?? also, should i just throw a normal muffler on the end of that, or could i get away with an ebay muffler?

 

[eclipse13]

I am not sure about the DP/flexpipe, but with the piping, you will save money buy going to a muffler shop as apposed to getting a catback system. I went 2.5 inch piping. The bigger the piping the louder it will be, but that also depends on the muffler you get. Do mea favor and get a name brand muffler, dont get and ebay special, like yours truly did.

 

[TurboAWDKID]

Dont go cheap on a muffler. Right now I have a 3" turbo- back exhaust with a after market POS muffler and it doesnt do the 3" any justice. Personally, I would get an M1 or a Dynomax muffler for a low grumble tone, or whatever tone you want.

 

[SleepingEclipse]

alright...i was just making sure i could get bigger piping from an exhaust shop...i have heard alot of good stuff about dynomax, so i will look into that, and possibly 2.5" piping...i have also read that if you go to 3" you lose all your bottom end-is that true? i want to still have some good bottom end with a new exhaust...

 

[rghrdr18]

When replacing your exhaust, I would suggest a muffler shop that does mandrel bends. Most Midas shops just bend the pipe, causing the bends to actually be somewhat smaller in diameter, causing restriction. Like it was said before, depending on what you want out of your car (performance wise) 'don't go cheap', it will only cause you to spend more money in the long run.

 

[2gGSX]

Aren't you N/T?

 

[SleepingEclipse]

ive been doing alot of research, and decided sometime next year(when i have more $$) i will be getting some 2.25" mandrel bend piping, a high flow cat, and a new muffler...i've been trying to find a decent muffler, but i cant seem to find one that has a 2.25" coupling size....all that i can find is 2.5", would i have to get 2.25" to 2.5" coupling and weld that on from the pipe to the muffler? thanks...and ya, im n/t...

 

[My91TalonTSi]

I'm not sure about the piping diameter on a N/T car but I can say that my Dynomax muffler sounds good and not ricey at all.

 

[SleepingEclipse]

it took me awhile(til 1am) to find a muffler...i had never checked out the sponsered sites or w/e on here, but the first one i went to had the muffler i wanted...it has a 2.25" inlet, wasnt a ricey looking fart can, looked like the oem muffler, but had one tip, bigger than stock, but not oversized....it was somewhere around $110....so i figure if im going to do the exhaust, may as well do it right the first time....

 

[bosljeff]

Magnaflows are good sounding and don't cost an arm and a leg. I have one and love it. Granted, from what I understand, turbos sound way better with good ex systems than non turbos.

Anyway, consider a magnaflow.