What should I do about my exhaust?

[Jdevenberg]

The previous owner of my car "customized" the exhaust. This means he cut out the cat and welded in a "test pipe" so it can't be removed. He then cut off the muffler and welded on a 3 inch tail pipe. So I am running a straight pipe from the turbo back. How would you fix this if it were your car? Would you leave it as is? I don't want to cause this car is crazy loud. Would you replace the cat? Would you just add a muffler? Or would you start from scratch with a new turbo back exhaust? I need opinions because I am new to the whole turbo thing and don't know what is best to maximize power. My end goal is 350-400 whp.

 

[FluidKaos]

Had a similar problem when I bought mine. Previous owner had also deleted the cat, but, I needed one in to pass emissions. A decent muffler/exhaust shop should be able to cut out the test pipe and weld in a new cat, and pop on a new muffler. But if you're going to do all that, you may as well drop in a new exhaust system. Always good to only upgrade something once. Saves a lot of money in the long run.

 

[Indian]

If you have the money,just replace the whole exhaust with something you want on there instead of what someone already had on there. Plus it would be a nice upgrade to get closer to your goal.

 

[NOSLO2PT0]

Just have a muffler welded on. Leave the cat deleted unless you live in an strict emissions area.

 

[agentorange313]

what does your budget look like?

If money is not a concern then get a whole new downpipe back exhaust system, or an 02 housing and back. You have so many options with this route.

If you are on a budget, you can get a new downpipe SS front punishment or similar vendor for about 150 I think. Purchase a muffler and a cat(or no cat), and have the rest done by a exhaust shop.

Personally I have a mvs wastgate o2 housing, RRE downpipe(2.5 inch before flex pipe 3.0 after), test pipe, apexi n-1 catback. It sounds great, not loud at all. Low deep tone without a cat. Doesn't draw much attention at all. The RRE downpipe was 290+shipping with the test pipe, it came coast with black high temp rust preventive coating. you can easily make 350-400 whp with this set up. the whole set up cost (02 housing back) cost me $1445. (02 hosuing - 575, downpipe 290, apexi catback 580).

Do you have to worry about emissions? I mean it is a concern of yours. If it isn't then go ahead and get a test pipe. I have a testpipe that I can unbolt and slip a cat in when I have to get it inspected.

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

I would just buy a new turboback exhaust form one of our fine vendors. In most cases they sound great and it would be a good lasting upgrade bringing you closer to your goals.