Im looking to get a downpipe, charging pipes, and catback exhaust. i would obviously like to get the cheapest product but i dont want to sacrifice quality. if i buy group buys from CIA i can save close to 500 dollars. is there really that much difference between CIA and Hahn that would warrent 500 dollars more?

 

No and I wouldn't waste my money on an exhaust. The stock exhaust is nice, the downpipe is the problem. Instead of spending money on cat back I would spend it elsewhere.

 

IMHO CIA and HAHN parts are of equal quality and craftsmanship but CIA is less expensive.

 

Yep.

 

thats what i came to think also. i just got in on the charge piping group buy. everyone says cia has really good customer service too so i figured id give them a shot.

 

I get my CIA chargepiping tomorrow. I cannot wait I already have the stock crappy plastic pipes out of the car.

 

so your saying the catback wouldnt help me very much in performance?

 

Nope. I have confirmed this from Crazy Steve. He said they only gained a couple HP from a catback but much much more from a D/P.

I wouldn't change the exhaust unless you get a tune to go with it.

 

I noticeed some difference especially in the lower revs I can lug the car more now from a start without feeling like it is going to stall. I can also sometimes spin my tires a little in third gear now which I could not do before. A 3" catback should add 5-6 whp and about 10 ft-lbs of torque if you are tuned.

 

well i was planning to get the gm stage kit when it comes out and either having the dp, charging pipe, and the catback put on before the tune and then getting it done or after if the learn down thing was removed.

 

If you plan on all that I would say it's worth it. You probably notice it down low cause the learn down isn't limited power at that point.

 

who is cia?

 

clear image automotive. look in the group buy section

 

I feel retarded, I was just on their site

 

i think with all that and the stage kit would make my ss pretty quick for under 2000 $

 

I have the hahn cat back and I will be going with CIA for the dp and piping...

There is no dofference between the stock exhaust and hahn exhaust performance-wise. The hahn exhaust simply sounds a little louder/better. I will say it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, but it is expensive...I am glad I bought it, but if you are on a budget then keep in mind you won't really get anything out of it....

If you determined to buy and are still concerned about budget, then go with CIA all the way...if you don't care about budget, then I would recommend using CIA for dp and piping (better design) and probably the hahn cat back (it has a better 'look' to it ---> "oh, shiny....")...

Btw..at the time I bought my catback, CIA didn't have theirs yet...were I to buy today I would probably go CIA all the way...

Oh, and one last thing...CIA only has two people in their shop...they do work as fast as possible and have good customer service, but if you want your stuff yesterday then keep in mind you may want to go Hahn...expect a couple, if not a few, weeks for CIA (but it is worth the wait)...

 

Yeah of course CIA, everything i have is CIA except the bypass spring and i love every part

 

Can anyone post pictures of their installed/unboxed "production" CIA exhausts? The pictures on their website of the "prototypes" appear to be mild steel and MIG welded.

The pictures I've seen of the Hahn DP and exhaust are stainless and TIG welded. The Hahn DP at least looks for sure TIG'd. I'd guess the flanges and the sleeves on the flex of the Hahn are still mild though, but who knows.

I'm not saying CIA is bad at all, just curious on the differences. I'm sure they both perform great.

 

i agree kinda wishing i went with CIA for the intake right about now hahaha

 

I first got the stage kit then i put on my ic pipes which made a bit of a difference but now i put on my 3" turboback and there is a significant difference. Now im just waiting for my IC to come in. BUt with the exhaust there is a hell of a difference. I went catless

 

i guess i should go cia for everything

 

If you choose Hahn products, check out www.TurboTechRacing.com we are a bit lower than going Hahn direct...

 

Well I've got a question that may mix it up. Due to unusual circumstances, I may have a Hahn IC in my car in not too long... but will the CIA charge piping still fit it okay?

I know the CIA charge piping states it will fit stock and the Hahn IC says it will hook up stock... but you know how these things go, a little bit off on each and I've got two things that don't line up. With the CIA cp being one piece, I won't have too much wiggle room probably to make it work. What do you think?

 

Good question, you may need some custom fab work if you would do that... Why not keep all the same brand, keeps it cleaner...

 

do you think that cia piping will work with a synapse turbo intercooler? its $500 shipped