(Please don't ask me some pics, since I have no camera. But I'll be able to post dyno results very soon).

Yesterday, I went to a local performance shop and we make some custom mod's on my SS / SC.

Custom SS Catback

We had previously order the required parts, and it took about 4 hours to do the job. We removed the 2,25" rear section (near rear drive axle to the muffler) and also got the stock muffler removed. We replaced it with a Vibrant Performance 2,5" SS mandrel U-J bent pipe (have to be cut in different angles) with a Magnaflow 2,5" Universal Muffler. We re-used the 3 stock hooks to keep it in place. All the welds were TIG made; the job is VERY nice ! The sound is very nice too; not too annoying at low RPM's and loud when loading the engine. We re-used the stock OEM tip. We also keep the front stock 2,5" bent pipe with the silencer, since it's a free flowing "empty" part.

Here are the parts number that will fit the 2005 SS / SC:

Magnaflow Stainless steel 2,5" universal muffler: Part # 14326. http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/s...ne=main&id=350

Vibrant Performance Stainless Steel Universal U-J Bent 2,5" Tubing : Part # 2609.
http://www.vibrantperformance.com/pr...05/pg27-31.pdf (see page #28).

Vibrant Performance Stainless steel clamp : Part # 1171.
http://www.vibrantperformance.com/pr...05/pg27-31.pdf (see page #31).

Air box Mod (almost like a CAI) (Not suggested).

We had previously order the K&N conical universal air filter (part number RU-2710). http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=ru-2710 We got the front left plastic fender off, remove the bottom cover of the airbox and remove the stock filter. Since my car is only 1300 miles done, we didn't clean the MAF. We install the K&N with the provided clamp (we had to bore a little hole in the air box, beside the screw, to tighten it). We leave the bottom cover removed (This very filter will also fit with the cover re-install). Also, i have cut a square portion (2 and a half square inch) of black plastic in a front part (sorry no pics) to make sure the flow will be better to the filter. I don't think the cutted part may cause some water fume to get around the filter, since the hole we done is not aligned with the front fascia's holes. (I previously had a Injen CAI on a RSX-S and the filter was less better placed for the water fume and never had some problems with it).

I also purchase four NGK BKR7E (not installed yet) to be installed next week with my 3" pulley (bought from Fast-Bikes USA; as seen on E-Bay).

So yesterday costs me around 500 $ USD (pulley not included) including all the parts and labour, so I am very proud.

Looking at the newest Magnaflow 2,5" Catback, which cost around 600 or 700 $ USD (I think), I am proud to have a custom stainless steel 2,5" line (with a custom air intake) at less price.

My estimations are around 8 to 10 whp gain for the catback. About the K&N high flow filter itself, gains are not easy to measure with the by-pass valve selenoid bleeding some boost.

Have a nice day !

 

Jmc thanks for the post. It would be great if you had some pics, but no biggie. You can still put go fast stuff on this car, and not spend an arm and a leg. Keep us updated on the dyno results! When do you plan on getting it on a dyno?

It would be cool if we could hear some sound clips as well.

 

With the Catback and the K&N, my boost went from 12 to 12,5 PSI, but today I got a CEL ! I notice that i'm doing more MPG, so I think the air/fuel ratio increased (got leaner), so it's why the CEL appeared. I will go to the dyno with a wideband meter probably within a week to verify the air/fuel ratio ...

 

Then my CEL went off tonight ...

 

About the K&N high flow filter itself, gains are not easy to measure with the by-pass valve selenoid bleeding some boost ...

 

Definatly need some sound clips! thankx

 

The dyno loss wasn't cause by the MAF ... I am pretty damn sure it was caused by the by-pass valve selenoid.

 

I used one of the magna flow mufflers on my 2.2 also. i also increased my pipe size from the resonator back to the muffler since gm decided to choke it down in that area from 2" to 1.5". Its flow through and is not annoying and really sounds good at aroung 4k rpms.

 

What was your dyno run hp and trq with 3.00 pulley?

 

Roughly 13 more WHP and 13 ft-lb torque from the 3" pulley.

 

I suggest to get the car lifted on a hydraulic lift and get the job done by a good mechanic and a good welder.

1 : Cut the stock piping (near the rear axle) where it changes from 2.25" to 2.5". (Cut it at one inch from this welding joint to be sure there is no more 2.25" piping left).

2 : Remove the muffler (still welded to the stock 2.25" piping) from the car. Keep the bended rod (they are the supporting rods for the muffler and piping) cause you will have to use them to hold your new piping and the Magnaflow.

3 : Cut the stock exhaust tip (or buy another tip) and install the tip temporarly on the Magnaflow. Do not weld for now.

4 : Bring the Magnaflow at the expected place and hold it in the right place (with a hyraulic table or something else). Weld the two supporting rods to the muffler.

5 : Look carefully at the J-Bend, cause you will have to cut it at several place (at least 3 or 4 place) to get a custom "S" piping to pass over the axle. That is the toughest part, so be VERY careful ! Look at your old 2.25" tubing to help. Don't do final welds until your sure of all the fitment. After this, do all the final piping welds.

6 : Install the supporting rod to the 2.5" piping.

7 : Install the clamp between the Magnaflow and 2.5" piping.

8 : Look for good alignement and tighten the strap.

Have a nice day !

 

if you would like i have some pics that you can borrow i dunno if its exactly what you need but heres the link


http://photobucket.com/albums/b269/p.../FS%20ehxaust/

 

how much did the exhaust cost u all together? because i was wondering if its cheaper like this then just buying a cat back system.

 

hey i also see u left the cover off the air box couldnt u basically just cut the airbox so u get less like wall of the airbox and get more air to the airfilter then its just like a cai actually the same exact thing