So I have a WTB thread on this and hate to make another exhaust thread, but I need to get more technical attention.

I have a 100% factory exhaust. After chasing down an exhaust leak for 2 months I finally figured out that my flextube on the downpipe has a few leaks. Now I'm sure that isn't too easy to fix, so I'm looking to either directly replace it, or now I'm considering going aftermarket from the manifold back.

So I'm either thinking (depending on cash flow):
1. Buy a used DP and keep everything factory
2. Go aftermarket but keep the OEM catback
3. Go aftermarket and build a custom catback

I'm thinking about a custom catback because I don't want it to be loud to tell you the truth. I want a nice deep tone that can sound intimidating when I want it to... I'm sure the GMPP touring would be a good example (even though I've never heard it in person before). But I'm not sure how I could design it to be similar. I know it may just take an extra resonator or something...but I can figure that out later.

 

i'm not sure why you would not to aftermarket. unless youre trying to stay stock. if trying to stay stockish. put a ss exhaust on with ss dp and header.

 

I could care less about being stock. It was mainly the money part.... :/

 

Buy a used aftermarket one and if you want to stay cheap buy this exhaust, cheap though it may be my friend has it and its not too loud and is actually top qualtiy
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

If you have less than 8years/80k miles, it falls under the federal emissions warranty on the catalytic converter. Just had mine replaced, $0 out of my pocket. Take it to the dealership. If they try to pull your leg on this, don't back down. The header and the cat-back don't apply, but the flexpipe to the cat is covered.

 

From what i hear, on the 2.2s those ebay exhaust are game. I've heard a lot about the SRS ones on there, and the good thing the guy does BEST OFFER. Make an offer for like 150 and they usually except, plus the 50 dollar ship, you got yourself a good exhaust for 200 bucks.

btw SRS is the SKUNK 2 replica, import stuff but its not like we have big muscle engines so the 500-600 dollar borla,magnaflow, etc exhaust for our 2.2s are somewhat overkill unless you have other plans.

 

That sounds good. But is it possible for this to happen by hitting something in the road... I don't believe I have, but if it's the case then they can deny coverage, right?

 

Okay haha changed my mind. I want to go aftermarket for sure from the manifold back.

So I need suggestions on a decent/inexpensive DP....and that ebay exhaust is lookin good. Any other feedback on it?

 

as far as the DP goes, im sure a SS/SC DP would match right up with that exhaust, if not it will for surely match up with the stock header and then just get it welted onto the exhaust. Those SRS are similar to the tsudo exhaust, youtube videos of them ppl really like them.

 

So I decided I'm getting one of these:

http://www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com...EXHAUST/Detail

With one of these installed:

http://www.mandrelexhaustsystems.com...-OPTION/Detail


One more question though on the downpipe... The CTI 3" from OTT Performance will bolt up to my factory manifold with no problems, right?

 

Don't get a 3" anything. Way too big. 2.5" is all you should be getting.

 

if you're not running boost 3" is straight overkill.

 

Alright cool, I kinda thought so. Thanks guys.

 

Yea dont get a 3' dp you'll fry your exhaust valves in no time at all.

 

you gettin the borla or the magnaflow?

 

Magnaflow muffler and 18" resonator.

Does anybody know of a decent aftermarket 2.5" bolt-on downpipe with a cat?

 

Bump for my question.

 

best bet is most likely gonna be zzp the c-a dp looks good too.

 

Hm well the ZZP is also a 3". Looking on CA, the XTC looks promising, 2.5" and with a cat...but the price is a little more than I wanted to spend... But that looks like it'll be what I need to do...

If I go with the XTC from CA, would I immediately need an aftermarket catback? Would the factory catback bolt up to the XTC 2.5"?

Thanks for the help man.

 

yeah it will and the zzp runs into a 2.5" outlet if you want that. hell i just put mine on and i like it, i'll like it even more after my retune.

 

Gotcha....so the ZZP will work? And as long as I pick the 2.5" outlet, I'll be able to bolt on my factory catback?

I will upgrade to a better 2.5" catback real soon, but for now, I need to budget myself.

 

i have the zzp on now and yes it will work. my mods are in my vbgarage.

 

Sweet man. I saw that but I just wanted to make sure because I won't be able to get a new catback exhaust at this minute.... So factory after the downpipe will have to cut it.

Thanks