My 08 G5 with the 2.2 just developed an exhaust leak at the flex pipe. My question is, I just got a price to repair the flex pipe at $322, and thats just cutting the flex pipe out and welding in a new one to the old down pipe. Is it worth it to look into an aftermarket down pipe and build a catback, to suit the DP? I only ask about building a catback because I don't want a loud exhaust, just want the performance gains from removing the restrictions of the stock 2.2 exhaust. Plus, catback's seem to be anywhere from $3-700, and I'm betting I can build one for for less. Not looking at a header just yet, but not ruling it out.

What do cat'd down pipes go for? And what is a good bang for buck header?

 

http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/c/67-Exhaust.aspx
see if they have for the 2.2 I'm not really sure tho.. But if they do it's cheaper than fixing your stock one.

 

They do have one for the 2.2, but is 2.5" going to be to big for a stock 2.2?

I will be putting a CAI/SRI on when I put the new exhaust on.

Will I be fine with just the down pipe and catback or do I need to get a header?

 

Their downpipe is good will bolt on to stock header and stock catback.. But if you have any questions about fitting please email them directly they respond promptly. customerservice@zzperformance.com

 

The 2.5 inch downpipe is fine for your setup just don't go 3 inch. Honestly if it were me though I'd look at their header & downpipe combos (midlength or long tube) because they offer the best gains. Also if you buy a downpipe now, then later on you are limited to shorty headers as the mid length and long tube use a shorter downpipe specific to them.

 

If I were to find a down pipe from another cobalt model, like the lsj or N/A 2.4 would they be a good option?

If I found a header back exhaust system from a N/A SS 2.4, would that be enough of an upgrade? Like I said I'm not looking for a loud exhaust and HP, I'm looking to fix my exhaust leak and hopefully get some more MPG out of it while I'm at it.

Or is the aftermarket still the best way to go?

 

Get a badmab header and an lsj down pipe. Done, bolts in. Unless you have secondary air. Then your beat, lot harder.
I'm not sure which exhaust the 2.4 got, if it's the same as an lsj it'll do what you want. Best bet tho will be a badmab header and lsj cat pipe and cat back.

 

If you have less than 80K miles, the dealer will replace it free. Its part of the catalytic converter pipe and is thus covered under the federal 8yr/80,000 miles warranty.

 

I'm in Canada, it's got 84,000km (52,000miles). The warranty was 5year/100,000km or 150,000km, can't remember exactly, but it doesn't matter the warranty is up or so I was told by a local GM dealer when I went to see what was left on the warranty.

 

Doesn't matter I ordered a new down pipe from Rock Auto, $240 shipped to my door, better then anyone on this side of the border could do.

 

I would've thought even a ZZP downpipe would be cheaper than that. Unless shipping to Canada is beyond outrageous

 

ZZP down pipe built to work with emissions would've been over $210 before shipping.
The stock Rock Auto 2.4 down pipe was $178.60 plus $38 shipping and $23 (13%) tax.

 

I don't care if it's stainless, I'm only going to have the car another 2yrs, if that.

 

Hey I'm not sure if a lsj stock down pipe will fit your car but if it does I have one in great condition I can send it to you $80 shipped. Find and and if you're interested pm ok thanks.

 

Stock downpipe is also stainless I believe, just a lower quality (409 instead of 304). Just thought maybe ZZP would be a little cheaper than what you paid but must not have been

 

Got my zzp catted dp with an extra bung even for 219 shipped

 

Yeah, and with brokerage fee's shipping and taxes that would've cost me over $300

 

You are in sarnia. Get it dropped on the other side of the border and go pick it up. If you old one is shot you could loosen up all the bolts before you go, change the dp in a parking lot and ship you old one back to zzp for a credit. Of course you would be completely honest and declare your new dp when recrossing the border.
CBI is who I would use because Niagara falls is closer to me but I am sure there are similar places in Michigan
CBI USA | US Mailbox Rental & US Shipping Address Services

 

Yeah no it's not. The flex pipe isn't covered, unless the cat is throwing a code. I went threw this a few years ago. Went to/called about five dealers, even talked to my service manager now if I had made the cat fail I would have been covered, but I just got a test pipe, then wielded a new one in. Then six months later the cat failed and I was over 80k so I got a zzp longtube header, best thing I ever did to the car.

 

Pickup an SS/SC downpipe, had one in my 2.2 and it worked great. Might want to grab the manifold to while you're at it so you can get rid of the D shaped exit.

 

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/part...header-276419/

 

Well, I've already order and received the down pipe from Rock Auto, and I'm quite happy with it. It's got large enough pipe for me, I'm going to look for an SS/NA or SS/SC cat back, because I don't want a loud exhaust note. May look at after market kits if it's not to loud. And if I keep the car long enough I may look into a header. I'm also looking for a CAI/SRI.

 

I have the LSJ header, I filled out the collection chamber and the tubes that bolt to the block, then got an LSJ DP and gutted the cat with a custom 2.5 exhaust back and I love it, there is one cat between the DP and the muffler. She sounds real nice with a tune 2.4L intake mani and a CAI

 

If you can find an SS/SC catback that hasn't been all kinds of chopped up it'd be worth dropping in if the price is right. Otherwise just have a shop fab up an exhaust out of 2.25-2.5 pipe with the longest resonator you can find and a nice quiet 3 chamber muffler. Exhaust shop shouldn't charge too much for it, mine was like 200 in Tennessee.

 

Well, unfortunately up here in Canada I can guaranty a shop built catback is going to be at least $5-600.