superk

Basically im trying to see if i can make a budget exhaust that'll at least look better than stock LS, and maybe sound/perform better. I dont have enough money for an expensive cat back exhaust right now, so i just wanted to at least put a tip on the end of my stock muffler to make it look a little nicer. Instead I found a 3A racing (please dont laugh) muffler for like 40 bucks and am gonna slap that on, so at least it looks a little better than the factory tailpipe.

My question is would I gain anything (hp/torque or more/better sound) if i get the shop to put a straight 2.25 or 2.5 pipe from the cat to the new muffler? Or should I just get the new muffler put on, since I probably wont get much benefit out of it besides looks, correct? And would a high flow cat do anything for me? This is on a base ls cobalt.

Thanks

SlateFox

if you put the muffler on and have them put a straight pipe with it then it would cost more than 40 bucks. you might as well put the tip on (bolt up not weld to save money) until you can save enough for the cat-back. i know its ugly cuz i have the same thing haha! im waiting to put the gravana body kit on first before the catback so i know how much room to leave. thatll be in a month or 2. as far as hp/torque i dont know if you would get much of anything. maybe better sound of course its a muffler tip so you wont get much of anything out of it cept the look. i say just put a shiny stainless steal tip if you want it to look good =) save yer money like i am

RedBaseBolt

^^ what he said, save for a real exhaust.

bluebaltjim

the pacesetter catback is the least expensive(mild steel 2 1/2"), thats what i put on cuz i only plan on having this car for about 3 years. it helped even out the flat spots on the upper end alot, but im sure a header and free flow cat will help alot too. the sys costs about $230 shipped to your door.

celicacobalt

monza is cheap enough

3fo893013L

agreed. just spend the extra coinage but if your going that high might as well buy a real exhaust. Your call.

M-Dub

Hey I made a jerry rig exhaust... because I don't feel it costs 500-700 dollars to make a good free flowing exhaust... I bought a good universal muffler, and am having 2.5" piping run and removing the resonator... Custom Cat back for 195 bucks!

TurboTechRacing

iTrader: (24)

We are offering the Magnaflow 2.2/2.4L systems for 409.99 right now. Price is marked down on www.TurboTechRacing.com as a sale price.

dwaynes22

new to forums but I have found that if you find a good muffler shop they should hook you up preety good. I, myself found a place here in Houston where I left my car so they could do a great job for only 150.00.

They put a 2.5in from collector to tip, including muffler. I got the hi flow cat later

IonNinja

why not just wait...

the money you are wasting on modifying the stock exhaust can be put towards a real exhaust system.

CivicKiller98

agreed, one of the better exhaust systems will probably actually help fuel economy, so when you can afford it, it can be considered an investment. i am guessing you will be wanting to keep your car for a while.

Justin

That 3A Racing muffler is going to sound like crap, guaranteed, and you're not going to see much of a gain.

So like these guys said, SAVE YOUR MONEY and spend it where it counts. Don't waste it just because you don't have enough right now. You'll fall into that trap and end up with a $1000 worth of CRAP on your car and you'll wonder why you did use that money for something MUCH better.

PS - I threw an $8.00 3" tip on my stock muffler and it looks much better, just until I get the real thing.