Annihilate

iTrader: (1)

Hey there,

I'm considering having a shop fab up my exhaust for me in stainless to see if it's cheaper than buying this catback: https://www.magnaflow.com/products/1...exhaust-system

Does anyone know which muffler is used on this system? Or one that's similar?

I don't have the original exhaust so I can't measure how large the stock one was...

Also, does anyone have any tips for removing the cat? I will likely replace it along with the rest of the system. While working on my crossmember last night, the piping from the cat back essentially just broke off due to corrosion.

I'd like to remove the cat without cutting anything, is that possible? I removed the clamps... My main concern is if someone would have welded in the air tube to the cat. I removed the clamp for that as well, but it seems pretty stuck...

Should I just wack it a few times?

If I decided to go Catless, would I plug the AIR tube? Or would I be able to slap it into the piping some how? Would that even be advisable...

Thanks!

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Exhaust is something you can do in your driveway if you are able to put together parts that truly bolt together front to back. And the money that you would have spent on labor can go into better parts. And you'll be much happier with the results than the type of work an exhaust shop does.

It's the Y-pipe that will make or break you. Buy the right y-pipe and things will just bolt together. Buy the wrong y-pipe and you'll be visiting the exhaust shop anyway.

Annihilate

iTrader: (1)

Hmm, I don't mind doing the work myself, what I am looking at is whether or not it would be cheaper to get the same type of material. Say I buy the kit, that's about $800 if I want to replace the cat. I can do the work myself, EZ PZ. OR I can buy a muffler and cat around $400 and maybe have the shop use stainless and have it put in for maybe $600?

All hypothetical of course, just trying to save some money somewhere. I need to call the shop first, it's a buddy of my dads body shop friend so I might be able to get a deal.

Just trying to pick a decent muffler. I don't mind how the Magnaflow above sounds from what I heard. I am definitely not trying to prove anything. I simply want the exhaust to be future proof, and the sound to be aggressive but not ear shattering. I like being able to hold a conversation at normal volumes if I am inside the car, but of course I want to be able to hear (and feel) the car when I am driving alone, which if things go as planned, will be often, as it will be my DD.

Hopefully the stock Y Pipe would be fine to bolt up to my new Cat, and then the Cat back. I don't plan on putting headers on the 305, as I plan on perhaps swapping in a 350 next winter.


Which brings me back to my question about removing the current cat. With the clamps off, is it generally supposed to slide off? It is a bit rusted and I am not afraid to give it some love. Just want to make sure it's not common practice to weld in the AIR pipe.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Does it matter to you if the shop can't do mandrel bends? That might be the most notable difference. And their welds are often terrible compared to factory.

Reddragon88gta

I have that exhaust system along with the Magnaflow cat and y pipe part#16450 which I believe is back in production. I love it except the tail pipe design but its grown on me since I've had it and the sound quality is just right IMO. I tried removing the cat because the factory one finally clogged up so I replaced it with the Magnaflow and I had trouble because the clamp came right off but my handheld MAG torch just couldn't get it hot enough to release. If I had actual torches it would have been cake. The small pipe for AIR will be the same, just need good heat.

Also if you upgrade the Y pipe (which as QWKTrip said is a huge bottleneck for performance) be aware that if you have outer style sub frame connectors or plan to it will take a little "customizing" to make it work but that goes with almost any aftermarket Y pipe and SFCs. You also mentioned trying to save $$$, I found my cat back with a huge discount on amazon warehouse in new condition that someone literally returned without opening and got a great sale on the Y pipe online, if your patient you might luck out.

Annihilate

iTrader: (1)

I have the spohn subframe connectors waiting to be thrown on, should I get that installed before going for the exhaust? What kind of negotiations will I need to make for the exhaust at that point? Would I still be able to install it myself fairly easily?

The tips were a bit off putting to me too, kind of wanted to go the hidden route, but I suppose comprises must be made.

as far as the Y pipe goes... Is that a piece that could be adjusted for headers in the future, or even a different engine when I upgrade the to the 350? Or is it specific to the 305?

I think if I replace the cat and get the cat back, I'll be in good shape... Shouldn't have to switch out the Y pipe until I upgrade my headers. Had my eyes set on Dyno Dons gear.

Reddragon88gta

I would do the SFCs first, that way you will have a better picture of clearance for the exhaust. The issue is one area that will likely get tight near where the aftermarket Y pipe heads to the cat by the drivers fender if there is going to be an issue (there is a brace that is welded near the subframe of the car and the SFC for additional rigidity that interferes with the pipe). What I had done was dent a bit at the top of the huge (3inch IIRC) pipe headed to the cat right in that area I described. No issues though with the exhaust hitting/banging off the SFC though after that.

The Y pipe is good for the 305 and 350, only thing is if you plan on headers in the future it seems many of the best (Dyno Dons, Hookers etc.) want you to use the Y pipe they supply that will fit with their headers...so if headers are in your future I would pass on the Y pipe for now. or budget for custom work later to make it all work. I went the Magnaflow pipe because I have no plans as of yet for headers but we all know how plans can change.

If you just want to put on a new cat and cat back exhaust you can likely do it yourself but having access to a helper, torches and a lift would be very helpful, my buddy and I did mine in like half a day or so taking our time and he welded most of the the connections with a lift. Doing this without a lift could be done but more time and effort. With installing SFCs I would use a pro unless you have access to a lift and know how to weld, also remember the suspension must be loaded when installing them.

Annihilate

iTrader: (1)

Alright, so the muffler shop didn't do stainless, however they will put on the subframe connectors and throw together the kit for me.

I just bought the cat and cat-back. RIPPED the band-aid off. Only other expense at this point will be new tires and an alignment. I must say, it's been an expensive few weeks. In fact, I'm the most expensive date i've ever had lmao.