i know this is dumb, but im not very smart.. so here it is...
what are all the parts of exhaust and what would you replace???

 

Welcome to the boards!

Basically your exhaust starts off with your manifolds. After the manifolds comes your y-pipe and then the catalatic converter(s). Then from there you've got an intermediate pipe that goes back and over the rear end. Next is the muffler and then the pipes exiting the car.

If your just starting out, I'd say start off with a cat back system. This will give you better flow and will give your car a better sound. Also, these are the easiest thing to start with. From there maybe getting a better cat(s) and then headers.

I hope I answered your question. Good luck.

 

on our cars starting from the exaust manifolds or headers which go to the Y-pipe then the cat,the exaust then muffler if you choose to have one.
This is for a single exaust.

 

i am planning to start with the cat-back. i am most likely goin to get the american thunder system from flowmaster. What else should i get to replace the other stuff, and it has to be legal, and i gotta pass emissions

 

Pick up a set of emmissions legal headers from hooker, hedman or slp, and you can either get their y-pipe or have a custom one made at a muffler shop, then get a catco high flow cat. I would reccomend getting all this from summit racing (summitracing.com or 1-800-230-3030). Their prices are competitive and they're really helpful, not to mention free shipping which is always good. After you get that stuff you will not only have a good sounding exhaust, but it will perform much better. You'll probably pick up 40 hp at least.

 

then from the catco cat does the american thunder system hook up? sorry for all the questions, im new at this. thanks for being patient.

and would it be better to get a y pipe thats already made or a custom one from a muffler shop???

 

yep the cat back hooks up right to the end of your cat.
it is better to get the ypipe with the headers from the header manufacturer. shops like to charge a whole lot and usually arent mandrel bent. this is always true, but it is my experience

 

thanks for all of your help!!
1 more question...which brand of headers are better hooker or hedman???-

 

Both are good headers, it just depends on your preference, and how much you want to spend. Hedmans are cheaper than hooker, but they're both well contructed. Some guys swear by hedmans, while others swear by hooker. As for me, I'm one of the hooker guys.