I am going to upgrade my exhaust (its the first thing I will upgrade on my car).

But I am a bit confused. Searching on the net, it seems that Borla is the only company with what looks to me as a complete replacement system. But from reading thirdgen forums, I never hear anyone recommend Borla. Is there something wrong with it? Or just overpriced?

Now, when I go for a new catback, what do they usually include? Is it everything after the dual cats? so the pipes to the cats and the cats stay stock?

For example, this Flowmaster catback system (http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/pr...oducts_id=3729, what does it connect to? and it says its for dual cats, so what to do? And how would this compare to the Borla? I mean quality, yes, but also completeness, is it the same or lesser (its half price!). I also checked out systems by Dynomax and SLP and some others, and none look like the Borla picture, lol)

Please give me any info so I know how to proceed, I am totally lost. I just want an exhaust system that replaces my stock, from the cat-converters back. I will also replace the cats, and then also go for headers, and I assume the headers will go all the way to the cats? Again, confused.

Links would be appreciated, but theoretical explanations to make me understand would be very nice (basically, explain what a "system" from a said company includes, everything after cats? anything before? and also please explain what the components of my exhaust are, so that if I have to buy parts or build, I know what I need (eg, list all parts from the engine to the tips)!

In a nutshell, iyo, whats the best bang for the buck for a replacement system for my car? Is there a package deal that comes with hi-flow converters as well perhaps?

 

No info from anyone? Here is a link to the full Borla exhaust that I would love to have, and it looks like a good fit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Borla...spagenameZWD1V

but my question is still, this system is from the cats back right? But where would the dual cats connect to when it seems there is only one pipe?

Another question is why is this Borla system twice or even three times more pricey then systems from other manufacturers such as Flowmaster, Magnaflow or Dynamax? Are the latter not complete or lack something compared to the Borla in question?

The reason for my inquiry is that if the non-Borla systems include the same replacements then there is no reason to spend the $800 (eg. catback dual-cat systems from SLP, Magnaflow, Dynamax or Flowmaster are all under $500, but do they include all the stuff that comes with the Borla?)



EDIT: Also, is it possible to replace the stock dual-cat system with a single-cat and still pass emissions, or is there a specific reason there are two cats on the 5.7l l98?

 

The reason for two cats is more power! 4 cylinders flowing thru two 2.25" pipes is better than 8 cylinders flowing thru one 3" pipe. Plus the single cat y-pipe is more like a T-pipe the way it connects. The dual cat y-pipe is much better. They join together after the cats and connect to the intermediate pipe.

Unfortunately, there arent a lot of manufacturers who have a true bolt-on cat-back system for our cars anymore. The Borla is more expensive because it is made with a higher quality steel, and its made for 4th genners with more money. Almost all of the cat-back systems are the same and will provide the same power increase. The biggest difference is the sound. Just make sure you get one that is 3" in diameter and no smaller. There are some 2.5" and 2.75" stock replacement systems out there, and they're not worth it. You can get whichever cat-back you want and have your local muffler shop weld it on. The 4th gen and thirdgen systems are 99% the same, except for the front where they connect to the cats. Any good muffler/exhaust shop in your area can make the connection.

 

Thanx Kevin.

So, most systems I am looking at are from the dual cats back? Its confusing me because in all the pics, including the Borla, there is only one pipe going to the back, so how do the two cats connect, unless the cats have their own y-pipe? Basically I am asking what an exhaust kit for my car includes, and what I have to keep stock (so that I know what else to get to replace, cuz I want the whole exhaust from the engine down to be aftermarket, including the cats).



EDIT: I may post a new msg for this if I don't get an adequate answer, but I'll try here anyway.

Before I do my exhaust upgrade, I will only buy new catalyctic converters in order to pass emissions (mine are originals and all shops tell me are the reason I am failing, and yes, i've even tried running methanol but still failed (albeit ran MUCH cleaner))

Do I have to get two cats with 2.5" in/out pipes? Is that the deal? And what are some cats that are the best bang for the buck that will pass emissions but also be good when I replace the stock exhaust, so that they won't restrict airflow?

Basically, I need to exchange my two cat-converters now to pass emissions, but I want them to be good parts so that I don't have to exchange them again when I upgrade my exhaust! Any ideas?

For example, these Magnaflow converters from Jegs, will they fit? Are they any good (to pass emissions AND highflow for aftermarket exhaust application in the future)?? They seem very cheap to me, that is why I am asking. Give me some alternatives as well:

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...50982_-1_10251

 

Yes, after the dual cats there is more pipe that joins together, and then connects to the i-pipe.

Magnaflow is a good brand. Stock is 2 1/4" but you can go 2 1/2" in there if you upgrade the y-pipe to 2 1/2" when you do headers. Unfortunately, the only headers left are single cat models. You'll have to do some searching on these boards, yourself. The headers are all the same, its just the y-pipe that is different for the single cat or dual cat cars.

Here is a pic of my stock dual cat setup: