Alright guys, I am having trouble deciding here. My car is an '89 IROC-Z 350 TPI, single cat. exhaust with T-tops. Which one will fit better, and which will not require any mods to my exhaust? Here are the details:

Spohn:
$185 (+$45 for powder coating)
Tubular steel construction
Weld in

Hotchkis:
$187 (comes powder coated)
"Boxed" steel construction
Weld in

As you can see, if I get the powder coated Spohns, I will be paying more. Which will provide better strength, ease of installation, and value? I live in dry So Cal, so would I need to spend the extra money on the Spohn powder coating? Can you guys please vote on which you think is best for the money and not what you have "heard" is the best? Thanks guys, I really appreciate this. -89IRO

 

Kinda tough to vote, cause more than likely none of us have ever installed both, to make a real side by side comparison. But I'm happy with my Spohns.

 

Well , actually, maybe my last post isn't quite accurate. Cause the guy who installed mine also did his sons...not sure what brand they were...but he was more impressed with mine, and specifically mentioned the tubular steel is superior to boxed. No weak spots from being bent or welded.

 

One solution, Flip a coin. Bacically you can not go wrong with either one. But with the Powder Coat it has to be removed before
welding for goog results. This a pain and time consuming for the installation (Spohn recommends a weld every six inches). So in Southern Calif. with no salt, uncoated would be find. Just my opinion and I have the Spohn Powder Coated ones and live in a state that uses salt.

 

I have hotchkis on my 92z and like em.. Just grind off the powdercoat where you weld and when done it it with some por 15 or undercoating...

 

Alright, then I guess I'll go with the un-powder coated Spohns. Everyone here just loves spohn so I guess I can't go wrong. And I don't think I'll have any rust problems. By the way, do the spohns come with full instructions in case the muffler guy doesn't know what he is doing (this wouldn't be good even with instruction I guess!) Any more opinions? -89IRO

 

89iro
The Spohn SFCs come with install instruction even if they are on the brief side. Except to lose your cat heat shield because of clearances. Otherwise straight forward.

 

I didn' t have to remove the cat shield on my Spohns. Granted...I wasn't real impressed that the right side cross piece just kind of layed on top of the main bar...but...I'm sure it's strong enough, since its welded on. DJP...did you get yours to lay up alongside?

 

That is why the heat shield was removed so everything fit per the instructions.

 

Is it good to remove the heat shield though? I mean is it ok for the under side of the car to take that kinda heat? I am assuming the spohn runs right above the cat. on the passenger side. -89IRO

 

No problem with the heat shield removed, I check with Spohn about that subject.

 

If it's no big deal, then why did GM put it there in the first place? -89IRO

 

I think the bottom heat sheild is more important, used to hear about old cats catching leaves and grass on fire

 

One of Spohn's best selling points for their SFC's is their claim that they clear basically any exhaust system. The other thing that the other guys already pointed out is that you have to grind off the powdercoating everywhere you have to place a weld, which makes it a PITA. I read Spohn's article on the installation, and they suggested just using the rubberized undercoating that comes in a spray can to protect the metal after installation. Personally, I plan to go with the Spohn ones when I get around to it. They look sturdier and better engineered than the Hotchkis ones to me.

 

Yeah, same here, I'm going with the Spohns.

 

Not to knock Spohn, I just orderd my TA and driveshaft from him, I think that is a bit expensive. I am running MAC SFC ...they are the tubular design and are powder coated. It has been a couple of years but I only paid 109.95 plus install for mine. The install was 125.00. Just my .02

They are all great products. You can't chose the wrong one.

 

Hey Jeff. You pointed out the one problem with Spohn I forgot to point out. Yeah, they are just a wee bit on the expensive side. A lot of the parts I've wanted from them I have ended up buying somewhere else due to the price. Sounds like the MAC SFC's are a damn good deal. Another easy way to drain your wallet would be one measly order from Global West or SLP!

 

I purchased the Hotchkis for $120.00 so the money I saved will go towards the install.

 

I ordered mine from Spohn bare and will paint them after they get welded up to save money.