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So when my muffler rotted out last winter, I took a look at my exhaust system and found it to be... err... thin, particularly the pipe that goes over the rear axle. I think I'm probably going to be looking at a new system this summer (or at least in the near future), and I'm looking for the following:
1. I want better performance. I'm thinking about doing a catback (I've heard that the pipe from the manifold to the cat itself is quite substantial compared to the rest of the system, although I've never measured myself). I don't want to have to pay for a new cat, either. I'm thinking either 2 1/4" or 2 1/2", whichever I can afford, mandrel bent if possible.
2. I want a better exhaust tone. I figure with the long stroke of the 2.5, I can get a decently low tone. What I really want is for it to sound like a big-block V8, with that aggressive, burbly sort of sound. I know that I'm not going to get that with a four cylinder, but I want to get as close as possible for a decently low price. I also don't want anything too loud, just for it to sound more aggressive from the curb.
3. I want the system to be durable. I know that SS is the best, but it's also expensive. Is there a coating or paint that I can put on the exhaust to keep it from rusting out? I don't want to put down money only to have to replace the system in anything less than five years.
Recommendations? Also, how much of this is possible to DIY? If I can't DIY, where should I go, a chain like Meineke?
1. I want better performance. I'm thinking about doing a catback (I've heard that the pipe from the manifold to the cat itself is quite substantial compared to the rest of the system, although I've never measured myself). I don't want to have to pay for a new cat, either. I'm thinking either 2 1/4" or 2 1/2", whichever I can afford, mandrel bent if possible.
2. I want a better exhaust tone. I figure with the long stroke of the 2.5, I can get a decently low tone. What I really want is for it to sound like a big-block V8, with that aggressive, burbly sort of sound. I know that I'm not going to get that with a four cylinder, but I want to get as close as possible for a decently low price. I also don't want anything too loud, just for it to sound more aggressive from the curb.
3. I want the system to be durable. I know that SS is the best, but it's also expensive. Is there a coating or paint that I can put on the exhaust to keep it from rusting out? I don't want to put down money only to have to replace the system in anything less than five years.
Recommendations? Also, how much of this is possible to DIY? If I can't DIY, where should I go, a chain like Meineke?