[Paj]

Hey guys. So I've been reading around for a while and looking at different options and things for a new exhaust setup for the summer. I've decided I want a new mid-pipe and exhaust, but I have a bunch of questions:
1) I live in Mass and need to have cats (sadly :so). Is there an h-pipe that will fit the stock manifold that has cats? (I can't find one!)

2) With the cats, the setup won't be as loud, right? How can I get that back? I know SLP LM 1's and Flowmasters are used a lot but are there any other ways? (remember I live in Mass so it needs to pass inspection)

3) Do I REALLY need headers? I was thinking LT, but they're so expensive and with the install, my wallet would be crushed.

I guess I'm asking for a general idea of what some people would do if they were in my situation? Any help, links, etc would be appreciated.
Thanks everyone!

 

[Bullitt5339]

Hey guys. So I've been reading around for a while and looking at different options and things for a new exhaust setup for the summer. I've decided I want a new mid-pipe and exhaust, but I have a bunch of questions:
1) I live in Mass and need to have cats (sadly :so). Is there an h-pipe that will fit the stock manifold that has cats? (I can't find one!)

2) With the cats, the setup won't be as loud, right? How can I get that back? I know SLP LM 1's and Flowmasters are used a lot but are there any other ways? (remember I live in Mass so it needs to pass inspection)

3) Do I REALLY need headers? I was thinking LT, but they're so expensive and with the install, my wallet would be crushed.

I guess I'm asking for a general idea of what some people would do if they were in my situation? Any help, links, etc would be appreciated.
Thanks everyone!

1) Bassani makes an H Pipe with cats, good quality, but it's pricey. There's multiple catted X Pipes though.

2) LM1's are about the loudest you're going to get. They happen to sound good with cats. Although I think they sound like crap with off-road X pipes.

3) No, you don't need headers. There's very little gain (7-10hp) from headers. For the price and hassle of installing them, or the average $400 labor rate to install them, you can spend that money elsewhere and make a lot more horsepower for your $1000 or so.

I would personally buy an X with cats, and the Magnaflow catback, and call it done.

 

[Paj]

I spoke with a shop up in Manchester NH and he said he would put in a new H-pipe, cats, mufflers and tips for $500 including labor. He also told me he would put a few different mufflers on and let me choose the one I thought sounded best before welding them on. Just wondering if this is like an average price or if I'm getting a deal?
I didn't wanna start a whole new thread on this so I figured I'd ask on here. Thanks

 

[2Manystangs]

$500? there is no way, the cats alone cost $300+, the mufflers are $75-100 each and the tips $50 each: unless it is some china made crap...I have to say full length headers, hi flow h pipe with hi flow cats and performance mufflers should be considered the foundation for any performance car...long tubes make the car sound better too...don't go cheap, it only costs you in the long run...you can find deals on the parts on Ebay

 

[JoeLee]

MRT makes a nice H catted H pipe, although it is expensive. That, paired with the Borla Stinger catback, and you have a great sounding, very high quality setup.
And no, you don't need headers.

 

[fobra559]

$500? there is no way, the cats alone cost $300+, the mufflers are $75-100 each and the tips $50 each: unless it is some china made crap...I have to say full length headers, hi flow h pipe with hi flow cats and performance mufflers should be considered the foundation for any performance car...long tubes make the car sound better too...don't go cheap, it only costs you in the long run...you can find deals on the parts on Ebay

He was talking about the actual H pipe with cats, mufflers and tips including the labor work all for $500 Unless Platinum skyrocketed in value:scratchchin

 

[2Manystangs]

What brand? I'm telling you the parts alone are $500+

 

[Paj]

I didn't give him any specific brand but they carry flowmaster, magnaflow etc

 

[tacky06]

Man, that sounds crazy cheap! If the guy has a good reputation and is willing to do all of that for $500, I say go for it. As far as headers, If you decide to go that route, Go longtubes and get good ceramic coated ones. In my opinion, they are a hassle, expensive, and not a real necessity for a street vehicle.

 

[joker1999]

go with any x-pipe and 2 chamber flowmasters, with stock headers sounds really good!
99 gt x-pipe,2 chamber flows,3.73,diablo, cai,