The "cheap" exhaust option

[puckdud]

why not go the super cheap route and just do it yourself?? how hard could it be to take the muffler off with a saws-all then buy some metal pipe in the right diameter from pep-boys or whatever, use some clamps to attach it and then throw a tip on the end, job done. Right? seems like that would be the cheapest, plus you would be able to get your hands dirty

I actually did this on my old chevy pick up a few years ago, and I liked the turn out, I just cant bring myself to do it to a brand new car... Eventually I'll have an exhaust shop do it the right way and get it done the way I want

 

[Swordsmith]

If you only want noise and looks, then I don't see any reason to get some super fancy expensive piping done. Replacing the muffler, resonator, or both, with straight pipes, is cheap and easy, it won't help performance much, but it will definitely make more noise. Nobody is going to be lying down on the ground under your car checking out how the system looks. So for looks, the only important part is the tip itself. Just shop around for tips, at your auto parts store, online, and hey, how about the junk yard? Find one that is attractive to you and add it to the end of your piping, done deal!

You might want to check the laws in your state though regarding exhaust system changes. In PA, for example, you aren't supposed to remove the muffler, aren't supposed to replace cats unless they go bad. No word on Resonator... Anyway, I figure if you replace cats (but don't go straight pipe) probably nobody will even know the difference, except your Chevy dealer, and if you replace the muffler with a bored out one that doesn't do anything but just Looks like a muffler, you're probably fine, but subbing in straight pipe might be asking a bit much.

 

[wingman]

To an extent...i don't think there is much you can do to the exhaust to improve anything other than sound. The claimed gains of aftermarket exhaust are only noticeable to the ear. Other than that, its a placebo effect maybe? My bigger exhaust doesn't seem to be providing anything other than noise and the obvious increased volume. I have not been on a dyno to prove/disprove, but it seems to be a sound mod.

 

[EzekeiL]

I was thinking about just rolling with straight pipe from the cat back. Do it myself on a weekend im sure. Ive heard some sound clips and it doesnt seem to bad!

Think I will wait for a tune tho just because I wanna have at least something to back up some extra noise...haha...im with swordsmith on this one tho. No one will be looking under your car. There are plenty of resources available to make sure you do it the right way and it would be plenty cheaper! What do you think you would be able to do right?? Most of the bends look pretty normal. Just need to find someone to weld you some hangers or figure something else out...coat hangers or whatever. As long as it doesnt rattle your golden!!

 

[severous01]

buy the magnaflow and have a muffler shop do the rest. i had a quote for full stainless from the cat back (legally they can go no further up, but you can piece that in later) for less than 200. not including the muffler. so for less than 400 you can have everything you want/need...except the downpipe and cat.