help figuring out a new exaust

[greenfun]

Okay, I don't know much when it comes to this stuff, so I was hoping you guys could give me your advice. I have a '91 non-turbo, on which the exaust is starting to get really loud and harsh sounding, expecialy when driven for extended periods of time, or after it get's hot from just regular driving. I figured I'd just put an entire new exhaust on the car, from the exhaust manafold down to the tips. But I have no clue what to start looking for, or what would even be a good buy. I don't need anything super spectacular, the car is all stock, and I just want it to sound good again. So, any advice or recomendations would greatly be appreceated. Thanks

[JekylandHyde]

If you start your exhausr at the manifold, you are going to be eliminating your primarty cat which is illegal (in the U.S.) unless you are going to be putting another car on somewhere else.

Most people start their exhaust at the bottom of the cat OT they buy a header to replace the manifold/cat combination.

As for getting an exhuast, I bought:
2 mufflers from summitracing.com for $16/each ($32 total).
2 shiny fancy pants tips from summit racing.com for $23/each ($46 total).

I took them to a local muffler shop and indicated where I want them mounted.

They charged my $250 for the piping needed and their fabrication time for a grant total of $328 installed. I get lots of compliments on the sound of my NA and the car is really pretty darn quiet.

[TRD2000]

got any pics of the setup Jeff?

[greenfun]

Thanks.
What all would I need to look for and consider for header?

[JekylandHyde]

I don't think I have any shots specifically of the exhaust ... not sure what you can see of it from the "rear" shots of Jekyl on my Web site.

If I did it again, I would get a loarger tip just so it fills the hole in the Aeroware rear skirt better ... but I would be leary of making it louder.

greenfun, there is not a big choice of headers out there. Find one and use it ... they are not much different from each other As long is bolts up to the factory location AND has the bung to fit the OEM O2 sensor you are good to go.

[greenfun]

Thanks again JekylandHyde,
But now I have even more questions. Well 3 questions:
First: What do you mean by "bung to fit the OEM O2 sensor"?
Second: Are headers generaly a lot louder than having a muffler on? I'm assuming they would be, but I don't really know what kind of sound a header provides.
Third: If I did go with a header, would I also have to buy piping to be ran from the header, to the end of the car, or is that usualy included?
Thanks for all your help, you're saving me one massive migrane from trying to figure out this stuff on my own, and probably some cash since I'll actualy semi know what I'm looking for now

[JekylandHyde]

1. Your car has an 02 sensor. It senses the amount oxygen in the exhaust. That sensor needs a mounting hole to be put onto the exhaust. This is called a "bung." Withough it, there is no place to put the sensor!

2. Headers do NOT replace the muffler. On the non-turbo MR2, the header would replace the cataytic converter and the exhaust manifold. Sine it gets rid of the "cat" it would be louder. The cat does quiet things down. Generally speaking, the more power you make, the more noise you are going to make.

3. The header ends at the bottom of the engine. That being said, you will still need the rest of the piping. I would recommend including at least one muffler in that piping. Most exhausts are sold as "cat back" systems. That means the start at the end of the cat ... in this case, it would bolt up to the end of the header.