Exhaust Systems ??!!

[SilverSpec-V]

I'm really confused with the difference between a full exhaust system, cat back exhaust system, and just the can muffler / exhaust. I know the cat back will pass Calif. Emmission test, but that is all I know.

I'm looking to upgrade my exhaust with a nice deep mellow sound, I don't want to wake the dead or set off alarms, but one that can increase some power. I don't want to spend a whole lot, but I also don't want a P.O.S installed.

Can someone explain the difference between these different systems, so I can make the best decision. Thanx.

[hinggu]

a full exhaust system will generally consist of headers(optional), downpipe, which is from the header down, the mid pipe after, and then the cat and cat back. the catback bolts directly onto the cat and is usually mandrel bent. this means that the piping diameter remains the same, regardless of bends. factory bends are usually crush bent, meanning smaller diameters at the bends.
different mufflers have different sounds. generally, the bigger mufflers will be quieter. however, companies like APEX makes some mufflers with a loud sound. i have the N1 turbo and the thing is so loud, it rattles my interior.
it is probably the best to get a cat back system, rather than a universal (just the muffler). usually, the catbacks are designed to increase horsepower, whereas the universal do, but since you are using the factory piping, it may not be as benificial
hope this helps

[sr20odee]

stromung cat back systems have what you described to a T.. deep throaty sound but not so annoying that it bothers any one. pretty basic gains. definatly one of the better exhasut systems for this car..

[SilverSpec-V]

Thanx for the explaination hinggu, but if the cat back sould increase power, what about just the universal muffler with matched piping "from" cat to muffler? Will that increase or decrease power? If I get just the cat-back or the universal now, can I still add a header later?

sr20odee, is there a website to check out that stromung cat back system?

Thanx for the help.

[sr20odee]

http://www.stromung.com/

scarily enought they havent really updated there site. however you can order it direct from them..

i just bought a 2 year old stromung from sentra styling on here.. ssthe muffler it self is in awesome condition.. and the mid pipe is in excelent condition(after a mild restoration cleaning off road grime. )it is by far the best quality ive seen..

[hinggu]

a universal muffler will generally increase horsepower because it is a straight through design. However, you have to be careful because some universal mufflers are what they call louvered. these will actually have little "bumps" or i guess hills which are supposed to help with sound, but these kill horsepower.
A universal with matching piping should be as effective, but remember, most places do crush bending. this will rob horsepower since it causes ripples in the piping and different diameters. i had mine crush bent because it was cheaper. if you can find a shop which does mandrel, then it shouldn't be a problem! but mandrel is expensive. You can also order some piping that is already mandrel bent and get a muffler specialist to piece it together for you.
Cat backs are usually also designed to try and give your car the most hp gain, with things such as piping diameter.
Universals would be a good idea to set your car apart since most people would probably get the catback.
cat backs may also be cheaper because it comes with stainless steel. i had a custom catback built for me in stainless steel and it cost me over $400 canadian! Also, becareful not to go to big with your piping. Some backpressure on naturally aspirated engines is good. I went with 2 and a half inch.
also, headers can come later. it bolts to your engine and joins your downpipe.
hope this helps!

[SilverSpec-V]

Thanx for the detailed explaination hinggu. I heard the Greddy exhaust pipes sound nice and are good, that's why I was asking about the universal pipes. Most of the cat backs I 've checked out are roughly $500 and up here in the U.S. So if you only paid $400 Canadian, I think you got a pretty good deal.

Thanx for the site sr20odee.

[SilverSpec-V]

Sorry hinggu, I gave you the wrong info on the prices I gots for the cat-backs.

[hinggu]

the 400 candian wasa for the piping only. the universal muffler costed me another 450. so my custom cat back actually costed 950 roughly.

[doctaCspecV]

hey is the VRS catback mandrel bent???????????

[sr20de4evr]

Originally posted by doctaCspecV
hey is the VRS catback mandrel bent???????????

yes

[SilverSpec-V]

That is a lot of freakin money. I see what you mean now when you say it's cheaper to get the cat-back system. Thanx for the 411. That makes it much easier for me to decide now.