looking into getting a new muffler for my 97 cl 3.0 to make it sound a little meaner than stock. should I just pay someone to do custom cat back piping or should I just switch out the muffler? if so, how would I go about doing that?

keep in mind that I am on a very tight budget (I would prefer below 200, but cheaper is always better if possible) and I cant get anything too obnoxious cuz my dad technically owns the car..

Thanks! First day on the site.

 

Most people here before went with custom 2.5' piping with magnaflow muffler. This is probably you best bang for buck. but its still over your budget considering materials and labor work. IMO any muffler you get will be obnoxious to your dad.

Check out the noob guide for more details.

 

so should I go for a magnaflow muffler and have them weld it on? I know a few people that might be able to do the welding for cheap.

 

I've got a magnaflow with the 2.5 piping. Sounds great. My exhaust tips I tried to have them look stock.

 

How much did that cost you, Germ? muffler, piping, and labor?

 

That's awesome you did it that way, if I ever can I'm doing exactly that.

 

If you're just looking for more sound, a muffler will be fine. I actually have a brand new weapon-r muffler for sale, if you're interested in a louder setup, let me know.

 

Um. Man that was like 10 years ago. But if I remember correctly I got my magnaflow from eBay for like 125. Piping was 60. And then to put everything on was 50 bucks. I got it done from some shop here in the east side and the guy hooked it up pretty koo. Well for the time I got it I suppose.

The only thing that sucks is taking the cl on long drives. Holy moly. I drove it to Vegas twice and both times it was pretty kill. Hahaha. Trying to find the perfect rpm so that the exhaust isn't all bad on the ears lol. U get used to it tho. My momma hates riding in my car hahahha

 

i'll look into piping from a local shop and welding from friends. my dad has a few connections.

 

but like 97 says. if yer looking for just the sound then a muffler will do. you plan on getting headers as well?

 

wasn't planning on it with the current budget and the fact that my dad is getting pissed just cuz I drive my car more than just going to school and back. now needs a new alternator and he flipped out on me for using a tank of gas about every week and a half or so. completely unrelated to the issue. but anyways, i'll probably hold off on the headers til I have more money flowing and more time.

and that alternator, (I believe it's the alternator) the car starts ok, but then putters out and all the electronics dim until it dies. is that the alternator? just wanna make sure.

 

that sounds a lot like my problem. actually that sounds EXACTLY like the problem i had. its only happened once. to be honest im not sure. im hoping one of the experts chime in. if its the alternator then imma go out and get one tomorrow..hahaha...

as far as your exhaust goes. to be honest if its money youre worried about i would do the exhaust later...i mean i guess it kinda depends on what youre going for. for me it was more audio visual rather than engine and performance. so the exhaust came after my tv's, subs, and what not. is your car lowered yet?...maybe do that first. unless you have super strict parents who really care what you do to your car. or maybe get a system. idk...just my two cents. gotta figure out what your priorities are as far as what you want to do first.

 

Yep, sounds like the alternator, hopefully it's that and not a fuel delivery issue

 

sounds good...need to get a new alternator anyway haha. would like a more powerful one..

zman the exhaust (i believe) that i have is the magnaflow 14815...its got a round dual tip with the 2.5 inch inlet. just checked on ebay and the price has jumped quite a bit from what i originally paid (bout 120) to 220...maybe i just got lucky...im sure you can find it at a better price somewhere else...or better yet look into the exhaust that chris (97black) is selling...i believe weapon r is a better brand anyway

 

a tip on the alternator, do yourself a favor and take out the radiator and fans when you remove it, it will not come out with those in there. If you have a multi-meter check the voltage coming off it first, before you replace it, just to make sure... should be putting out well above 13v.

 

thank you, sir. I will look into it.

as for the muffler, 97black, I'm very interested and I will probably ask my dad tonight (if he's in a good mood). i'll get word to you ASAP.

 

Germ, I already have a couple kicker subs in the trunk and that is plenty for me right now and idk about getting it lowered where i live. i would scrape all over the place..

by the way, i got offered $4,200 for my car the other day... i kinda wanna take it and buy a $2,000 mr2 that needs a bit of work. do you guys think that is a good idea at all? i mean, i know this is an acura forum and all, but does it sound decent?

 

4200 isnt bad at all. but to go get a car that does need work and if yourself isn't mechanically inclined isn't a good idea.

 

4200 isn't a bad deal, but I'd stay far away from an MR2 that is that cheap

 

ya i'm avoiding the mr2. he got an offer for 1600 and that's more than I would pay for it. any suggestions on a car I should look for if I sell the cl? lol

 

not much to play with for 4200, at least you know where that car has been or what not.

 

true. no unseen issues to surprise me. I think im gonna stick with it.

 

Checked out the muffler today, would like to get it out of my basement, hit me up