VaTECh_CL

Hey guys and girls (if you guys haven't scared them all off already), haven't posted on here in a long while.

So I was driving the other day and noticed that my car sounds like a dying race car. After careful inspection I noticed that my OEM muffler has a considerable hole in it. I'd like to get it fixed sooner than later, b/c it's kind of embarassing driving around. I sort of decided that I was done modding the CL, but if a new aftermarket muffler is going to be a similar price to the OEM one, I my as well upgrade. I've always wanted the Magnaflow 14816 or the 14806. I'd get a 22" reasonator as well to keep it not too obnoxious.


I'm guessing it'll be like $250 for the resonator and muffler, my question is how much will the install run me to get the 2.5" mandrel bent piping? I'm trying not to spend too much money to get this done, but figured if the upgrade wasn't much more than just getting it fixed, then it'd be worth it.

Another question, not at all related to the muffler, my headlights seem to be dimming more lately b/c of my subs. Is that an indication that my alternator is dying? I feel like they didn't dim as much before, or maybe I just wasn't paying attention and didn't notice.

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

I got a quote for exactly that plus headers for $200. The headlights, either your battery or your alt is failing. Do you have a cap for your amp?

VaTECh_CL

no, I actually don't have a cap, which I know would be a fix, I'm not as worried about the dimming as much as I am about the reason that they're dimming.

So maybe <$200 w/o headers?

AznX TL

how old is your battery?

VaTECh_CL

I don't think it's the battery. It's probably 20 months old.

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

Then your alt is probably going, I have an optima yellow top, new alt, and a 3 farrad cap and no dimming for me

Vidman213

+1 for the 14816, I had one sounds great (I had no resonator though)

gobias

I've got the 14816 and a 22" resonator and it sounds great. The installation for both with mandrel bent piping cost me about $150.

VaTECh_CL

since I don't have headers, and probably won't be getting them, is it really worth it to get the mandrel bent piping?

The main reason I'm getting this muffler is for necessity and probably won't be getting headers.

I have an offer to get a used Magnaflow 14815 for $100. Should I get it and just keep the 2.25" piping.


btw, my exhaust got exponentially louder on the way home today, this needs to be fixed soon.

VaTECh_CL

also, what is the benefit of getting a magnaflow resonator as opposed a stock resonator?

gobias

Yes on the mandrel bent piping. If you get crush bent pipes it'll sound like a weed-eater. I have 2.25" piping on mine and it's fine but you'll have to have some of the pipe replaced anyway if you get a resonator.
I'd definitely say yes to a resonator too. Without one, your car may be too loud for you. My 22" resonator quiets down the exhaust to a perfect noise level for me but some people prefer the 18" or no resonator at all. Search around on the site and there are sample clips of people with a 22" resonator so you can hear what yours will sound like.

G22_Powered_YA1

im not liking where this is going....... im running an Optima red, with a 1 Farad cap and im still dimming, and Im only running a 500W draw

then again its a 3 year old battery and the alternator is run by an underdrive crank pulley

1slo23

you should for sure go with the mandrel bent pipe. I made the mistake of getting the crush bent kind when my old exhaust went bad and kept my HKS muffler and now its loud and annoying. I'm looking into a full new catback soon

davzilla

i have a 4yr old yellow top, no cap, 800w amp.

and no dimming. :p

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

500 watts is nothing. I have a 4 y/o yellow top that still starts my car right up

G22_Powered_YA1

yeah im starting to struggle on the start ups, yellow top here I come

rice_plz

well i just got my apexi muffler and 22 resonator put on with 2.25 piping on weds it cost me about $200 its a whole lot better then my other muffler i had. Its more of a deep growl now still lounder then i thought but its nice still

Jtbecool

Finally had the exhaust system I've been slowly piecing together installed. Had a magnaflow hi-flow cat, new sensors, 22''magnaflow res, and obx muffler installed with 2.5" piping. I also have the headers which I installed months ago. Sounds pretty nice at certain speed but is occasionally too loud for my liking. I'm getting used to it though, and can't wait to take it on the highway tommorow to see how it sounds at higher speeds. Cost me $300 to have installed, which was fine by me. Everything's a lil' pricier here in Canada. They did a really good job, now I just need to fix the leaky flex pipe on my ol' headers.

VaTECh_CL

Old thread, but I think my exhaust is slowly getting louder again. Is that going to just be because I cheaped out and bought a used muffler? Would getting a new muffler fix the problem, or could it be something else?

VaTECh_CL

Also, is my car going to pass an emissions test in VA?

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

Loudness usually points to your resonator, did you put a new resonator on? Never said for sure if you did or not in this thread

VaTECh_CL

yea, I put on a new 22" magnaflow resonator and a used 14815 magnaflow muffler, plus new piping

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

and it's getting louder? I'd take it to an exhaust shop and have them check for leaks

VaTECh_CL

Is Midas a bad place to take it?

Josh99CL

If they're just checking for leaks anyone should be fine that does any exhaust work.

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

They're cheap and convenient