Best exhaust?
 

Ok so i have a mechanic who will install an exhaust system for me for pretty cheap but he cannot do a full catback because he has nothing to bend the piping or something like that. What is the best custom setup that i can have him do? I was leaning more towards a magnaflow system but i need to know exactly what I need to tell him what to do so he knows whats parts to order and what needs to be done right. He has never worked on a CL before so he doesnt know what is best. He was going to look up something that was a direct bolt on but it looks like most of the people on here dont get those. I have a 2002 base cl that im having this done on.

If he can't bend pipe, then he can't do a custom exhaust. You need something that is a direct bolt on. Are you looking for a cat-back or an axle back? I don't think anyone makes a cat-back for our cars anymore. Comptech axlebacks will bolt right up but are $. There's, tanabe, greddy, magnaflow to name a few brands. Do a search lots of info here.

If he can't bend pipe, you can either buy a prefabbed cat back, or go to another shop and get the pipe bent

I was looking for something that is going to be the cheapest but also have really good sound and performance. i have looked alot on the site but there are so many different options and im not sure exactly what i should go with. is there anything that isnt going to cost me more than $300?

if that is all u want to spend i would say get a used set of comptech mufflers or just get magnaflow mufflers and have a shop fit them. A full cat-back like tanabe will be over 800. Comptech mufflers new are 600. I dont see getting a full cat-back for 300 or less.

On a side note i think the thread title should be changed since an exhaust under 300 can never be the best. Also if he cant bend pipe how can he possibly make it custom since that is what makes it custom?

lol a full custom exhaust under $300 doesnt exist.

Get the used comtech axleback for 250-350 used. You can do that yourself and save the money for labor. They sound best. Also get the headers. Best you can get for auto CL is are comptech but then again they are pricey. So get the DC headers new design and you'll love the sound.

I have XS headers and comptech axleback.

Watch in HD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btg7Mrgx6Oc

Well thats all i really want to spend. i will spend more if its going to make a big difference i just dont want to be spending $1000 on an exhaust system

just get axle backs and call it a day. you dont need a full exhaust unless your boosted.

search "magnaflow mufflers". Lots of people use a certain universal muffler....can't remember the part # though. You'll find it if you do that search though. Should be pics somewhere too.

:agree:

:werd: You definitely can do axlebacks for $300

comptechs even.

According to the CL FAQ after market exhaust (everything from the CAT back) will net you 1-2 hp so it's really not worth it from a performance pov. Headers are your best bang for the buck

Wrong, a full cat back wont net you much over just axle backs. Replacing the mufflers themselves will gain about 5-10hp depending on the mufflers used.

doing the full cat back is mostly for sound.

i agree, get the axel backs if you don't want to spend $1k

So let me ask you guys this.
I think my cat is done.
I noticed searched out systoms for clogged,broken,and melted innerds.
And know I think I hear it rattling about 1k rpms.
with that being said.
I have headers and delete mufflers now and I was thinking I would get a hi flow cat of some sort and a nice resonator and have it piped in.
Will I see any gains or will I just be fixing a problem ?
I thought I read somewhere it is befitting to run a hi flow cat and bigger intermediate pipe on a clp vs doing the same with a cls.
Any truth in that ?

This is the best bang for your buck.
 

Electric cutout, just a push of the button you go wide open and still have stock exhaust. Good for the sleeper look


http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p...xhaustclip.flv

Have you ever been on it with the exhaust set up then opened the Electric cut out and felt more power ?

i just got my magnaflow 14832 which is wat most people on the forum gets. OP, you should search youtube for cls with the magnaflow exhaust and listen to it. That should be within your $300 budget.

Hes supercharged, so yes he would feel more power. Being NA though you wont feel much.

True True, but even not s/c I bet you wont even notice a difference since our exhaust setups are free flowing from factory.

bs man you do not gain 5-10 hp from mufflers on stock setup

nice try though....

My 03 6-spd had HKS Super Draggers on it. The sound was like a tamer 1st gen 350Z.
http://image46.webshots.com/47/9/89/...1vWxAVE_ph.jpg

Yes you do. Thats a common misconception that people have due to the way Comptech worded their statement on their website.

But the bullet-point above that one is:

http://www.ct-engineering.com/store/240111.html

But, seeing some of your replies clearly you know best. Thanks for the attitude too :thumbsup:

I gained power when the cat back went in.

Thanks for adding to the misconceptions.

dyno sheet showing more than just 1-2 hp or you are full of it........ please post them up showing stock exhaust from cat back and modified exhaust from cat back.........on your car...oh and make sure you are on the stock tune as well


btw headers give you the BIGGEST jump from stock by giving you 30HP and moving the power peak further up the rpm range....

30hp is on the high end. Come on now, if you are trying to prove a point, dont exaggerate.

Show your proof they do not BECAUSE YOU ARE FULL OF IT!

Oh and who said you are running anything but your mouth.

God what a pompous a*s!