Exhaust advice

[technobear]

I have a 2k3 Touring Edition, N/A. I know what i want to do for the intake and iginition systems to wake it up. But what i cant figure out is what to do for the exhaust. If at all possible id like to avoid replacing the entire exhaust system. I have looked at items like PT-Tuning's "BTG™ GT Turbo Tuned "Stage 1" Axle/back". but it appears that this comes with the pipes leading up to the muffler. Isnt the muffler on these vehicles right at the rear valance? Are there any reccomended mufflers (or "coffee cans") that people use to compliment thier intake. I cant be the only one that dosent want to spend $500 on a complete exhaust when the pipes that are there are sufficent.

[MichaelDay]

Sure, there are lots of mufflers you can buy and have welded on. The axle back units are taking advantage of an existing joint in the stock tailpipe so no cutting or welding is required.

If you don't mind the cutting and welding routine, try Magnaflow (http://www.magnaflow.com) or Aeroturbine (http://www.aero-turbine.com). You can buy just the muffler from either of them. Your local muffler shop or speed shop should also have a variety of mufflers available which can be put on after the stock muffler is cut off with a torch.

[technobear]

Not, good... I didnt want to cut. What are some of the axle back setups? Are you referring to the CatBack systems? i thought those replaced everything from the Caty on back.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by technobear

Not, good... I didnt want to cut. What are some of the axle back setups? Are you referring to the CatBack systems? i thought those replaced everything from the Caty on back.

They do. The stock system is 1-piece from cat on back, so that's what replacements match. Anything else, you have to cut. For performance, a single flow-thru design will do - duals are mainly to add visual appeal, and singles don't run $500.

[sca037]

We had the same concerns as technobear, so we bought a Supertrapp muffler and had our local muffler shop make a connector pipe from the joint in front of the rear axle and weld a hanger on the muffler to mount it in the stock location. The nice thing about this approach is that it would be an easy swap to put the stock piece back on (for whatever reason!) It looks fantastic and saved a ton of weight, but was quite loud on our N/A car so we had to tune it with the discs. Nice throaty sound now, instead of hardly even being able to hear the engine before [?]
I don't know how to post a picture here, but I can email one if you like.........

Brian

[Konkeler]

I wouldn't bother with a ignition system, the stock one is fine. It might make a slight difference, but you won't notice it at all. Intake really won't make all that much of a difference either, couple hp is probally all you'll get.

But a intake and ignition really won't "wake it up".

It's a shame these cars don't have a really good aftermarket. You're very limited on the performance end.

[GR8FLPT]

I have the BTG duals, if $$$ is the issue, then go with the single. but putting a cat back in is no more work than an axel back system. just maybe 2 more bolts to remove.[:I]

once its in the iar, its easy to do. Had I'd realize how easy it was, I would have installed it myself the 1st time. I found out there was nothing to it when I installed a header. Now that was a bit of work, but again... once on the lift it is easier to do than on stands.

[RallyDRock]

axle back is exactly what it says
cat back replaces the midpipe also.
Replacing the "whole" exhaust would be header, cat, pipes and muffler.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by Konkeler

I wouldn't bother with a ignition system, the stock one is fine.

Agree - except for longevity, replace with Champion platinum plugs, and get good wires like Crane or magnecore. The stock wires don't last.

[yellowsnow]

I suggest going with the aero-turbine it is seriously the best muffler. They shouldnt even call it a muffler. Cause it dosent muffel it speeds up the exhaust coming out of your pipes,lowers exhaust gas temps and best of all it gave me 2 more miles to the gallon. Better gas milage.....