I need a catback system becuase my muffler is broken and pipes have holes in them. I was wondering if local auto parts stores carry pipes and mufflers that don't require welding, possibly just exhaust clamps. I know this probably sounds like a stupid question but the welds are usually what rusts through first.

 

have the welds painted.
and they should

 

So no matter what i would need a welder?

 

no, you can use a clamp together system, but it WILL rust faster than a welded system.

 

Cool, i just need something for e-check. I don't care about rust, just something cheap. It would also be nice to not have exhaust fuming in through the rusted out floor pans and holes in the trunk.

 

so have a shop make you a system.
I did that, cost me $50 of course now I need a cat cause they warped the flange so it leaks

 

Do you mean like bend pipes to fit the shape of the car? Or do you mean buy the parts from some place and just have them weld it together?

 

I had them bend the pipes to fit, actually it was more of bend, cut, weld, bend, cut, weld repeat type deal. at least it'll give me a template fot my next upgrade.

 

- 50 bucks sounds like a great price (except that warping problem)
-Im doing exhaust now, im going to by 2 1/2 inch pipes form the local car shop and weld them togeather (myself) then try and use the old flages for the cat (old hangers too) and no more rezinator.
-after everything is welded im going to sand down the pipes with 1000 grit paper, and paint them black with an engine paint.. this should keep them looking good, but im just scared of leekes and how im going to deal with them after the exaust is on.
-im using a MIG welder, any tips on making a nice leak free welds? power settings? i can use a TIG welder (is that better, for this type of job?) but i never used it before

 

I just got done, welding in a new 8" flex for the Cattman Y(really thin metal btw) and his flex sections are way too short. And put a new cat in. Since I use ball joint flanges(no gaskets), I had to cut and weld them to the new flex/cat. New cat was shorter(4 gen cat) so I some dimensions had to be played with. But the longer flex and shorter cat, I could play with the dimensions w/o adding any new pipe. System is super quiet with the 2k max muffler. Pipe is 2.5". Butt welding is a pain. If you can slip joint everything, that DEFINATELY the way to go.

 

It would be more expensive, but Warpspeed sells a catback that just slips together. Comes with everything you need, and fitment is very nice. I have not had a problem with mine, and I have had it for about 1.5 years now. The only parts that are kinda rusted are the clamps.

 

jeff- where did u get thoes " ball joint flanges"? how much?
-what did u use as the new flex section? I'm thinking about using that Flexable (Spring looking) exaust pipe.
-did u have to replace any hangers?

 

1) Header place.
2) Same as what is stock and what is on the cattman Y, just longer. Search for braided steel flex or just call any muffler shop. You will probably have to wait a day to get it. I ordered a 2.5" size. About $70. I've seen them online for like $50. I needed mine the next day though.
3) I had to cut/bend/reweld the hanger right under the flex(near the 02 sensor) but that's it. But I only redid the system from the Y's flex to the end of the cat.

All of this is pretty easily researched online etc...

 

good info .. thanx