Alright, here's my question, which searching didn't answer 100% since there weren't any posts on my exact subject that I could find...
Problem: Time to get the exhaust fixed. Yep, two studs snapped, and the *excellent* muffler techs I brought it to put a "custom performance" exhaust on. And never fixed the problem.
The exhaust is, yes, custom... But it's not performance... Just makes noise now, which I like, it's a low bass rumble.
I've had the exhaust problem since I bought my car about 15 months ago, and I need to actually get it fixed. I even had a new manifold put on! So they claim... I haven't cooled off enough to get down there and see, I'm afraid I may fly back to Illinois and slay them all with a wooden spoon...
But anyhoo... What I was thinking, and since I don't know much at all about exhausts I figured I'd ask, is maybe instead of just getting it fixed, putting a performance replacement there instead.
But I don't know if it's a cost-effective solution, and by cost-effective I mean not much more then actually getting it replaced...
So, yes I would have to pay for installation, too, at least for the heads, I have a buddy that'll do the rest, but he will not touch the heads on a foreign car.
So, at $62/hr, with at least 6 hours in the books, and quite possibly a lot more then that, what could I possibly put as a replacement for around $400-700?

 

i believe this a dealer preferred job...not cheap either,i would call and talk to a nissan tech..just to get a good idea,that rear manifold is a btch...luckily i got a 20% break on parts and service @ somerville nissan..but studs are good

 

Just take it to a competent mechanic and supply the proper upgraded studs (can't remember if all of them are now stronger but double check). There's nothing specialized about fixing this, it's just a major PITA and labor intensive.

 

I am well aware of the PITA that job is, and what it requires... I've talked to a lot of people about it.
But, my real question is, are there any performance modification I can make instead of just getting it straight repaired, that will also cure the problem... Like getting custom headers, or... <shrug> dunno what else would go in that spot... I thought I knew what a Y-Pipe was until I saw the picture, and now I'm all confused

 

no, there are no performance parts you can put on the manifolds.. just remove the stock ones, change the studs, check the manifolds for warpage, and reinstall. if they're warped, then you need to have them milled so they're true (flat across the mounting surface so they'll seal against the engine when you put a new gasket on).

you'll have to remove the Y pipe to get to the manifolds, so you may want to install one while you're doing the work. it won't cost any extra labor and will give you a nice performance gain.. but it won't do anything to solve or cover up your broken stud problem.

 

Alrighty, that's what I was looking for, thanx
I know the manifolds are brand new, but they may have warped (They told me the problem was a cracked manifold, which may have been the case, but they ARE the weakest link...)

I've been thinking about getting the Cattman Y-Pipe, and I was looking at their site... Now, I was wondering, do I need to order 2 (One for each side) or just one? And would I have to change any other part of my exhaust to fit them in? Or should I not even really worry about it?
Only reason I ask is because the only thing that's still stock on my exhaust is the muffler...

 

you only need one Y pipe. it's the part under the engine that connects the front and rear manifolds together, then directs the exhaust into the cat.
it will bolt right in with no other modifications necessary anywhere (except removing one mounting bracket under the engine, no biggie.)

I would also recommend Warpspeed performance over cattman, simply because the prices are much cheaper and they offer a 4 year warranty on their parts.
www.warpspeedperformance.com

 

Alrighty, I was looking at that, but I saw the price, and for some reason I kept confusing the price of the Cattman Y-Pipe and CAI, that's why I was going to choose them... Hrmmm, guess that's another month I'll have to save up before doing it Or actually... I may just fix it first, and see if my friend will put the Y-pipe on for me....
Thanx for your help!