I'm ready to invest on some performance gaining mods. Since budget is still a little tight, I would like to know from those who know if I should get the Y-pipe or a cat-back system first? I was at a muffler shop today and had asked for a Y-pipe for my car. He had asked me why I would need it if I wasn't going to change the entire exhaust system. A 3" y-pipe won't make a difference if the rest of the system is still restrictive. So my other question is, what's the diameter of the stock maxima's cat, straight, and b-pipe?

If I should get a cat-back or just a muffler, what do you all recommend? I don't want a system that's too loud but I do want it to growl when I mash the accelerator. Most importantly, I do not want the ricey tone, just a deep growl.

 

Get the Y-pipe first.. it is more restrictive than the stock catback and you *will* notice a difference. The stock Y is very restrictive.

If and when you do get a catback installed make sure you get a decent resonator. I used the stock resonator on my 3rd gen's custom catback and it was just way too loud. It didn't sound whiny but just gutteral and annoying. I honestly wish I kept it stock, even if I gained 4-6hp.

 

you will definitly notice the y pipe. especially above 3.5-4k rmps. it'll pull harder. if i were you though i'd buy a budget y and save up the cash for a catback at a muffler shop($200 including muff & install). do it all at once you'll love it...i'v had my whole exhuast done for 3 months and i love it. save up.

 

get a budget ypipe and bpipe for about 375 shipped, and do the install yourself keep your stock muffler. it will growl nicely without the huge and sometimes annoying noise.

 

Thanks for the input but my concern is that even if I get a y-pipe and cat-back all at once, wouldn't there still be restrictions in the exhaust system because of the cat? I just don't see how there would be a performance increase if exhaust gases was to travel thru a big pipe (y-pipe), then small pipe (cat), then big pipe again (cat-back). There would definitely be back pressure because of the cat's smaller diameter. Does anyone have a better explanation why this combo would increase performance?

 

Stock cat is 2 1/2", the stock B-Pipe is 2 1/4 and in places it is crushed much smaller than that. The Y-Pipe is also very restrictive because of the pre-cats.

Short answer the stock cat is the same size diameter as the aftermark B and Y-Pipe.

Buy the Budget Y and B-Pipe, you can't go wrong. Also get the resonator.

 

Thanks Jime, so the stock y-pipe is smaller than 2.5" and budget or warpspeed y-pipes are 2.5" . Ok that explains the increased performance from the aftermarket y-pipe, I'm getting this first. Why get the resonator too, I thought the resonator is to tame the louder exhaust sounds from a cat-back system? Also, does the front and rear o2 sensors go in the aftermarket y-pipe as well? I see a hole on each pipe where the Y part is.

 

Get the resonator only if you get the B-Pipe, it does exactly what you said.

Yes on the O2 Sensors, they just plug into the aftermarket Y.

Don't waste your money on a hi-flow cat they won't help any, if you want any more performance gut the cat or get a straight pipe to replace it.

 

I know y-pipes are intended for race track use only but many org members have them on their daily driver. I was told that the warpspeed passes smog. What about the budget brand?

 

they all pass smog once the car is up to operating temp.

 

Get a y-pipe if you want ~18 WHP: http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/504

-Frank

 

what if i wanted a budget B w/ resonator. are there any mufflers you guys recommend that are quiet as well afford some (even if lil) performance gains?