Ok, so I'm planning on doing my exhaust this spring. I've researched all the parts, gone through tons of threads, etc. I'm planning on going with Cattman and getting the y-pipe and rear end. I'm not going with headers because of the $$$ and labor costs. Plus, I unfortunately don't have the tools or time to do it myself. I was thinking of going with just the rear end because I basically need a replacement muffler for my rusty OEM one. The AE already has a free flowing exhaust so it would be pointless to get a catback because the HP gains would be minimal. Am I correct?

I am also going with the y-pipe, and wanted to know if I would pass inspection with this. I live in NJ and the inspections are pain in the a$$. I was also looking into the B-pipe, because I know these two mods will give me the most HP, but again, will the car pass inspection? Would going with the y and b pipe still keep my car legal?

Any advice/comments would be appreciated. Thanks...

 

I don't know how picky NJ is or whether they do a visual inspection. Removing precat to install Y-Pipe is not legal. I had trouble finding a shop to do this. Having said that, I have the Y-Pipe and B-Pipe with stock rear section (muffler) and I just passed OR emissions testing. However, they did not do a visual. As long as car is fully warmed up and you have not thrown any codes, you should pass emission testing. Can't say about visual.

 

I was also thinking of going with the complete Cattman exhaust kit, from y-pipe to muffler because buying it all together saves some money, BUT, will the catback be pointless on an already free flowing exhaust?

EDIT- Plus, is a high flow cat really needed?

 

Catback includes a B-Pipe that is more free flowing than OEM B-Pipe. As far as the rear section (muffler), that won't gain all that much, but may sound a little louder (better?) When my OEM muffler goes, I will probably replace it with a Cattman muffler. From what I hear, Frankencar makes a good catback and might be a little cheaper. Personally, I would stay with the Cattman Y-Pipe, but that's just me.

 

here in chi town..you wouldn't pass the inspection with a y-pipe

 

I passed NY State inspection with my Cattman Y Pipe & Cattman cat back exhaust installed in October with no problems what so ever.

 

I thought the over the axel pipe would be the biggest gain because the stock isn't mandrel bent? IS the stock mandrel bent??

 

Well I'm going to end up replacing my muffler anyway, so does it make sense to just go for the catback for some more HP gains (if any), or just the rear section for the new muffler. I know the muffler won't help out performance but my old muffler looks like crap and I need a new one. I know most of the power comes from the pre cat, so I'll be getting the y-pipe too.