NO this is not another "What Header/muffler/rez should I use?" thread! :P

My car's Over-Axle pipe is cracked and funneling most of the spent gases up into the frame. I got it checked out at a local shop, and I've been given a quick/dirty option (which obviously i didn't take otherwise i wouldn't be here) that involved installing a little flex piece to reconnect the two, but i was told that the problem may crop up again and I may need to redo the cat along with it, or the "proper way" which seemed to involve that pipe along with a new muffler. I'm leaning on the new muffler option but having this hole has taught me how much the VQ appreciates less flow restriction so i figured I'd go aftermarket. What I need to know from anyone who can tell me or point me to the right place, Is where can i get this section in full stainless, as the shops I visited apparently only have aluminized piping available. My thoughts was to grab an HKS Sport Muffler and their site lists it "with rear section". Is that what I'm looking for? Or is there some place out there that will get me Stainless sections of this pipe to fit up?

 

the part "over the axle" is actually two parts
the b-pipe and muffler connect over the rear axle.

that being said, which side is cracked? its sounds to me like the rear section (muffler). if it is, thats no where near the cat.

i had the same problem (rust on the flanges of both pieces where they connect). the exhaust place suggested removing the flanges and welding a new piece in. i didnt like that idea so i installed a stainless steel b-pipe (frankencar) and am going to install a stainless steel rear section soon.

 

How so?

There is little to nothing to gain from a cat-back except a louder exhaust unless you have other "exhausting" modifications. (header, hi-flo cats, etc.)

 

and other intake mods
more air in...more air out

 

I don't think an Intake makes a real difference till you have headers...

As said before, if you go aftermarket cat-back, it is mainly for sound or for the Stainless Steel. And really... The muffler makes the least difference, the VERY few Hp you gain from a cat-back is from the b-pipe.

 

thats why i have a frankencar b-pipe and stock cat

what i meant was...exhaust work makes the intake better and an intake makes exhaust work better.

 

I would say go with a Cattman rear. Nothing matches the quality, at least that iv'e come across. You seem to be surprised with the results of a better flowing exhaust.it will be about $300, and in the future you can add the other components that provide maximum flo. good luck!

 

I know what you ment... But I wanted to clarify so he does not think he needs to run and get an intake for his cat-back.

 

Well, This is possibly an indicator of where the crack is? The shop that could slap it up on the rack yesterday at 5pm told me the information in my first post, but wasn't EXACT about the location, Just said "the pipe going over the rear axle". However, based on the information you guys are feeding me, there may indeed be additional problems, or the problem's exact location has to do with the B-pipe. This would explain the additional responsiveness in my engine (which, coincidentally, is even BETTER up past 80mph) and possibly attribute itself to the secondary sound that reminds me of my Dad's FD3S when you put your foot down. Actually, the two sounds together sounds ALOT like his FD come to think of it. The exhaust note between 1800-3500rpm dropped an octive, and as the revs increase, a (forgive my lack of technical terminology for this) a "Whooooshhhhhhhhh" sound seems to be coming from closer up to the front of the car, almost like a turbo.

PS- Originally my intent was to get a GReddy EVO2 unit but their site doesn't seem to have my specific application. I cited the HKS Sport Exhaust because it indicated "with rear section" and that it's totally stainless. I also saw some basic pieces over at Borla's website and was thinking that maybe i should grab some individual pieces and have whatever shop i choose to bend it up and fit it in, thus avoiding the aluminzed crap. My intent was to see if someone carries a pre-bent section that i believe i need, so I could avoid all the custom-fitment labor. Any other suggestions please lemme know.

 

Just get a complete stainless cat-back from Cattman and save yourself the hassle.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=520339

 

damn Puppetmaster, you're fast at replying

I think I may just have to take up that Suggestion, but the problem is what I was looking at appears cheaper to start with, and considering my tight budget, I'm debating the risk.

 

I guess an alternative might be to get a Cattman b-pipe and fab up a rear section the way you originally planned to. Thing with that is labor and parts (and effort) could end up being more than just buying the Cattman rear too. I had a nice Magnaflow in my hands once but it was so hard finding a local place that had mandrel bends (at a reasonable price) for the inlet pipe that I just got an entire cat-back.

But before all this, have you pinpointed the exact location of the exhaust leak?

Regardless, given where you live, I think a stainless cat-back is a good investment if you're going to keep the car for a while.

 

Thanks for pointing out the sale Puppetmaster; I called up Brian today and put it on order. I totally agree with you, the more I was looking into it, it looked like the more crap I'd have to deal with. Alot of .org peeps on here got the cat-back already, so I'm sure I'll be happy with this decision.

 

you will be happy. without headers, you can BARELY hear the c/b with headers I love the sound!

 

I am planning at one point or another to eventually replace the whole exhaust, with cattman headers and likely a Random Tech cat. but for now, I'm only making the upgrades when i need to replace the parts anyway.