OK,

I am taking it to the shop to see if I can have the hole/leak isolated and cost down; IE not replace the whole thing. I have looked through the exhaust threads and what I "think" I want, the links are broke (cattman cat-back only, no headers or intake). I drive with my infant and wife in the car so sound is a definate consideration. I am not looking for performance per say. However, I want to get the best for my buck spent. The stock sound doesnt bother me as this is a winter and "family" DD.

Does anybody have an unbroken link to a cattman cat back? I heard a link with just the resonator removed on an otherwise OEM I30 and it didnt sound "bad".

Car only has 59K on it and this will be the fifth "exhaust" *repair* I need. Friggin salt.

 

sound is going to be very subjective here, so i would go on you tube and look for the vids. From personal experience, i had a ypipe and cattman catback and IN MY OPINION it was very quiet. I could barely hear it. I was actually kinda pissed, caused i wanted to hear it! now that the headers are on, yes, its signifigantly louder, but i like it. I didnt want to get a catback, however, at a mere 40K, the factory exhaust rotted out, and going to a S/S high quality unit was my only choice..good luck

 

The "I35" with resonator removed on Youtube was me

Best bang for the buck below:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ighlight=bosal

 

Still running with the resonator removed or moved over to the Bosal? If you moved to the boal, any specific reason why?

And yes, sound is subjective. I know any version of flow master is out (given links in the exhaust thread). I cant seem to get to page two of my searches as it gives some kind of error. So if its not a top 20 thread, I cant see it.

 

I originally had the resonator cut from my stock exhaust for kicks and giggles and no longer running that setup. The Bosal thread is not mine either, I suggest you go ask the OP over there. Currently I'm running Cattman B + HKS Sport muffler, not exactly a quiet setup nor recommended for family hauling

 

I know someone who removed the resonator on his max and as long as there are no headers it is still very quiet. I was very surprised about that, i thought for sure his car would be loud as hell.

FTR putting a cattman exhaust on the car will not make it any louder for normal driving. It will be a bit louder under heavy load though, like going steep uphill.

 

I took it to the shop today. OUCH!

The "sleeve" that was put on 1.5 years ago is broken at the upper bead. So there is the leak and why its banging around. All the hangers are still in place.

They quoted me a catback (were not interested in resleeving it ). They cant tell me if its mandrel bent or not. 550 p/l.

They also said and showed me that the front flex (Between the Y and the cat) was "breaking". THe Flex piece could be moved by hand about 1/2" to an 1". He said its not broken, but could break anytime. 134 p

So we are looking at 684 before taxes.

*sigh* I have not found anybody needing to replace that "flex" section....

 

Why fix it? Complete catback replacement from Bosal is less than $300 shipped to you.

 

I am worried about fitment first. And I dont have the tools to remove the "cat" bolts.

However this does make me think a bit more about it...maybe Ill try to remove the bolts this weekend. If I can get them off, makes the decision easier as you so indicated. They are rusted really bad and I just "assume" they will be a pure pain.

 

You don't remove exhaust bolts you cut them. Oxy acetylene torch would be used by a shop, but an angle grinder will do the same thing. Get an angle grinder and a couple of extra cutting wheels for ~$30 at Home Depot or similar place. Then if you have a good hardware store you can buy some ss nuts and bolts - I have had great luck at 2 Ace Hardwares near my home including metric and hardened bolts. The bosal exhaust is essentially OE so fitment will not be a problem. I hesitate to recommend them because returns are impossible, but exhaust parts are really inexpensive at autopartswarehouse.com and you'll get free shipping.