Need to Replace: Front, Mid Pipes + Exhaust
 

Hello, my 2002 SE Max is still running at 220K Miles. I am turning to it as my daily driver after spending close to $10K battling CVT + transfer case related issues in my 2014 Pathfinder.

In response to some banging metallic noice under the car and sound of exhaust leaks, I took the car for inspection at muffler shop. They found that the front pipe is messed up (after a mechanic had welded a converter pipe to the main converter), and that both midpipe and muffler are leaking.

Apart from OEM, what are some of the other recommended places to get good prices for these exhaust components? Is this Walker Exhaust Kit (priced at $600) at Rockauto recommended (More Information for WALKER KIT5645750 (rockauto.com))?

Thanks in advance --- Noela

Your best option other than new oem if you're looking to stay stock will be to have a reputable exhaust shop build you something. Typical aftermarket stuff (anything you'll buy off rock, Amazon, etc) rarely fits.

In my shop a new y-pipe with a flex will typically run about 500 plus a cat if needed. Rest of the system will run another 5-600. Expensive? Yes. But in our case guaranteed to fit properly and will outlast anything you get from Walker or similar.

Walker and others will "fit" but not well. Hangers will be a bit off, pipes won't be straight or centered where they need to be, y-pipe will almost be guaranteed to have tension on it leading to cracking.

Take it to a non-chain mufffler shop for a quote. The Midas/Meineke shops are very expensive.

The Walker catbacks are ok but our Northeast salt and brine will make them last about 5 years at most before another replacement.

Agreed. Never go to a chain shop. This applies to everything automotive related.

mieneke is all i have locally for exhaust... but i know what you mean . i just dont know any mom and pop "exhaust" shops.

i def have had fitment issues with aftermarket pipes, and warpspeed y-pipe as well.

and plus 1 - it would prolly be best to just get a pro shop to do custom exhauast. it prolly would last the longest.

i am a year on my meineke ypipe flex section repair so we will see.

Thanks so much for your advice and suggestions. I will consult with an independent muffler/welding shop for options.

Best wishes, Noela

Did you ever get anything installed? Please upload some pics if you do. I am considering a catback exhaust and pipes replacement Found a good one online for under $150 Shop would install for another $100....

I'm guessing since your in NJ you have to worry about emissions and inspection?

$600 isn't bad if you can install it all yourself. the rear has to be lifted up really high to install the rear muffler section.