I have an '02 max SE (manual). So far I have low profile performance tires, FSTB, addco RSW, Stillen intake...

I'd like to add an upgrade that adds a little HP, and makes the car a bit louder upon acceleration. I absolutely love how the intake only makes the car louder when it is under a load (ie foot on gas hard!). I am pretty sure I dont want to upgrade the muffler because the drone of the engine at constant speed might make me crazy.

So, what do I get next? I have been searching around and reading, and it looks like the Y-pipe from stillen is a hot item now, but what about a high-flow cat? Is there anything else I can do in the $200-300 range?

Thanks for any replies (except flames .

From what you have described, there is only one real alternative and thats a Y-pipe. I went the Y-pipe route myself but canceled after the vendor didn't ship it (2 weeks had gone by and no shipment). Nevertheless, Y-pipe is your only real option within the price range specified.

From what I've heard, the aftermarket cats do nothing (2-3hp?), as well as the aftermarket exhaust (1HP). Y-pipes on the other hand have shown pretty good numbers when combined with an intake like your Stillen.

Good luck!

You can do the Unorthodox Racing crankshaft pulley upgrade. Good for about 9 hp and costs $200.

Jesse

frankencar intake to go with your stillen intake

He means midpipe. That's a great upgrade for around $60.

Remove the resenator from your exhaust and get the Frankencar midpipe.

another option, soon to be released is berk tuning's midpipe to be public next month, or sometime this month). it will be a lot more affordable than frankencar's $60.

Thanks for the replies so far. What change can I expect from a midpipe?

Also, Stillen says that the y-pipe is not for street use. Is this just because it will make it louder?

If so, how much louder, and is it louder all the time, or just apon acceleration?

Midpipe mill make it louder and probably net you around 1-3 hp- maybe??.

Y pipes are illegal because you are replacing the precats. It is against emmissions to do this.

It is not too much louder, but when you add on exhaust, it amplifies that. You can expect a wee bit of a growl at WOT from 3500 RMS on up....

So the y-pipe will make my car not pass emmisions? Or is it one of those deals that it will pass only when its warmed up!

Also, I'm prettyy hand and have a lift. Is a y-pipe something I can do, or should I bring it to a real mechanic?

You can still pass emissions with a Y pipe if..

A) You let the car sufficently warm up before going..like 1/2 hr of driving.
B) You don't get an inspector with a hair up his A$$ looking for things just to break stones.

However this is a moot point because you have a 2k2, and there is no Y-pipe available (yet) for the 2k2.