nickelbn1

ok, these are going to sound dumb to all you experts out there, but hey, thats how I learn. I know a decent amount about cars, but when it comes to modifications, I know next to nothing. I want to learn more and need help please.

Question#1, I want to put a Magnaflow exhaust on my 04 Maxima. I want to just use the stock pipes, and just change the exhaust. Does doing this require welding? how does the old muffler come off?

#2, will just changing the muffler along make a decent difference in the sound? I want to use my stock tips, does that matter as far as sound?

#3, what size are the stock pipes? 2 1/4? 2 1/2?

#4, besides better airflow, does changing the pipes to a larger size also make a difference in the sound?

Here is what I was looking at using. can I buy these and just use my stock pipes and stock tips and be ok?

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Muffler---2-1-2-inch--ID-Inlet-MagnaFlow_16120069-P_N3333D_P|GRP2023P____

NiZMo1o1

iTrader: (45)

#1 the OEM mufflers must be cut off and then weld a 2 bolt or 3 bolt flanges to the Magnaflow Mufflers

#2 Yes it will change the tone but not drastically VS changing up the piping and deleting the resonators or Y pipe upgrade.

#3 I belive they are 2.25 OEM

#4 changing size and pipe will always change the sound

No cant use those mufflers , you need a 1 inlet and 2 outlet for your tips.

Oolatec

iTrader: (5)

1) Yeah, the muffler shop will just cut them off. No need for flanges. Just weld in a few inches of new tubing from the stock system to the new mufflers, and you're set.

2) Yes, you will get a different sound. What kind of sound depends on what mufflers you go with as well. Tips are just for appearance.

3) As NiZ said, stocks are 2.25".

4) Sure does!

You might also want to check out Vibrant mufflers. I had the flat black ones on my Max after putting headers on. They were awesome.

http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...1053_1108_1196

http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...1031_1053_1109

You can get away with 2.5" inlet mufflers. The shop can weld on a reducer without a problem.

And if you really do want the stock tips, go with these:

http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...products_id=34

You can weld them right on.

KCMAXX

iTrader: (22)

I've had the magnaflow 14816's and an aftermarket resonator for years... Love it.

NiZMo1o1

iTrader: (45)

you do realized if I would service his car and we had to take down the exhuast I would have to cut the mufflers off ? ( and charge double price for making me work harder )

thus why I said flanges cause when you do something or modifcations, you always want to think about the next bloke or yourself that gotta service it.

I wouldnt want to be the ahole to weld the whole exhuast and then later he may decide to upgrade the piping..
now they gotta cut / re-weld in case.

Just saying...

nickelbn1

thanks for the info. I was hoping there was no welding involved. thanks for those other muffler suggestions.

here is another dumb question....what is a resonator? what does it do?

NiZMo1o1

iTrader: (45)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resonator

basically muffles the sound. trust me you want this installed...

Oolatec

iTrader: (5)

I know... well, you'd cut close to the muffler, between the muffler and the stock flange... no biggie.

04CleanMaxx

iTrader: (4)

+1.. listen to this guy.

nickelbn1

ok, so say I wanted to go ahead and get my whole exhaust changed. the pipes...I dont care if they are shiny and pretty, I just want a larger size, like 3" and just want a good nice rumble sound, but nothing crazy loud, and not have it be too loud driving down the highway inside the car. AND, I dont want to spend a fortune....what do you all recommend?

thanks!

oh, so the resonator evidently is a noise canceller right? so if you get rid of that all together, you get more sound? or do you just want a different resonator?