Thanks to Andrew, I'm finally able to post pictures of my exhaust system which I had installed about a month ago. The entire job, including the muffler, cost $169. Sounds great.

IMG]http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i98/handwax1/exhaust2.jpg[/IMG]

exhaust1.jpg

exhaust.jpg

I don't know why it didn't show up, but I retained the OEM tips.


Happy New Year to all.............

Don

 

Don,

looks like a winner to me...

Sorry, I had your pics when you sent them, just didn't understand you wanted me to try to post them!

Where in AL?

PM me?

max

 

looks Good Now We Need A Sound Clip

 

FYI the reason for the low price is because of the materials (and workmanship). They used pressbent alumanized steel and a forza muffler. Do not be upset when this exhaust has to be replaced shortly. The stock exhaust is mandrel bent stainless steel with a double wall stainless steel double welded muffler...quality. Also, I would be upset with the weld work on that (mig welding, and a very unskilled hand doing it)...

For a quality stainless exhaust, with tig welding, mandrel bent and quality muffler(s)...expect to pay much more. But it will last a lifetime and have no leak issues. The welds are very important on an exhaust because of the constant heating and cooling phases an exhaust goes through, shoddy mig welding will crack and lead to a ticking sound (exhaust leaks).

This is good quality work:



That's a hand built X-pipe for a true dual exhaust for a twin turbo BMW 335i, here it is on the car:



I believe that I will have this shop do my exhaust this spring after I determine the class I will be autocrossing the xfire in.

EDIT:

I don't mean to bash your exhaust, if you like it that is all that matters. I just wanted to point out the reason for the low price and the potential pitfalls with going with a low cost exhaust.

 

Here's another example of a superior weld. Notice the rollcage was welded up in car, and that the headliner is intact and not even scorched. That takes a lot of skill to make it fit that tight #1, and #2 to have the control over the heat produced to not even burn cloth that close....awe inspiring...

 

Since I'm not an engineer or welder, I know nothing about MIG or TIG welds. Moreover, the appearance doesn't matter to me since it's under the car. As long as the system functions effectively, I'm satisfied.

I had the modifications done for 2 reasons:

• I wanted a sound which is more aggressive in keeping with the car's appearance.
• I wanted to eliminate the "Y" pipe and create a true dual exhaust.

If the system leaks or fails prematurely, the cost effectiveness will mitigate any regrets I may have regarding my decision.

Remember: It's easier to critique than to create.

Don

 

I hear you, it's why I don't do it myself...

 

Well put, Don !

 

What a bargain, nice install, you wouldn't have the Borla part number by chance...

 

The mufler is some "gypsy" brand, but it had what I wanted::

• Two inlets and two outlets.
• Very marginal sound dampening between.

Don