Sorry for the total noob question but I don't no where to start. I have an '03 6spd coupe. I already did the Z-tube and K&N, have brembos, MD iso thermal spacer kit and now want to start upgrading the exhaust system.

Where should I start and what is the best bang for the buck. I can get around inspection deals so that is not a real concern. Should I get test pipes resonated or not or a muffler? I can't afford a whole true dual system yet but may want to go there in the future. Is there anything I can do for $200 or less that is totally worth it?
Thanks,
R6chiro

 

you cant get **** for 200........save up for some headers if you want bang for buck, then test pipes, then an exhaust system

 

^ can't have said it any better..
I'm doing the same thing..saving money!!!
it might be just me, but I rather have the whole system on my car
than having piece by piece..
but that's just me.

 

So its not worth it to start with these Test pipes first then get headers and an X-pipe later.

https://g35driver.com/forums/exhaust-vendor/93424-new-strup-performance-test-pipes-sale.html

 

++1 ^^^

 

Dont get non-resonated test pipes, they will sound like ****.

 

test pipe... not rec. for now.... if you want power, go for headers..... if you want higher end power, go td exhaust, but your exhaust will destroy your low end torque...

 

Alright. I got so excited about being able to afford test pipes for now. Guess I'll wait for headers.

 

Save your money and buy high flow cats from either Crawford, Fast Intentions, or Altered Atmosphere. Or keep saving for both high flow cats and headers, buy the ones you like, and get them installed at the same time and save some money on the install.

 

Whether doing it in pieces or not, being worth it, is not the issue.

Figure out what you want to do - parts and all - make your budget and save for it. Don't buy parts based on how much is the bank...the worst idea of all. That is how you throw money away.

Any of the 3 sections of the complete system can be done at any time. You will save labor on CATS or testpipes when you do headers as they come off anyways - but you talking like $60 total or less of savings.

Also, any catback you go with will not at all sound like what you hear, unless you hear it with testpipes and headers - they will change the sound a lot.

Again - budget the entire project out - save until you hit the landmark's you want to do first, second and third.

Rick

 

Rick...got my Intimidator exhaust and test pipes yesterday...looks good....look at my sig to see what else is on the horizon...when are you going FI?

 

Tony said you guys spoke!!!

I haven't made my full decision yet...with the built up car I have to figure out how much HP I want to go for....hmmmm...considerations....turbos and spray....SC and spray....my dilemmas!!!!

Rick

 

I have owned 14 cars in nine years. Every single one has been modified. The theory behind what component to buy first is very simple! Now I am talking from a performance, and sound standpoint. You start from the back and work your way forward. If put headers on your car first and keep the stock exhaust system you wasting time and money. (Exhaust will only flow as much as the smallest point will allow it to). I have been building exhaust systems for years on more cars then I can even count. You never start from the front. If money is an issue, then wait until you can afford the cat-back. Then cats, then headers. In that order. I promise you this is the proper way to spend your money. As far as low end torque loss with a cat-back, well just look at the dyno charts on our website, they speak for themselves. www.fastintentions.com Do your research find an exhaust you like, and go from there...Tony

 

r6chiro,

Stay w/ what you have right now and save your money. The first thing you will want is a good quality dual exhaust. I haven't put my Intimidator on yet (I GOT IT<, TONY) but it looks like an excellent unit.

The exhaust will probably only pull around 7-8 extra hp, but your car will sound much better, and you will be in a posiotion to upgrade, since you now have exhaust capabilities.

Now, test pipes, and Tony is probably the best at building them, will give you 8-10 legit hp....the catch is that you will now need engine management and a tune. You are talking about $14oo min to do right.

The spacer and Z-tube are cheap ways to get an extra 10 hp. After that, it is going to cost 1k for every 10 hp...no way around that, so think I through.

My set up: W/o TT was 4K for 35-40 hp. TT=8.7K for 80 hp......If I want to maximize my TT's for another 100 plus hp, 10k min for engine rebuild.

 

Great advice guys thanks! Bummer so much money ads so little at this point. By the time I get it set up how I want it, I'm gonna want a new car to start all over again. I need to start working more hours