Putting my flame suit on as I type.....just got back from the shop. they're telling me I need to replace most of my entire exhaust system. I have an 04 X. They are telling my, both cats, Y pipe, some straight pipes and the muffler.
I've read a lot of exhaust threads on here, to the point where my eyesight is failing and I don't feel I'm any further along at finding out if an after market setup might be better and possibly even more cost effective than going back to stock.
I was quoted ~ $700 per side just for the cats! Add in the y pipe and muffler and I'd be fast approaching $2000!
What might be my options remembering I still need to pass emissions.
Oh, and I'm up here in Canada so I need to take that into account as far as availability of some setups to be shipped here and still be cost effective.
I'd like something that would sound as close to stock as possible with some slight HP gains if that's possible.
Please I'm desperate for some guidance!

 

What is wrong with your exhaust? I can see the cats going out, but the rest?

 

Just quoting my son in law. I think he said the muffler had a hole in it and the cats did too. Then he went on and quoted me, other pipes and gaskets and stuff. Forgive my ignorance but what exactly does a 2004X exhaust consist of? Factory manifolds into cats, into Y pipe, into resonator and finally muffler. Is this correct plus the assorted other straight piping for the complete OE system. Am I missing anything?
Again, I apologise for my newbness with regards to the exhaust. So, maybe some of this other piping might be able to be reused?
Are there any full AM systems that replace the entire factory system including the cats?

 

u got it right. go aftermarket no doubt it will be cheaper than what you posted above

 

Sounds like they're trying to rip you off. Even if there's a hole in the muffler, it doesn't need to be replaced unless the driver thinks it's "too loud" which is subjective. You'll know if parts of the exhaust need to be replaced because it will be loud.

As for the cats, they will need to be replaced if you notice a bad smell coming from them or if he's throwing a check engine light. Also if you hear rattling from them. Other than that, they should be fine.