Exhaust system questions- advice appreciated!

[Ry_]

Hi guys,

I've been thinking about getting a new exhaust setup for my otherwise stock 00 EK1 hatch, not after any crazy gains, mainly just hoping to get the engine breathing a bit better, and getting a nice low (but not loud) note out of it too.

I like Hitech's muffler offerings, so most of my decision is based around that. I don't want it any lower than stock too.

Spoke to Hitech which doesn't have a QLD branch anymore (they're in NSW), and they directed me to "Shop 1" (so not to name names).

Shop 1's said that the best thing to do would be have the Hitech muffler, and a stainless catback system custom made for the car. All in all would set me back around 600-700.

Was just about ready to get that done, but because they're a bit busy, they still haven't been able to fit it in. So googling around a bit, I got Shop 2.

Shop 2's website said they do Hitech, but sending them an email, they replied the best system for my car is a 2" aluminised system with resonator and muffler which would cost around 270 with chrome, and the muffler would be an ultraflow design. They said it wasn't Hitech though.

If the prices were a bit closer, I'd have done it, but now there's a big discrepancy. I'm not sure what I'm paying for.

So yup, I could get some advise on the following, that'd be great:

1. Aluminised vs Stainless

2. Is 2" alright? should it be 2.25"? 2.5"? If anything, down the road I might consider getting some 4-2-1 headers, and a quiet intake similar to a Comptech icebox, if I can find one, seeing how Comptech's no more etc.. was going to get an SRI, but decided against it because I don't want it too noisy.

3. Hitech mufflers- I think they look great, are they any good? Anyone with experience with them?

4. What's a good price to pay for what I want/need?

5. Any other advice, based on what I've said, have you got a better recommendation?

6. Are there dodgy exhaust shops you know of? Just in case Shop 1's name starts with C, Shop 2's name starts with J. Just put this here in case.

Thanks again much appreciated :)

[Ry_]

bump.. any takers? Don't need to address the whole post. Bits of information are useful. Ta!

[blk_shadow]

So yup, I could get some advise on the following, that'd be great:

1. Aluminised vs Stainless

2. Is 2" alright? should it be 2.25"? 2.5"? If anything, down the road I might consider getting some 4-2-1 headers, and a quiet intake similar to a Comptech icebox, if I can find one, seeing how Comptech's no more etc.. was going to get an SRI, but decided against it because I don't want it too noisy.

3. Hitech mufflers- I think they look great, are they any good? Anyone with experience with them?

4. What's a good price to pay for what I want/need?

5. Any other advice, based on what I've said, have you got a better recommendation?

6. Are there dodgy exhaust shops you know of? Just in case Shop 1's name starts with C, Shop 2's name starts with J. Just put this here in case.

Thanks again much appreciated :)

from my opinion:

1. Stainless

2. 2.25" if you want a little bit more power, I'm running 2.5 now. SRI won't make ur exhaust noisier, but it will be good for another performance gain

3. I've never experienced them, But I used to have twinloop

4. depends, good quality stuff, u'd expect to pay more. and whether you want it to get done the whole catback or just the muffler. The whole catback will be around $800+ (Jap brand, brand new)

5. don't forget the resonator to quieten things down ;)

6. u're in Brisbane, I wouldn't know

[Ry_]

Thanks lots for the input :)

1. Just wondering, is stainless heavier than aluminised?

2. About backpressure (or lack of it), is 2.25" still ok for a stock d series? Thought intakes increase the noise from a few posts I've read, hence looking for an icebox or similar, preferably non ghetto. Only other one I've noticed is the Mugen one, but you know.. sexy is exy.

4. Was hoping to get the whole catback (I think)- if I can get some extra power that'd be nice.

5. Would the resonator be part of the whole catback?

[blk_shadow]

Thanks lots for the input :)

1. Just wondering, is stainless heavier than aluminised?

2. About backpressure (or lack of it), is 2.25" still ok for a stock d series? Thought intakes increase the noise from a few posts I've read, hence looking for an icebox or similar, preferably non ghetto. Only other one I've noticed is the Mugen one, but you know.. sexy is exy.

4. Was hoping to get the whole catback (I think)- if I can get some extra power that'd be nice.

5. Would the resonator be part of the whole catback?

1. stainless is a better quality (I think its lighter too), it keeps the heat well. and color changes is sexier :p

2. 2.25 is ok for stock d series. just don't go above it. intakes increase the noise around engine bay (your intake suction noise). probably a little on the exhaust, cos more air flow. but not much. you can either get an icebox like that, or the spoon drop in filter with spoon kevlar intake arm (v.expensive tho)
mugen is very quiet

4. definitely (but header is needed for that extra power)

5. usually, it is. usually they have 1 resonator. My 5Zigen got 3 (JASMA Approved). so its quiet when cruising and idling