$189 EBay Cat Back - Eh? Not too bad actually.

[Lumbajackmeh]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

You're hardly ever going to be able to hear the deeper tones of an exhaust from a video like this. Most microphones aren't going to be able to pick up those frequencies accurately at this distance. He's already probably clipping the mic just based upon how loud our cold starts are.

Plus exhausts sound different under load driving down the street than they do free revving.

Very hard to accurately judge this system just from the video that was posted.

Yeah. this video was taken with an iPhone. I'm going to do a more accurate review of the system for my YouTube channel using my Zoom external mic. Sadly my camera decided to be a little bitch before I could do so.

[raven1231]

The downside to this exhaust in the inner diameter is only 2.25. if you just want sound though it doesn't really matter. I had this on my car for a year.

[stevo585]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

haha, at least you're honest.

Arent all catback essentially for sound? HP gains aren't really to had at all if NA. All the power is the header, cat removal and tuning.

[Lumbajackmeh]

Originally Posted by stevo585

Arent all catback essentially for sound? HP gains aren't really to had at all if NA. All the power is the header, cat removal and tuning.

I don't know for certain but I believe your right. I think the downside of it being only 2.25ID is if I were to add other performance parts up stream it may not have the necessary airflow to take full advantage of them. But like I said I don't really know.

It does also make sense to me though that a less restrictive system, even just a cat back, could improve power but I don't believe it'd be by any noticeable amount.

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by Lumbajackmeh

I don't know for certain but I believe your right. I think the downside of it being only 2.25ID is if I were to add other performance parts up stream it may not have the necessary airflow to take full advantage of them. But like I said I don't really know.

It does also make sense to me though that a less restrictive system, even just a cat back, could improve power but I don't believe it'd be by any noticeable amount.

Yes, dynos will show marginal gains with most catbacks (like 5-10hp tops) but more so if you were to boost your car or add more breather mods they would be somewhat restricted by the smaller exhaust, not allowing your car to breath as well will result in a loss in power usually.

[celek]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Please keep your worthless posts that contribute nothing to the thread elsewhere like off-topic. WTF?

I have to say I agree, anyone can weld tube together and make it fit but building a tuned exhaust for a deep clean note and make power is different.
Additionally you get what you pay for rust will start in 3-6 months depending on geographical location and weather

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by stevo585

Arent all catback essentially for sound? HP gains aren't really to had at all if NA. All the power is the header, cat removal and tuning.

You're correct. 95% of catback is just for sound, 4% is looks and 1% for the power.

[stevo585]

Originally Posted by celek

I have to say I agree, anyone can weld tube together and make it fit but building a tuned exhaust for a deep clean note and make power is different.
Additionally you get what you pay for rust will start in 3-6 months depending on geographical location and weather

Yes I have noticed surface rust on the asian made cheap exhausts. They usually use 201 SS that's not passivated as you tell by surface spot rust. However in my experience some blue magic can clean it right off and polish it up. I had a cheapo turbo back on my WRX for 5 years no other issues.

The real question is this better/higher flow than OEM? Probably. OEM is mild steel.

[celek]

Originally Posted by stevo585

Yes I have noticed surface rust on the asian made cheap exhausts. They usually use 201 SS that's not passivated as you tell by surface spot rust. However in my experience some blue magic can clean it right off and polish it up. I had a cheapo turbo back on my WRX for 5 years no other issues.

The real question is this better/higher flow than OEM? Probably. OEM is mild steel.

OEM is also double wall and heavy.
As for the other problems the wall thickness on some of these cheap exhaust are so thin they crack under vibration at stress points and welds.

[fang_gt86]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

You're correct. 95% of catback is just for sound, 4% is looks and 1% for the power.

Sound is deff 95%. The rest of my definition for a good exhaust regardless of brands are:

- Not having to spend more than the exhaust itself to make it fit

- Last through at least 3 years of TX bipolar weather cycles

[Lumbajackmeh]

Originally Posted by stevo585

Yes I have noticed surface rust on the asian made cheap exhausts. They usually use 201 SS that's not passivated as you tell by surface spot rust. However in my experience some blue magic can clean it right off and polish it up. I had a cheapo turbo back on my WRX for 5 years no other issues.

The real question is this better/higher flow than OEM? Probably. OEM is mild steel.

I did notice it's made with T-304 stainless which is the same grade used for the Invidia N1. So if it last as long as one of those at a fraction of the costs I'll be satisfied. This is assuming it doesn't hook in the dirt and rip off one day. Either way we will see. If it least a year, right on. If it last 10, right on.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Lumbajackmeh

I think the downside of it being only 2.25ID is if I were to add other performance parts up stream it may not have the necessary airflow to take full advantage of them. But like I said I don't really know.

For a naturally aspirated car, you're perfectly fine with 2-2.5" ID exhaust systems. Nothing you do will make a huge difference unless the exhaust is of a poor internal design that restricts flow like stock.

-alex

[stevo585]

Originally Posted by Lumbajackmeh

I did notice it's made with T-304 stainless which is the same grade used for the Invidia N1. So if it last as long as one of those at a fraction of the costs I'll be satisfied. This is assuming it doesn't hook in the dirt and rip off one day. Either way we will see. If it least a year, right on. If it last 10, right on.

304 is 304. I use it pretty much daily at work. The difference in quality is usually the lack of passivation or other secondary treatments. It will last just fine. Like any brand name you pay for the brand not always quality. Especially on something simple like a exhaust that really cant fail badly. Now on a turbo or engine part yeah you want that to be a brand name with their reputation behind it.

Nike vs Sketcher is an example. Are Nike's better sure, but 4 times the price better? Not really.

[Lumbajackmeh]

This has been quality discussion. Thanks folks!