I had a custom exhaust for over 3years..I also have the SSAutochrome header. I just recently changed the custom for the mandrel bent 2.5 KRD exhaust and WOW what a difference sound wise!! My custom made that tin can buzzing sound that I always found annoying. The KRD does not...at least from what I've heard so far and has a nice deep tone to it (my wife likes the way it sound too which is surprising). Go with a aftermarket mandrel bent exhaust if you can.

 

That's what I was thnking but I just wanted to be sure of the best performance/sound/money, I know if you want it good it's not always cheap or quiet.

 

Mate... I saw the SSA full "engine back" system that OP was talking about on e-bay for like US$425.00!!

Here's a pic (if I can find the link I'll post that too)



Looks pretty sweet & if I were living in the states I'd probably get that...

I've heard fitment with SSA can sometimes be a bit of an issue but the package comes with header, flex-pipe, test cat (which you replace with a high flow cat) & madrel-bent cat-back with resonator & a decent looking muffler!

blu, if I were you, I'd take a chance with it... If there are any left! wink.gif

Here's a better shot of the header

 

Odd, my custom sounds like the ownage. I think it was more of your choice of muffler, I guess KRD comes with a nice one.

You have several choices going custom.

Mild Steel or Stainless Steel?
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Mild Steel lasts about two years-three years, depending on the corrosion that takes place. Stainless steel lasts for a really long time. Stainless steel is a little heavier though...

Press-Bent(Crush) or Mandrel
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Hopefully no more arguments. lol.gif If you get a Press-Bent, check the quality first. Ask for a 90 degree-bent pipe to see how restrictive it is. Some bend and crease more than others. If you get a 2 1/2 inch exhaust, the exhaust should bend to no more than 2 1/4 in the bends. More than that, get out of the shop. Naturally Aspirated shouldn't matter, and the bends in the pipe eliminate the loss in low-end torque some experience with mandrel. High end the mandrel will come out 1-2whp on top. Mandrel is more expensive.

Size of Pipe
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Up for debate. 2.5 mandrel may experience low-end torque loss. 2.5 press (in my case, 2.32 inches in the bends) experiences no low-end torque loss, and actually a slight gain in torque.

Muffler Choice
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Depends on preference. All up to you. I recommend Mangnaflow.

 

What's that little pipe in the middle for? When I got my KRD it didn't have that.

 

That "SSA" full exhaust system would be sweet to pickup for $425. but we'll see.

 

EDIT: oops, thought you were talking in the middle of the pipe. Should've known you weren't that stupid. lol.gif

Looks to be the test pipe.

 

Would there be any problems with leaving the test cat in there for a little while, ya think? Till I bulid finances back up after thet purchase, if I even got this.

 

You could leave the test pipe on. Its actually best for performance. But your basically going to be straight through... would probably sound like a weedwacker when you get on the throttle.

 

So you would just cut out the test cat and weld a highflow in its place?