Goin to the muffler shop...

[TulaneGT]

So I want to go get a quote this week to see how much it will cost to have an exhaust system custom made at a local shop. Only thing is, I'm not sure what all I need to tell them. I was originally gonna go SLP, but I'm hoping this will save some money. Here's what I know...I need a 2.5" cat-back exhaust system made for my 2001 Grand Am GT. What other things do I need to tell them, and what questions might they ask me?

[wokeupscreamin]

remove the resonator...

[TulaneGT]

Oh, and it seems like people like the Flowmaster 80 series, so I've been looking at those. Any other advice?

[Bjornboy81]

Decide if you want Aluminized or Stainless Steel pipe.

Aluminized: cheaper but only lasts like 5 years or so
SS: expensive, but lasts forever (not really, but it lasts a long time)

I got a quote for mine, 2.5" cat back, SS, magnaflow muffler, magnaflow tips...it was about $500ish. SLP is way cheaper if you can do it yourself. :)

[TulaneGT]

Hrmm, and idea how much cheaper the Aluminized would be? 5 years should be long enough for me...I'll keep the stock exhaust and put it back on when I sell the car.

[MagusXIII]

Kevin, do you know if this shop crush bends their pipe or if they mandrel bend it?

[TulaneGT]

No, but I could find out...why?

[99blackSE]

mandrel bent is better...

[Bjornboy81]

pressure bent is enough though.

Crush bent = shit
pressure bent = good enough
mandrel bent = overkill unless you have serious mods

Aluminized, when i got a quote, was about $150 cheaper. $500 compared to $650. I'm sure you can find it cheaper. I personally think the best thing is to get SLP, it's stainless steel and mandrel bent, all for $450ish. And it's a DIY project!!! :D

[TulaneGT]

Might have to just go with the SLP then...slightly worried I hear it's slower than stock though...

[SilverSurferGT]

You could search up SLP theres buttloads of info.

The only reason it might seem slower than stock is because it has a bigger piping diameter; 2.5 inch vs. 2.25

Because of the bigger diameter, you may feel a loss in low end torque, but in the high end it will def feel faster.

I wouldnt know what it feels like because all I have is a Magnaflow muffler and tips on stock pipes. I would get the SLP piping but I dont think they sell just the piping anymore, plus I love my low end and I'm gonna get my resonator removed because all I hear is the sound of the intake

[Bjornboy81]

you loose a little low end torque, but come 3500 rpms...it's all worth it!!! Add a FFP UD pulley and you'll make up the low end lose and add to the high end a lil' more! :D Great combo!!