The car is a 2000 Sunfire 2.2 with a 5 spd manual. I've got two directions I can go with exhaust and I could use some opinions and info.
The car keeps throwing codes for the cat and the shop that put on the weld-in cat for the PO did an assy job so the tailpipe hangs down under the car where it makes the 90 degree bend and the muffler is tilted. My overall goal for this car is to get the best mileage out of it with a little more Go there when I want it.
Option #1: I can get a very lightly used stock system for about $225. Guy put it on a car and then the car got hit so he pulled it back off with about one months use on it. Complete system from the manifold to the tailpipe. NAPA parts so I'm assuming crush bent pipe or whatever you call the bends without the waves in the bend that isn't mandrel bent.
Option #2: I've got a header like the one I'm going to link at the bottom. Got it from NOPI in ATL for about $50 at auction a year or so ago. I can get the 2.25in system from MES with cat and pipe to mate up to the header outlet pipe for about $575. Probably, still working with them on the cat part of it but I'm figuring the same price as the cat and downpipe combo they show for $195.
So, bone stock for $225 and then maybe replace the muffler with something freer slowing in a few months or stainless header, nice 2.25in pipe with what is supposed to be a good cat and magnaflow muffler for about $575? Now that I put the numbers down that stock system is looking a whole lot better, I could get a set of Tockico blues for the difference.
I'm pretty broke these days but I've got the budget for putting $750 or so into the car this Spring and I've had a stiffy for that mandrel bent exhaust for a year now but that's a huge chunk of my budget. On the other hand my goal is better mileage and better performance so even with the stock system I'm going to be dropping @$100 on a muffler in a few months. There is a slight chance that I'd try and do a light pressure turbo setup (I'm a junkyard picker king) if this car becomes a second car but that's pretty remote so I'm trying not to take turbo exhaust needs into consideration, if I go that route another $500 for a new exhaust isn't that much.
The header I've got looks just like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-2002-CHEVY-CAVALIER-PONTIAC-SUNFIRE-2-2L-STAINLESS-STEEL-EXHAUST-HEADER-/220860133735?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ASunfire&vxp=mtr&ha
sh=item336c4a3167#ht_4130wt_911
Ya see those two bolts with the springs? Where can I get those and what to you call them? Mine came without those bolts. And is the ball and socket joint supposed to take the place of the flex joint in the stock system? I don't plan to change to poly mounts.
Thanks for any info or thoughts on this.
-/\/\ac
if you find the right shop, you can get a much better deal on the parts/labor.
I just bought an LSJ Pace Setter header (with armor coating) for $280 shipped, and already had a Borla Pro XS muffler on it.
For $400 the shop installed the header, downpiping, hiflow spun cat, 28" resonator, all 2.5" piping, and thats including them providing everything but the header/muffler. My exhaust would be fine for a small turbo, and its more than sufficient for my supercharger setup. When I ordered my Pace Setter header from TTR, it came with the head to header gasket, and all hardware including flange adapters and bolts with springs. Not sure what they're called though. Basically they are supposed to take place of a flex pipe if I recall.
04 Cav. 2dr. 5spd. My DD. 'Nuff said.
Thanks for the reply, Blu. I'll have to call around to a few shops and see what's up locally. Never even crossed my mind since I think I've had one of my cars in someone else's shop twice in my life. Right now I'm leaning towards the cheap used OE system because that also allows for new struts and I've been waiting for struts to put on the addco bars I pulled at a junkyard last summer and the poly control arm bushing I got a deal on.
Realistically I'm probably very, very lucky that my 2200 with 200k miles on it uses no oil and gets decent mileage. I'd like to build up a new engine as a hobby/project with some light mods (roller rockers, port matching) and maybe, maybe a light pressure turbo but where I'm at now engine wise the 2.25in exhaust isn't going to do much more for me than just replacing the OE type muffler with something freer flowing. I think that's the deal at least.
Sounds like you got a good deal on your custom system though, I'll look into it. Was that mandrel bent pipe?
/\/\ac
yes it was mandrel bent stainless steel. its a south side 'mexican muffler shop' that we have a lot of here in San Antonio. They are the coolets guys to work with, do great work and for the lowest prices. Plus...they dont charge tax if you pay cash haha
just like if you need your catless car 'instpected'...same $15 rate..they'll do them no problem lol...
post a vid once you get your exhaust...its interesting how each car has a different sound even on same make/models. Mine is very throaty for a 4banger, sounds mean and its quiet when i want.
04 Cav. 2dr. 5spd. My DD. 'Nuff said.
