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I recently bought an 89' cx hatchback and it seems like the exhaust is going directly into the car. I cant drive without the windows down because I get light headed. I am trying to buy a new exhaust, not just for the leak but also as an upgrade to the stock exhaust, and am wondering if I should replace the whole system or if I can get away with a cat-back. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 367

lift, prod around and find the leak

 
Rep Power: 222

Find the leak first. Rockauto has replacement exhausts, so does eBay and Amazon.

 
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https://www.protuninglab.com/cbe-hc88-hds-hfc.html
Would this exhaust work/is this a good exhaust system?
Also how do I find the leak?
Is it going to be a visible hole or am I just going to see something dripping while the car is running?

 
Rep Power: 222

Define "good". It will probably be noisy. You should keep the cat. You won't gain any power. You can get a stock style replacement for probably half that. You don't even know where your leak is yet, you might only need a gasket.

get under the car and look/listen/feelIf the exhaust is dripping you have bigger problems

 
Rep Power: 0

One tip I've learned is have someone block the exhaust outlet with a rag or towel. That adds pressure and leaks become louder.

Get the car on some ramps or stands and with it running block the exhaust outlet with a towel and listen. You should hear a loud hiss when the outlet is blocked. The source of the hiss will lead you to the leak. It might also pulse, so you might head a pft-pft-pft sound. Same difference. Look for the source of the sound and you may have to feel around for the air (exhaust) pushing out. Be careful as the pipes will be hot if the engine has run for awhile. You just have to feel for the blast of air, you don't have to put your hand on the pipe.