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Hey,

I'm a newb to car stuff, so sorry if this is a stupid question, i'm sure enough get posted here as it is...

I was just wondering why it's better to go with a full cat-back system rather than just replacing the muffler? don't they both basically accomplish the same thing?

I'm asking because i'm interested in doing something with the back end of the exhaust for both looks and sound.. and the cat backs are quite expensive (for the decent ones anyways) I also don't care about HP gains... for the amount you can put into an exhaust system it's just not worth the ridiculously low HP you get out of it... (IMO anyways)

So based on what i'm looking for, do you think popping a SS performance muffler in there will get the job done (at least til I can afford puttin money into the car..)?

Thanks for any opinions


btw, everything else is still stock, including the intake... i'm interested in putting a K&N FIPK 2 in there eventually - should I try putting that on there first to try to get the sound I want out of it instead of going straight for the exhaust?

 
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if you don't care about performance, not that you will get much from either, then just get a muffler. Make sure it is done right and doesn't sound like a swarm of bees or pops often. I suggest an N1 styled muffler, a 5 zigen muffler, or a some kind of canister style. Don't get a big *** 6" muffler. keep it nice and simple.

 
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If you don't care about the performance don't put the K&N FIPKII as well
what for??
just the muffler will make your car sound better without gain any power.
I suggest the 5 zigen or apexi N1

 
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but remember when it comes to parts you get what you pay for

 
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I thought a short ram such as the FIPK would give a bit better gas mileage under 'normal' driving conditions, as well as giving better throttle response.. Plus the whole sound thing..

 
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thanks for the responses..

actually a guy I work with put some cheapass APC muffler on (haha.. i know you guys don't like APC ) and I think it sounds pretty good for what it costs.. would something like an APC / generic rust out sooner than normal or something?

 
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-one of those guys witha cheap *** APC muffler =)
had mine on 2 different cars in the last 3 years still workin fine no rust still shines up pretty good. Like stated above "you get what you pay for" and I paid like $60. I have that and I removed the air box from the stock intake and took the extended arm piece of and connected it right onto the filter box. I call it a stock short ram. It sucks really hard when you hit the throttle and it sounds pretty good. I have gotten compliments about it . Anyways bash APC all you want but I'm satisfied with paying $60 instead of $560 for almost the same thing.

 
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i know what you mean about that apc stuff, but for some reason i do like that muffler they have that has the flames on it, and not the stupid light up one, i'm talkin about the actual muffler. i've got a thing for flames that's why.

 
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get an N1. theyre awsome looking even though im getting a gt spec.

 
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you answered your own question, if you dont care about performance then why not just add a Tin Can on the back of your ride. If there is one thing i learned about buying parts for a car is "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR" trying to save tons of money by buying cheap *** parts or taking short cuts usually will leave you with a car sounding like ****.

 
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also i forgot to mention it, but i'm gonna get an axel back exhaust fromwww.mufflertech.com,because it's a good price for a bolt on rear section. to me the rear section would be better cause if somethin goes wrong with the car you can always take it off and put the factory one back on so the dealer doesn't give you any ****.

 
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hey "XSRCivic", how did u hook up your own stock intake thing?

 
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usually if you get just a muffler on your stock piping they don't change the sound much at all. If you want something to have somekind of sound get an axle-back. Look at the hks high power or check out mufflertech.com.

 
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?? dont change the sound at all?? mine did, alot. It's not super loud, which is good, but you could tell i have an exhaust. and the good thing is, no one really knows you dont have the whole system. i didnt care about hp gains either, so i spent $55 on a muffler on ebay. they have mufflers on ebay now for $14.99.

i say get the muffler. the system costs way too much (if your not interested in hp gains). and if you get an intake, like i just did, it'll be even louder...

 
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Dude if you don't care about performance just weld a tip on there. It's like $10-15.

 
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Or just go get a cheap *** exhaust on eBay.

Here is one for $0.01 (plus $25 s/h). But this one looks shitty so don't get it.

Here is a better looking one for $15 + $15 s/h. This is a popular style.

Here's one that's a little bit more. If it's actually that gunmetal color then that's bad *** and you should get this one.

The only thing you have to make sure of is that the inlet on the exhaust will fit your stock piping. I forgot how big our stock piping is, though.

Or, if you take your new exhaust to a muffler shop to get it welded on, for probably a little more he might give you custom cat back piping. Don't go above 2.25" diameter piping if you're not going to get a turbo.

 
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You get what you pay for!

 
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What if the inlet is bigger than stock? Do they just use some kind of fitting to make it work?

Is there any chance that it won't properly fit under the car? ('02 EX coupe btw) The box of the one i'm probably gonna end up getting has a pic of a 7th gen with the muffler on, so you'd think it would fit... unless they just suck that bad to put a pic of it on a car that it won't fit properly on..

 
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if it says universal, it will fit..

seach for universal exhaust

 
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That $15 muffler looks totally home-made. lol. Love the "exposed rivets" look - like someone took some sheet metal and riveted it on to two coffee-tin ends.

 
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Muffler needs to be welded. Any muffler shop will do it for cheap. and you will need hanger too for universal muffler.

 
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I think this one would be cool if it was actually this color:



Notice how it's not quite round, but has flat edges.

Also, what is up with this one:

Is that how expensive ones look, too? It looks like a hollow tube with excess metal around it. See what I mean?

 
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I say go with the HKS Hiper axle back. Just because. The angled exhaust is sexy. I may replace the stock resonator with a glass pack or just straight pipe to bring out a bit more sound though. It is very subtle.

 
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^ I agree, angled exhausts look cool, as long as it's not TOO much of an angle.

Anyway, if you're just getting an exhaust to make noise, then you should probably get the cheapest one you can find. $500 is a lot to pay for something just to make noise.