decision time

[wofman]

OK - I'm taking plunge for new exhaust. Though my gutted set-up has advantages, I do want to be more legit with emissions coming out of my pipes, so I'm going for downpipes with free-flow cats. Green and mean. So one, that much is decided. (may actually see improved performance since gutted stocks still require full stock zone to fill up and then be evacuated)

Also going with 2.5" cat-backs. That's two.

Now the issues. I'm figuring turbos make x-pipe superfluous. Must be some reason all engineers of all aftermarket don't include them. So planning to go for least restrictions, no x-pipe (three). Use 4" round (18"L) Magnaflow resonators, then to 5"x8"x18" oval Magnaflow mufflers. Pretty much Endee's set-up without the x. Far less expensive than any APR, Millitek, etc. Hardware (except tubes/pipes) is about $400 delivered.

Final issue is #4 -- whether to keep stealth of 2000 C5 (downturned pipes and solid valence) or to come thru the valence (as is done with 2002+). If the latter, go with 3" round tips or, say, 3.5x4 ovals? Right now I'm thinking to save close to a couple hundred $ to mod valence, go with downturns (a tad quieter at cruising) -- and can always change tips and valence later. But I've changed preference a couple times so far. All advice welcomed!

wofman

[audirs]

what downpipes you planning on running?

i personally like the stealth look but will be going with the exposed tips because i got my mufflers cheap and local

[wofman]

AWE for downpipes (though there are some who would suggest even with better quality, economics don't justify vs. VAST).

Stealth is actually cheaper (for me -- even with muffler in hand, cheaper to change tips than a quality job on valence, no?). Round or ovals for you?

[audirs]

each muffler has 2 outlets that are 3inch round and are angle cut entire muffler and tips are black powder coat.

you could mod your valence with a dremel if you wanted to

[Daft]

AWE for downpipes (though there are some who would suggest even with better quality, economics don't justify vs. VAST).

Stealth is actually cheaper (for me -- even with muffler in hand, cheaper to change tips than a quality job on valence, no?). Round or ovals for you?

I'll tell you right now, the AWE downpipes are really nice. Just to hold them in your hand, you can see the level of detail that goes into AWE's parts.

I couldn't afford to get them so I got the SSAutoChrome downpipes and no I'm running cat free. It makes great power but, there is a very small leak in the clamps that hold the two sections of the downpipes together. It's not the end of the world but, it would be nice if that buzz was gone.

I looked at Miltek, AWE and APR. AWE's setup with the Aeroquip clamps are the best made and will be the easiest to install. APR's pipes are decent but, I'd rather skip the braided flex section because they always tend to fray and rip over time. Miltek uses the braided flex sections too and they are $2000. Waaaay to expensive in any possible sense.

Also, if you hold out till X-mas, there might be a holiday sale at AWE. Too bad you're not going to H2O, I'll bet that there will be discounts there too.

[xpl0sive]

rear valence cant be much to mod. i paid $100 to a body shop to cut mine, it looks a lot better now with exposed mufflers than stealth

[wofman]

audirs - yeah, with your color scheme that should be real nice; if thru valence I'm thinking 3.5x4 ovals (and quote was over $100 but under $200 and that includes new finish (black) on entire valence and "perfect like stock" cut-outs). Still flip-flopping, leaning toward stealth.