So a month-plus after I ordered my Borla catback, it finally arrived. Obviously it connects-up to the restrictive S-pipe off the CAT. Question is, since I was planning to do the install myself, what other exhaust parts are really worth doing now with it all off? I am not yet sold on doing headers on the '02 3.8, so no headers at this point.

What parts from which companies should fit right up without having to do any custom cuts and such? If I have to add custom parts, I might as well have a shop do the whole she-bang! Last time I looked, I think S-Pipe has to be cut off the CAT.

Any advice appreciated from those who have been down this path already.

 

You could get a Y pipe, cat and S pipe. I am also pretty sure the S pipe does have to be cut off. When I installed my magnaflow, I opted to not cut the stock S pipe out as it looked welded onto the cat. If I read your sig right, you already have a SLP intake; if you don't have an intake I'd recommend that.

 

Right, but which choices for the upstream -- Y, S and high-flow CAT? Which companies have the best flowing/best fitting products?

What about this 3" S-Pipe SLP-30045, how is the fit?:
http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...45&BIG=30045-1

 

That S pipe looks like the right one to me. I have seen Magnaflow catayltic converters that are direct replacements, but better flowing. SLP also offers a cat but it would require a different Y pipe and S pipe; I'm not sure which S pipe would work thoough.

 

I would get a magnaflow high flow cat, and have an exhaust shop make you an s-pipe to hook it all up. Some CIA headers would be a nice addition, but if you insist on sticking with the stock crap, more power to ya I guess.

 

So would the high-flow cat & S-Pipe bring the rasp? Most exhaust shops have crappy materials like aluminized steel -- why would I want that crap for an S-Pipe? Maybe the speed shops have better materials...

I am a Camaro owner against rasp! ;-)

Why CIA headers and not FFF ones? FFF would mean a custom Y-Pipe though.

So assume full exhaust, what is the total peek HP/torque improvement over stock? Anyone have #s?

Thanks in advance.