JerseyThursday

My entire exhaust system is rusting to the point of no return and thus it's time for a new cat back system. I pulled out my Blaufergnugen catalog and noticed they offer two exhaust systems: a typical replacement system ($299) and a stainless steel sport exhaust ($565). They claim the stainless sport version increases horsepower 6% to 7% and torque is increased 5%. Does anyone own one of these and can validate those claims? I am also open to any other suggestions (I still want the car to be legal).

MikTip

Most "after-market" or "sport" exhausts do improve HP ever so slightly. Most are about 5%-10% improvement. On a 130HP car, thats about 4-8HP, which usually is on the top end, as those exhaust systems allow the car to "breath" better!

But, those figures depends on what other mods you may have! A totally "bone-stock" engine will yield less perfromance, from a performance exhaust, than a slightly modified motor. ;O)

The best thing about the stainless exhaust, is it will last! You dont have to replace it every 2 years, as with the mild steel. That alone should justify its cost! ;O)

Tylerb929

You can have an exhaust shop make a "performance" exhaust and it will have basicly the same gains as a stainless steel system other than it won't be mandrel bent. The only problem will be longitivity, it will not last as long as a SS exhaust but will last you quite a while. And I'd say it should cost less than $200 for a shop to do it.

rocketaudi

all custom mandrel bent stainless for 199 + muffler. i cant see spending that much on a "sport catback" when mine is about as straight and clean as you can get in 2.25" pipe. check some local exhaust places and see what theyd charge.

quattros.org

I still like them for some things, but you can probably get the same somewhere else for cheaper.

Good luck

'81 tic-tac

All SS All the way back. I like it, a little pricey though. Sound is nice, however at lower RPMs, open throttle, in the 3rd and 4th gears (1800-2000) there is a resonating/droning sound that is heard only inside the car. I will try to upload a sound bit asap..
-John

dB

I ordered one direct from Stebro for my Urq. Nice system and fits pretty well, but it doesn't have mandrel bends.

Evilclown

That's really strange; You'd think a stainless at that price would be.

dB

I know. I was a little surprised when I saw it. I didn't really feel like sending it back to CA.