Exhaust Advice

**JoRoW99** · 08-10-2009

I have an '01 Grand prix GT and my only mod is a FWI. Im considering doing a top swap in the future but i've decided to upgrade my exhaust first. i want to keep my cat back because its a lot of money for something that doesnt increase performance at my level and i dont want it to sound like it has balls since it doesnt. i also want a cat because i dont want to get in trouble for it and im kinda green. And no res delete because i hear it sounds like crap. for my so far low HP motor would a front manifold and downpipe be sufficient, or should i just get the headers with the DP? i also would like to know the sound difference (if any) between the two. about 900 is what im willing to spend, but it will take me a while to get the money and im willing to save. also would i need a tune with any of these? i hope i was specific enough.

front manifold is $270 from ZZP + $250 ZZP 3" DP ($50 cat return) =$470

$900 stainless steel ZZP headers with 3" DP ($50 cat return)= $850

P.S. ive seen a video on youtube of a grand prix with exhaust that sounded like cowbells. it was hilarious but i cant find it again, anyone have a link?

**Bio248** · 08-10-2009

if you can afford the headers then go for those if youre wanting to top swap later on. i wouldnt buy the ZZP headers though. they are overpriced for what they are.

**Liquifire** · 08-10-2009

well........you wouldnt need the headers until after you do a top swap with higher HP than a 3.4 so the bigger question is-how far do you plan on going? The headers obviously work better overall, but would be overkill for a while on what you need. I thought the front PLOG was cheaper than $270.......maybe 270 for both(which is not needed)

**JoRoW99** · 08-10-2009

well its $80 for the ceramic coating on the plog (was wondering if this is worth it?). i was also thinking the headers were overkill like liquifire said. i heard the plog and dp are good for a 3.4 setup which i dont even know if ill be able to get to. so i think ill go with the DP and use the $50 cat return to help pay for the plog.

how will this affect sound? i would like a better tone but i dont want it to be cocky, hence keeping my catback.

**Bio248** · 08-10-2009

a plog and downpipe will barely change the exhaust at all.

**JoRoW99** · 08-10-2009

id say removing the u-bend with a DP and replacing the front manifold has to do SOMETHING. so you're saying i should just do a top swap first?

or were you just talking about sound? if so thats ok with me. more sleeper action.

**blueguy** · 08-10-2009

PLOG and DP don't really do much for sound I think is what he was getting at...if you plan on top swapping then just get some S&S or Pacesetter's and be done worrying about flow mods.

**99prixgt** · 08-10-2009

Originally Posted by JoRoW99

well its $80 for the ceramic coating on the plog (was wondering if this is worth it?)

No. Absolutely not. Mine has surface rust, 6 months into use. Its a waste of money. Just get it raw. The high temp paint they use sucks too.

**JoRoW99** · 08-10-2009

ok thank you! ^ im not really worried about temps yet, considering i dont even have a $10 mod to buy a new stat. u just saved me $80.

**Bio248** · 08-10-2009

wrap it.

**99prixgt** · 08-10-2009

wrapping it will sometimes lead to cracking, these plogs are as thin as tin-foil.

**99prixgt** · 08-10-2009

Originally Posted by JoRoW99

ok thank you! ^ im not really worried about temps yet, considering i dont even have a $10 mod to buy a new stat. u just saved me $80.

np sir

**JoRoW99** · 08-10-2009

ok now about the DP...i know i want a 3" bolt on with cat. but should i spring $50 for 304 steel? or is aluminized good enough? i drive in the snow in the winter if that helps (screw nebraska weather)

**99prixgt** · 08-10-2009

your gt might be doggin it with a 3" until you have boost. I have a steel one from zzp.

**JoRoW99** · 08-10-2009

Originally Posted by 99prixgt

your gt might be doggin it with a 3"

explain plz?

**99prixgt** · 08-10-2009

You might be loosing out on torque with that big of a d/p. The only time it will feel quicker is at WOT, other than that it might be sluggish just dd'ing around town.

**Bio248** · 08-10-2009

Originally Posted by 99prixgt

You might be loosing out on torque with that big of a d/p. The only time it will feel quicker is at WOT, other than that it might be sluggish just dd'ing around town.

not true. buy a 3" downpipe.

**JoRoW99** · 08-10-2009

any proof/evidence/reasoning for any of these^ statements? because they are exact opposites.

**nicksilvergt99** · 08-10-2009

im looking at the same mods and i dont plan on top swapping so should i opt for the 2.5? oh and btw bio i never got to thank you for that pm about rims...so thanks!!!